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_J.IBRARY ^^

OF THE 1

NETHERLANDS 1

INFORMATION J

BUREAU ^J

^^H

Vol i ^^^H

■

\ A)

ANEW

AGjCOUNT

^^^^'^>^ OF THEC^/^4^.

EAST INDIES.

GIVING

An exaft and copious Defi:m)don of the Situations
ProduA, Manufadures, Laws, Cuflxnns, Reli-
^on. Trade, ISc. of all the Countries and Iflands,
which Be between the Cape of Good Hope,
and the Ifland of Japon.

IntCT^;>ericd with

An eatertadmng Relation not only of theprindpal Events,
which happened during die AiidiM^s Thir^ Years Re-
fidence in tbofe Parts; but alfi> of die moft remarkable
Oocurrenoes and Revolutions in diofe vaft Dominions,
for diisCcntiiry paft.

Many canons and intereftiiig Particulars relating to oar Cbmmerce
with thofe Coontries, and the Affiurs of the East India
Company.

By Captain Alexander Hamilton.

In Two Volumes.

VOLUME I.

LONDON:

Printed tor C. Hitch, in Patermofter-row ; and A. Millar^
opposite U> Katbarini'Street in the StrttmU

^ mjbcc^HvT

THF NEW YOr.K

PUBLIC MBRABY

AfVruR. LKNOX A.NM
TILDCN F(;; ^LiATItiM

THE

PREFACE.

Book without a Preface,
now a Days, is as unfaflii-
onable as a Lady to pre-

tend to be drels'd Al/t-

mode without a Hoop, or a nice Beau
without a SnuS-box : Therefore I am
relblred to be in the Faihion at any
Rate, if I do appear a little akward
in my Performance, and I will make no
other Apol<^y, but the Thread-bare
A 1 one.

iv PREFACE.

one, ( that many Scriblers have done
before me ) that it was at the Requeft,
and by the Perfuafions of Ibme parti-
cular Friends and Acquaintances^ that
I commit thefe Obfervations and Re-
marks to Writing.

I know, fiich a Mifcellany as this
muft be, will hardly find Favour with
every Body j however, if it pleafe my
Friends, I fhall not be very fblicitous
9bout what others may fay of it, or me \
and, if there are any notable Errors
or Miftakes in the Work, ( which is
more than I know of, if there is ) yet
take all the Piece together, without
Vanity, I prefume, you will find it
more particular, corred and extenfive,
than any of this Kind, at lea(^, of any
that ever I law j and if ^y Things are
mentioned or advanced, that may feem
dubious or fal^olous, thebeft Way that
I know how to cure your Scruples or
Doubts, is, to take a Trip to thofe
Countries from Avhcnce they come, and
inform yourfclves better than I have

done \

PREFACE. V

done ; and when ye return to Britain
and convi<^ or convince me of my Miil
takes, I will readily acknowledge
them, and beg Pardon.

But rU neither do the one nor the
other, if I am arraigned before the
Tribunal of Map-travellers, or ^vho
have only the San<^on of other Mens
Journals, or Memoirs to qualify them
ix Judges^ and, altho' fbme amufe the
World with large and florid Defcripti-
Mis of Countries that they never law,
and of Cuftoms they never iaw uied,
yet, fince their Stock of Knowledge is
all on Tick, the Want of being Eye and
£ar-witnefles very much depreciates
their Accounts ^ beiides, common Ex-
perience teacheth us, that Time alters
Religions, Cuftoms, Commerce, Oeco-
nomy, ^c. in all Countries j therefore,
as theie Obiervations are the mofl: mo«
dem, cooiequently they are the nearer
related to the Times we live in*

I knew a reverend Gentleman, iu
Amo 1690. who Q^JXi^ Xo Bombay \xi

A3 tndia^

vi PREFACE,

If/dtay Chaplain of the Ship Benjamin y
the Ship was ient on a Voyage to jiP"
cheeny and the Streights of Mallaccay
while the Chaplain flayed at Bombay
and Suraty employed in his minifterial
Duties, and in making his ingenious
Obfervations and Remarks, which he
publifhed when he returned toEnglandy
for which he received a great deal of
Applaufc, and many Encomiums fit>m
fomc of his Reverend Brethren, and a
particular Compliment from the Gover-
nors of the Church j yet I know that
his grcateft Travels were in Maps, and
the Knowledge he had of the Countries,
any Way remote from the aforementi-
oned Places, was the Accounts he ga-
thered from common Report ; and, per-
haps, thofc Reports came fucceilively
to him by Second or Third Hands j for,
to my certain Knowledge, there were
none then at Surat or Bombay that
could furnifh him with any tolerable
Accounts of {ome Countries that he de-
icribes, particularly of the Growth and
Nature of Tea, and ihews its Bufh very

prettily

PREFACE. vu

pcettily amoD^ his Cats ; which Ac-
counts are not eafily procured, even in
Ofway much Ig{s at Jitmha^.

The Tafte of tho£» Times relifhed
all he prefented with a very good Guftq,
and the. reverend Traveller received al-
maft as ample Rewards and Praifes for
his peribnal Travels to Surat by Sea>
and over the reft of India by .Maps,
as Sir Francis Drake had for his Tour
iDund the World ; fb, that if this Age
has retained any Relifh for perfbnal
Travels, and new Obiervations of In-^
dia^ thefe have as good a Right to
claim a £ivourable Reception as any
that ever came to Britain before them.

The reverend Traveller, nor any that
had made Trips to India before him,
could not well be acquainted with
many Occurrences that have come with-
in the Reach of my Obiervations j and
I can perceive ieveral Things vv^orth
noticing, they have negleded or leap'd
over, either for want of Curioiity, Lan-

A 4 guage,

v'lii P R E F yi C E.

guagpy <>r ibme other Impediments, £>
that if s^iy of ^em aie £rand in this,
I prefume they will not be imaccept-

able.

But, after all, I am not {o vain, or
(o ill acquainted with the World, to
think that I fliall go Scot4ree, without
Ceoiiire, tho* my Obfervations had been
much nicer, and this Work much more
perfe<^ than it is, iince {o great a Man
as £i(hop Burnet has been ib ieeere-
ly lafh a by one that could know no
more of his Af&irs or N^otiations,
than he knows of mine, or of many
Countries that I have been in.

And many a hard Laih and fcurri-
lous Name the right reverend Father
has gotten for writing io favourably of
himielf, and his own Gmdud in his
Management of various impcwtant Af*
fairs, among Politicians, and Stated
men ; yet I am obliged to &>llow his
Example in ibme particular Cafes,
where I had Occafion to ad on the

Stage

•'t ir«

P a E f Ji C E. ix

Stage of die Eaftem Woiid, tho' I am
not ignorant of the great Odds that
the Bifliop had of me, bodi in Edaca-
tion and Capacity ^ yet when I con-
fider, that the Sun is placed in a much
higher Ori> than the Moon, and his

much brighter, and his Influ-
mnch more beneficent, neverthe-
leis (he has £>me veiy u&fiil Qualities,
tint gains her ibme Admirers as well
as he, tho' not {o numerous.

I alio fellow the right reverend Fa-
dier in giving fbme People Charaders,
whom I praiie or cenfure according to
my own Experience, or Acquaintance
with their Candor or Malverfation in
the Coorie of their Affiiirs with myielf
or others ; or by good Information of
dieir Coadu^ and Abilities, which Max-
im I am not afiaid to follow through all
my (X>iaTations, if I ihould be called
be$Me the arbitrary Tribunal of Critics
or Ceniiirers. .

X PREFACE.

My Task in cmnpiliDg this had been
much lighter, and my Performance per-
haps had been better, if Gazettes, and
other u&ful public Papers were uied
in thofe Countries where I travelled, or
if I could have read their di&rent
Hiftories in their various vernacular
X^anguages ; then the general Accounts
of their Laws, Religions, Politics,
^c\ material Obfervations had been
much fuller and cxa£teT than now they
are ; but fuch Helps could not be had.
Indeed, as to their Laws, their Kings
or Princes being all arbitrary, the Law
is lodged in their Breads, who make
and repeal when they pleafe ; but, for
the Eaie of the Populace, they have
national Cuftoms and Courts to manage
diftributive Juilice, and that runs in
a pretty even Channel, when it is not
interrupted by the Prince s Order, or
ftop'd by Bribes to thoie Governors
or Judges who have the Diflrribution
of them ; and this is not more in Ufe

among

i> RE F A€ E. xi

among the black Indians than among
the white.

Their Religions are a Complex of
Myfteries, Church-policy, and SupM^
ftition, and they are all faiely locked
up in their Temples, as being too holy
to be expoied to the Vulgar, and they
ieldom appear abroad, but in a Lan-
gu£^e generally imknown to the Popa-
lace^ and the Prieflrs are both Authors
and Interpreters of the (acred Dreams,
and, in moft Parts, the Priefts have
the Keeping of the Keys of their Hit.
tories too ; and when they come abroad,
it may eaiily be obferved, that a Z>-
vite had been trimming or tampering
with them, iot they are generally groi-
ly bedawb'd with Hyperboles and Fa-
bles, and a little God often brought in
to father their Inventions, Affirmations,
or Notions.

So that what Knowledge I have ac-
quired or gathered, is from the much
Converfe I had with the Natives of

the

xii PREFACE,

the re(pedive Countries I travelled
in, or from thofe that were ^miliar-
ly acquainted with the Religions,
Laws, and Cudoms of their Neigh-
hpurs.

One great Misfortune that attends us
European Travellers in Indiay is, the
Want of Knowledge of their Langua^
geS) and they being ib numerous, that
one intire Century would be too fhort
a Time to learn them all : I could not
find one in Ten thouiand that could
ipeak intelligible Englijh^ tho*, alonj
the Sea-coafts, the Portugueze have lef
a Veftige of their Language, tho*
much corrupted,*yet it is the Language
that naoft Europeans learn firft, to qua-
lify them for a general Converfe with
one another, as well as with the diflfe-
rent Inhabitants of India.

And we Bri fains, who either go vo-
luntarily, or are ient to Nep$une*s
Schools in our Youth, to learn Folite-
nefs and Eloquence, very' rarely meet

with

PREFACE* xiii

with jifoWs bright Sons or Diicipies
to inimid us in the Knowledge of
Langoages, or of the State of all Na*
tkms, but of that one we are born in,
and that but imperfectly too. That
niay be one Reafbn, among many, why
we appear io iimple and aukward in
drelliog up the Obiervations we make
of foreign G>untries, that we travel in ;
hut I dare fay, No-body will, or can
be {o ill-natured as to be ofifended, when
he fees a Plowman take out his Miflreis
to dance a Minuet a-la^mode^ becauie
his Performances are not exa<^ly iquar-
ed with a Dancing-mafter*s Rules and
Figures, which Reflexion makes me
hope, that this my Virgin Eflay will
be civilly treated by the unprejudiced
Lovers of Travels.

And now, to animadvert a little on
the Subje6is of my Travels. The geo-
graphical, cofmographical or topogra-
phical Parts of my Obfervations have,
moft of their Places, been fettled by o-
thers, tho', I think, fbme of them are

xiv P R E F u4 C E,

a little out of their true Poiitions, and
iome I have correded in the annexed
Maps, according to my own Obiervati-
ons j and thofe Maps will ih&w the
Places and their Names in a much ea-
sier and clearer Light than if I had
marked them down in Margines ; and
fince mofl: of the Continents and lilands
lie pretty near the ^^quator, the Errors
in Ix>ngitude are not very great, if at
all material.

The theogonal and moral Parts may,
without Doubt, deferve ibme ierious
Thoughts or Attention, becauie every
Body is, or ought to be concerned in
thofe Speculations, firtcc they fhew ibme
Parts of their Religions and Cuftoms,
and, comparing them with the inefti-
mable Bleilings that we enjoy by re-
vealed Religion and rational Laws, may
afibrd us no iinall Satisfa^on, when
rightly confidered, and that their wild
Notions of a Deity, overclouded with
Saperftition and Folly, deferve our Pi-
ty and Charity ^ and that our Duty

towards

PREFACE, XF

towards God and our Neighbour is, by
the Holy Scriptures, iet before us in
the brighteft Light, while theirs is to
be groped out by the dark Glimmer-
ings of very fallible Rea^ j yet, for
all theie Disadvantages, 1 have known
many of them prat^ife very much Ho-
lineu in their Lives by the Help of
JSforality, fb that fbme Animadverfi-
cm on our Advantages, compared with
their Diiadvantages, may be, in ibme
Meafiire, both uieful and delightfiil to
all thinking Men, except the Afheift,
whtofe Numbers, I hope, are very few
among us, and I never met with one
in Zfilfa,

What relates to Navigation, in de-
icribing the Seas, and Dangers lying
in them, and the SeaKioafts, with the
Dangers and Harbours on them, is
purely calculated for the Uie of my
Fraternity, who may have Occafion to
navigate in thofe Seas, or on thofe
Coarbs ; but to others, who have no Call
that Way, they are almofl uielefs.

The

xvi PREFACE.

