The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 6.1.3

6.1.3

A truce, rather then a Peace, with the Mogull is newly procured by the Portugall payeing three leeks of Rupias for the ship taken, and licence to goe to the Red Sea signed. This newes I mett on the way; a Moore comming from Court with 300 followers sent to Meca, going to Suratt to take shipping, where three shippes haue order to make ready this yeare without theyr ancient tribute to the Portugall. He had store of Indico with him. I demanded what Conditions concerning the english this peace did Conteyne. An Armenian Christian merchaunt tould me the Mogull had answered he could not put out the english, beeing powerfull at sea, but he lefte it to the Portugalls to doe what they pleased and to endure likewise theyr fortune. So that the warr is left open for both at sea, and wee must woorke and stand vpon our owne safety. The Portugall mannaginge this peace bought presently as much Indico as laded 180 bullocks and are now comming downe with yt. . . . . . . . All your goodes come by land long journyes at your chardg, both for Carts, Peons, Guardes and such trach ; wheras I suppose some residence may be had vpon some riuer that may ease most of yt . . According to such relations as I haue gotten, the River of Syndu were most comodious of all others, to which from Labor any thing may passe by water ; besides, the Cuntry is more healthy and plentiffull in Indico and Comodytyes fitt for England then these parts, the Portugall having great ladings yearly from thence.