East Indies: February 1631

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, East Indies and Persia, Volume 8, 1630-1634. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1892.

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'East Indies: February 1631', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, East Indies and Persia, Volume 8, 1630-1634, (London, 1892) pp. 116-125. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/east-indies-china-japan/vol8/pp116-125 [accessed 25 April 2024]

February 1631

Feb. 2. 138. John Evelyn to (Sec. Coke ?) Notwithstanding his Honour's several commands to the East India Company, one Collins, their workman, having repaired two of their mills makes 30 barrels of gunpowder weekly, and is in great forwardness with the other mill, whereby he will be enabled to make above 2,000 barrels yearly. Offers for consideration what inconvenience will fall hereby to his Majesty's service in case his Honour proceeds herein to raise benefit to his Majesty, besides the present hindrance to his Majesty's Deputies who cannot continue that employment if this course be permitted, which as yet was never allowed to any subjects in this Kingdom. Forbears troubling his Honour with the Company's bargain with Collins, but desires him to stay their proceedings so far as may be expedient for his Majesty's service. [Dom. Corresp., Chas. I., Vol. CLXXXIV., No. 4.]
Feb. 2.
Agra.
139. Wm. Fremlen, Peter Mundy, and John Yarde to Crispin Blagden, merchant, at the Caphila. Inclose a bill given by Scieda and his companions balloches for 100 small rupees imprested him to repay on his arrival at Surat, which they desire him effectually to procure, as also from all other balloches to whom he shall imprest ought, not omitting to charge to their accounts whatever moneys shall be disbursed for their occasions, as well for their camel meat in Mogulkaseray as hereafter. Understand that Scied Muddafre himself is arrived in Gwalior, whom (if they of Doulpore will not free the goods) he may acquaint therewith, and of the force his people use in staying the goods and taking the tuttoo from Allabux to supply his posts. Hope he has not neglected to preserve the goods from the rains. Cannot conceive what he means by saying he would try what 100 rupees would do for release of the goods when Allabux writes they only require 60; and for Aseph Khan's pwanna which he writes the Dutch procured and thereby saved the Customs he is forced to pay, he knows that Aseph Khan is nearer Deccan than Agra, and he may better procure it than they, and in time to prevent the like payment of Customs from Burrampoor to Surat, if he thinks it will ought avail him. Desire him to send receipt for the 100 rupees, and what else shall be paid in Doulpore for camel meat, and charge it to the balloache's account, having sent Allabux 80 Jeh. for that purpose. Endorsed, "Recd in Goller (?) the 4th Ditto 1630." 1 p. [O. C., Vol. XII., No. 1340.]
(Feb. 4.) 140. John Boulter to the East India Company (?). It is a feigned untruth for Messrs. Bix and Muschamp to deny that they gave leave to John Speede, armourer, to go to Macassar on the Reformation or gave leave to any to proceed on any voyage without the late President Hawley's especial order; for when John Coward was ordered by the Council to proceed merchant on that ship to dissolve the factory at Acheen, Bix and Muschamp appointed Henry Woolman to go on said ship only to make sale of their own goods and not any of the Company's without President Hawley's knowledge. And whereas Christopher Fleming projected two commissions to avouch his lawful going to Batavia, he went four times whereof twice upon particular men's vessels, at one time selling near a whole junk's lading, Robt. Fox being Master and Wm. Harris Purser, at which time Batavia was besieged, and he bought mace and diamonds, and withall solicited the General concerning a junk of Mr. Coggins' laden for Banda which was confiscated by the Dutch. And whereas Mr. Muschamp pretends a false thing to colour his dishonesty, that John Shenasharte had a pass from Kittamongung for carrying provisions three or four times from Bantam to Batavia, at the time it was first besieged it is well known to all men that he himself is the man with Vernworthy that ordered the steward of the House to buy all those provisions which were laden and daily sent aboard the Dutch ships in Bantam Road, and Mr. Vernworthy and three or four Englishmen went on one voyage of the junk to guard their provisions. And whereas Mr. Muschamp pretends only assistance to two or three families, viz.: Bruzells and Vanhaunt, after Bruzells was beheaded and Vanhaunt departed for Holland he furnished Andrew Coggins with two butts of beer worth 100 reals a butt for his friends the Dutch. And whereas Muschamp and Coggins maintained that Gregory brought the junk laden with rice for Batavia to sell and that he had been a servant to the Danes, both these things are false. Gregory not long before having been sold for a slave and all his means taken from him, and when it was discovered Gregory was a servant to the Dutch and was demanded by the General, but denied to be in the English house, altho' at the time he was in George Turner's chamber and until the English ships went for Jambi whither he also went and was dispeeded away in a junk to Macassar only to be employed upon Bix and Muschamp's particular affairs. Endorsed, "Bowlter's complaint against Mr. Bix and Mr. Muschamp delivered me the 4 Feb. 1630"–1. 2 pp. [O. C., Vol. XII., No. 1341.]