The G>mmerce on the Continent
and the Iflands, with the Account of
their Produdions, Fertility or Sterility,
are merely defigned for the AfTiftance of
Strangers^ Merchants or Seamen, who
may hereafter attempt a Trade with
the Inhabitants of them : And I am
periuaded, that there are ieveral Pla-
ces, both on the G)ntinent and amoi^
the Iflands, that lie now negleded by
Europeans^ that might produce a good
advantageous Trade, if Fadories were
fettled, and G>mmerce cultivated with
the Inhabitants, and would yield much
better Profits than many of the old
Fadories do at prefent, fome of which^
I know, carry on but a very faint Trade,
for their refpeSive G>mpanies, that can
hardly defray their little Charges : But
indolent People are generally wedded
to their old Cuftoms, or their crazy
Habitations, without confidering what
Chaiges Time makes, in Bodies poli-
tic as well as natural, which Diuem-
per is a Lethargy in Trade, and in all

other Branches of Induftry, which I

can

PREFACE. xvii
can point out in Particulars^ if Need

were.

Kow, as our dear Friends and Al-
lies have engrc^d all the Alotuccos or
Spice Iflands, I can give but a fiiperfi-
cial Hiftorical Account of them ; and,
as they were acquired by bloody and
barbarous Indullry, they keep and go-
?eni them with arbitrary Violence. A
poor Britain dares not approach them,
left they meet with the Fate that fbme
of our Country-men met with there
fivmerly : And even an Engltjh Sea-
man cannot be Employed in that Com-
pany's Service, for fear of making Ob-
servations in Navigation, and Remarks
on Trade, that may ( lome Time or o-
ther, but God knows when ) prove de-
trimental to their Commerce. What
I could learn of thofe Iflands were fbme
curfory Accounts from fbme of my Fra-
ternity, when a Bottle or two had o-
pened their Breafts.

B Yet

x\iu PREFACE,

Yet I could have enlarged theie Qb-
(ervations, and made my Book look
much bigger than it is; but, as I hate
Prolixity myfelf, I treat my Reader
with what Brevity I can, in every Part,
except it be where the Subje<d cannot
bear too narrow a Contraction in its
Illuftration.

I underftand but little of the Ule
of the Pencil, for which Reaibn I do
not exhibit many Cuts or Figures that
might deferve a Place in the Book, and
thofe that are placed, are not taken by
Rule, or from any certain Pofition, but
according to the Ideas of them that my
Memory prefents to me, yet I am in
Hopes, that they will pleafe Ibme, and
offend none ; and I give them a Place
here, becaufe I have not feen them in-
fcrt6(i in the Books of former Authors,
nor in the Memoirs of Travellers.

But before I end this Preface or Pro-
logue, I will tell my Reader, who per-
haps is unacquainted with me, who I

am.

J> R E'FUC E. xTx

am, jBod who I am, not. F^rft then, I
•am ofle who went very young to travel,
not fot Want, for tbsre ever was, and
is. enough of that in my own Country;
but having a rambling Mind, and a For-
tune too narrow to allow me to travel
like a Gentleman, I applied myielf to
the Study of nautical Af&irs at Nef)-
tunes School, and, in Procefs of Time,
I came to be a Mafter of Arts in that
Univerfity. My younger Days I fpcnt
in vifiting moft of the maritim King-
doms of Europe, and Ibme Parts of
Barbary* Then my Curiolity led me
to Jamaica, and then to the Eafi'In-
dies, where I fpent between five and fix
and thirty Years, ftill learning my
Trade, and how to get Money, and,
meeting with ibme Encouragement, I
fet up for myfelf, and took ibme Ap-
prentices, and, according to my Abili-
ties, I taught them, and gave them En-
couragement. Now, one would think,
that in fb long a Time in Indian I might
have made a great Deal of Money as
well as Obiervations and Remarks ; but

B z Fortunatus

XX PRE Fjd C E.

Tortunatus will not lodge in every
Houfe there with honed and lodiilb'ious
Men more than in Europe ; yet, after
many Stragglings with adverse Fortune,
and heavy Oppreflions, I have brought
back a Charm that can keep out the
fM eager Devil (Poverty ) from entring
into my Hou(c, and lo I have got holy
u4gur^ Wifh in Prov, xxx. 8. and I
have learned a pretty good Leflba from
St. Paul in his Epiftle to the Philip-
fiatiSy Chap. iv. Ver. 1 1. which I am
refolved to follow as long as I live.

And now I'll tell you who I am not.
I afTure you I am no mercenary Scrib-
Icr, for, altho' I was proferred a good
round Sum for a Copy of jhefc follow-
ing Oblervations, I refufcd i-, and have
made a Prcfent of them to a particular
Friend, and, if he thinks them worth
the Printing, he may print them for
his own Benefit and Advantage \ and,
if he has good Luck in })uttmg them
off, })crhaps I may make ibme Additi-

% ons.

PREFACE. xxi

onSf Appendixes or Supplements to
thofe Obfervatlons already made.

Moreover, I left Eagland before
King fVtlliam came into it as King,
which I look on as a lingular Frovi*
dence, confidering the Revolutions and
Wars that ibon followed King James's
Abdication ; for being then young and
thoughtlels, and haviilg but little Ex-
perience of the Afl^irs of a politic
World, a feir Tale plauiibly told, with
a little finooth Periuaiion, might have
drawn me into a wrong Way of think-
ing, or might have led me away ( by
taking Part with a wrong Fai9:ion ) to
an untimely End, or, at lead, have
given me Time enough to make Ohfer-
vations on the Miferies of a penurious
Life, as I fed many now in Holland Ao
at this Time, who are plentifully fed
with the Bread of AfBi<9:ion, and their
Heat quenched with the Waters of Sor-
row, and the Tears of Repentance.

B 3 Now,

Sxii PREFACE.

Now, as thefe Obfervations have

my Memory, and are the Aniulements
or Lucubrations of the Nights of two
long Winters, I have even let my
Thoughts take their Places, as they
came out of my little Magazine, with-
out ftudying to put them in Rank and
File, according to nice Rules and Forms.
So in the lame Order I leave them to
my Reader, with the old Proverb to
accompany them, that the Proof of the
Pudding « in the eating it ; to, accord-
ing to your Tafte or Appetite, you may
cither condemn or commend.

A Lift

CONTENTS

O F T H E

Chapters of the Firft Volume.
CHAP. I.

Gives a traditional Account of thefirft fet-
iUng of Europeans at the Cape of Good-
h(^^ vntbfome biftorical Remarks en the
maritim Countries betnjoeen the faid Cape and
Cape Guardafoyi mtb the inhabited Iflands of
thatCoafi, Page x

CHAP. II.

Gives a Jhort Deferipticn of the IJIands in the
Ethiopian Seas, with fome remarkable Paffa-
gesbifiorical and accidmtal. id'

CHAP. HI.

Gives a Defcription of Zeyh's Sea-co(^y and

of a Fart of Ethiopia, Zuakin and Upper

Egypt. 23

CHAP.

wt' llift CONTENTS,

C H A P.. IV.

Gives ajbort Defcriptim of the Coajl of Arabia
"the Happy, from Mount Sinai to Mocha;
nvitbfome Obfervations on the Religion^ Cuftoms
and Laws, as they are now ejiablijhed Page 3 5

C H A P. V.

Gives a Defcription of the Immaum ofMochz*s
Country J particularly oj Mocha its Situation
Laws^ Oi/ioms and Commerce j witbfome hif
toricci Obfervations. 4 1

CHAP, VL

Contains a Defcription of Aden, with fome bif^
torical Remarks about the Turkifh Expedition
from thence into India : jiljo an Account of
the Sea-'CoaJi oj Arabia Pctrea, as far as Muf-
kat and BafTora ; with a particular Account of
an Englifli Ship loft on the Iflandof Maccira.

54
CHAP. VII.

T[reats of the Kingdom and Gty of Mufkat, and
of their religious and civil Oufioms ; with fome
mftorical Account of their Wars and Oeconomy^
andafmall Account of the Sea-coaft of Arabia
Dcfcrta, tf^yir^Baflbra. 60

CHAP.

TheGONTENTa lovii

CHAP. VIII.

Gives an Acctmnt of Baflcva Gty^ and that Part
of Arabia Deferta, with Remarks on its Go^
vernment and Commerce, and fame Occurrences,
both ancient and modem, that have happened to
it ; witbfome Account of the famous River of
Euphrates. Page 77

CHAP. IX.

Gives a Defcription of the Sea^coaji of Pcrfia,
from Euphrates to Gombroon, with the Places
of Commerce on the Perfian Side of the Gulf

C H A P. X,

t a Continuation of Obfervations an the Empire

' of Perfia, giving an Account of its Magnitude,

the RfduBion of Ormuze to the Obedience of

Perfia by the AJJiftance of the Englifli : Aljo

of the late Revolution by Meriweys. - 101

CHAP. XL

T^'reats of the Mogul'i Dominions on the River
Indus, particularly of the ancient Kingdom of
Sindy its ProduB ana Commerce, Religion and
Qijioms of the Inhabitants s mtb a Defcription
of the River Indus. 115

1 CHAP.

xxviii The C O N T E N T a

CHAP. XIL

Gives an Account of the ancient Kingdom ofGw-
zcrat, now a Province annexed to the Mogul'i
Dominions^ its Situation^ ProduS^ Manmrs
and Religion J with fome Account of the Pirates
that inhabit Part oj it i and Jome Obferoatians
on Diu, a Portugueze City on an I/land per •
taining to Guzerac. Page 1 3 1

CHAP. XIII.

Gives an Account of the Cities of Catnbay, Ba-
roach and Surat ; with feveral Occurrences
that happened to them. 1 43

CHAP. XIV.

Is a Continuation of my Obfervations of the Reli-
gions and Cujioms ufedin Surat and the adjacent
Country. 1 57

CHAP. XV,

Gives an Account of the famous Aurengzcb'i
Dirth^ his Politics and ASiions in obtaining
the Empire^ and of bis long and pro^rous Reign.

168

CHAP. XVI.

Treats of the Cities and Towns on the Sea^coajl be^
longing to the Crown of Portugal, from Da-
moan to Bombay. 1 7 9

CHAP.

The <2 O N T E N T &

%«».

CHAP. xvir.

Ghes a Dr/criptim of Bomtny, witbfome hif*
imcal Remarks on its Wars^ Government and
Tradr^ ////Anno 1687. when the Fowtdatiik
iifa JVar ^was laid^ wbicb proved the Ruin of the
then Englifh Esi^^lndisi Company. Page 183

CHAP. XVIII.

Continues the Obferuations on tbe j^airs^f Bom«*
bay, with toe Articks exbibited by Mr. Child,
in Order to embroil tbe Company* s Affairs mtb
tbeMogul and bis Subjeffs. ' 202

CHAP. XIX.

Gives an Account of tbe War of Bombay, be^
tween tbe Mogul and tbe Englifh Eaft-India
Campania with Aurengzeb'i Letters of Ad^^
vice to tbe Governor of Bombay, on granting
tbem aPeaceandnew Indulgences in Trade. 220

CHAP. XX.

Gives an Account of wbat is remarkable onfome
Ifiands^ and of tbe Sea-coafty asjarasGodu

241

CHAP. XXI.

Gives an Account of Goa its Situation^ "Trade ^
Religion and Churches, 'with the Fortif cations

about

XXX The CONTENTS.

about it^ the Limits of the Portugueze Domi'^
nions there ^ as far South as Gabo de Rama;

Page 249

CHAP. XXII.

Gives an Account of Sundah RajahV Dtmmons^
the FroduSly Religion and Cu/loms of kis Ckmn--
try J with Ob/ervations on his War with the
£ngli(h Eafl-India Company in Anno 171 8.

261

CHAP. XXIII.

Gives a Defeription of Canara^ Jhewing its Fer-
tilityj ProduSi^ Government^ Religion^ Cujloms^
ana Temper of its Inhabitants. 278

CHAP. XXIV.

Treats of the Malabars, their Forces and Fami^
lieSy Religion^ Laws and QifiomSy ProduSl of
their Country^ and their Commerce 5 with Jome
mijcellaneous Obfervations on their Cujioms and
IVars. 287

CHAP. XXV.

Obfervations on the Samorin and his Country^
their Religion^ Laws and CuJloms^ FroduSl of
the Country^ and its (jommerce ; an Account of
their War "ivith the Dutch, begun in Anno
1 708 . and the Confequcnccs of it. 3 07

CHAP.

The CONTENTS- Xfod

CHAP. XXVL

Gives an Account of Couchin, its Govemmeni

and Strength^ its ancient andprefent State ^ its

ProduS andCommerce ; mtb form Account of

tbe Jews inhabiting there. Plagp 323

CHAP. XXVII.

treats of tbe IJland of Ceylon or Zdoan, its
ProduB and Commerce^ Religion and Cu/ioms^
tbe Poitugueze Pride andFolfy tbe Caupf of its
falling into tbe Dutch Company's Hands ; with
other biftorical Remarks and Obfervations^ both
ancient and modem. 339

CHAP. X3CVIII.

treats of tbe Countries on tbe Sea-coajl^ from

. Adam'i Bridge at Zeloan to Fort St. George ;

vntb an Account of St. ' Thomas'^ Martyrdom^

according to tbe Portugueze Legend 34S

CHAP. XXix.

