[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Dark Ages](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages) › [Travellers (1500–1858)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel) › [The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy) › [The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe (Foster)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster) › 18 # The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 18: A warrant vnder my hand geuen to the Merchantes how they should deale with Zulpheckcarcon about his Debte. The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe (Foster) 18 - **Language:** English ## Contents - [18.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.1) — 10 parts - [18.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.2) — 10 parts - [18.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.3) — 6 parts ### A warrant vnder my hand geuen to the Merchantes how they should deale with Zulpheckcarcon about his Debte. ### [18.1.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.1.1) First, I would haue demanded of Zulpheckcarcon in Generall what his offer is Concerning the finishing of the account and paying the debt. If hee offer the 17,000 Mamoodies for all, comprising the Princes \[debt ?\] and the 3 Cloathes Newly mentioned: Then breake off all speech and vtterly refuse yt. If he offer the 17,000 Mamoodies for the rest of the goodes and require only a dischardge for them, giuing a note of his hand that the 750 royalls is the Princes debt, for which hee will eyther gett payment here or procure a dischardge for so much in the Custome at Suratt, or else to remayne answerable, then you shall accept yt. When you are agreed of the Summe and come to speake of the manner of payment, for which somme I would, the agreement were in writting if it could bee procurd and signed by him, then yow may lett him know that you vnderstand that 3 Cloths and a halfe were deliuered to such at Suratt, and that it shalbe at his Choyse whether hee will pay for them here or to giue you his lettre to the debtor there that hee hath not satisfyed for yt, but that hee doth chardge it vpon them, requiring theyr present payment and giuing you such a Note or mentioning it in the quittance receiued, and then so much rateably shalbe abated here of the Summe agreed on : of these two propositions \[I ?\] only desire that you will presse him to a resolute answer, that I may vnderstand from himselfe his purpose, that I may accordingly proceed in the prosequution of Iustice. ### [18.1.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.1.2) June 11. — I sent to Asaph chan what Message I had Receued from Mochrebchan, but that I Could not Chainge my frendes, though I would acknowledg it a great Curtesie from the other, beeing both vndeserued and voluntary, desiering him to beeleeue the truth that I had not made any meanes to Mochrebchan to doe yt, but had only relyed on him, which hee might easily bee assured off by demanding him : that if hee pleased to lay asyde all Iealousy and to accomodate the difference betweene the Prince and mee, whose fauour I especially desiered, and to Continew the protection of our Nation, I was not so fickle to take euery occasion to forsake him, who had beene our ancient and best frend : and that I would attend a day or two that hee might bring me to the king, that no notice might be taken of any discontent betweene vs, which would perhapes, if the king asked the reason of this Chang, call many matters in question that were better passed ouer on all sides : desiering him to deale soe faierly as to send me his resolution, assuring him I would remayne his frend till hee did to openly reiect mee. ### [18.1.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.1.3) June 12. — Mochrebchan sent to mee to know if I would goe see the king ; but for that hee was yet in the Princes howse I would not affront him, attending vntill I had answere from Asaph chan, whom I must not loose if I would stand here. Besides, I determined, before I went to him, to know whether any fitt reconciliation could bee effected betweene the Prince and mee, and that I might have satisfaction from Zulpheckcarcon without Complaynt, first using all faire means that were honest and became my Masters Ambassador to make smooth my way, which when I could not effect, I resolued to fly to a very round Complaynt, both of our publique wrongs and robberies committed vpon vs by the Gouernor, the Princes maynteyning him in yt, and Asaph Chans Negligence and falshood for the Princes sake, and lastly I would discouer the trick putt on mee to keepe mee from Court, to this end only, that I should not seeke Justice, which I would desier very roundly of the king, or lycence to depart with all my Nation. This Night I received lettres from Suratt of the receipt of the firmaens sent downe, which for a few dayes vseth to preuaile, and gott our goodes from the Customer and procured an agreement on all particulars; some difference in price, which was referred to Abram chan the Gouernor, then absent, our very good Frend. ### [18.1.