Travels in India (Tavernier) 43.1

43.1

While on my return to Surat from my journey to the diamond mine, I learned that war had been declared between the English and Dutch, and that the latter would not send any more vessels to Persia. The English also said the same, because they had sent four which they expected to return every hour, and consequently I found the sea closed as regards my passage to Hormuz. I might have taken the land journey by Agra and Kandahar; but the road was very long, and it was impossible, or at the least very difficult, to travel by it on account of the Kandahar war, and because the armies of Persia and India were in the field. While afraid that I should be obliged to spend a long time in a place where I had no occupation, there arrived at Surat on the 2d of January five large Dutch vessels from Batavia; this rejoiced me exceedingly, being certain to obtain all I wanted from the Dutch Commander, who was a friend of mine. I may say, in passing, that in all my journeys there has never been one of these commanders (it is thus they call the chiefs of these settlements) who has not manifested consideration for me, and who has not been pleased to have an opportunity of showing me kindness.