Feb. 4–11. 141. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. Mr. Acton's bill for law charges to be paid. Mr. Warner, not willing to submit his cause to the Company's censure, was told he must attend the issue at the Court of Exchequer next term. Messrs. Bowen and Tynes' bill for expenses to the Downs for dispeeding away the Mary, Exchange, and Speedwell, to be paid. Request of Sir Wm. Russell concerning his payments in the third voyage, denied as of dangerous consequence. Ordered that 1,000 of the Rs. of 8 remaining in Mr. Treasurer's hands be sent in the Palsgrave and London. Ordered that Rich. Fitch entertained Steward's Mate in the Hopewell, but gone Steward, Edward Leversage being displaced, to receive Steward's wages. Twenty nobles ordered to Messrs. Powell and Wilson, one of the farmer's deputies and their partners, in full of their third part of a parcel of the Moon's pepper, which they discovered in the hands of Mrs. Fagg. Twenty barrels gunpowder sold to Mr. Dykes for 4l. per barrel at six months, to be shipped to a foreign plantation. Letter read from Walter Boothby, desiring that his 13th division, amounting to 512l. 10s., might be paid to Anthony Biddulph; to come in person on Friday next. Ordered, that the kitchen chimneys at Crosby House be taken down, and new ones built.
Feb. 9. Ordered that George Brewen, to whom one Shanke, a Scotchman, who died at Jacatra, had made over his estate, and who, it is alleged, passed it over to the Company in his accounts, have notice to attend. Also that Capt. Hall be allowed three months imprest and three months' pay yearly to his wife during his absence, as on his former voyage. Sir Dudley Digges to have copies of Orders of Court concerning his debt of 2,500l. to the Company, and other passages upon his passage from Russia in 1618, that he may the better clear his accounts with the Company, to be complied with. Renewed petition of Mrs. Greeneway for augmentation of allowance for the biscuit and meal for the three last ships, to be considered. Job Harby's request for an abatement of 30l. on his account for tin for the account of the second voyage, denied, the Court of opinion that it ought to be allowed by Burlamachi. A lease granted to Boatswain Ingram 8th May 1629 for 99 years, of a piece of ground 40 ft. by 19 ft., adjoining "the Causey at Blackwall," upon which he has since built a house, ordered to be sealed.
Feb. 11. Ordered, on complaint of Richard and Walter Boothby, sons and executors of Thomas Boothby, that there had been paid to their brother-in-law, Mr. Beadle, another executor, without their consent, the 12th division of their father's adventure in the Second Joint Stock, that it be registered and the dividends hereafter paid to them. Relation by George Bruen concerning the estate of one Shanke, deceased at Jacatra; ordered that Mr. Ellam write to the President at Bantam by the Palsgrave to report on a suit of law for a debt owing by a burgher at Jacatra and alleged to have been recovered by Thos. Robinson; the Court ready to pay over to Sir Wm. Alexander or any other thereto authorised when they have a lawful discharge. John Dorrell having presented a long relation of divers passages of the Dutch at Jacatra, and another of the manner of their burning the Company's house and spoiling and carrying away their stores, they were read and well accepted; his demand of 52l. for wages while out of the Company's service was denied; yet understanding he was again employed for recovery of their sick servants at Hector's Island, which he carefully performed, he was allowed 20l. in full of wages since he first absented himself, and 7l. 10s. was remitted, half of the freight of his goods. Ordered, on John Kingston's free submission as to freight, that his goods be forthwith delivered to him out of the Custom House, but his wages to be detained till the matter of freights be settled. On petition of Wm. Collins and Mildred, his wife, executrix to her late husband, George Ball, for the estate of said Ball pretended to be remaining in the Company's hands; answered that they had not any estate of Ball's in their hands, but that he had damnified them many thousand pounds; yet if Collins would enter bond to pay what should be found due on examination of Ball's account, the Company would do the like to him; whereupon Collins freely submitted, entreating the Company to bestow something upon him as a poor man, but considering that to give anything might be hurtful to their suit against Ball in the Star Chamber, it was answered that they could not give away the Company's estate, but if he could discover the diamonds his predecessor gave intimation of, or any other concealed estate of Ball's, they would allow him a share. Ten shillings each bestowed on Wm. Brahan and Henry Jackson, who had been in the Company's service and grown poor from age and hurts.