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.1.4) In this lettre I receiued great encouragment to putt the king to tryall for an absolute reformation and for new priuiledges, or to breake off the trade, the oportunitye beeing very good, for that many shipes were expected from the red sea this season and soe wee might dispute our Cause with aduantage. I Confesse, if it were myne owne priuat cause, I would neuer endure halfe those Iniuryes wee haue suffered; they are insupportable; the Prince beeing soe proud, and in such esteeme with his father, that nothing but Chasteninge can humble him. But I serue for a publique cause, wher are diuers dispositions to please, diuers opinions to satisfye, and I know not how it wilbe construed that I dissolue that which was neuer tyed ; all the factors here seeming discontent, and write resolutly, but if this Councell did not please in England, I cannot tell whether they would change aduise, and cast all on mee, More vulgi, suum quisque flagitium aliis objectantes. This is one of those Councelles that cannot bee praysed vntill they bee Acted ; so that necessitye shall Compell mee, and then it will Iustefye mee. But this I dare affirme, if their Shippes be taken but once in 4 years ther shall come more cleare gayne, without losse of honor, then will aduance in seauen years by trade ; and nothing is vnjust in retribution and returne of the Injuryes done vnto vs. ### [18.1.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.1.5) Ther is a resolution taken that Sultan Caronne shall goe to the Decan Warres and the day prefixed, having Consulted all the Bramans. Prince Paruis is Called home, whom it is reported wrote his father that if hee would send his elder brother, hee would obey, but to dishonor him by imploying this, he would first fall on him and after finish the warr. All the Capptayens, as Channa chana, Mahobet chan, chan John, refuse to stay if this Tyrant come to Command, so well he is beloued. It is true all men awe him more then the king Now that hee is to receiue the Armie. The king Cannot be remooued from his resolution to send him : so that his sudeyne departure 22 dayes from this present must hasten mee to finish this busines and to know a resolution ; for after his departure with his minione Zulpheckcarcon there is no hope to recouer a penny, nor any Justice against him. ### [18.1.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.1.6) June 13. — I Receiued lettres from Amadavaz, signifying that the Course I tooke with the Gouernor by Asaph chans lettre had soe farr prevayled that the 500 rupies was at sight payd, all manner of frendship offered, a new house or whatsoeuer was wanting. Concerning the firmaen sent for restitution of Custome taken the year past at Cambaya and Barooch, They are offered that of Baroch back, and all kyndnes from the Gouernor of Cambaya, promising to take such order next yeare as shall preuent all vnkyndnes. I answered this packett and aduised to accept it, though neuer so little : the example of restitution was more then the mony. June 14 and 15. — The king yet kept at the Princes house. June 16. — The Merchannts went according to my order to Zulpheckcarcon, wher, after much dispute too and fro and many complaynts of vnkindnes against mee, in conclusion hee denyed to pay 17,000 mamoodies promised, making New reckonings that the Prince had this, others that, and for his owne debt remayned but 3,000 mamoodies: but to finish for all and to haue a generall release, hee offered 12,000 Mamoodies, objecting still the 1,000 Mamoodies of Master Sadlers account, without naminge for what: or else to stay the Comming up of the ludge of the Custom house, and so to pay whatsoeuer he would say was taken. But this delay I durst not abide, for that his departure was suddeine now. ### [18.1.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.1.7) In my last aduise from Suratt they Confesse Master Saddlers debt was mistaken (yet they chardge some 260 rupees by particular for trifles): and concerning the 750 rialles formerly Charged to the Custome house, and beeing confessed by the Princes officers to bee receiued here, I, as was reason, euer demanded restitution; but in this second they write that they haue come to account with the Customer and are agreed on all particulars, without once mentioning the Royalles. So that I Concluded that mony was found in the Custome house and I had wrongfully demanded it, though without faulte, by Socoralles mistaking. So I knew not what to say in this uncertainty; Yet I had rather aske to much then too little; Therfore they still demand it. Zulpheckcarcon answered hee neuer tooke that mony away, but that it rested still in the Custome howse, and were not those sent the Prince; but beating this question, at last hee said those royalles sent vp were the 2,000 Mamoodies Paid in royalles to him for licence to transport vp our two Carauans of Cloth, hereby confessing the bribes playnly; and vpon examination wee found the summes to agree, no more beeing receiued: which. Seeing that I heard not one word from Suratt of the 750 Royalls, I resolued that my opinion was true that the mony was found and allowed below; ### [18.1.