Travels in India (Tavernier) 32.3.3

32.3.3

The Dutch Commander, whom it was desirable to inform how the matter had occurred, in order to apply a quick remedy to an evil of which we feared the too prompt results, advised his immediate departure, and we gave him a mule and as much money as he required to enable him to reach Bandar, and to embark there on the first vessel which sailed for Surat. I gave him a letter of recommendation to the English President, who was a friend of mine, and whom I asked to advance him up to 200 écus if he should require them. I spoke very well of him in my letter, and I made mention of the offer which the Dutch Commander had made him at Ispahan, to send him to Batavia with letters to the General, who would not fail to give him employment according to his merit ; and, as a matter of fact, at this time, the Dutch being at war with the Portuguese in the island of Ceylon, a man of courage and intelligence like M. des Marests would be very useful to them. He was therefore strongly pressed to accept employment from them, and they showed him great kindness, caressed him much, and made him presents during his sojourn at Ispahan. But at length he told them that, not being of their religion, he felt some scruple in serving them against the Portuguese, and that it was the only reason that prevented him from accepting the offers which they so kindly made him. The letters which I gave him for the English President contained all this account ;