The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 41.1.5

41.1.5

To returne to a fort. Ther is noe Place to bee obteyned. They are weary of vs as it is; and indeed wee see wee haue empouerished the Portes, and wounded all their trades, soe that by much Perswasion of the Gouernors the Merchant goes to sea. Or, if ther were licence granted, ther is none fitt for your Shipping except one that lies out of all Commerce and hath more inconveniences in yt then this, which, when your goodes are ready by September, wilbe easie enough. And if you began to build and plant here, quarrell would arise, the enemie exasperated, who may now bee drawn to Composition, and all your proffittes eaten in Garrizons and dead payes. It is noe way to driue your trades by plantation. The Dutch haue spoyled the Moluccoes which they fought for, and spent more then they will yeild them, if quiett, in seauen yeares. Syndu you may freely goe too, lade and relade ; but it is inhabited by the Portugall, lies noe way well for your stock (except you scatter it) ; it ventes only your teeth and affordes good Cloth and many toyes. But if the sortes you haue seene serue your Markettes, you are nearer seated and may haue what quanteties you Please ; and for your teeth the marchant will fetch them at Suratt.