MRP: Sir Alexander Bence will

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PROB 11/351/381 Will of Sir Alexander Bence of Dublin, County Dublin (the younger) 20 July 1676

Editorial history

06/12/11, CSG: Created page





Abstract & context




Suggested links


See Alexander Bence of Aldeburghe will (Grandfather of Alexander Bence the younger)
See Alexander Bence the elder will (Father of Alexander Bence the younger)
See Aaron Mico will (partner of Alexander Bence the younger in late 1650s)

See Alicante (Sir Alexander Bence was based in Alicante as a factor for his father)



To do


(1) Image Alexander Bence the younger will & transcribe



Transcription




Commentary


Alexander Bence the elder


It seems likely that Alexander Bence the elder was involved in the Portuguese/Brazilian, the Spanish, and the East Indian trades. A letter from Richard Cromwell to the King of Portugal, dated 1658/?59, mentions the Three Brothers, owned by Alexander Bence, which had been employed on two voyages for the Brasil Company.[1] Furthermore a minute of a Court Committee of the East India company, dated 1663, records Alexander Bence issuing a Bill of Exchange to Thomas Bird in Lisbon.[2] However, the latter minute could possibly refer to his son, Alexander Bence the younger.

The deployment of the Three Brothers in the mid 1650s by its owners provides a good example of the linkage between commercial activities in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Between 1654 and 1655 [CHECK THIS VOYAGE HAPPENED], and again in 1655 and 1656 the ship was under charter to the English East India Company. The Three Brothers probably sailed a third time to the Cormandel coast, since probate was granted on the will of Bence Parker in June 1659, who described himself in his will as "Mariner and Commander of the Good Ship Three Brothers now on the Coast of Cormandell of Limehouse, Middlesex".[3] But, as mentioned above, the ship had also made two voyages before 1658 in the Southern Atlantic under charter to the Brasil Company.[4]

In its first Indian Ocean deployment it was dispatched by the committees of the United Joint Stock in 1654 for a voyage to the Coromandel Coast and Maccassar [CHECK THIS VOYAGE HAPPENED]. In its second deployment by the Company, it was dispatched in March 1655 to the Cormandel Coast with bullion, to be invested there in cloth to be sent to Maccassar, returning first to Plymouth in mid-1656, and then to London.[5] Before the ship's departure in early 1655 its owners were described as "Mr. [?Alexander] Bence, Captain Piches, Captain Manyard [Maynard], ... Mr. Bowyer."[6]. In July 1657, following its return reference was made in the court minutes to "Alderman Richard Hill and the other owners of the Three Brothers.[7] The second return voyage from the Coast, made during the period when the Company's monopoly was been suspended, carried a subatntial amount of private freight for its owners. When again offered again for charter by the English East India Company in November 1657, the Three Brothers was described as a ship of 250 tons.[8]

Alexander Bence the elder was well connected with to parliamentarians, serving as an M.P. in the Commons, as did his brother, Squire Bence. Furthermore, in 1646 he was nominated as a commissioner of the navy.[9]

Alexander Bence the younger, later Sir Alexander Bence


In the early 1650s, and possibly the late 1640s, Alexander Bence the younger worked as a factor, based in Alicante, Spain, for his father Alexander Bence the elder. Aaron Mico, Bence the younger's future commercial partner, was in Alicante at the same time, working as a factor for his relative Samuell Mico. The partnership of Bence the younger and Aaron Bence was probably formed in the mid-1650s, and was referred to by Aaron Bence in his will, written in January 1658/59.[10]

As an Alicante factor, Bence the younger's role may have been similar to that of Aaron Mico, who in 1650 was selling woollens imported from England and dispatching to England "Raisins, Anniseeds, Almonds, Figs, and some Wines, &c".[11]

No commercial details have been discovered as to the short lived partnership of Bence the younger and Aaron Mico, which terminated with the death of Aaron Mico in early 1659. However, Aaron Mico's will shows that Aaron's father was a clothier, and that Aaron preserved close links with Croscombe, Somerset.[12] So quite possibly Alexander Bence and Aaron Mico were exporting Somerset cloth, amongst other goods, to Spain (and elsewhere).

A series of Chancery index records dated 1664-1669 reveal a suit or suits between Mico and Bence, which may be related to the estate of Aaron Mico, or alternatively to the trading relationship between Alexander and/or John Bence with Samuel Mico, Aaron Mico's surviving brother.[13] These records would merit investigation.

