Sir Henry Middleton

Sir Henry Middleton was a sea captain, merchant and explorer of the English East India Company (EIC). His brother John was one of the 24 directors of the EIC. On John’s recommendation Henry was appointed purser of the Malice Scourge, afterwards named the Red Dragon, which was engaged in EIC’s first expedition (1601-1603) but before the fleet sailed he was advanced to be a factor( a mercantile agent of the EIC) for the voyage.

Middleton was an important part of the EIC’s first expedition to the East Indies. In 1602, at Acheen, Lancaster appointed him to the Susan as captain and chief-merchant and sent him to Priaman. Middleton successfully obtained a cargo of cloves and pepper, and in December sailed for England, where he arrived on 21 June 1603.

Because of his success Middleton was appointed to command the EIC’s second voyage, and on 25 March 1604 he sailed from Gravesend in the Dragon, having also under his command the Hector, Ascension, and Susan. On 18 January 1605, from Bantam, Middleton ordered the Hector and Susan home with cargoes of pepper, while he stayed and tried to obtain other spices for two other ships. After troubles with the Dutch, Portuguese, and diseases on board, the fleet returned on 6 May 1606. As the profits were very great Middleton was knighted at Greenwich on 25 May 1606 and was described as the man who laid the foundation of the EIC’s spice trade.

Middleton was again in command of the EIC’s fleet in 1610. Just before the return trip to England Middleton’s ship Trade's Increase was in need of a very extensive refit, and while being careened it fell over on her side, became a total wreck, and was set on fire by the Javanese. Most of the men died from their injuries, and with them Middleton himself on 24 May 1613.