The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 24.2.7

24.2.7

My Councell is that one of your smallest shipes, with the fittest English goodes and such other as this Country yeildes, yearly goe in Company of the Guzerattes and trade for them selues for mony, which is taken in abundance, and returne in September with them, to supply this Place. The Profitt exceedes all the trades of Indya and will driue this alone. The danger is rather a Jealousy then substanciall. When the turckes betrayed Sir Henry Middleton, our factoryes and Courses in these Partes were vnknowne to them, and doubtlesse wee, beeing strangers in that sea, were mistrusted for Pirattes. Experience of vs hath made them know better, and in Company of the Guzerattes, for their sake (whom they cannot spare) wee should bee admitted. The King would write to the Admirall to entertayne our consortship, and they would be glad of it, and it were one of the best securityes of our frendship. The Dutch haue Practised it this yeare to great aduantage and wer well receiued. Our owne warines might secure vs. They must ride six monthes for wyndes, tyme enough to send all the goodes ashore by parcelles, and neuer to trust aboue one or two factors and little comoditye at once. They will not declare their treachery for trifles ; and I doubt not you might procure the Grand Signiors Command to meete them. If I haue any judgement ther is not any matter for your profitt of such importance. Port Pequnua in Bengala you are misinformed in. Ther is no mart nor resort of Merchauntes.