Gives ajhort Defer iption of Fort St. George,
itsfrfi Settlement and Rife^ its Situation and
Sterility^ and fome Remarks on its Govern--
ment^ and the ASiions of fome of its Gover^
mrs. 361

CHAR

xxxii The CONTENTS-

CHAP. XXX.

Gives an Account of the Ccaft of Chormondel
Jrom Fort St. Grorgc to Ganjam, the eafter^
mojl Town in the ancient Kingdom of Golcon-
dah J with Objeruations on their Pagan H^or^
Jhip^ andfome Occurrences that happened to
the Englim FaStory at Vizagapatam, while I
was there. ^ Page 372

CHAR XXXI.

Treats of the Sea-coaji and f me inland Countries
in the ancient Kingdom of Orixa, by the Na^
tivi's called Oria ; with an jiccount of the fa-
mous Temple of ]z%zxyx\zx.. 383

CHAP. XXXIL

h an ylccount of the maritim Towns on the Coaft
of Orixa, which terminates at Ballafore : Al^
Jo of inland Places thro* which I travelled. 391

A New

ANEW

ACCOUNT

O F T H E

EAST INDIES.

CHAP. I.

Qiveth a traditional Account of the
Jirfi fettling o/^Europeans at the
Cape of Good Hope, with fome bf
fiarical Remarks on the maritime
Countries between the /aid Cafe and
Cape Guardafoy, leith the inhabit'
ed IJlands of that Coafl.

JHE firft Eunptmi that fettled

I at Cabo de bona B^anza, or,

I in E/igliJh, the C^pe of Gtod

' Hope^ were the Englijhj in

I Queen Elizaiefi's Time ; but

the Natives were fo unfodabte

and indocile, tiiat they thought fit to leave it. .

Vol.. I. B A

• •V

a ^ New Account

A few Years after they had left it, the Eng-*
Ujh EaJi^India Company confidering what Im-
portance a Port would be of to their Shipping,
both in their outward and homeward bound
Paflages to and from India^ were refolved to
make another Trial for a Settlement there,
and, in order to accomplifh their Dclien, ob-
tained a Reprieve for three condemned Male-
faftors, to be carried thither in order to learn
the Language, to ferve for Interpreters, and
toinfpedt, as far as they could, into the Man-
ners and Cuftoms of the native Hottentots^ and
of the Produft and Commerce of the Country;

After they had been there three Years with-
out being able to learn any of their Language,
or to teach any of the Natives a Word of Eng^
Ufl>y a Ship was ordered, in her Paflage from
India y to call there, to know what was become
of thefe three Perfons, and arriving there,
found them all alive, but very tired with their
manner of living, in fo much that they fell on
their Knees, and, with- Tears in their Eyes,
befeeched the Captain of the Ship to carry them
back to England^ to receive the PuniHiment
due to their Crimes, rather than be left among
the very Dregs of human Nature, who had
neither Religion nor Laws, except what eve-
ry jVIafter of a Family prcfcril>ed, anc' allowed
thofe under his Authority toobfcrve and obey.

Some Years after the Experiment was made
on the aforefaid Criminals, an KngllJIo Ship
coming there for Water and Provilions, in their
Way homeward to England^ the Captain had

the

of the Eaft Indies. ^

the Curiofity to detain a Youth that came on
board his Ship, and, being ready to fail, car-
ried him to England^ where he ftaid fome
Years, clothed well after the EngllJJj Faftiion,
and kept at School to learn to fpeak and read
Bjigli/b ; and, when the Eafi-India Company
thought him well enough qualified to ferve for
an Interpreter, they fent him back to his own
Country, very well clothed. Aflbon as he ap-
peared aihore among his Friends and Relations,
he pulled off his Englijh Apparel, and put on
his Country Habit, which is a Sheep's Skin a-
boot his Shoulders. The Sheeps Guts ferve
both Sexes for Bracelets, and the Tallow,
miz'd with Soot, is their Pomatum^ with
which they bedaub their woolly Heads, Faces,
and the reft of their Bodies. And when they
come on board of our Shipping to traffick
their Fowls, Roots and Herbs, with oar
Needles, Scizers, Knives, Toys, tSc. they go
firft to the Cook-room, and look out for fome
Grcafe to anoint their nafty Carcafes, and
fcrape the Bottoms of the Ketdes for Soot, to
beautify their Skins.

Notwithftanding that they are fo brutal and
indocile, they know the Value of Liberty, and
will by no means be Slaves, at leaft to any S/-
ropean Nations ; and, in their Diipoiitions,
are not cruel, tho' revengeful. They are not
fuperftitious ; for what Adoration they pay, is
to the Sun, and that but (eldom. The Coun-
try is mountainous. The Hills are ftored with

B 2 Deer

4 ^ Ngw jiccount

Deer and Sheep, black Cattle, Lions, Tigers, and
other voracious Animals. The Vallies produce
good Wheat and Legumen, Grapes in Abun-
dance, and many other excellent Fruits, O-
ftriches, and good Fowl both wild and tame :
And the Sea and Rivers good Store of Fiflies,
befides the Manatee, or Sea-cow,

The 'Englijh defpairing of fettling a Colony
there, left it, and fettled at St. Helena^ a very
high mountainous Ifland, lying between the
Caaft of Guinea and America y about 620
Leagues North- weft half Weft from the Cape
of Gi>od Hope j and the I^utcb Eaft-lndia Com-
pany fettled a Colony at Cape Bona E/peranza^
by the Afliftance of fome French Refugees,
who have penetrated near 300 Englijh Miles
into the Land, and manure the Ground to ve-
ry good Purpofe, it yielding them Wines and
Wheat in Abundance. The Dutch Company
has a ftrong Fort, and a Town on the South
Side of a Bay, that ferves for a good Road for
Shipping in all Winds, except thofe that blow
between the North and Weft. The Englijb
call'd generally there, in their Way to and
fit)m butia^ in former Times, for Refrcfli-
ments ; but of late the white Hottentots will
not permit the poor Britons to carry on board
their Ships any Cattle, Sheep or Fowls with
Life in them, for the Support or Relief of their
dear Friends and Allies, notwithftanding the
confcientious Prices we would willingly beftow
for their Edibles. The black Hottentots would

(hew

of the Eaft Indies. 5

fliew the Englijh much more Humanity, if
the white did not reftrain them ; and ib I
leave them, and proceed to the Eaftward.

From Cape Bona EJperanza to Natal^ is a
dangerous Sea-coaft, and little frequented^
whether by the Unfociablcnefs of the Hotten-
tots the Inhabitants, or that the Country pro-
duces nothing worth the Merchants adventur--
ing thither for, I know not ; but to Natal I
have known fome Englijh Veflcls go from In^
dia^ for Elephants Teeth, and did make pret-
ty good Voyages ; but they were two Years
and a half in performing a Voyage. The
Country is fertile, but unwholefome. The
Woods are thick fet with feveral forts of Trees,
and ftored with Elephants, Lions, Leopards,
Bears, Wolves, Deer and Foxes ; the Rivers
with Fi(h, Manatees, and Crocodiles. Here
lived, in anno 17 18, a penitent Pirate, who
fequeftred himfelf from his abominable Com-
munity, and retired out of Harm's Way.

There is no Commerce on the Coafl be-
tween Natal and Delagoa^ I believe, for the
fame Reafon that I gave for the Unfrequent-
ednefs of the Coafl: between the Cape of Good
Hope and Natal j and I believe, the firft com-
municative Commerce, either to Natal or De^
lagoay with the Englijh^ came by Accident ;
for about the Year 1683, an Englijh Ship,
called the Johanna^ was loft fomewhere about
Delagoa. The Natives, who were reputed
great Barbarians, (hewed the fhipwrcck'd Men

B 3 much

6 A New Accow^t

much more Civility and Humanity than fomc
Nations that I know, who pretend much Re-
ligion and Politenefs, for they accommodated
their Guefts with whatever they wanted of
the Produft of their Country, at very eafy
Rates, and aflifted what they could, to fave
Part of the damaged Cargo, receiving very
moderate Rewards for their Labour and Pains.
Their Language was by Signs ; and for a few
Glafs-beads, Knives, Scizers, Needles, Thread,
and fmall Looking- glafles, which they are ve-
ry fond of, they hired themfelves to carry ma-
ny portable Things (that were faved from the
Shipwreck) to a neighbouring Country, and
procured others, who alfo fcrved them for
Guides towards the Cape of Gcod Hope^ and
provided Eatables for their Mafters, all the
while they were under their Condudt ; and
having carried them about 200 Miles on their
Way, by Land, they provided new Guides
and Porters for them, for fome of the afore-
laid Trifles, who conduded them, and pro-
vided for them, as the others had done, for
7 or 8(;o Miles farther, which they travelled
in 40 Days, and fo delivered their Charge to
others, who conduced and provided for them,
till they arrived at the Cape ; and fome of the
Englijlj falling fick on the Way, t'»cy carried
the Sick in I lammocks, till they either reco-
vered or died, and out of 80 Men there were
but 3 or 4 died ; but how long they journey-
ed before tlicy arrived at the Cape, I have for-
gotten.

of the Eaft Indies. ^

gotten. This Account 1 had from one of th^
Travellers. He told me, that the natural
Fertility of thofe Countries he travelled thro'
made the Inhabitants lazy, indolent, indocile
and fimple. Their Rivers are abundandy
ftored with good Fi(h and Water-fowl, bc-
fides Manatees, or Sea-cows, and Crocodiles ;
their Woods with large Trees, wild Cattle
and Deer, Elephants, Rhinocerofes, Lions,
Tigers, Wolves and Foxes for Game ; alfo
many forts of winged Fowl and Birds, befides
Oftriches. They have fome Notions of a Dei-
ty, whom they worfliip with Dancing and
Feafting, for they are generally vqry much in-
clined to Mirth, an Inltance whereof I'll ven-
ture to relate, on the Account I had from a
Mafter of a Ship, who went thither to trade
in anno 171 8, i^iz. when they had got their
Ship fecured in a River, the Natives aflemblcd
in good Numbers to traffick, near the Place
where the Ship lay : An arch Indian Youth,
who was a very good Drummer, carried his
Drum afhore, and in a Thicket pretty near
the Aflembly, beat his Drum very brifkly, on
which the Young of both Sexes fell a Ikipping,
and a little after the Adult and Old followed
their Example, fo that none ftood idle Specta-
tors ; but the Old beginning to tire, fome went
to the Drummer, and prefented him with
Eggs, Fowl and Fruits, and intreated him to
leave off, which aflbon as he did, they all fat
down again on the Ground, well heated,

B 4 I faw

8 A New jiccount

I &W feveral Rbinocerofes Horos brought
thence to Bombay^ much longer than ever I
faw in India or Chinaj and one was three
Horns growing from one Root ; the longeft
was about i8 Inches, the fecond about 12,
and the third about 8, but fmaller, in Pro-
portion, than what is in India ^ and much
fharper about the Point. The Mafter of the
forenamed Ship brought alfo a black Fowl, as
big in the Body as a large Duck. It had a
long, ftraight, thick, but pointed Bill, and
hollow Eyes, its Legs about 1 2 or 14 Inches
long, but thick and flrong ; it was very vora-
cious after Flefh or Fifli, and was an excdlent
Frog and Rat-catcher. Aflbon as he caught
any living Game, he toiled it up about two
Yards high, and caught it on the Point of his
Bill, and fo repeated his TofTings till the Ani-
mal died, and then greedily devoured it.

Between Delagoa and Mofambique is a dan-
gerous Sea-coaft, it formerly was known by
the Names of Suffola and Cuama^ but now by
the Portugueze^ who know that Country bed,
it is called Sena. It finds Dominions for manv
different Princes, for they are contented with
fmall Territories. The Inhabitants are all Ne^
groes, and almofl all Barbarians, except a few
that the Portugueze have converted to Popery ;
and they, by their Converfion, are generally
lefs humane to European Strangers than the
Barbarians,

Sena

of the Eaft Indies. 9

^ena abounds in Elephants Teeth and low
Gold, of 1 8 or 19 Caradls Finencfe 5 but the
People having Plenty of all Things convenient
for them, are very fupine. They have large
ftrong Bodies and Limbs, and are very bold in
War. They'll have Commerce with none but
the Portugueze^ who keep a few Priefts along
the Sea-coafts, that over-aw the filly Natives,
and get their Teeth and Gold for Trifles, and
fend what they get to Mofambique,

I have heard a Portugueze fay, who went
from Mofambique thither, that, carrying fome
finall Glafs-beads of divers G>lours for Traf-
fick, the Natives made a Hole in fome clay
Ground, which would hold as many Beads as
they wanted, and taking the Beads out of the
Hole, filled it up with Gold-duft. He alfo
told me, that for fome coarfe chequer'd Cloth,
called Cambaya Lungies^ made of Cotton-yam,
the Natives would bring Elephants Teeth, and
meafiire the Length of a Tooth by the Cloth,
and bartered the Tooth for fo much Cloth as
it meafured : But the Portugueze Relations arc
hardly to be credited, for if Gold and Teeth
were jfo eafily purchafed, how can they be fo
miferably poor, as they are, every where in
their Colonies, all over India ?