Minutes of a General Court. Statement by Mr. Governor that this meeting was rather to observe order, this being the day for the General Quarter Court, than for any business of importance; only touching the complaint against the Factors the Committees had done as much as was needful, intending to proceed further as advised by their Counsel. On a motion that the postscript to the Persia letter be now read, the Court was of opinion that some particular passages had better be concealed, and the rather that it concerned only the adventurers in the first Persia voyage, who could read it at their pleasure in the Company's counting-house; and notice was taken that this letter gives assurance that the report of a fight with the Portugals and burning of two of the Company's ships is untrue, but that they are safely arrived. On a motion to collect all the remains of the Old Stock, "like a good husbandman in time of dearth who will sweep clean his granaries and bring his corn together into one heap," it was answered by Mr. Governor, that this business had not been neglected by the Committees, the fines, broaks, &c. being put to account from time to time, and unnecessary provisions and materials at Blackwall lately sold, with some ordnance, and for such as were honeycombed they intended, if they could not sell them here, to procure his Majesty's license to transport them to Holland, where it was conceived they would vend better. And as for their housing, lands, docks, &c. at Deptford, they had sold to Capt. Mason, reserving the Stonewharf at a small rent, which would not fall upon the Old Stock. Question as to Mr. Boneale's debt of 2,000l. for saltpetre to him and Mr. Fowkes, answered that it was still in suit and expected to be heard next term. 11½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XII., 161–172.]
Feb. 16–23. 142. Court Minutes, E. I. Co. On information that the Company pay 36l. per annum for a warehouse in Leaden Hall for which at present they have no use; ordered that the Staplers have a quarter's warning. Mr. Fotherby to take an inventory of stores remaining in Blackwall Yard; and that Mr. Mountney move Sir Wm. Russell for the buying of their brass shevers which are fit for his Majesty's service, and take an inventory of the saltpetre yet to be wrought out. Sixty barrels of gunpowder sold to Mr. Bell to be landed beyond sea as merchandise at 4l. per barrel. Ordered, on Capt. Hall's motion, that no merchant returning from the Indies assume the title of Commander of the ship he come in, but be fairly respected according to his quality, have the use of the great cabin, and be of the Council; and that Mr. Ellam draw such a writing for Capt. Hall to be underwritten by the Court.
Feb. 18. Complaint of James Cox that a broak has been imposed upon him for not shipping 10 bales of calicoes, which he alleged were duly transported; was told to produce certificate of their landing beyond the seas. Concerning the lease desired by the Company of part of the Stonewharf at Deptford, and a clause for rebuilding the ruinated house there which is very prejudicial, the new lease to be granted on the same conditions as the former, or the old one, to be continued, and assignment made to Capt. Mason of so much as is let to him. Resolved, on consideration of the reports of the intemperate living and excessive private trade of their President at Bantam, Mr. Hoare not to let him remain there a year longer, but to write for him home in a fair manner without intimating any other cause than the expiration of his time, and the arrival of George Willoughby his successor. Motion for the lessening the Company's Factors at the southward, but three Factors to be continued in each factory at Bantam, Macassar, and Jambi; the rest to be sent for home on these ships; to which effect Mr. Ellam was required to write to those that remain, and to be moderate in their expenses. Ten shillings each out of the poor box to Samuel Holland and Robert Cauders; and a gown, with the Company's cognizance, to be provided for Thomas Carpenter lately received into their Hospital at Blackwall, as other their poor Beadsmen have.
