Storia do Mogor 265.1.4

265.1.4

Bribes are all-powerful, and Mahabat Khan must be 'remembered.' Three more bottles of the oil would be acceptable. Abnus puts in a plea for his brother, Joseph de Marcoss, and their personal losses. He did not write in Portuguese, but in his own language (Armenian), as more secure. The governor's answer must be in Persian, but without mention of gifts or presents, as it would be shown to the Mogul. Yale's comments to Charnock on this report are dated August 24, 1687 (' Factory Records,' No. 21, p. 24). He dwells on the evil results of the hostilities in the Bay: for four months the Mogul would not receive their letters; his only answer was that when he had finished with Gulkandah he would call Madras to account. At last Aurangzeb took the letters, but gave no answer. But through a third person they were advised to write a smooth, flattering letter, setting forth truly the affronts and injuries received, asking compensation and the restoration of their ancient privileges. They believe this suggestion was written with the Mogul's cognizance. On September 15, 1687 (No. 21, p. 67), Yale replied to Abnus. He recounts how Gyfford selected Abnus and Senor Manuche, ' late surgeon to Sultan Shah 'Alam,' to present their letters about Surat and Bengal. It is now found that Abnus by himself is competent: ' We shall [not] hereafter apply ourselves, nor trouble any other therein.' On October 12, 1687 (No. 30, p.