I rather believe, that this was the Opbtr or
Tarjhi/h of the jews^ whither Solomon fent
his Ships out of the Red Sea^ than Sumatra^
where they could not poflibly go and return in

three

lo A Ne^ jdccount

three Years along the Sea-coafts, which might
cafily be efFcded to Sena.

Mojambique is an Ifland belonging to the
Crown of Portugal-, it is well fortified both by
Art and Niit;ire, but is very unwholefomc, in
fo much, that when any Reynol, or Eurcpean
Pcrtugueze in the King of Portugars Service
in India^ comm :s any capital Crime, inftcad
of puniftiing him according to their national or
martial Laws, they are banifhed to Mofam^
iique, for as many Years r,s the Viceroy of
Goa and his Council (hall order, and very few
ever return from their Exile, for 5 or 6 Years
is a long Life there. It alfo fcrvcs for a re-
frefliing Place for the Portugueze Ships, that
arc bound from Europe to India, where they
generally ftay about 30 Days to recruit their
Soldiers and Seamen, (not with frefli Num-
bers, but frcfh Vidtuals and Whores) who, by
their Inactivity and Lazinefs at Sea, contrad
the Scurvy and Dropfy, which the acid Fruits
and nourifliing Roots foon difpcL Their Ships
are generally at Sea the whole Month of Ai»
guji, between Mofambique znl Goa.

The Inhabitants of Mofambique, as well as
thofc on the Continent, are all Negroes, of a
large Size, handfome, and very well limb'd,
and make good Slaves. The King's Ships, as
well as private Traders, bring good Store of
them to India, both Sexes being in high Edeem
with the Indian Portugueze, both liaving Ser-
vices, proper to their S-x, allotted them. As

foon

of the Eaft Indies* 1 1

loon as the Boys can ipeak a little Portugueze^
they are baptized, and fb become very zea-
lous Catholicks, fit to execute any bafe Defign
their ghoftly Fathers (hall think fit to put them
on ; and after Baptifm, they have a little Cru-
cifix, or a Saint of Brafs or Ivory, hung about
their Necks, which they are as fond of, as a
Monkey is of a young Kitten to play with.

And fome that have the good Fortune to be
young and docile, and fall into the Hands of a
zealous fupcrftitious Mafter, are brought up to
Letters, and in the End come to be Priefts. I
have known many Coal-black Priefls about
Goa.

The Country of^iloa lies between Mofam--
bique and Mombafs, Its Sea«coaft is dangerous,
which admits of no Trade but in Boats. The
Diftance between Mofambtque and Mombafs is
about 225 Leagues.

Mombafs is alfo an liland that lies near the
Continent, flightly fortified by Art, but very
well by Nature j it belonged to the Portugueze
for near 200 Years, but in armo 1698, the
Mujkat Arabs took it with very little Trouble,
and put about 20 Portugueze to the Sword,
that were there to defend it, and the Conque-
rors found a Booty of about 200 Tons of
Teeth, which was worth in India about
125000 h Stetl The Elephants of this Coun*
try are very large, and fo are the Men, who
are all Barbarians, except thofe who were near
Neighbours to the P^/»^2?^, who, for Con-

vcniency,

11 A New Account

veniency, were baptized, and became good Ca-
tholicks ; and (ince the Arabians are become
their Neighbours, they are turned very zealous
MuiTulmen, which Religion pleafes their
Stupidity better, being better adapted to their
Humours, and dear Cuftom of Polygamy and
G,' I) nage.

Patta is now in the Hands of the Mujkat
Arabsy and affords good Store of Teeth and
Slaves for Mujkat. Formerly the EjigUJb^
Portugueziy and Moors from India ^ had a
fmall but advantageous Trade thither, which ,
the Arabs envied them of, and fent a Colony
about the Year 1692, and fettled there, jvo-
hibiting Commerce with all other Nations.
The inland Countries are inhabited by Barba-
rians, but on the Sea-coads of Magadoxa^
Zeyla and Teman to Cape Guardafoy^ which
ftrctches about 330 Leagues North-eaftwarA
The Religion, by Law eilablifhed, is Mabo-
metan^ yet every Country retains fome Frag-
ments of their ancient Cuftoms and Ceremo-
nies, with the Traditions of their Fathers.
The Arabians from Mocha^ and other Parts
of Arabia the Happy ^ who reckon themfelves
Mahomefs bed Diteiples, and who have tra-
velled much to teach and confirm them in their
Religion and Philology, declare them to be
the greateft Schifmaticks and obdurate Here*
ticks that profefs the Mahometan Religion.

Magadoxa^ or, as the Portugueze call it,
Mdgadocia^ is a pretty large City, about 2 or 3

Miles

of the Eaft Indies* 15

MUes from the Sea^ from wheiKe it has a ver v
fine Afped:, being adom'd with many high
Steejdes and Mo^ues. There are feveral Rea-
foos why Merchants do not frequent it on ac-
coant of Traffick s one is, that a Reef of
Rocks lies all along the Shore, about a Mile
more or leis from the fandy Strand, between
which and the Rocks it is pretty fmooth, and
two or three Fathoms Water ; but there is no
River to fecure VeiTels when a ftrong Sea
Wind bloweth. The fecond Impediment is,
diat Violence and Robberies are ib much pra->
^ed and countenanced, that common Faith
is not to be relied on : And I'll give a very tra-
gk:al Inftance of their Barbarity, viz. in anno
i70o> the JS»^///Z> new Eaft-India Company
fent out a Ship called the jUbemarky command*
ed by Captain Wiltiam Beanves. Being bound
£>r Suraty he had the Misfortune to meet the
eafterly Monfoons or Trade- winds iboner than
he expected. In the Channel between Mada*
gafcar and the Coaft of Ethiopia, thofe eafter^
Ty Monfoons always bring ftrong Currents
with them from the Eaflward, whKh checked
him over to the Coaft of Magachxa, but that
being a dangerous Shore, he flood over to the
Ifland of Jobannay and was forced to harbour
his Ship on the South- wefl Side of that Ifland,
till the eaflcrly Monfoons were blown over,
and in the Month oi March he ventured to put
to Siea, which was too foon, becaufe the Cur-
rents ftill ran flrong to the Weftward, and he

fland-

14 ^ New ^ccoufit

Handing over to the Ethiopian Coaft, fell in
again with Magadoxa ; which, by the hand-
fome Figure it made from the Sea, made him
believe it to be fome Place of Commerce, and
being curious to know if it was fo or no, fent
his Yaul aftiorc, with his Purfer and four Sea-
men, to bring Information, and gave them
flridt Orders to be on their Guard, and only
one Perfon to go aftiore at a Time. When
the Boat got over the Rocks, they anchored
clofe to the Beech, and the Natives came from
the Town, driving Store of Cattle and Sheep
before them for Sale. The Purfer, being
young, and unexperienced, forgot his Orders,
and went afhore himfelf with three of his
Crew, leaving only one to flay in the Boat,
and thofe that went afhore were fo filly, as to
leave their Fire-arms in the Boat, and by the
feigned Civilities that the Natives (hewed them,
they hcedlefsly mingled thcmfclves with the
Natives, who, finding fo unexpcfted an Op-
portunity, hurl'd them away to the Town j
and the Boat- keeper, neither hearing nor fee-
ing vvl:at was done to his Comrades, fufiered
fome Natives to come into the Boat, who
fcis^cd him alfo, and haled the Boat a good
W.iy upon the Land.

Thole on hoard the Ship, faw, by their Pro-
fpcdtivcs what wasaded alhorc, and fent their
othci Boats, wcllmann'd, to try if they could
ranlom the Captives, but in four Days fruitleis
I'julc.wour?, they could never bring the Na-
tives

of the Eaft Indies* 15

tives to a Parley, and fo the Ship was obh'ged
to leave them to repent of their Folly j but
it never came to our Knowledge in India what
became qf them, or what their Fate was.

Yet on the Coafts of Zeyla and Teman^ which
both terminate at Cape Guardafoy^ the Natives
will bring off Sheep, Goats, Hens, Fifli and
Fruits to fell to Shipping that fometimes ly
becalm'd on their Sea, near the Shore. The
People are tall, meagre and large bon'd, very
fwarthy, but not quite black in their Com-
plexions 3 they are treacherous, cruel, and a-
varicious in their Temper ; their Habit is a
Pair of Breeches to their Ancles, or a Piece
of coarfe Cloth about their Loins, and a Gown
open before, and without Sleeves, called a Cam^
lin ; it is made of Camels Hair, or of their
Shaeps W00I5 that is fully as hard and coarfe
as Hogs Hair. On their Heads they wear a
Turban t of coarfe Callicoe, and then they are
equipped. Their Sheep are all white, with
jet black Heads, and fmall Ears, their Bodies
large, and their Flefli delicate, their Tails as
broad as their Buttocks, and about 6 or 8
Inches long ; fo they are in the Shape of a Pil-
low wanting Corners, and from the lower End
of that Bundle conies a fmall Tail about 6
Inches long, almoft like a Pig's.

And now having travelled along the Shore
of the Continent, from the Cape of Good
Hope to Cape Guardafoy^ Til furvey the Iflands
that lie in the Ethiopian Sea ; but as they af-

I ford

1 6 A New Account

£)rd nothing for Commerce, but Sbves and
Provifions, they are little minded by Mer-
chants : So b^^ning with the Weftmoft,
111 bring them in Order to the Eaftward.

CHAP. II.

Qivifig a Jhort Defcriftlon of the
JJlands in the Ethiopian Scas^ with
Jome remarkable Fafjages hijlorical
and accidental,

MADAGASCAR, or, as the Portugueze
chriflened it, St. Laurence^ is one of
the largeft Iflands in the known World, and
affords mod Part of the Requiiites of human
Life : It produces very large Cattle, whofc
Flefli is excellent, efpecially their large Humps
that grow between their Neck and Shoulders.
Tliey have alfo Goats and Deer plenty enough,
and when the Portugueze fixd failed along the
Coafls of this Ifland, they left a Brood of
Hogs, that has mightily increafed. They al-
fo chriilcned many Rivers and Capelands that
arc not now frequented, but only known by
their Names, and ferve for Nefts to Pirates*
The French made a Settlement on the Eaft
Side of it, and called it Port Dauphin ; but
finding that the Commerce there would not
1 bear

of the Eaft Indies. I7

bear the Ekpence of the Colony, they Idft it
agsun»

The Englijb formerly drove a Trade for
Slaves on the Weft Side of the Ifland, partn
cobrly at St. Auguftine's Bay, and at new and
old MeJJaBge^ but now they are afraid of the
Pirates, tl»' fome venture their Necks in go-
ing to trade with them. There have been fe-*
vcral Squadrons of Briti/h Men of War fent
to cruize on the Pirates^ but have bad very ill
Succeis in finding them out ; but one Scots Ship^
ocxmnanded by one Millar ^ did the Publick
more Servk:e in deftroying them, than all the
chargeable Squadrons that have been fent in
queft of them ; for, with a Cargo of ftrong
Ale and Brandy, whkrh he carried to fell them,
mamo 1704, he killed above 500 of them
by carooung, tho' they took his Ship and Car^
go as a Preient from him, and his Men entered^
moft of them, into the Society of the Pirates.

It was reported in hdiUj that Commodore
Littleton had fome of that Gang on board the
Angkfey at Madagafcar^ but, for fome valu*
aUe Reafbns, he let them go again ; and be«
caufb they found Difficulty in cleaning the
Bottoms of their large Ships, he generoufly
affifted them with large Blocks and Tackle-
&lls for careening them. Whether thofe Re-
|)orts were true or falfe, I will not undertake
to determine, but I faw a Pirate at Bengal^
in the French Company's Service, that affirm-
ed it.

Vol- I. C ikfo-

1 8 ^ Ne^ jic count

Madagafcar is environ'd with Iflands and
dangerous Sholes, both of Rocks and Sand. St.
Mary\ on the Eaft Side, is the Place where
the Pirates firft chofe for their jifylum^ having
a good Harbour to fecure them from the Wea-
ther, tho' in going in there are fome Difficul-
ties, but hearing that Squadrons of Englijh
Ships were come in queft of them, they re-
moved to the main luand for more Security^
and there they have made themfelves free De-
nizons by Marriage : And I am of Opinion,
that it will be no eafy Matter to diipofled
them. In anno 1722, Mr. Matthews "w^nim
quefl of them, but found they had deferted
^e Ifland of St. Mary\ leaving behind them
fon)e Marks of their Robberies, for in fbme
Places they found Pepper a Foot thick, lying
on the Ground in the open Air. The Com-
modore aforefaid went with his Squadron over
to the main Ifland, but the Pirates had carried
their Ships into Rivers or Creeks, out of Dan-
ger of the Men of War ; and to offer to bum
them with their Boats, would have been im-
pradicable, fince they could have eafily di*
ftrefled the Boats Crews out of the Woods.
The Commodore had fome Difcourfe with
fomc of them ; but they flood on their Guard,
ready to defend themfelves, if any Violence
had been offered them.

