Travels in India (Tavernier) 43.4

43.4

I embarked in one of these two vessels which left last, and having set sail on the 8th of January, we arrived on the 12th before Diu, where we found the three other vessels which had preceded us. Immediately a council of war was held to consider what direction we should take to meet the English, whom we believed had already reached Persia; but they had gone but a short distance, only having left Diu two days before the arrival of the three first Dutch vessels. It was settled that we should go to Sindi, and that, with anchors up, each vessel approaching Diu as near as it could, should fire off all its cannon at the town. As soon as the inhabitants perceived that we were sailing towards the town they took flight, only daring to fire two shots at us. After the discharge of all the guns, we set our course for Sindi, where we arrived on the 20th of the same month, and at once a boat was sent on shore, the English and Dutch each having a house there. Our Admiral was informed that they daily expected the four English vessels, which were to embark about 200 bales of goods then ready on the seashore ; and upon these tidings it was resolved to remain there at anchor till the 10th of February ; but that, if by that time they did not appear, we should put to sea again and seek for them in Persia. On the 2d of February, at break of day, we perceived some sails, but owing to their great distance were unable to make them out, and still less to go to meet them, the wind being contrary.