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.1.8) so that I gaue ouer that Clayme, and fell to a reckoninge apart of goodes only Chardged to Zulpheckcarcon, which beeing 19,900 Mamoodies and Master Saddlers 800 mistaken: his offer of 17,000 Mamoodies, considering price of Cloth insisted on, and many trifles of priuat mens hard too proue, and the necessitye of a peace with the Prince, they offered him a generall acquittance for the mony by him agreed on. But hee then as absolutely refusd it; yet some tymes hee was Content, sometyme not, soe that noe Conclusion could bee made. But he desiered a new reckoning and to pay his owne and assigne vnder his hand who should pay the remayner. This was a tedious course to seeke out money from diuers men, and they as absolutely refusd yt: all was taken by his authoritye and wee would seeke no further. This was the error of the first account sent vp, for had not the 750 royalls beene Charged and Master Sadlers 1,000 Mamoodies (both mistaken), I had accepted his first offer of 17,000 Mamoodies with little losse, and finished all long since with good will and had avoyeded much trouble and the Princes displeasur; but seeing one stood doubtfull, the other directly charged, I could not yeild to loose 6 or 7,000 Mamoodies, for I could not haue one Pice without a generall quittance as well agaynst the Prince as the Gouernor and all vnder him. But yet hee seemed very desierous of frendship, taking much vnkindnes at mee for bitternes against him. ### [18.1.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.1.9) They answered: hee deserued it, for his violence vsed to our Nation: but that which I tooke woorst was his slight and base woordes giuen of my King, my Lord and Master. He replyed: hee spake not ill of him, but, as was the Custome of this Countrye, hee only magnifyed his owne: for his hard vsage and discurtesyes to our Nation, hee sware he had expresse order from the Prince in 4 seuerall firmaens, not only to doe all hee did, but to turne vs out and suffer vs no trade. They answered they could neuer beleue yt, for that they were in presence when I demanded of the Prince if it were true (for that it was so published at Suratt) and hee forswoore it openly, giuing it vnder his hand and seale that it was a lye. He replyed with many oathes it was true, and to satisfye their incredulitye and to dischardge himselfe, he asked if they would beleue the firmaens : so hee sent for them, and caused one to bee read before our interpreter, wher the Prince gaue express order not to suffer our goodes to passe out of towne but to keepe them in the Custome howse, and ther to giue leaue to sell and when they had traded to Command all aboord and to depart, forbidding any longer residence, and that if anything came downe not traded for in towne hee should not suffer it to goe aboord ; with many other Clauses of vexation & wrong to be done vs. Now, sayd hee, you see my innocence, and that I executed my Commission with fauour. ### [18.1.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.1.10) They answered it could not be denyed, but that now the Prince had giuen mee a firmaen for our residence, Justice, and good reception. It is true, said hee, yet shall the next Gouernor use yow woorse, for, whatsoeuer the Ambassador can procure outwardly, the Gouernor should haue advise vnderhand how to execute his Masters will ; which I know well. But, said hee, I am sorry for any thing is past, and if your Ambassador will make frendship and force me to pay no more then due, I will endeauor to reconcile him and your Nation to the Prince. They answered I was ready to embrace peace, but would not giue away the companies mony. He replyed 3 or 4,000 Mamoodies would not make vs rich nor him poore. But of this his weaknes, to discouer his Masters secreettes and the Princes double and vnderhand basenes, I will make aduantage off if wee come not to composition. Now is euidently seene the misery of our estate and the Princes faith. Who can bee secure, or resolue wisely, when outwardly wee shall haue fayre woordes, firmaens and all desire, and in secreett aduise to wrong and abuse vs ? ### [18.2.