In 1664 several letters from Sir Richard Fanshaw, the English ambassador to the court of Madrid, note that Alexander Bence the younger was engaged in advancing the commercial interests of the Royal Africa Company on behalf of Charles II and his brother, the Duke of York.[14]

It is possible that Chancery records may reveal more of Alexander the younger (and John) Bence's activities in the Royal African Company and in trade to and from Guinea. A Chancery index record dated 1679 appears to show a Bence together with a Vyner (?Robert) and a Letten (?Nathaniel and/or John) in dispute with the Royal Africa Company.[15] There are also several Chancery records dated 1670 and 1674 involving Sir Nicholas Crispe and a Bence.[16] These may also be related to trade to and from Guinea, given the known early involvement of the Crispe family in the Guinea trade. In 1628 Sir Nicholas Crispe, 1st bart. (b. c. 1599, d. 1666) had become the prime subscriber to the Company of Adventurers of London trading to the ports of Africa. When a new charter was issued in 1631 to the Company of Merchants Trading to Guinea (essentially the same susbcribers as under the previous charter), Sir Nicholas Crispe remained involved.[17] The Chancery case referred to above is likely to involve the first baronet's eponymous son either or both or Alexander Bence the younger and his brother John Bence.

John Bence, elder brother of Sir Alexander Bence


John Bence (b. 1622, d. 1688), the elder brother of Alexander Bence the younger (later Sir Alexander Bence) was "a merchant trading with Portugal, Brazil and the Levant."[18] John Bence appears to have been close to Sir Martin Noell, entering a partnership with him in 1663 for additional customs duties on wine, tobacco, silk and linen.[19] He was a member of the Royal Adventurers into Africa Company, and was secretary of the company by 1665.[20] There is an extensive profile of John Bence in Basil Duke Henning's The House of Commonsm 1660-1690.[21]




Notes


Portuguese trade


Richard, Protector of the Commonwealth of England, &c. To the most Serene and Potent Prince, John, King of Portugal.

Most Serene and Potent Prince, our
Friend and Confederate ;

ALthough there are many things which we are bound to impart by writing to a King our Friend, and in strict Confederacy with our Republick, yet there is nothing which we ever did more willingly, than what we do at this present, by these our Letters to congratulate this last Victory, so glorious to the Kingdom of Portugal, obtain'd against our common Enemy the Spaniard. By which, how great an Advantage will accrue not only to your own, but to the Peace and Repose of all Europe, and that perhaps for many Years, there is no body but understands. But there is one thing more, wherein we must acknowledg your Majesty's Juftice, the most certain pledg of Victory ; That Satisfaction has been given by the Commissioners appointed at London, according to the 24th Article of the League, to our Merchants, whose Vessels were hir'd by the Brasile Company. Only there is one among 'em still remaining, Alexander Bence of London Merchant, whose Ship called the Three Brothers, John Wilks Master, being hir'd and laden, and having performed two Voyages for the said Company, yet still they refuse to pay him his Wages according to their Covenants ; when the rest that only perform'd single Voyages are already paid. Which why it should be done, we cannot understand, unless those People think, in their Judgment, that Person more worthy of his Hire, who did 'em only single Service, than he who earn'd his Wages twice. We therefore earnestly request your Majesty, that Satisfaction may be given for his Service truly perform'd, to this same single Alexander, to whom a double Stipend is due ; and that by virtue of your Royal Authority you would prefix the Brasile Company as short a day as may be, for the payment of his just due, and repairing his losses ; seeing that their Delays have been the occasion that the Loss suftain'd by the Merchant has very near exceeded the Money it self which is owing for his Wages. So God continue your Majefty's prosperous Successes againft the common Enemy.

From our Court at Weftminster,
Feb. 23. 1658."[22]

  • * *

"That the Portuguese government had good reason to complain of Garland's behaviour, can be seen from the following reference to this affair in a letter from Thomas Maynard, at Lisbon dated 4 November 1661. He explains that the ship Alexander of London, Nicholas Garland, master (who died on the voyage) was freighted by Messrs Parker and Bence of London ..."[23]

  • * *

"The Deputy having procured a letter of credit from Alexander Bence to Thomas Bird at Lisbon, to be taken to Madeira for supply of wines to the American, the same being for the Company's use, order is given for the Deputy to be indemnified."[24]

Spanish trade


"The Treasury Lords to Mr. Stanhope, Envoy in Spain. We are informed by the Earl of Westmorland that there are in the hands of Francis Arthur, merchant in Madrid, 16,000 pieces of Eight, part of the estate of Sir Alexander Bence, deceased, and that Edmd. Bence, one of said Bence's executors, has sent procurations for suing same. Their Majesties have a very great demand from said Sir Alexander's estate as an undertaker for the Irish revenue in 1671, on which account there remains 75,553l. 18s. 4d. due to the Crown. Please take effectual care to stop all proceedings of Mr. Bence in this matter till their Majesties' said demand shall have been satisfied. (Out Letters (General) XIII, p. 269)"[25]