Feb. 23. Request of Mr. Bix for his papers in the Company's hands to fit himself for making ready his answer to the Company's bill against him in Chancery; answered that he might make copies or extracts, and to come again on Friday when there would be a full Court. Demand of John Johnson for 11l. for 10 weeks' diet and lodging of John Linsey, who received a hurt in the head aboard the Mary by the fall of a brass shiver; particulars in writing to be produced at the next Court. Mr. Kerridge to have leave to send in the Palsgrave to Bantam to be consigned to Macassar a parcel of Papist and superstitious pictures, taken by Sir Kenelm Digby at his last being at sea, and forced upon Kerridge, as alleged, in satisfaction for a desperate debt, on condition that the moneys they are sold for be delivered into the Company's cash at Macassar at 6s. per ryal. Request of Nathaniel Godsman, entertained for a sailor in the Exchange but discharged, because afflicted with the bloody flux, to remit his imprest and a pair of breeches, being a very poor man and prevented to go the voyage "which is the hand of God, the Company vouchsafed in charity to grant his request." The fowling pieces provided for the King of Macassar to be presently sent abroad the Palsgrave before she leave Gravesend lest they lose their conveyance from Bantam to Macassar. That the London will be ready to fall down to Gravesend next week. Messrs. Swanley and Fotherby authorised to call before them one Ballard, Master of the hoy Neptune of Benfleet, and take a composition for the cordage lost out of the Company's lighter at Blackwall and found aboard his hoy, Sir Henry Martyn having given the Company full leave to do so without putting in a libel against Ballard. 6½ pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XII., 172–179.]
Feb. 23.
Surat.
143. President Thos. Rastell and Council to Crispin Blagden. Have understood from their friends in Agra of his designed employment in conducting down that caphila, and from the Dutch of his departure, and have thought meet to signify to him not to divert his course from Brampore, the King being likely to continue his residence in that place, for it seems he prosecutes the wars with Deccan so he may boldly proceed which otherwise they might have forbid. If at his arrival there the camel men, hearing of the miseries which men suffer on the way through scarcity of grain and other needful sustenance, should be stirred up to perverseness and obstinancy not to proceed further without some allowance extraordinary, they hereby warrant his disbursing rup. 100, 2, or 3 over and above his contract rather than be exposed to hiring other carriage, or wintering his goods in Brampore. He will do well to make use of Mr. Willoughby's assistance there, whom he may advise of his daily proceedings, demanding his procurance of any necessary firman or perwanna. He may likewise increase his number of peons at Brampore (if not sufficiently guarded already) for the ways are become more desperately dangerous than usual, and will require his careful vigilance. Signed by Tho. Rastell, Joseph Hopkinson, Ja. Bickford, and Arthur Suffeylde. 1 p. [O. C., Vol. XII., No. 1342.]
Feb. 23.
Bantam.
144. Wm. Hoare to the East India Company "per the Dutch conveyance." Sends lists of the contents of their two packets of 3rd Jan. last. The 11th present God brought them in safety the ship Falcon from Coromandel with cargazoon of ryalls 24, 234.12½, and sundry advices from President Rastell and Agent Willoughby, the most pertinent of which are enclosed. Perceives by copy of the Company's letter of 9th March 1629–30 to their agent and Council what ships and means they have dispeeded to Surat, but wishes they had intimated the same in a few lines to himself, which would have fully cleared a doubt as to his relinquishing the title of President and subjecting himself to George Willoughby, their now appointed agent, which in obedience to their (conceived) order shall be dutifully performed. Is sorry to hear of the damage to the cloves in the Mary by wet, but is confident Mr. Muschamp's advising the King of Tallowe's two baharr to be 2,170 lb. was an error, for the baharr is never computed nor holds out more than at the utmost 520 lb.; the 250 pieces of gold appointed for the said King shall be sent to him with the first conveniency. Of the 12,178½ lbs. cloves wanting on the Morris and Mary they will have perceived the reason in the accounts sent home by the London, which Mr. Muschamp, in whose time they happened, has doubtless further illustrated; nor can they ever prevent the loss of 10 to 12 per cent. in that commodity, betwixt buying at Macassar and receipt here, the Molayans so abusing that commodity. Whosoever of the Company's servants have so injuriously dealt as they intimate, most justly deserve to be made examples of, and hopes those they seem to glance at are long since before them; but to