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.2.1) June 17. — I sent both to Hoja Nazzan, who had finished the account for both and had offered the 17,000 Mamoodies in his name, and to Mochrebchan, before whom the Gouernor was Content to pay it: to lett them know for the Princes sake and peace I was ready to accept the offer made, but that Zulpheckcarcon was started backe and would not pay it : that if they would tye him to his woord, I was content to be the looser : if not, I would goe instantly with full complaynt to the king, wherin hee would wrong his Master, whose name would come in question many wayes. Hoja Nassan answered he should not flye from his woord : though hee had not confessed by particular so much debt, yet in grose he was content to pay it, and soe this day hee would meete our Merchantes there and procure his Chop. This day the king remooued to Asaph Chans to moorne there. June 18. — Mochrebchan sent to me to Come to Court: that my longer absence would bee ill taken : that his Maiestie did expect mee : and that hee which would effect any busines with the king must bestow some labor in visiting him. For Zulpheckcarcon hee answered that hee was agreed to pay vs 17,000 Mamoodies and that hee was a base fellow to refuse it : that hee would Compell him to satisfye vs, or pay it him selfe and tell the king that hee did it on the others woord, and soe take the debt vpon him. ### [18.2.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.2.2) Asaph chan returned me answere of my last Message : that hee was most reddy to doe mee or my Nation any Curtesye, as he had euer : that on the Morrow the king went to Hauaz lemall and returned the Next day, when he would send to mee to come to his house and goe with mee to the king, and that all matters past should bee forgotten : wishing mee to take no notice that my absence was any other then voluntary : desiering me to beleeue he had twenty tymes more Creditt and affection to doe my busines then Mochrebchan : that the next day he would himselfe carry me to the Prince and fully reconcile vs, and so accord all differences that I should proceed in my busines without Crosses or lett : and that I should haue reformation in all my pretences : aduising mee to accept of Zulpheckcarcons offer, and that for a little losse I should not breake off, now that all matters were so neare composed : and so desiering me not to hould him in Iealoosy, for hee was euer as much my frend as he durst declare against the Prince. The king commanded one of his brothers sonnes, who was made a Christian in pollicye to bring him into hatred with the people, to goe stricke a lyon on the head, which was brought before the king ; but hee beeing afrayd refusd yt. Soe the king bad his youngest sonne to goe touch the lyon, who did so without any harme. Wheratt the king tooke occasion to send his Nephew away to a prisson were hee is neuer like to see day light. ### [18.2.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.2.3) June 19. — The King remooued the Prince and all the Court to Hauas gemall. June 20. — The Merchannts went to Socarolloes, before whom they were referrd to make agreement and Conclusion with Zulpheckcarcon: but hee was gone with his Master. His Scriuano mett, who answered hee was that day to goe after him to bring eyther his Chop to Hoja Nasson for soe much to receiue in Suratt, or ready mony. So that I hope this quarrell is at an end. June 21. — I dispatched lettres to Bramport to Mahobet chan to desire a Command to his lieutennant at Baroch to giue our Merchants entertaynment and trade at his Port and to suffer them to hiere a house for their residence, and to procure his fauour for them in dooing them Justice and right; also I signifyed that his officers had the last yeare exacted certayne mony at the passadge of our goodes to Suratt which was not due; for which I craued restitution and redresse for tymes to Come. This I did, for that I knew not to what inconuenience the Prince might driue vs by his underhand dealing, for though now I was in hope to make a frendship with him, who was lost long before my arriuall, yet I could not discerne his hart and had experience of his falshood; and therfore would prepare a retrayt in necessitye. Besides I knew that any such doubt or report would startle him; ### [18.2.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.2.4) for though he would that wee were wholy banished, yet hee would not that wee quitted his Port and seated soe neare him, wherby he should haue no profitt by vs, and yet the Portugall equally hindered. Lastly, if ther may bee found any roade for our shipes, the place is fitter in respect that all the Cloth and Cotten yearne sent home is bought there, besides Carriadges from thence to Suratt and all other Comodities sent from aboue passe that Towne ; so that both the way to our shipes and the duties of Baroch would bee saued ; and, which is noe small respect, the Gouernor is not only a frend to our Nation but a man full of honor and liberallity, scorning all base gettings and of all men in most high fauour with the king, beeing his only minion ; in whose presence Asaph chan is but a shaddow. The solicitation of this I Committed to Master Banghame. June 23. — The king returned to this house, and sate out according to his usuall Custome. ### [18.2.