Storia do Mogor 265.1.3

265.1.3

This letter was recovered, and given to Mahabat Khan. The Khan delivered it to the Mogul. Aurangzeb complained bitterly of the English. The Khan rejoined that the Mogul officials at Surat and Hugli had begun the quarrel, and he recommended me (Abnus) as a good agent to treat with the English. A present of oil of nutmeg and of clove was got ready ; and the letter and the claim for damages were recovered from Manucci's servant. Abnus added to the bottle of oil a ' crystal gurglet,' and a plate mounted in gold and stones. The letter and account were presented by Mahabat Khan. No answer as yet had been vouchsafed. From the conversation with Mahabat Khan, it seemed he thought he could get a farman settling disputes at Surat and the Bay (Bengal), and (1) that the English would be excused the poll-tax; (2) that they should pay no duty on saltpetre; (3) that all goods forcibly taken at the Bay or Surat would be restored; (4) that they might also settle new factories wherever they pleased; (5) that the farman would be sent by a responsible person to Bengal, and there proclaimed. The agent enjoins on the Council to write at once to Mahabat Khan, and insert something for the protection of the fort and town of Madras; for Gulkandah could not long hold out, and that kingdom would soon fall to the Moguls.