I have heard it reported by fome who had
frequented Madagafcar for Trade, that the
Natives that live far from the Sea, are very

black.

of the Eaft Indies* 1 9

Mack, and their Hair like Lamb-wooL What
Religion they profefs, I know not, and the
Pirates are but icurvy School^mafters to teach
tfaem Morals.

There are many Iflands and Sboles lying to
the Eaftward of Madagajcar. St. Apolloni is
omnhabited \ . Domafcarenbas is inhabited by
the French, but formerly by the Englijh^ and
was called by them, T^be Ei^ifli Foreji. Ma^
ritius was formerly inhabited by the Dutch^
hM in anno i 03, they had Orders to leave
ity and repair to Batavia, and the Dutch Com-
pany fcnt Shipping for their Tranfportatwn.
Diego RaiSy which is the next Ifland to Mari^
ttu$, was made a French Settlement, but find-
ing it barren, they left it in 3 Years ; all the
reft were always uninhabited, as well to the
Eailward as the Northward, and but 3 or 4
to the Weftward, who ly in the Channel be-
tween ^iloa and Madagafcar.

Comora is the Weftmoft of the inhabited
Iflands, and affords nothing but a fcrimp IVfein-
tenance for a Parcel of poor 'miferable Crea-
tures, yobanna is within Sight of Comora^ and
b a plentiful Ifland in Cattle, Goats, Fowls
and Fi(h, with good Lemons and Oranges, fo
that moft Part of the Englijh Shipping bound
to Mocha, Perjia and Surat, ufually caU'd
there for Refreftiments, tiU the Pirates began
to frequent it. There are two memorable
Accidents fell out at that Ifland to the Englijh
Eaft' India Company's Shipping. One was in

C 2 the

ao A N*«o Account

the Year 1690 or 91, to Captain Burton m
the Herbert^ a Ship of 800 Tons, mounted
56 Guns. He was attacked by three French
Ships, each gunn'd and mann'd as well as he.
On their Approach, he cut his Cables, and
put to Sea ; about 2 after Noon they began an
not Engagement, which lafted till 8 in the
Night, that the Herbert blew up, and all her
Men loft, but 6 or 7 that were in the Pinnace^
fome wl^eof I faw afterwards at Mujkat.
The other was lately, in anno 1720, when
two of our Eaji'lndia Ships were watering
there, with an Oftend Ship in their Company ;
they agreed to fland by one another in cafe d[
AfTaultSjOr engaging with the common Enemy^
but when two Pirates drew near, the Green^
wicb and OJiender weighed, and flood to Sea^
and left the Caffdndra to fhift for herfelf, who
was obliged to engage the fmallefl Pirate (be-
ing a Ship of 24 Guns, Dutch built) in the
Bay, and foon after they began, the CaJJondra
went a-ground on fome Rocks, and the Pirate
flriving to board her, was alfo taken up by
fome Rocks, not above 20 Yards from the
Cajjandra. The Pirate's Head lay towards the
Caffandra's Broadfide, and they pelted one an«
other furioufly, many falling on both Sides $
but the Pirates, finding too hot Work on
their Decks, were forced to quit them, and
run down into the Hold for Shelter. Captain
Mackraw^ who commanded the Caffandra^
feeing the other Pirate approach near him, and

man*

of the Eaft Indies. 2 r

manning all his Boats to reinforce his Comrade,
thought it a good Time for him, and who elfe
could get afhore, to embrace the Opportuni-
ty, and accordingly they got into their Boats,
ami iaved their Lives. The Inhabitants (hew-
ed much Humanity to the Diftrefled, and car-
ried them above a Dozen of Miles up in the
Country, for fear the Pirates, in their mad
Fury, fhould have murdered the poor Men
that efcaped from their Ship. The Pirates,
foon after they had PoiTeflion of the Cajjandra^
got her afloat again, fhe having received little
or no Damage \ they alfo got their own Ship
off, but fhe was very much (battered, and
difabled in her Mafts.

Captain Mackraw, being a Gentleman that
was well vcrfed in Conver(ation with Men of
any Temper, ventured on board the Pirates,
and they were (b much taken with his Ad-
drefs, that they made him a Prefent of that
Ship which he had fo bravely battered, to car-
ry him and his Crew to India ; in the mean
while, the Greenwich came to Bombay in Sep^
tember^ who brought the Account of the Lo(s
of the Cajfandra ; and in November^ Captain
Mackraw arrived himfelf with his new Ship,
and his Ship's Cbmpany all in Rags, but were
foon equipped by the Benevolence and Gene-
rofity of the Governor Mr. Boone ^ who was a
Gentleman of as much Honour and good Sen(c
as any that ever fat in that Chair.

Mobilla i$ but a little diflant from Johanna^

C 3 V^ctt^

%z A New Account

pretty well inhabited, but the People not fo
well civilized as Johanna ; and the Kings of
thefe neighbouring Iflands have continual War.
The Johanna Men, by the Afliftance of Com-
modore Uttletony landed on Mohilla, and made
;reat Slaughter and Devaflations ; but what

lis Policy was in breaking the Neutrality that
the Englijh held among thofe Iflanders, I know
not. Mayotta lies about 3 5 Leagues from Jo^
banna, and is the larged of the inhabited Iflands,
bjt being furrounded with dangerous Rocks
under Water, it is not much frequented, and
fo the Manners of the Inhabitants not fo well
known. The Religion of thofe Iflands is Afo-
bometan^ but there are few Zealots among
them ; and fo I leave them, and return to
Cape Guarddfoy^ and travel up the Red Sea.

. The Navigation of the Ethiopian Seas is ve-
ry dangerous, and their Maps very deficient ;
for I faw a Dutch Skipper at Mocha ^ who had
Orders to fail from Batavia towards Mocha,
in the Month of January^ and to navigate to
the North End of Madagafcar, and from
thence to the Red Sea ^ he affirmed to me,
that he faw feveral large Iflands, and many
Rocks and Sands in thole Seas that were not
placed in his Maps, for which Reafon he was
obliged to anchor in the Nights, when he
could have Anchor Ground; and that the
Currents run very ftrong to the Southward
among thofe Banks and Rocks.

CHAP-

of the Eaft Indies. a j

CHAR III.

Qlves a Defcription of XeyWs Sca^
coajiy and of a Fart of Ethiopia,
Zuakin and Upper Egypt.

BUT to return again to Cape Guardafoy^
from thence up to Z,eyla is about 120
Leagues. The Coafl: is inhofpitable as well
as the People. There are only two Places in
all that Trad that affords frefh Water, one is
a little to the Eaftward of Mount Felix^ but
in Arabick it is called Baba-filecky or, Tie
Mountain of Camels^ where there is a fmall
frefh Water River 5 the other is called Khagi
10 Leagues more weflerly ; it may be eafily
known by the Side of a Hill clofe to the Sea ,
whofe North Afped; is of white Sand, that
(hews at a Diflance like a Sail, but may be
feen in that Figure 10 Leagues off. Several
Ships from India^ that have been neceflitated
to call at thofe Places for Water, have been
cut off; and one poor Man they furprized
with his own Boat that he fent for Water.
The Boat's Crew were furprized whilfl filling
Water, them they killed, except two Boys
whom they faved ; they then came off in thfc
Night, and thofe in the Ship not examining
them in Time, they boarded the Ship, and
took them all unarmed, and killed every Man,

C 4 and

5r4 -^ ^^w Account

and carrying die Ship clofe to the Shore^ they
unladed her, and toen funk her» Tl^ two
Youths who gave the Account of that tragical
Accident, were brought to Aden^ which lies
oppofite to that Place, and were fold for Slaves,
A Surat Ship bcuig there, bought the Youths,
and brought them to Surat.

There is no anchoring on that Coaft above
a Mile off Shore, the Sea is fo deep ; and a-
bove Ze)'lay in a deep Bay oppofite to BabeU
mandelj which makes the Entry into the Red
Sea, there is a laige River that difembogues
into the Sea ; but tho' the Mouth be largp^
yet it is deep, and full of Banks and Rocks,
with fuch Whirl-pools, that no Ship dare go
near it. At that River begins the Etbic^an
Shore, (hewing many high Mountains, which
are eafily feen from the Arabian Shore ! And
all the Cbafl from this River, as hx North as
Zuakirij which is near 200 Leagues, is called
the Ethiopian Cbaft.

And tho* I never was on that South- weft
Coaft of the HedSea^ and know but few that
traffick there, except Romijh Priefts, yet I'll
venture to relate what 1 learned from them.
There are two or three fmall Ports between
Zeyla and Moffava^ but an inconfiderable
Trade, being moft in Slaves of both Sexes,
which the Mtbiopians bring to Mocha for a
Market, where 1 have feen a Drove of thofe
unfortunate Creatures carried like a Flock of
Sbeep^ mpft Part of tb;m infenfible pf their

OWA

of the Eaft Indies. ^5

own Mifery^ and the higheft Bidder carries
the Bargain. They alfo bring ibme Elephants
Teeth, the beft that ever I faw, and fbme
Oihicbes Feathers.

Mofficroa is fituated on the North- weft End
of a large Ifland, and afibrds a very good
Harbour for Shipping of any Size ; it has a Ga-
lifon of about 250 ^urks in a Caftle built for-
merly by the Portugueze^ who, according to
their unpolite Cuftom, opprefs Strangers as
well as Nati^, that come there to trade.

The Country produceth low Gold, Ele^
phants Teeth, Slaves, and fome Cofiee, but
of a larger Grain than what grows on the Land
oppofite to it in Arabia^ at Betkfackee. The
current fmall Money oi Ethiopia is Salt, which
is dug out of the Mountains as we do Stones
from our Quarries, which they break in Pieces
of feveral Sizes, the largeft wdghing about 80
Pounds, the others in 40, 20, 10, or 5 Pounds,
and are fo expert in dividing it, that they err
not above ^per cent, more or lefs in their Cal-
culation of Weight ; 20 Pounds is in Value
about I Shilling SterL and thofe Pieces of Salt
is the current Money in their Markets for
Proviiions, and likewife for Cloth, when they
buy a Yard or two at a Time ; and when a
Merchant has got any confiderable Quantity
by him, there are Bankers to give Gold for it

The Religion on the Sea-coaft is Mabome^
tan^ but within Land Copblies, who are cir-
cumcifed Cbriftiam. '^ht Males they circum-

cife

5l6 a K:!W Account

cife fomctimcs at 8 Da3rs old, but that Cere-
mony is often delayed till 40 Days, and rome«*
times not till the fcventh or eighth Year of
their Age. They circumcifc Females as well
as Males. The Circumcifion, they think, is
neceffary in Memory of Jefus Chrtjl^ and on
a certain Day yearly, they immerfe themfclves
in Rivers or Lakes, in Remembrance of Chrifi'%
Immerfion or Baptifm. They forbear eating
feme BeaAs Flefh, according to the Mojaical
Law. They hold from Saturday^ Noon to
Sundays Noon their Sabbath. They receive
the Sacrament (landing, and only in the
Church, and the Wine only from the Deacon's
Hand in a Spoon. Their Priefts eat no idle
Bread, but maintain themfelves by Labour.
They have many Bidiops, but one they call
Ahunah above the reft, he is held in great Vc-
iKTation, and when he goes abroad, he has
great Attendance, and rides on a Mule, with
a Crol's in his right Hand.

They enter their Churches bare-footed, bc-
rau!c God commanded Mofes to put off bis
Shoes y for the Ground he Jiood on was holy. They
allow but one Wife, but as many Concubines
as they pkafe. They allow of Repudiation,
but nciiiicr Party can marry again, uil the
Term of three Years l>e expired, and if the
Parties arc not reconciled in that Term, they
think the Breach too big ever to be doled up
again.

Tliey have all the canon kal Books of our

Scriptures,

of the Eaft Indies. 27

Scriptures, and fevcral more. They reckon
die Prophet Iddo one of the greater Prophets^
and put him in the Clafs with Jfcuahy E^kiel^
EMJhaj Elijah and Daniel^ and that he wrote
14000 Prophecies, many of which they have
at this Day ; that his Prophecies of jfefus
Chrift were clearer, or more diftindl than any
the other Prophets left behind them ; but the
Subftance of their pradlical Religion coniifts
in their F^fts and Feafts, for they do not
much trouble themielves about the Dodrine
of Faith, Repentance and good Works, yvhich
makes them very diflblute in their Lives.