East Indies trade


"A letter from Messrs. Curtis and Chambers is read, in which they report that the Three Brothers doth spring a leake 36 inches in 24 houres ' and the mariners refuse to go to sea in her until this defect is remedied ; they therefore desire the Company's order how to secure their treasure. Mr. Bence, Captain Piches, Captain Manyard, and a gentleman on behalf of Mr. Bowyer, owners of the said ship, being present declare they have received like information, Captain Parker reporting the refusal of the men to hoist the sails at command until the leak is stopped. The owners desire leave to put her into Portsmouth or Dover for repair; they are told that the Company will make no new agreement but expects them to stand to their charterparty and bill of lading. Sambrooke is directed how to answer the letter from Mr. Curtis."[26]

"Captain Read having bought the Smyrna Merchant and knowing that she was formerly hired by Alderman Temms, he inquires upon what terms, and being told, he is satisfied and promises to fulfil his bargain. Alexander Bence, one of the owners of the Society, lets that ship to the Company to freight to Surat.[27]

The Morocco Company


"Sept. 11. (1661) 170. Grant to the Duke of York, Lord Willoughby of Parham, Col. Wm. Legg, and Tho. Culling, Alexander Bence, Robert Starre, John Lewis, and Philip Payne, of London, merchants, of all regions, countries, and territories from Cape Blanco, situate in 20° N. lat., on the continent of Africa, unto 2 leagues to the northwards of Sallee, lying in 34° N. lat., on the north part of Africa, bordering on the Atlantic Sea, and of the free trade thereof for 31 years, rendering two gold ducats when his Majesty shall arrive in said dominions ; incorporating them by the name of the Morocco Company, and giving them license yearly to deduct 1,500l. out of the customs for all merchandise exported thence and brought into his Majesty's dominions towards erecting and maintaining fortifications. [Dom., Chas. II., Docquets.]"

[28]


Sir Richard Fanshawe correspondence


"April 9th. [16]64.[29]

My Lord,

I Am commanded by his Royal Highness to recommend to your favour this Gentleman Mr. Alexander Bence, who is employed by his Royal Highness direction in behalf of the Company of R. Adventurers Trading into Africa; the occasions on which he is employed are chiefly two; the one to follow the Companies concerns about a Licence to Import Negroes into Spain, concerning which your Excellency was made acquainted when you were in England; Th eother is to negotiate with the Seigniors Grilloe & Lomeline, concerning the delivering Blacks in the West-Indies, and concerning which they have atreaty depending in Holland, but because it may probably happen that the Person treating in Holland, wull reserve much to Seign. Grilloe, and Lomeline for their own determination, and that perhaps he (dwelling in Holland) may not be so equall to our Company, as we hope Seign. Grilloe and Lomeline are. His Highnes hath judged it best to have a Person at Madrid, who being fully instructed in all the concerns of the Company, may be ready on all occasions to promote their Interest; in all which as it is more then probable, that your countenance and favour may be very useful, so the said Mr. Bence hath orders to address himself to you on all occasions, from whome we all assure ourselves of support; because it is of moment to the Trade of England, and besides, because Ld. Amb. Fanshaw it is a Trade which his Royal Highness hath been pleased in a most peculiar manner to support, both with his countenance and care, of the latter whereof, his commands to me are in an instance; If it were proper for me to insert any thing of my own, in a Letter wholely designed to obey his Royal Highnesses commands, it should be to congratulate your safe arrival in Spain, and I hope, ev'n this at Madrid, and to desire you to be persuaded that I am.

My Lord,
Your Lordships most humble
and obsedient Servant,

W. Coventry."

  • * *


"To Mr. Secretary Bennet.[30]

Madrid, Tuesday 19/29 July, 1664.

SIR,

Since I advertised you of Don John of Austria's Revocation from the Army, it hath been in this Court (according to vulgra Opinion, if not according to superior Consult, and supreme Dictate, off and on, at least 5 or 6 times a Yea, and a No,; but, in fine, his Highness doth come; and Comte Marcim is to Govern the Armies in the interim, till, the Marques of Mortara, or Carracena, or some other, shall be declared General.