himself those imputations belong not, as they will see from the enclosed copy of the order he has caused to be fixed on the doors of all their factories and masts of all their ships with full resolution to execute them. The errors (if any) of foregoing Presidents have now at conclusion all lighted on his head, which falls the heavier after his zealous care and pains to bring to form the confused and seeming desperate state of their affairs, their general accounts of five years tardance being brought to a head, and such a return ready from the collected ruins of their Joint Stock as would have equalled any two of seven preceding years, had God disposed them to send shipping to transport it and ryals to pay customs. To see all his hopes and purposes thus dashed and frustrated and himself (who of 17 years have served 11 on the Council, and by immediate appointment is now President) rejected, and subjected to any that hath not equalled him either in time or former employ, would press him beneath the depth of misery, but that he is comforted with the confidence of their favour whenever he appears before them, which he is resolved to do by the first opportunity, for indeed he now remains the only discourse both of our own nation, the Dutch, and this people who gaze upon him with wonder and fancy to themselves several occasions for so unusual an alteration. But this is not intended to derogate from the worth of Mr. Willoughby, of whose abilities he has heard good testimony, and to whose assistance his utmost endeavours shall not be wanting. Such of their servants as are required home and survive shall take passage by the soonest convenience, and dares promise their other injunctions shall be punctually observed. The Factors at Jambi unfortunately urging supply of goods, dispeeded the 21st present pinnace Simon and Jude thither with the whole remains of the factory and so much of the Falcon's cargazoon as amounted to Rs. 29, 660.41 reserving Rs. 11,000 the residue of the Joint Stock's goods to be transported with those of the general voyages for Macassar or Jambi, clearing the factory so that the charge and business may solely belong to the second general voyage, as soon as the agent arrives with their means. In expectation that the ship Star may yet arrive seasonably to gain Macassar, has fitted the Falcon to receive her goods destined for Jambi and this place, and filled 12 tuns with water for her. What order has been given to the Factors at Macassar and Japara in case she should not save her monsoon, they may perceive by copy of advices enclosed; yet will her tardiness mainly hinder the investment of the general voyage seasonably for returns upon the Great James, which want (as the President from Surat has required) shall be supplied from store of the Joint Stock; in whose company also he conceives the Dove will be dispeeded for Surat laden with pepper, for the President and Council have required a small vessel, but whether they intend to repay this pepper in kind or to ease the Joint Stock's engagements there, it cannot be other than beneficial, for there will remain a full freight hire for three able ships in November next. Desires them to consider what a mass of pepper will be gathered from the proceeds of that great quantity of goods belonging to the Stock and voyage, that comparing the small quantity required for England, viz.: 1,000 or 1,200 tons per annum, they may perceive that they have goods enough here already for many years and only want ships and ryals to pay custom and transport for the Old Stock they have in goods at Jambi nearest 40,000 ryals, which will produce 1,300 tons of pepper besides 800 already provided; and the second voyage's investment at the coast he estimates at 60,000 Rs., of which half is appointed for provision of pepper and will produce 1,000 tons, and from Surat will shortly arrive 40,000 Rs. in goods which will produce 1,300 tons, amounting in all to 4,400 tons, besides the lading of the Great James and Dove for Surat; and 30,000 Rs. the other moiety of the second voyage's goods will serve one whole year for Macassar. List of writings in this packet, viz.: Lists of two packets formerly sent by the Dutch; prohibition for private buying cloves or black pepper; copies to Macassar of 27th Jan. 1630; and 6th Feb. 1630/1; two letters from Surat President and Council of 29th Sept. 1630; from Surat to the agent, &c. of 28th Oct. 1630; copy letters of the agent, &c. to the President and Council at Surat of 31st Oct. 1630; relation of the fight between the English and Portugals at Swally; agents letter, &c. to the Company 5th Nov. 1630; agents, &c. letter to Surat of 6th Nov. 1630; two letters from the agent to the Factors at Bantam of 14th Nov. 1630; copy letter from Henry Sill, &c. of 27th Dec. 1630; general letter from Wm. Hoare, late President to the Company; letters to Mrs. Katherine Hoare. 5 pp. [O. C., Vol. XII., No. 1337.]
