The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 31.1.1

31.1.1

(Addl. MS. 6115, f. 258.) August 30, 1617. .... The Dutch at Suratt will Plant in spite of vs; but I know no reason why wee should not beate them off at sea. Their insolencyes would be requited, especially of this man, who hath robbd with english Coulors. If his ship bee yet aliue and by search such could bee found, shee would [should ?] bee fired, her goodes seased, and as many as you could take carried home to England to answer it. Howeuer charitye now Pittyes their estate of Nawfrage, enquire of Master Kerridge their Courses to the Sowthward and you will find they merritt noe Curtesye. Therfore my advice is to woorke vpon their necessitye; no way to releeue them, but to buy their Comoditie fitt for the Redd Sea, to fitt our selues if that attempt be thought on, or for Persia; if that last yeare they sould spices at such rate in Suratt as wee might well make profitt on .... it is wisdome to vse the Present to best advantage. Now I shall come to a more generall consideration of the whole estate of the Companies affaires, which wilbe very requisite well to ponder. I doubt not but you haue brought a greate fleete and vast bellyes to bee filled, and your stock and Cargoson but according to ordinarie and woonted aduise, for that the Company will relye on our helpes toward the Sowthard, which you will finde haue these former yeares beene very bare, and that this will spare you little toward soe great a lading.