We Europeans generally call the King of
Etbiapiay Prejier Jobn^ but his Subjeds know
no fuch Appellation ; 'tis true, he is fupreme
in eccleiiaflick as well as civil A£Fairs. His
Dominions are very large, and he has many
Tributaries, who ftile themfelves Kings, and
aft defpotically. The Royal Family are all
kept at Amaray which is a pleafant round
Hill, fituated in 1 2 Degrees North from the
Equator, tho' I faw an old Portugueze geo-
graphical Defcription of Ethiopia^ place it un-
der the Equinoftial. The Hill is walled round
with a high Wall, at leaft 1 2 Leagues in Cir-
cumference, which cuts off all Communica-
tion with Strangers or Mal-contents. With-
in the Walls are Palaces, Gardens, Orchards,
Woods for wild Game, Rivulets and Ponds
for Fifli, and all that the Clime can afford to
make it pleafant; there the Youths of the

Royal

a8 ji New jiecount

Royal Family ftudy what Arts and Sciences
are proper to their Qjiality, or according to
the Knowledge of their Teachers.

Their Empire is hereditary, but not in a
dire£t Line, the Succeflion being kept in the
ancient Family, which they reckon up as high
as Solomon ; but on the Demife of one Empe^
ror, they make Choice of a Royal Youth out
of the Paradife of Amor a ; fo he that behaves
beft in that State of Probation, or h^s the beft
Friends to riecommend him, fucceeds without
Contention, whkh political Cudom makes
their Youths very tradable and ftudious,
Tliere are none reckoned Princes of the Blood
after fecond Coufin-germans ; and it feems
they have fomething like the SaUck Law in
Force amongft them, for their Hiftories men*
tion no female Reign fince Kandace^ Time, if
Ethiopia^ as it now is, was her Country.

They are very nafty in their Apparel and
Diet 5 for tho* their Country is well ftored
with Fire-wood, yet they do not take Pains
to drefs their Meat by Fire, but having killed
their animal Food, before it be well cold they
mince if, and mix Salt and a (harp hot Bark
of a Tree well powdered, and make the Mor*
fel up in fmaU Balls about the Bignefs of a
Wall-nut, and greedily cat it : But the Princes
eat in State, for they being feated on a Matt
fpread on the Ground, his favourite female
Slave or Concubine makes up thofe Balls of
Fle(h or Fi(h feafoned with the afore(aid Sauce
I of

of the Eaft Indies. 19

of Salt and Bark, and fqoeezcs them into fk-
fluoDaUe Moriels, his H^hoefs gapes like a
jouDg Crow, and (he throws it cleverly in,
whidi he prefendy devours. The Commons
cat of the fame fort of Viands with the Gran-
dees, bot many of both Sexes die by Excoria--
dons of the Guts and the right Intefline ; but
wfaddier thdr Diet be the Ouife of their Di-
flemper, I leave to Phyiicians to determine,
idio generally are the beft Judg^. They have
a good pleaiant Liquor made of Honey and
Potatoes, whkh tl^ carouie in plendfuUy,
and often get drunk by it, and then they are
father mad than inebriated, which renders
them very quarrelibme and furbus ; their Ho«
ney, as it is very plentiful in their Country,
ib it is the whiteft, hardeft, and beft tafted
that ever I met with.

I had the above Relation of Jbajina from
four Bamijb Priefts, who had their Miflion
there iot 8 Years together, but made but few
Prolelytes : They md been meddling in State
Afl^rs, and, for fear of lofing their Heads,
they fled, and left two of their Brethren, be*
iDg old, and not fit for Travel. What became
of them they knew not ^ but thofe four tranf-
gre&d their Superior's Orders, and left their
Stations, and travelled three or four hundred
Miles to the Sea-coaft, and got a Paflage over
the Red Sea to Mocha^ where I entertained
them about four Months. They alio told me,
that ieven tributary Kings had loft their Heads

30 A New Account

in fix Months Time^ for Mal-adminiflratioii
or Treafon, and if my Guefls had not removed
their Quarters when they did, they had been
hcmoured with the Name of Jbman Martyrs,
in anno 1714. The Country abounds plenti-
fully in Wheat, Rice, Barley, Legumens or
Pulie of feveral Sorts, notwithftanding they
eat their raw Meat without Bread. Their
Woods abound in Elephants (reckoned the
largefl: in the World) alio fome Lions and
Tigers, and innumerable Troops of Wolves,
Monkeys and Oflriches, all much larger than
in other Countries. The aforefaid PrieOs alfo
told me, that the Head of Nilus^ which the
i^ncients fo much fought for, is in this Coun«
try, about the Latitude of 6 Degrees North,
and about 400 Miles from the lower End of
the Red Sea. How far the Ethiopian Cdaft
flretches to the Northward, I know not, but
It has no Sea- ports to the Northward of Maffo^
vay and the next Country to it is the barba«
rous Zuakin^ whofe Inhabitants are very difie*
rent both in Complexion and Cufloms from
the Abafmes^ whofe Colour is only as black as
Soot, but tlie Zuakim are as black as Jet, and
their Skins as foft as Velvet.

Tlieir Religion is flill Paganifm, tho* they
don't worfllip Images. They fliew outward
Civility to Europeans^ but kill them, and feaft
on their FIcfli, when any are unfortunately
(hipwrcck'd on their Coaft. At firft they
(hew a fceming Humanity, allowing them a

convenient

^ /j&^ Eafl; Indies^ 51

cDovenient Place to lodge in, with plenty of
animal Food to eat, and fometimes entertain
diem with their Muiick, and then dcllroy the
£itt^, aa they have occaiion to feafl: on them,
an Inftance whereof I had from a Miflionary
TtMocba^ in anno 17 12, ^72?.

A Turkijh Galley bound from Moffcfja to
yiidda in Arabia Felix^ had on boarp about
20 European TurkSy and one Italian Prieft, as
Paflenger ; that Galley was drove artiorc on
die Coift of Zuakin by a Storm, the Galley
was loft, but all the Men got fafe afhore,
and found the abovementioned Entertainment.
They had not been long afhore, till fome
People of Diftindion vilited them, and Teem-
ed to condole their Misfortune, but withal,
told them in Arabick^ that the Kine had a great
Defire to fee fome of them, and they chofe
the youngeft and plumped of the ^urks to
(hew to the King, who very willingly went
away with them, but none came back to bring
News how they were entertained at Court ;
and every fourth or fifth Day, another of the
beft ^voured and beft fleflied were carried
from their Comrades, on the fame, or fuch
like Errand, till near one Half were carried
away ; thofe that remained had no Sufpicion,
but were lulled afleep by the good Words and
good Treatment they received daily : But one
Day, an Abajine^ who had fled his Country
for fome Mifdemcanor, came to vifit them,
and, in Difcourfe, t!icy told him how courtc-

i oufly

32 A New Account

oufly they had been entertained by the hofpi*
table Natives, and how many of their Com-
pany had gone to the King, but that none re-,
turned. The Abqfine told them, tliat they
were treated after the common Cuftom of that
Country, that when any white Men were
(hipwreck'd on their Coaft, they found fuch
Treatment as they had, to make them fat,
and then to kill and eat them, by cuttmg fuch
Morfels of the Body as they had prefent Oc-
cafion for, and kept Life as long in the poor
Vidtim as they could ; knd that very Morn-
ing zjanijary had been carried on tne afore-
iaid &rand, and had one Leg cut off, and
the half of a Thigh, and he law them roail-
ing and broiling the FleQi as he happened to
pafs in his Way to vifit them, and told the
difconfolate Turks that remained, that if one
or two would accompany him a little Way in
the Evening, he would convince them of tho
Truth of what he told them, but they muft
immediately after return to their Lodging,
The Pried was one that went to behold the
fad Spedacle, whom they found not quite
dead, tho' fpeechleis ; upon which the Abafim
went fpecdily away, as the others did, to ac-
quaint their Fellows what they had feen. Ai
foon as they made their Report, they were
under the greateft Confternation, and unani-
moufly rcfolved to fly to the Woods that very
fame Night, and tru^ the wild Inhabitants ra-
ther than the crueller Beads, the Zuakim.

And

of the Eaft Indies. 3j

And the Woods are plentifully inhabited with
Lions, ^v^tt%y large Monkeys, but above all
with Wolves. The Prieft took his Way in the
Dark along the Sea-fhore to the Northward,
but knew nothing of his Fellows, which Way
they took, or how they fared. In the Day-
time he (kulked in Caverns and Hollows of
Rocks, which that Sea-coaft abounds in, and is
not (b much frequented by the brutal Cannibals
as the inland Parts ; fometimes he fallied out to
get Shell-fifli, or what elfe he could get to eat,
and in the Night he travelled, fo that after ic^
venteen Nights and Days hard Fatigue, he ar*
rived at a Village in Upper Egypt inhabited by
Mahometans and Copbties, who relieved him,
and fent him to Grand Cairo ^ from whence he
wrote to a Miflionary at Mocba^ in anno 1 7 1 4,
who reiided with me, and gave him the above
Accoont, with the Addition of a very flrange
Paradox, wz. That himfelf being then about
28 Years of Age, (when he fell on the Coaft
of Zuakin) his Hair was of a dark brown, but
when he arrived in Cairo^ his Hair was turned
to a very light gray, and continued fo till the
Time he wrote to his Friend at Mocba of that
tragical Adventure.

There are no Sea-ports from Zuakin on the
South -weft Side of the Red Sea, till we come
to Seues, which lies near the Head of the Bay
of that Sea, which fends his oppofite Shores
down to the South-eaftward, as far as Babel^
mandeL

Vol. I. D Sues,

34 -^ ^^^ Account

Sues, or Seues, fccms to be the Ezion^geber^
or Eloth, from whence Sohmm fent his Ships
to Opbity for I have convcrfcd with fcvcral Pi-
lots of that Navigation, who aiTured me, there
is no clean Bottom for anchoring, but Seues^
on that Part of the Coaft, for molt Part of the
Red Sea is incumbered with Coral Rocks under
Water, and ncftered with Banks, which make
the Navigation very dangerous. At prefent,
Seues is the only Sea-port for Grand Cairo, from
whence it is three Days Journey bv Land, with a
CafHlla or Caravan, but on Horfe-back but two
/hort Days. In Cairo the EnglfJJ^ and French
keep their Confuls, for the Support of the Trade
of their rcfpedlive Countries.

In anno 17 14, Mr. Farrington was Conful
for the Englijh, he had a very fair CharaAer
from all People, as well Merchants as the Re-
ligious that came from Cairo to Mocha, which
made me prcfume to trouble him with a Let-
ter, giving him the befl Account I could of the
State of Merchandize in India, and to have his
Advice, whether it might be prafticable to
cultivate a Trade from India to Seues, which
Letter he very civilly anfwcred, and next Year
it came to my Hand ; but he diiTuadcd me from
any Attempt that Way, becaufe of the into-
lerable Avarice and Infults of the Turkijh Ba^
//.aus, and other Ofliccrs of Note, with the
Contempt they have for Merchants, efpecially
Cbn/lians ; he allured me, tliat it is impoflibic
to lie a Gainer by luch Commerce.

CHAR

of the Eaft Indies* 35

CHAR IV-

Gives a little Defcription of the Coafl
of Arabia the Happy, Jr'om Mount
Sinai to Mocha, with Jome Ohjerva^
tions on the Religion ^ Cuftoms and
Laws^ as they are now ejiablijhed.

OVER againil 5^/^^/, on the Arabian Shore,
(lands Mount Sinai ^ about 5 or 6 Leagues
from the Sea ; and on its South- wed Side, near
the Bottom, is the Monaftery of St. Katbarina.
The Mount is much revered by the Jeios^ and
the Monaftery by the Chrtftiam j it is very an-
cient, and held in fome Veneration by the
Mahometans^ whofe Pilgrims to Mecca^ from
^gyft. Turkey and Paleftine^ pafs clofe by,
both in their going and returning, as do like*
wife their Cartilas, and other Paflcnecrs, that
go on Traffick to Judda^ a City four Days
Journey from Mecca^ where Mahomet lies in-
terred : And the great Concourfe of Pilgrims
(from all Parts where his Religion is fpread)
brings a great Trade thither.

There is a Tradition, that, as Maljomet was
gdng on an Expedition to Pakjiine^ he called
at that Monaftery for Rcfreflimenis, and the
Monks generoufly aftiftcd him ; and in Acknow-
ledgment of their Civility, he gave them a Char-
ter, which they ftill keep, wherein he gave

D 2 vVv^vcv

^6 A New Account

them many Immunities, and laid his heavy Curfe
on all, who Hiould, after that Time, dare to
iiK^lcd that Monaftcry.

The IJuilding is flrong and high, and no
Gate or Door to enter into it, but one, which
ftands about ten Yards high (in the Wall) from
the Ground. It has a large Inclofure adjoining
to it, with an high Wall, to keep the wild
jlrabs from robbing them of their animal Pro-
vifions; for they are fuch vile Thieves, that
they had rather venture to ly under the Ana^
the ma of their Prophet, than to keep their Hands
from Robbery.

