Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.19.4

2.19.4

and I have seen a letter from a person at the head of the Factory which the Hollanders maintain in that region, mentioning the same thing. Great uncertainty prevails, however, upon the subject, which is the reason why we have had so many alarming rumours at Dehli. It was reported, at one time, that he was arrived at Maslipatam, and that the Kings of Golkonda and Visapour engaged to support his cause with all their forces. It was confidently said, at another period, that he had passed within sight of Souraie, with two ships flying red colours, with which he had been presented either by the King of Pegu or of Siam. Again, we were told that the Prince was in Persia; that he had been seen in Schiras, and soon afterwards in Kandahar, ready to invade the kingdom of Caboul. Aureng-Zebe once observed, perhaps by way of joke, that Sultan Sujah was become at last an Agy or pilgrim; insinuating that he had visited Meca; and even at this day, there are a great many persons fully persuaded that he is returned to Persia from Constantinople, having obtained large supplies of money in that city. But in my opinion there never existed ground for any of these reports. I attach great importance to the letter from the Dutch gentleman, which states that the Prince was killed in his attempt to escape;