Later Mughals v1.c6.s29.14

v1.c6.s29.14

A few days afterwards, on the 18th January, a visit was paid to Zulfiqar Khan. The envoy and his assistants having been asked to sit down, Mr. Ketelaar paid his host a few compliments "in the Hindu language", and hoped that he would favour the Company's interests at Court, as they always recollected the friendship shown to them by his father, Asad Khan, when chief minister. The Khan said he would try to aid them and doubted not that they would succeed, but he objected to the erection of a new factory outside Surat. The envoy was very anxious to hear the grounds of his objection, but could not continue the interview, as the etiquette of the Court forbids a long stay or much talk upon a first visit. Zulfiqar Khan, pleased at their allusion to his father, asked if they had called upon him on their way through Dihli, but they explained that it having been the month of fasting, during which no visits are received, they had been unable to pay their respects. In conclusion they asked for an order to the governor of Surat allowing the transfer of the other presents sent from Batavia. The order was made out and after sealing was handed over. No dresses of honour were given openly; they were to be forwarded afterwards.