...I do beseech you, to assure both his Majesty, and the Duke of York, from me, that (however I cannot well describe my steps therein, until I shall be near ready to fasten them) yet my daily study and labour is, to involve and fortifie in and by the Treaty (if ever it come to perfection) the advantages of the Crown, and of the Royal Company, in reference principally to the Blacks; whether upon the Foundation Mr. Bence hath already begun with Grillo, or upon other Footm, of a more durable and swaying Interest; but the Truth is 8as I do humbly conceive) that the high and certain Improvement of the Guinea Trade, by the West-Indies', doth upon the matter solely depend upon the powerful Vindicating and Appropriating to England, all, or the greatest part of the said Commerce, (towards which I understand a pretty step is already made:) For then, in case the Spaniards should not seek our Negroes at any hand, for their Works (which undoubtedly they would) we our selves might find work for them in the Indies, to a very considerable degree; however (as I have first said) I am and shall continue watchfull of all opportunities that shall be offered in this Court, for the improvement of that Affair, with the consequences thereof, as well for Profit, as in any other respects.

Your most Faithful, &c.
RICH. FANSHAW."



Possible primary sources


TNA

C 5/411/133 Micoe v. Bence 1665
C 5/416/62 Jaggard v. Bence: Sussex, &c. 1656
C 5/524/16 Micoe v. Bence: Middlesex. 1669
C 5/426/52 Larwood v. Bence: Suffolk. 1662
C 5/443/8 Bence v. Foord: Essex 1663
C 5/446/127 Bence v. Mico: Middlesex 1669
C 5/446/128 Bence v. Mico: Middlesex 1667
C 6/599/63 Short title: Corsellis v Bence. First plaintiff: Corsellis. Defendants: Bence. Document type: bill only. [1649-1714]
C 5/591/53 Bence v. Mico: Middlesex 1667
C 5/591/54 Bence v. Bridgwood: Middlesex 1670 (See Alexander Bence senior II will, which mentions a son-in-law Edward Bridgwood)
C 5/620/5 Mico v. Bence: Middlesex. 1664

C 6/184/13 Short title: Benzee v Bence. Plaintiffs: John Baptista Benzee and John Bueno Guipponi. Defendants: Sir Alexander Bence kt, John Penrice, Richard Adams, Robert Shaw, Alexander Milborne, Dame Jane Mico and others. Subject: money matters. Document type: bill, answer. 1669
C 6/187/19 Short title: Benzee v Bence. Plaintiffs: John Baptista Benzee and John Bueno. Defendants: Sir Alexander Bence kt, John Penrice, Richard Adams and Robert Shawe. Subject: money matters. Document type: answer only. 1669

C 10/153/20 Bence, Crispe, Colvile, Hoare, Warring, Graves v. Hnyvett, Saywell: Middx 1670
C 10/173/19 Crisp & Sir Nicholas bart. v. Bence & Crisp: Middx. 1674
C 10/177/4 Bence v. Hooker, Robinson, Bell: Middx 1674
C 10/206/2 African v. Vyner, Bence, Letten: Middx 1679

C 22/229/7 Benzee v Bence. 1672

PROB 11/121 Capell 1-65 Will of Alexander Bence, Merchant of Aldeburgh, Suffolk 25 February 1613
PROB 11/207 Fairfax 1-57 Will of Squire Bence of Aldborough, Suffolk 23 February 1649
PROB 11/311 Juxon 52-102 Will of Alexander Bence of London 14 July 1663
PROB 11/351 Bence 55-108 Will of Sir Alexander Bence of Dublin, County Dublin 20 July 1676
PROB 11/360 King 66-124 Will of Squire Bence, Gentleman of London 12 September 1679