Its prefcnt Poffcflbrs arc Nejlorian and yacth
bin Monks, who arc maintained by the Chari-
ty of PafTcngers, and a little Revenue that be-
longs to the Monaftcry. The Clorijiians^ in
that Part of Arabia^ are Nejlorians and yacth
bins^ whofc Pricfts may murry, and they allow
of no Image's but the Crofs, and many other
U'hings repugnant to the Romijh Tenets.

y Hilda is the next Place of Note below St.
Kutharlna. It is a fniall, but well fortified Ci-
ty lx-lonj;ing to the Turk. It Hands clofc to the
Sea, and ii> governed by a JJaftnw, who keeps
a Garifbn in if, with lour or five Galleys to
truis^e on the lied iSVy/, to hinder the pafling of
all Ships or Veflels up the Sja, without firft
tailing at ytidda.

'I'lje inland Country about it, belongs to a
Sheel:, who prctemU to Ix: a Defcendant of Afo-
hovict. He has the 'X itie of Xtriff'^xscn him,

of the Eaft Indies. 37

to diftinguifli his Eminency from other Sheeks*
And, altho' he be fo near a-kin to the Prophet,
yet he fqueezes about 1 00000 /. Sterl. yearly
oat of the Pilgrims, who go to worfliip at his
Anccftor's Tomb. And io much Gain he can
make of their Folly.

It is between this Country and Sinai^ that
the &mous Balm of Gilead grows. It is report-
ed to proceed from a Shrub, the Bark of which
is flit, and Veflcls fet under the Wound to re-
ceive it, as it drains from that Wound. The
wild /irabs about Sinai, have a Tradition, that
jibrabam was their Countryman, and are not a
litde proud of that Honour ; but if it was fo,
that he was their Sheek, as they alledge, they
neither follow him in Morals or Religion.

The Sea-coafts of Arabia Felix ^ from Judda
to the Southward, as far as the Latitude of 1 5
Degrees, are governed by feveral Sbeeks, who
are fo avaritious, that no Pilgrims can pafs
through their Dominions, but Beggars ; for if
Strangers carry any Thing of Value about them,
or if they have good Clothes, they are ftript of
all, and about a Yard of coarfe Cloth given
them to cover their Nakednefs ; and Ledlures
of Humility and Devotion are preached to them,
that whoever goes on fo folemn an Errand,
ought to (hew, by their outward Appearance,
that the inward Man is humble, and that thofe
who love Riches, ought to fequefter themfelves
from the World, before they approach that ho-
ly Place, where, after the Muftee (or his De-

D 3 puty.

38 A New Account

puty, the Fackee) had beflowed a BenediAion
on them, if they had any Grace, they would
never covet Riches again.

The Immaum of Mocha's Dominions reach
along the Sea-coaft from the Latitude of 1 5 De-
grees, to the Southward, as far as Babelmandel^
very barren and inhofpitable, affording neither
frcm Water, nor Wood for Shipping, either for
Drink or Fuel. Only on the Ifland of Commera^
which lies about 5 or 6 Leagues from Betle*
fackee^ there is both a good Harbour, and Plen-
ty of Provifions for Strangers, as well as for the
lnhabit:mt?, whofe Temperance makes them
crtfily fatistied, both with their coarfe Diet and
Apparel.

Brtltjackee is the firft Town of Note (near
the Scii-roart ) ftf the Immaum^ Di)minions. It
ftands about 25 KngUpj Miles from the Sta,
ftpd it is the grcateft Market for Coffee in the
World. It fupplics India^ l\rjia^ 'mrkey in
yifiii^ Africa and Europe^ bolides England^
hrance and Hollatid^ with CofJccbcans. Other
Gcxxis and Merchandize may be bought and fold
on Credit, for a certain Time j but Coffee is
ahvay<j bought for rca<ly Money. The Europe
Shipping lades yearly at Mocha, (fiom whence
hetlejackee is about 100 Englijh Miles » about
-v.oo Tons, rather more than Icl's, and the other
Nations about 20000 Tons more. The whole
l*rovinc;e of Betlejackee is planted with Coffee
Tree^, which arc never fuflfcrcd to grow above
4 or 5 Yards high \ and the Bean or Berry

grows

cfihe Eafl; Indies. 39

grows on the Branches and Twigs, firft green,
then red, at laft a dark brown Colour. The
Berries cling to the Branches like fo many In-
feds, and when they are ripe they ihake off.

Zibet is the next Town, and ferves for a Sea-
port for Betlefackee. It was large, and famous
in ancient Times for Trade, but in the four-
teenth Century, the 7urks over-ran all the
Coafts of the Red Sea^ and made them Tribu-
taries to them. They ruined all the Trade
from India to Zibet ^ and fettled their Emporium
at Akfiy about 3 5 Leagues without Babelman"
del^ to the Eaflward : And the Immaum holds
his Kingdom in FeoiF from the T^urk at this
Time ; and when the ^urh come to Betlefackee^
none dare break the Price of the Market, nor
buy before they are firft ferved.

The Immaum or King keeps his Court gene-
rally at a Town called Mobaib^ about 200 En--
glijh Miles to the Eaft, North-^ftward of Afo-
cba. He has little Splendor about it, and he
that reigned in anno 1714, was about 80 Years
of Age. His Government has been of a long
Time very ill managed. His Luft having the
Afcendant over his Reafon, he had feldom lefs
than three hundred Wives married to him, of
the moft beautiful young Women in his Do-
minions. He often marries one, at one New-
moon, and, on the next New-moon, remarries
her to one of his Minions, and beftows a good
Patrimony on her to help her off j fo that with
his own frequent Marriages, and thofe of his

D 4 Minions,

40 u4 New jiccount

Minions, he cxhaufts all bis Revenues, and Is
always neceffitous, which forces him on many
unjuft and mean Ways to exadt Money from
his miferable Subjedte. And, in armo 1720,
their heavy Burdens made them rebel, and in-
volved the whole Country in a Civil War. One
Part was for depofing him, and another for
keeping him on the Throne : but what the
Event was I never heard.

The Turkshtmg baffled in feveral Projedls and
Expeditions from Aderty and finding that they
could not well maintain their Ground in that
Part of Arabia^ (being fo very far diflant from
their own Dominions) without much Charee
and Trouble, they, in the latter End of the
fixteenth Century, withdrew their Garifon from
jiden^ and left it, with all its Fortifications and
Buildings, to the Immaum ; who finding Aden
to ly inconvenient for the Trade of the Red Sea,
becaufe of the frefh Winds ufually blowing at
its Mouth, in both eaflerly and weftcrly Mon-
foons, made him remove the Trade about 15
Leagues within its Mouth, in a Bay, not very
commodious for Shipping, to a Fifhing Town
palled Mocha.

CHAP,

of the Eaft Indies. 41

CHAP. V.

Ghes a Defcription of the Immaum of
MochaV Country y particularly of
Mocha, its Situationy LawSy G^

Jioms and Commerce ; with fame hi^

Jiorical Ohferuations.

MOCHjiy upon the foregoing Account,
was built for an Emporimn or Mart for
the Trade of India to the T^d Sea^ and was
m^tily forwarded by the Perfuafion of a Sbeeky
who bore the Qiarader of a Saint amongft his
Country-men. His Name was Sbeek Seddley ;
and he pretended to prophefy, that Mocba
fhoold be a Place of great Trade to the Coun-
try, and confequently of great ftofit to the
hnmaum. They had fuch a Veneration for
him, that the greateft Mofque in the Town,
and the greatefl Gate, bear his Name, and did,
even in his own Lifetime, fee the Town walled,
die' but very weakly. It is fituated clofe to the
Sea, in a large, dry, fandy Plain, that affords
no good Water within 20 Miles, all the Wells
nearer the Gty being brackifh, fb that nothing
of Fruits grows near it, but a few Dates and
Water Melons. The Water for drinking comes
from Moja^ about 20 Miles off, as I ^id be-
fore, and by that Time we get it to the Town,
it coils us as dear as fmall Beer is fold for in

England^

42 ^ New y4ccount

England. Thofe who are obliged to drink of
the Wells near the Town, are in Danger oi
having a long fmill Worm breed in their Lc^
or Feet, that inflames the Place where it breeds^
which is accompanied with extreme burning
Pains. In 5 or 6 Days it appears between the
Cutany and outward Skin, and then puts its
Head through, which when the Patient obferves,
he takes hold of it with a Pair of Tweezers,
and pulls it very gently out, about an Inch or.
two at a Time, in 24 Hours, and roils it round
an Hen's QuiU, or fome other Thing of that
Thicknefs. It is no thicker than the Trebk
String of a Violin ; and I have ieen of them,
after they have been pulled out, about two Foa
and an half long. While it is in the Leg, it is
daily covered with a Plaifler, and, if it chance
to break in the Operation, the Patient will be
troubled with intolerable Pains for a long while ;
and fometimes they are crippled by it. But the
Mofa Water, coming from Springs amongft the
Mountains, is very fweet and wholefome.

Mocba is a Place of good Trade, notwith*
{landing its bad Situation ; for, befides the Com-
merce with Sues and Judda^ the Englijh and
Dutch Companies have their Faftories there« be-
fides a Trade from India^ carried on by EngKJb
free Merchants, PortuguezCy Banyans and Moors^
and by Veffcls from BoJJoraby Perfia^ and Muf-
kat in Arabia Petrea. The Country, of itfctf,
affords or produces very few valuable Commo*
dities, befidcs Coffee, and ^omc Druggs, fuch

(jf the Eaft Indies* 43

sMyrrh, OUbarmm or Frankincenie from Ca/^
fm^ and jUoes Soccatrina from Saccotra^ liquid
Scocax, white and yellow Arfenick, ibme Gum
JkMck aod Mummy ; with ibme Balm of Gi«
k§d^ that comes down the TUd Sea. The Co£p
fee Tndc biogs in a continual SupjJy of Silver
aod Gold frcHn Europe^ Spamjb Money, Ger-^
man Crowns, and other European Coins of Sti-
ver ; aUb Zequins, German and Hungarian Du<*
cats of European Gold ; and from Turkey^ £«
hnmies and Mograbies, Gold of low Matt.

The Pirates, for many Years, infefted the
Bfooth of the Red Sea^ committii^ frequent
Robberies and Barbarities. Captain Evory was
the firft that led the Way, in anno 1 695, and
the Pirates findii^ great Booties, purcha&dwith
(mail Danger, from the Traders into the Red
Sea^ had a Projed to be Mafters of the Key of
,diat Door, &> they found the liland Prim^
wfaidi lies within Gun-fhot of Babebnandely to
have a good commodious Bay for the Security
of thdr Shipping ; upon which Coniideration,
they began to build regular Fortifications, and
dig for frefh Water, and, with much Labour,
diey dug through an hard Rock, i 5 Fathoms
deep, but found none but brakiih Water ;
wherefore they defifted, and removed to St.
Marfs liland, on the Eafr Side of Madagafcar^
as I obferved before, and are iince removed,
for more Security, over to the main Ifland,
and there they fortify themielves 1^ Marriages
mto the noUe Families of that great liland,

from

44 -^ -2V^ w Account

from whence they come into hdia^ and cruize
in thofe Seas. In arnio 1696, they met with a
Ship from Bombayy commanded by one SaniH
bridge^ who was carrying Arabian Horfes for
Surat. After they took the Ship, Sawbridge
b^an to expoflukte with them about their
Way of Life. They ordered him to hold his
Tongue, but he continuing his Difcourie, they
took a Sail-needle and Twine, fewed his Lips
together, and fo kept him feveral Hours, with
his Hands tied behind him. At length they un-
loofed both his Hands and Lips, and carried
him on board their Ship, and after they had
plundered Sawbridge's Ship, they fet her on
Fire, and burned her and the Horfes together.
Sawbridge and his People were iet afhore near
jiden^ where he died prefcntly after.

Captain Evory was not fo inhuman ; for the
Year before, he took a large Ship belonging to
the Moguls and got a Booty of 2600000 Ru-
pees, which amount to, in Sterling Money,
about 3 2 50c o Pounds. He freed the Ship,
and let her go, without torturing the People ;
but carried a young Mogul Lady with him, and
fome of her female Servants, who had been at
Mecca to perform a Vow, laid on her by her
Mother on her Death-bed.

But, to return again to Mocha^ from my
long Digreffion : The Town is large, but mean-
ly fortified ; and, from the Sea, it has a fine
Afpedl. The Buildings are lofty, and make a
much better Appearance without than within.

The

^ of the Eaft Indies. 45

The Steeples of five or fix Mofques raife their
I Heads pretty high above the reft of the Build-
ings. Their Markets are well ftored with ani-
mal Provifions, fuch as Beef, Mutton of Sheep
and Goats, Lamb and Kid, Camel and Ante-
lopes Fle(h, Dung-hill Fowls, Guinea Hens,
Partridge and Pigeon. The Sea affords Variety
of Fifli, bat not favoury. I believe their Un-
£ivourinefs proceeds from the extreme Saltnefs
of the Sea- water, and the Nature of their Ali-
ment. The Town is well furnifhed, all the
Year round, with good Fruits, fuch as Grapes,
Peach, Apricocks and Quinces, of which they
make Store of Marmelade, both for their pre-
fent Ufc and Exportation, tho' near the Town
there is not a Tree or Shrub to be feen, but a
few Date Trees. And they feldom have more
than two or three Showers of Rain in a Year,
and often no Rain in two or three Years ; but
amongft the Mountains, about 20 Miles off,
feldom a Morning pafles without a moderate
Shower, which makes the Vallies very prolifick
in Fruit and Corn, fuch as the Soil will bear ;
but they have no Rice, tho' Plenty of Barley
and Wheat.

