The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 3.1.1

3.1.1

IT is necessary that shipping be ready in the downes to take oportunity of wynd by the 20th of January, that they may fale with the Cape of Good hope before the dead of wynter, wherby men may have some leasure of Refreshinges, and the sicke may recouer in the warme seasone; for in the wynter the ayre is sharpe and rawe, and those that daylie wade, and are often wett, endainger their healths; and if the Roote Nangin be of valew, it must be gathered in that Season, for when the sapp returnes, the roote is withered in the ground, and driing up shrinkes and comes to nothing. Besides, the Season wilbe better to gett aboute the Cape, subiecte to foule weather, and hereby they shall have tyme enough to staye at the Isles of Comoro, for new refreshing, which is necessarie, that men may come stronge and in health amonng their enemyes ; for it is doubtfull that the Trade with the Mogull must be mayntayned with Armes. I wish the Coast from the Cape as high as Mosambique were discouered. It is veary probable ther is good matter, and doubtlesse braue Harbours. The Portugall hath trade for gould in a River not far from Mosambique, and the people make fiers to any shipping they see, to invite them to Commerce. This were done easily by two pinnaces (who might with great hope leaue some men on that Coast) which after might goe into the Indies, and serue the Company to transport goods from harbor to harbor in Japan, Sumatra, Coromandell, or Jaua.