The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 31.1.2

31.1.2

Therfore first I will lett you see what last yeare was Complayned off: that this factorie deuoured all the rest, and Captain Pepwell went on with little hope to make any quick returne. Master Kerridge can informe you of the wantes before you. Mesolapatan will affoord you little or nothing; Priaman and Ticoe, by a New factory (if it stand) somwhat, but their stock soe small as it will not bee seene. Bantam is suckd drye, and the decay of the trade hastened home Captain Keeling, who, foreseeing the wants if hee should haue stayed out his tyme, saw hee should both fayle of hopes and beare the blame or ill fortune of that was not his fault; therfore wisely, first considering himselfe would returne loaden (for hee that comes full home is welcome for the Present, they that follow must stand to their fortunes), to lade him the Hector and all other were emptied, and shee found vnfitt and so broken vp, and all the factories so nere socked that ther is little left to supply the last [general], who carried 3 great ships: where to fill them I know not. You will fynd the estate so much woorse by how much later you are and the greater fleete, and therfore must foresee it for your owne Creditt and the Companyes benefitt. After you are Past Bantam the other factories are of small consequence; that in Spcadana is only for a box; the Moluccoes possessed by the Dutch and wee beaten out and they to strong for vs to requite yt;