PROB 11/392 Exton 87-130 Will of John Bence of London 16 March 1688
  1. John Mitford (ed.), The works of John Milton in verse and prose: printed from original editions with a life of the author, vol. 8 (London, 1863), pp. 426-427
  2. 'A Court of Committees, October 2, 1663' (Court Book, vol. xxiv, p. 681) in Ethel Bruce Sainsbury (ed.), A calendar of the court minutes, etc., of the East India Company, 1660-1663 (Oxford, 1922), p. 342
  3. PROB 11/292 Pell 300-349 Will of Bence Parker, Mariner and Commander of the Good Ship Three Brothers now on the Coast of Cormandell of Limehouse, Middlesex 09 June 1659
  4. John Mitford (ed.), The works of John Milton in verse and prose: printed from original editions with a life of the author, vol. 8 (London, 1863), pp. 426-427
  5. 'Introduction' in A calendar of the court minutes, etc., of the East India company, 1655-1659 (Oxford, 1916), p. xviii; 'A Meeting of the Committees for Pulo Run, January 5, 1655' (Factory Records, Java, pt. iv, p. 430), in A calendar of the court minutes, etc., of the East India company, 1655-1659 (Oxford, 1916), p. 2;
  6. 'A Court of Committees for the United Joint Stock', February 12, 1655 (Court Book, vol. xxiii, p. 403, in A calendar of the court minutes, etc., of the East India company, 1655-1659 (Oxford, 1916), p. 10).
  7. 'A Court of Committees for the United Joint Stock', July 8, 1657 (Court Book, vol. xxiii, p. 574, in A calendar of the court minutes, etc., of the East India company, 1655-1659 (Oxford, 1916), p. 153
  8. 'A Meeting of the Committees for the New Stock', November 17, 1657 (Court Book, vol. xxiv, p. 13) in A calendar of the court minutes, etc., of the East India company, 1655-1659 (Oxford, 1916), p. 186
  9. Parliamentary Archives:Main Papers HL/PO/JO/10/1/218 23 Nov 1646 - 15 Dec 1646: '15 December 1646 -- Draft order appointing Mr. Alexander Bence a Commissioner of the Navy. C. J., V. 14. In extenso'
  10. PROB 11/290 Pell 200–248 Will of Aaron Mico, Merchant of London 20 April 1659
  11. 'House of Commons Journal', vol. 7: 9 January 1652', Journal of the House of Commons, vol. 7: 1651-1660 (London, 1802), pp. 65-67. URL: [WWW]http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=23929 Date accessed: 05 September 2010
  12. PROB 11/290 Pell 200–248 Will of Aaron Mico, Merchant of London 20 April 1659
  13. C 5/620/5 Mico v. Bence: Middlesex. 1664; C 5/411/133 Micoe v. Bence 1665; C 5/446/128 Bence v. Mico: Middlesex 1667; C 5/591/53 Bence v. Mico: Middlesex 1667; C 5/524/16 Micoe v. Bence: Middlesex. 1669; 5/446/127 Bence v. Mico: Middlesex 1669
  14. Letter from XXX to XXX; Letter from XXX to XXX. See Richard Fanshawe, Original letters of His Excellency Sir Richard Fanshaw: during his embassies in Spain and Portugal (London, 1702), pp. 59-60; 164-168
  15. C 10/206/2 African v. Vyner, Bence, Letten: Middx 1679
  16. C 10/153/20 Bence, Crispe, Colvile, Hoare, Warring, Graves v. Hnyvett, Saywell: Middx 1670; C 10/173/19 Crisp & Sir Nicholas bart. v. Bence & Crisp: Middx. 1674
  17. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_Nicholas_Crispe,_1st_Baronet, viewed 08/12/11
  18. http://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1660-1690/member/bence-john-1622-88, viewed 06/12/11
  19. http://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1660-1690/member/bence-john-1622-88, viewed 06/12/11
  20. http://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1660-1690/member/bence-john-1622-88, viewed 06/12/11
  21. Basil Duke Henning (ed.), The House of Commons, 1660-1690, vol. 1 (London, 1983), pp. 619-629
  22. John Mitford (ed.), The works of John Milton in verse and prose: printed from original editions with a life of the author, vol. 8 (London, 1863), pp. 426-427
  23. The Mariner's mirror, vol. 37 (XXXX, 1951), p. 220
  24. 'A Court of Committees, October 2, 1663' (Court Book, vol. xxiv, p. 681) in Ethel Bruce Sainsbury (ed.), A calendar of the court minutes, etc., of the East India Company, 1660-1663 (Oxford, 1922), p. 342
  25. William A. Shaw (ed.), 'Entry Book: May 1692, 1-15', Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 9: 1689-1692 (1931), pp. 1620-1638. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=104893 Date accessed: 06 December 2011
  26. 'A Court of Committees for the United Joint Stock, February 12, 1655 (Court Book, vol. xxiii, p. 403) in Ethel Bruce Sainsbury (ed.), A calendar of the court minutes, etc., of the East India company, 1655-1659 (Oxford, 1916), p. 10
  27. 'A Court of Committees for the New General Stock, February i, 1658' (Court Book, vol. xxiv, p. 68, in Ethel Bruce Sainsbury (ed.), A calendar of the court minutes, etc., of the East India company, 1655-1659 (Oxford, 1916), p. 223 )
  28. W. Noel Sainsbury (ed.), 'America and West Indies: September 1661', Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies, vol. 5: 1661-1668 (XXXX, 1880), pp. 55-57. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=76443 Date accessed: 06 December 2011
  29. Richard Fanshawe, Original letters of His Excellency Sir Richard Fanshaw: during his embassies in Spain and Portugal (London, 1702), pp. 59-60
  30. Richard Fanshawe, Original letters of His Excellency Sir Richard Fanshaw: during his embassies in Spain and Portugal (London, 1702), pp. 164-168