The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 24.1.5

24.1.5

If it had beene fitt for trade, the Naturalles would haue Chosen it, for they feele the incomoditye of a barrd hauen; and it is argument enough of some secrett inconuenience, that they make not vse of it. But if it were safe without the walls, yet is it not an easy woorke to diuert trades and to drawe the resort of Merchantes from their accustomed Marts, especially for our Comoditye, which is bought by Parcelles, and cannot be called staple. Secondly, the Chardge is greater then the trade can beare ; for to maintayne a garison will eate the Profitt. It is not an hundred men can keepe it ; for the Portugall, if hee once see you vndertake that course, will sett his rest vpon it to supplant you. A warr and trafique are incompatible. By my consent, you shall no way engage your selues but at sea, wher you are like to gayne as often as to loose. It is the beggering of the Portugall, notwithstanding his many rich residences and territoryes, that hee keepes souldiers that spendes it ; yet his garrisons are meane. He neuer Profited by the Indyes, since hee defended them. Obserue this well. It hath beene also the error of the Dutch, who seeke Plantation heere by the Swoord. They turne a woonderfull stocke, they proule in all Places, they Posses some of the best; yet ther dead Payes consume all the gayne. Lett this bee receiued as a rule that if you will Profitt, seeke it at Sea, and in quiett trade ; for without controuersy it is an error to affect Garrisons and Land warrs in India.