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.2.5) June 24. — Asaph Chan sent to me to Come to the King ; but I refusd that day, except I might haue a Chop to all porters, or some officer sent to Conduct mee, least any affront should bee offered by base people. This day I receiued from Hoja Nassan a particular of 17,000 mamoodies agreed on by Zulpheckcarcon, wherof part of the debt was the Princes, part others. Soe I sent to know what order I should haue for the mony. Zulpheckcarcons scriuano answered that I should not trouble my selfe further : that hee had order for my satisfaction, and was procuring the Princes Chop for his part, which had passd two seales, and was Collecting the rest, and that he would finish it all in a few dayes. The Prince had a sonne borne, and now beeing preparing for this warr all mens eyes were on him, eyther for flattery, gayne or envy, Non for loue. He receiued 20 lackes of rupies toward his Chardge (200,000 ll. starling) and began to deale mony liberally. But Notwithstanding this show of his fathers affection and greatnes, a Chan perswaded the king that the voyadge would be dangerous in respect of the Prince Paruis, whose honor was soe wounded that he would not returne without reuenge. The king replyed : lett them fight : I am well content ; and he that prooues himselfe the better Captaine shall pursue the warr. ### [18.2.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.2.6) June 25. — Asaph chan sent one of his Cheife seruants to the Court gate to attend mee, but I had resolued I would bee sent for. So hee, perceiuing I stayd long, doubted that I would not Come, caused him to Come a foote in hast to fetch mee. So I went and was receiued by the King after the ould manner, no difference, without taking any Notice of my absence. The Prince bowed himselfe. And soe I stayd his Maiesties goeing in without farthar speech. Asaph chan and diuers others saluted mee and I returnd. June 26. — I sent to Asaph chan that as I was at an agreement with Zulpheckcarcon, payment only wanted, which was most materiall : that therfore if hee would accord all other matters with the Prince, I was ready to visitt him. I heard noe answer. June 27. — I went to visitt Mochrebchan to thancke him for his voluntary kindnes. Wee had long speech. The effect was hee sought to withdrawe mee from Asaph chan offering to doe all my busines, in hope of the first sight of raretyes from England ; ### [18.2.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.2.7) telling me that it was Asaph chan that putt that tricke vpon mee, for when the king called him to know who had forbidd mee the Court, he answered hee knew not indeed : that hee had giuen order I should not enter the Guzelchan without especiall leaue, for that it was his Maiesties priuacye, wher were none admitted but those that were his nearest seruantes, & for that his Maiestie often did vse to drincke there, to be barbd, and such other businesses as were vnfitt for strangers to see : & that the Persian Ambassadors neuer came without sending a day before : but that other order hee neuer gaue, nor knew of any. I answered that I did accept his loue in the highest degree : that Asaph chan was as lealous of me for his sake, but that I could not absolutely quitt him first : both the articles I demanded were referrd to him and remaynd in his hand, so that I was tyed to him, and also, I knew well that if he had no affection to doe mee good yet hee had power to crose mee : that I was resolued to procure and hould euerybodyes loue and not to runne myselfe into open factions : though in my hart and inward affections I could make difference of frendes, as I did of him, from whom I had found so free and Noble kindnes. But really I trusted neither ; the one was sower, eager of bribes, proud and knew his owne strength, the other fickle, flattering, and loued to haue his power beleeued to be more then it was ; but neyther Card for vs longer then some end of their owne enticed them. ### [18.2.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.2.8) Soe I playd at their game, held correspondence with both, and resolued to vse both as long as I could, and to quitt him, when I must needes, that could doe mee least good. Hee asked mee what then he should doe for mee. I answered Continew his affection to our Nation: and for my particular, I desird him to remember my seruice to his Maiestie and to recommend our cause in generall termes and to signifye to his Maiestie that I well sawe our Ignorance in tymes past of what Comodityes were fitt for his Maiestie had made our trade fastidious, but that if I knew his Maiesties Mynd he should see how able wee were to serue him. Hee replyed hee would doe it; but withall he said wee brought too much Cloth and ill swoordes and almost nothing else: that euery body was weary of yt; that hee aduised wee should forbeare two or 3 yeares, and insteed therof, seeing our shippes went to China and Japan, to bring all the raretyes of those parts (which were more acceptable here then Gould), and from our Countrie the best Cloth of Tissue and richest stuffs of silke, gould and siluer that wee had, but especially good quantety of Arras for hangings, saying that the king would buy for a Leeck or two of rupzes, and euery great man in proportion. And this, I thinck, is true, and would serue for two years. ### [18.2.