Epstein, Mordecai: The English Levant Company: its foundation and its history to 1640 (London: George Routledge & Sons Ltd, 1908)

82 THE EARLY HISTORY OF
done in the past, of freely electing their own
ambassador.42 43 But Charles was obdurate
and signified to the company that he wished
Phillipps to be sent to Constantinople. The
matter was discussed at the court held on
io Nov., 1625,43 and the question put “ whether
they would stand as formerly they had of the
continuance of Sir Thomas Rowe, and to
have free election of their ambassadors, or
no.” By a show of hands, they decided to
abide by their rights, and the same decision
was again come to thirteen days later,44 The
Company resolved to send a deputation to
the King to plead their rights and privileges.
But though they were promised a hearing
the promise was not carried out.45 At the
Court which was held on 25 Feb., 1625,45
Phillipps came personally to the meeting,
saying that he already had a commission to
be his majesty’s ambassador at Constanti-
nople but he was anxious to go with the good
will of the Company. The Minutes report
42 Min. May 14, 1625 ; May 20, 1625.
43 See Minutes under that date.
• 44 Min. November 23, 1625.
45 Min. February 25, 1625.