Feb. 25. 145. Court Minutes E. I. Co. A bill of particulars presented by the wife of John Johnson for diet and lodging of John Lyndsey as directed last Court, and 5l. ordered to be paid, but the rest deferred till conference with Mr. Swanley who placed him there. The moneys of Mr. Lynn of Exeter for his subscription to the second voyage to be accepted without taking advantage of his delay in payment by reason of an unexpected accident. Motion on behalf of Mr. Methwold, who had underwrit 200l. in the third voyage, but not brought in his moneys. Leave to Mr. Alnutt, Commander of the London, to carry two tuns of beer freight free; and that two months of his wages and of his servant, John Pollyn, be yearly paid to his brother Edward for relief of his aged parents. Note presented by Mr. Poynett for the pilotage of the Mary, Exchange, and Speedwell into the Downs, referred to Mr. Ellam for the usual allowance. Advice of Mr. Poynett that the whole number of men be taken into the Company's ships at Gravesend, and not suffered to join them at Gore End or the Downs, for the danger in case of foul weather was not greater between England and India than between Gravesend and the Downs; and that the ships might from Gravesend not draw above 18 foot water instead of 20 or 21, by which means their passage over the flatts and through the Channel would be safer, and the other goods might be sent in hoys to Gore End; the Court thanked Mr. Poynett and approved his advice which they will take into consideration. Motion by Mr. Governor which was made at the last general Court concerning the "disposure" of the housing, docks, and yards at Blackwall, and sale of old stores &c. of the Second Joint Stock; deferred until they again speak with my Lord of Cleveland with whom they have not yet compounded for a further estate. Questions propounded, as to the Great James, which was sold by the Old Stock to the second voyage for 3,000l. to be delivered fit for a voyage, and concerning the Hart and Dolphin now in dock, whether to repair or sell them to be broken up, deferred. Ordered that 2 cwt. of long pepper brought home in the Hart by Robert Smith, deceased, be delivered to his executor on paying freight. 3 pp. [Ct. Min. Bk., XII., 179–182.]
Feb. 27.
Gombroon, Persia.
146. John Jones to his uncle Capt. Chas. Price. Sailed from the Downs 19th March last and arrived at St. Lawrence 19th July, where they found the Charles and Jonas. Came to Johanna 8th August, and found the Discovery and Reformation. Arrived at Surat 21st Sept. Next day saw 40 sail of Portugal frigates waiting for the English and the Dutch, commanded by Don Francisco De Cuttine [Continho], who fought last year with a small vessel of ours and the Dutch, and by mischance ours was burnt, and he was puffed up so with pride and vain glory that he came now with four fire-boats resolved to fire the best ship we or the Dutch had. Made many a shot at the frigates, but did little harm, only killing two or three men. The frigates, half in Swally Hole, and the rest a mile to the southward, sent a boat with advice to the rest of the fleet to come upon us with their fire-boats and frigates that tide, but Capt. Morton sent out his barge which took the boat, with two Portugals and 11 blacks. Landed the President and Council the next day, and fell down to St. John's to look for a Surat junk, the Great Shahee, which was to come that year from the Red Sea, the Portugals had taken one of their junks, but suddenly released her. On 6th Oct. fell lower down to look for the Dutch at an appointed time and place, because the Portugals the year before sent to Surat that the English and the Dutch should provide themselves for this year they would meet them with 12 galleons, besides galleys and frigates; as chanced it proved a bravado, but had it proved true, "the base Dutch had left us in the lurch, for they are not come." Anchored in Swally Hole and saw 15 frigates within two miles of them, and landed 300 men and came towards our tents, but Capt. Morton landed near 200 men and marched towards the enemy "with colours displayed;" after discharging three or four volleys the enemy retired, but our men fell on with all expedition, and routed them in the mouth of their frigate's ordnance, which commonly have a piece or two in the prow besides being well fitted with harquebusses; our men followed the enemy, wading up to their arm-pits and necks, nay, further, they did swim to the sides of the frigates and brought away 28 prisoners. Understood some 43 were killed, whilst they lost only their corporal, Thomas Baker, of Marden, in Herefordshire, who died from over heating himself, but 10 men were hurt, who are all living. After that the Portugals attempted the firing of our ships with their four fire-boats, two and two chained together, and a very violent and terrible fire it was, but our boats lying ahead towed them from us. A great dearth here in India, the like hath not been known in many years. They have six months' rain and the other six months' none, and it pleased God to withhold rain insomuch that many thousands of cattle and many thousands of people are starved to death, and it is thought if God send not rain this year all the country will be starved. Came over Swally Bar on 27th Jan. for Persia. Anchored 7th Feb. at Gombroon Road, and was commanded ashore to stay in Persia. Is preparing to go 700 miles up the country, a journey of seven weeks. 3 pp. [East Indies, Vol. IV., No. 90.]