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.2.9) I replyed wee Considered this, but the Merchanntes sought proffitt: that those things were deare with vs, and the Chardg of bringing halfe as much as the goodes: and that wee feared few would Come to the Price, for that our best Clothes of gould and tissue were woorth 100 rupies a Cobde with vs, and soe meaner to 40 rupies, and ther was Arras from 20 rupies to 150 rupies a sticke (much about a Cobdee): so that if I should aduise of such things, they would answer that I had little skyll in those matters; but that if his Maiestie would make a bill of what sorts and conditions he desired, and what quantetye and what rates, and sett his Chop to it that hee would take yt, and such other great men as desired the like, I would send into England and might then wright with Confidence; and I doubted not but his Majesties will should bee in all things accomplished. He answered he would acquaynt him with my motion, which would highly Content him, and cause a bill to bee made and sealed; and for his part hee would giue mee another. Wee had some speech about the Prince, whom hee rayled at freely: that hee neuer went to him, nor had power to doe mee kyndnes there: but that, when hee was departed, hee could not harme mee. I answered as long hee had the Gouerment of Suratt his fauour was as Consequent to vs almost as his Maiesties, and that I had had a bitter experience of his affection notwithstanding his faire pretences, besides the bearing vp of Zulpheckcarcon. ### [18.2.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.2.10) Hee replyed hee knew it well, and would shortly tell mee how it should bee remedyed: for Zulpheckcarcon, hee desired mee not to stirr nor send after soe base a fellow: that in 4 dayes hee would see the mony paid. Wee exchanged many complements and many professions. At last hee prest vpon mee too bottles of Muske, that were sent him for a present from his gouerment, held aboue 100 ounces. woorth 500li., with much importunitye, but I refusd so great an obligation, least for that Cause I should bee tyed to him to the prejudice of the Company ; for hee would expect some recompence. I cannot bragg of this follie, but it is a vice that few in my place are guiltie off; but I had resolued, rich or poore, to doe nothing unwoorthy the Honor of my Master nor the good name of an honest man. The king this euening went to Hauas Iemall. ### [18.3.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.3.1) June 29. — At night the king returned. June 30. — I went to visitt Abdala Hassan, from whom I had receiued a former kindness vnexpected, for that wee were mere strangers. This obseruance I was enforced too, partly by gratitude, but principally by necessitye. Obsequium amicos parit. I needed them, and to the Markett I could not goe (for all are to be sould) for want of guiftes. Yet hee is noe taker and I tooke knowledge of yt, to his Joy. Hee offered me much kindnes, eyther to speake to the king or deliuer any wrighting. I accepted of yt generally; but at first would not engage him into busines, beeing yet dependant on Asaph chan. He answered they were all one and that I could not keepe a better way. ### [18.3.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.3.2) I replyed I had not much to aske the king : my principall busines (which I had in command from his Maiestie my Souerayne) was the procuring better priuiledges for the Continuance of loue and Commerce betweene both Nations, which demandes had long remaynd in Asaph chans handes, to whom they were referrd : If I had answere of that, my busines after would passe with more ease, for that, if it pleasd the King to scale, confirme and publish those articles, I presumd no man would dare to infringe them, and that our Merchannts should trade securely, free from violence and Iniurye and then I should haue no cause to offend any by Complaynt, and should haue little els to doe but to wayt on the king and visitt my frendes: if his Maiestie vtterly refusd them and the Alliance and leauge of the king of England, I had noe more to doe but to returne vnto my Countrie: I had dischardged my dutie. Hee answered I should not feare but that the king would Continew a frend to his Maiestie and our Nation, and that noe reasonable demand would bee refused mee. I replyed I had expected long and saw fewe effects, and what had passed last yeare at Suratt and in many parts I was sensible off: but that for some respects I would not violently pursue Iust Complaynts. Hee said hee vnderstood mee: that the Prince was sorrie for what was past. Demanding if Zulpheckcarcon had payd his mony, I answered no: wee were agreed (to our losse), mony only wanted. ### [18.3.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.3.3) He said hee would that night acquaynt the Prince and procure present payment. Hee is Captaine of all the souldiers entertayned at Court, and Treasurer to all armyes. He entertayned me Courteously, with few Complements but much ciuilitye. Wee sate to see his souldiers shoote in bowes and Pieces. Most of them with a single bullett did hitt the Marke, beeing a hand-breadth in a Butt. Wee had some discourse of our vse of such weapons; and soe I departed. July 2. — I went to visitt the king and to moue him about our Articles, if oportunitye fauored. He only bowed him selfe at my Comming, and was possest with much busines, for that the Princes goeing for Decan was altered, at least deferrd. He had gott mony to pay his debts, and his warr was ended. July 5. — I sent to Asaph chan to know a resolution concerning my demandes, and upon what tearmes I stood with the Prince, for that I knew if he remaynd our enemye Suratt would bee no port for vs: that our shippes were ready in 3 monthes to arriue: that it concerned mee to know whertoo I should trust, for vnlesse I might haue our residence confirmed and those priuiledges granted which I had demanded, and eyther assurance of frendship or at least Justice from the Prince, I must take my leaue. He replyed hee would that night speake with the Prince, and in 4 dayes answer mee absolutely. ### [18.3.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.3.4) July 7. — He sent me woord that concerning my propositions for Priuiledges and the Kings Command for redresse in all our former Iniuryes, that that day or the morrow he would deliuer it to the seale : They were accorded too amply, and in few dayes I should haue them : that he had conferrd with the Prince, who was very willing to bee our frend, and if I would come to him I should be very wellcome, and whatsoeuer I could require reasonably at his handes should bee performed. July 9. — I went to visitt the Prince but sent before, who returned I should bee very welcome. He expected a present, but when none appeard, hee proceeded to busines ; and supposing I would iterat Zulpheckcarcons delayes openly, his Officer Socarolla came to mee and said for the Princes Part of the debt wee should haue a Chopp for Suratt whensoeuer I would send, and that Zulpheckcarcons remayner should bee payd ready mony by order from him. So that if the Merchannts will follow the getting it in (in which their is little done), they may be satisfied ; for my part is ended. I haue made agreement and deuided the debt, and procured order for payment, but cannot runn vp and downe to Banians and officers, in whose handes now it rests. ### [18.3.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.3.5) July 10. — I receiued aduise from Agra that not one Cobde of Cloth would sell but at veary lowe rates ; they lay the faulte on the last yeares sales ; for swoordes no man would looke on them, and Hydes not at the price they Cost in England. Concerning the debt of the Gouernors brother left by Master Young, they first sollicited it, but could not procure a penny; then they made vse of my lettre mentioned to the Gouernor, who sent presently to Command satisfaction. Master Shalbanck was imployed to him, beeing a daies lourney out of Towne. Ther hee pretendes Master Browne offered him abatement, or els that hee would retourne some Cloth. So that Master Shalbancke finished with him with the losse of about 90 rupies, for which hee excuses himselfe vpon Browne and vpon their Neede, that, having not sould one penny-woorth of goodes in 3 monthes, they had not mony lefte to pay horsemeat; for that before his Comming he had Command from mee for example sake not to doe yt. If I had the assistance of one honest sufficient man, that loued the Companyes profitt better then their owne ease or pleasure, or had had that authoritie ouer them which was requisite, or that it had not been published to them that I had none, I would haue Caused many things to haue had another face. ### [18.3.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18.3.6) July 11. — I receiued from Amadavaz the long expected wyne; one runlett 3 quarters full, conteyning 6 gallons and one glase, the other runlett was leaked. It was sowred with long keeping; yet it came fittly for my new reconcilements, and will serue turne. July 12. — I sent to the Guzelchan one Case of Aligant. It was somewhat sower, yet soe much in request that it was receiued with good acceptance. I sent such excuse with it as was requisite. July 13. — In the Morning I sent Sultan Carronne 3 bottles of Aligant, and a lettre concerning the Portugalls, the differences betweene our trade and theirs, and to procure all the Customes in and out to farme for the Companyes vse. The Coppie is registred. The Prince Caused (as is the barbarous custome, all busines passing in publique) the lettre to bee twice read by his secretary, and often interrupted it with speech to him; in the end sent woord that at night, when hee Came downe, hee would read it himselfe, and consider yt, and that I should receiue answere from Merze Socoralla. --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.roe-embassy~en-foster.18) · Pramāṇa