The Governor of Mocha ^ and the Officers of
the Town, are Merchants, when they think to
get good Bargains, and are very ready to break
their Contrafts, both in Payment of their Debts,
and in the time of Payment j fome Inflances
whereof I faw. And in anno 17 16, 1 had an ex-
perimental one 5 for the Deputy-governor having

bought

46 A 'Sew Account

bought a Fsut of my Cargo, agreed to pay me
the firft Day of ^i^^, accorduig; to our JEra
and Computation. At the appointed Time I
demanded my Money ; but he told me, that
notwithftanding he had agreed at that Time to
pay me, yet the Cuftom was not to pay before
the Middie of July ^ and Cuftom muit be ob*
ferved before Contradl ; beddes, the King hatr«
ing much Need of Money, fent preiling De-
mands on the Town for Money, as £Ul as it
came in by Cuftoms and other Subiidies j there-
fore he could not, nor would not pay me be-
fore the cuftomary Time, nor would he clear
my Account Cuftoms (which is a Part of his
OHict) before that Time. I often folicited him
to clear my Account, and pay the Balance ; but
to no Purpofc. I then fell on a Projedl to
fri^'lucn him into Compliance. I went very
caln)ly to him, and told him, that I had ibroe
C(K)dH left, which would be proper for the in-
land Markets, and that I would let him have a
Pcnywortlj of them. He knew the Gotxls
were proj)er cnou[»;h, as I had told him, and
fo camc! to my Hoiifc, wliich was four Stories
high. I carried him up to the highed, and,
h;iviii)» featcd him in a Iinall Balcony, I (hewed
him the M tillers of my (J(K)(ls, and aflc'd Prices
whiili he thought too high ; and, bccaufe we
toulil not agree, he was for going abruptly a-
way, :in(l fo got on his Feet : But 1 being much
liKi Ihoug lor him, took him by the Shoulders,
ami (oiccd him to lit down again, and ordered
1 my

of the Eafl; Indies. 47

my Ui^Qift to tell him, that, b&)re we part-
ed, he muft clear my Account Cuftoms, and
gnre me Bills, on the King's Banker, for the
fidance, otherwife I would teach him to fly
fiom the Balcony to the Ground, be the Confe-
qoence what it would. He had never been io
treated before, and Fear feized him fo, that he
could not fpeak for a little Time, but, recover-
f 11^ a little, ordered his Clerk, who was in the
Room with us, to make up my Account, and
diaw Klls immediately, who readily obeyed
Orders ; and, in half an Hour, ^e became good
Friends again. The Noife of this Adion run
like a Squib through the Town, and, before I
came to the Banker with the BUI, (which was
fer about 1 200 /. Sterl.) he was apprized how
I had ierved the Deputy-governor, and, upon
pic&nting it, accepted it to be paid in feven
Days, but withal defired, that I would con-
fiandy keep two European Seamen at his Door,
widi Arms, and, as Money came in, they were
to receive one Bag, and the King's People an-
other, till the Sum (hould be completed : And
accordingly in feven Days I got every Penny,
and fent the Governor word, that I wanted to
wait on him, in order to take my Leave. He
returned me Anfwer, that I (hould be very
welcome ; and accordingly I went, and he re-
ceived me very civilly ; and, all the while I
ftaid, he pailed Jokes on his Deputy about the
Fright I had put him into.
The King's Cuftoms are very eafy, being but

iper

48 A New Account

3 per cent, from Europeans^ and 5 on Gentiles }
and the Cuftom-houfe as eafy, for they only
defire to fee the Mufters of Goods, and tho
Quantity of Goods in each Parcel or Bale, and
fo caufe fome, that they choofe, to be opened ;
and if they find the Quantity and Quality agree
with the Invoice given in, the Remainder of
the Cargo is carried diredly from the I^anding-
place, to the Ware-houfes, without more
Trouble; and, after Sale, they receive an Ac«
count from the Seller, and rate the Cuftoms
accordingly.

They are very ignorant in Hiftory and na-
tural Philofophy ; for they tell, that Alexander
the Great was Mabomefs General, tho' they
lived about 900 Years diftant from one another ;
and that, having a Mind to tranfport his Army
over the Mouth of the Red Sea, from BaM-^
mandel to Zeyla^ in order to conquer EtbsofMp
he went about building a Bridge there ^ and^
there being feven Iflands in thefe Streights, cal-
led the Seven Stones, he placed them there for
a Foundation to build on : And they are of
Opinion, that the World is fupported on the
Horns of a great Bull, who fometimes (hakes
his Head, which they affign to be the Cauie
of Earthquakes, which frequently are felt there.

There are Abundance of Beggars in Mocba^
and in moft other Towns in Arabia, who brag
of the Sandlity and Verity of their Religion i
aPid, for Proof, when they pafs in the Streets,
they are always bawling out, that there is but
I one

of the Eaft Indies. 49

Mie God, and Mahomet his Prophet and beft
)doved Servant ; and, carrying a Piece of Iron
like the Tooth of an Harrow, injheir right
Eland, they flrike it with great Force into the
Cavity of the Eye, and yet the Eye is not ble-
tnifhed, nor the Eye-lids, or Skin about the
Eye, feem. to be hurt ; and they often let the
Iron hang down, as if the Point was kilned
to the Corner of the Eye next the Nofe. As
fi)r mad People of either Sex, they venerate
them, believing them to be infpired, or adtua-
ted by a Prophetic Spirit.

Their Religion is Mabometifm^ and are fu-
perftidoufly rigid in their Way, but abominable
Hypocrites ; for, in their Promifes, which they
feldom keep, with lifted up Eyes, they call on
God to be Witnefs to their Sincerity : But in
no Part of the World is Juftice bought and fold
more publickly than here 5 and the Judge, who
generally is Governor of the Place, whilft he is
palling unjuft Sentences, looks as grave as an
old C^t, declaiming againft Partiality.

In Anno 1716. I faw Juftice executed on a
notorious Criminal, guilty of no lefs than Rob-
bery and Murder. A poor Peafant had raifed
a Stock of 500 Dollars, amongft his Friends
and Neighbours, and was on his Way to Afo-
cAj, to lay it out in Merchandize proper for the
Parts he lived in. A Villain, who knew of his
Journey, and the Stock he carried, way-laid
him, and cut his Throat from Ear to Ear, and
then ftabbed him in the Breaft with his Dagger,

Vol I. E and

50 A New Account

and fo pofleft the Money, and went off with ifc
Some Paffengers, ^coming that Way foon after,
found the mangled Corps, not quite cold, went
and informed the Neighbourhood of the Tw-
gedy. On Information, they went and viewed
the Carcafe, and knew it. They gave the Ac-
count to the murdered Perfon's Relations, who
lived but a little way off, and they buried the
Corps.

Some Months after, one of the Relations
being at Mocba^ chanced to fee his dead Kinfc
man's Ring on the Murderer's Finger, and chal-
lenged it ; for it is the Cuftoni of all the eaftem
Countries, both the Mahometans and GenUki^
to wear Rings. They wear no Gold Rings
but Silver among the Mahometam^ and the G«-
files commonly wear Gold. The Perfon who
knew the Ring, informed the Cadjee or Judge
what had paft, and the Cadjee ordered ihe Mur-
derer to be apprehended, and brought before him;
and ordering him to be fearched, to fee if farther
Proof could be found about him, the very
Purfe that the Money was in, was found in hfi
Bofom. However the Murderer denied all, bat
was fent to Prifon, and fetteicd, till other Pcr-
fons were fcnt for tl:at were particularly well ac-
quainted with the unfortunate Defundt. Five
or fix Evidences \\'ho were fent for, appeared,
and the Ring ahd Purfe being produced, they
fworc, that they kr-cw tlicni to b-; with theuD-
fortunaic Defuiidt when he fet out on his Jour-
ney for h^iGcba ; and he at length confcft the Faft

I himfclf*

of the Eaft Indies. 51

himfelfl The Judge, and the reft of the Court,
defired him to return the Money, and they
would iblicite the murdered Perfon's Relations
to ipare his Life, it being in their Power to take
away or fave his Life ; but he abfolutely denied
d^ returning back any Part of it, and impudent-
ly afked the Judge, how he thought his Wife
and Children Should be fupported, if he (hould
' return the Money.

Three Months had pafTed in unfruitful Per*-
fuafions, but finding him obftinate, they bid
him prepare to die next Day about Noon, and
accordingly, with a Guard of about 500 Horfe
and Foot Soldiers, he was carried without the
City, with his Hands tied behind him; and,
about 200 Yards from Sheek SeMey's Gate, he
was delivered to the defundl's Relations, who
firft gave him a deep Stab under the left Pap,
and one of the Relations ftanding behind, pul-
led back his Head, while another cut his Throat
from Ear to Ear, and fo left him with all their
Speed. For as foon as the Mob faw him killed,
they aflaulted the Executioners with Stones and
Brkkbats fo furioufly, that the Guards had
much ado to fave them from being murdered ;
for there is a Paffage in the Alcoran^ importing
that whoev^er fpilt a Believer's Blood, isaccurfed,
and ought to be ftoned to Death.

The Soldiery of Mocba are very infolent and
Kcentious ; for, in the Months of May^ June
and July^ the Air being fired with Heat, and
and the greatcft Concourfe of Strangers come

E 2 . to

52 A New Account

to Town, either about Traffick, or getting Baf-
fage by Sea to foreign Countries, and about
that Time Ca(h is plcntiefl in Town, then thoie
iindifciplined Cowards feldom fail to fet Fire to
feme Huts that the labouring People live in, and
they being built of a few Spars, covered with the
Branches and Leaves of Date Trees, which arc
very combuflible Materials, the Flame fooo
grows fierce and violent, and very often pene-
trates thro* the Doors and Windows, of Mer-
chants Houfes, tho' built of Brick. And, in
the Confternation, when People are intent oa
liwing what they can, by removing their Goods
from their burning Houfes to the Streets, thoie
Varlets plunder publickly there with Impunity ;
and, altlio' thofe Villains are detected in fetting
Fire to Houfes and plundering, and Complainli
made of them to the Governor, thofe Grievan*
CCS are fo far from being redrcfTed, that I \aM
known a Complainer well baftonaded for deted-
ing tl:ie Rogues. When I traded there, I al-
ways kept part of my Ship's Company afhoce
for a Guard ; and I acquainted the Governor,
that if any Perfon came thro* our Street in the
Night with Fire in their Hands, as they ofitD
did thro' feveral other Streets where Merchants
kept their Ware-houfes, I would order my Men
to fire on fuch Fire- carriers, which kept nic
prt tty fecure from them.

The Jargeft City in the Immaum oi Arabia ft*
lixs Dominions, \% Soman. It is 15 Days Jour-
ney North-eaft from Mocba. It drives a great

I inland

of the Eaft Indies. 55

bland Trade, and is the Mart for many of the
hdia Goods that are brought to Mocha. The
Mechanics of different Trades, have each their
peculiar different Street ; fo that whatever Com-
modities Strangers may want, they readily know
where to find them. And in all the Streets
tbcre are Brokers for Wives, fo that a Stranger,
who has not the Conveniency of an Houfc in
the City to lodge in, may marry, and be made
a free Burgher for a fmall Sum. When the
JWhn fees his Spoufe, and likes her, they agree
on the Price and Term of Weeks, Months or
Years, and then appear before the Cadlee or
Judge of the Place, and enter their Names and
Terms in his Book, which cofts but a Shilling,
or thereabout : And joining Hands before him ,
Ac Marriage is valid, for better for worfe, till
the Expiration of the Term agreed on. And if
they have a Mind to part, or renew the Contrad:,
they are at Liberty to choofe for thcmfelves
what they judge moft proper \ but if either
want to be feparated during the Term limited,
there muft be a Commutation of Money paid
by the feparating Party to the other, according
as they can agree j and fo they become free to
to make a new Marriage elfewhere.

E 3 CHAP.

54 -^ ^^^ Account

CHAP. VI.

Cofitains a Defcrlftiofi of Aden, with
Jbme hijlorical Remarks about the
Turkifti Expedition Jrom thence into
India : ^Ijo an Account of the Sea-^
coafi of Arabia pctrea, as far as
Muskat and Baflora ; nsoith a parti^
cular Account of an Englifh Ship lofi
on the IJland of Maccira.

TH E eaftmoft Town of Note in the Af-
maum of Mocha\ Dominions on the Sea-
coaft, is Aden^ built by the T^urks^ in the four*
tccnth Century, as has been hinted before. It
is built on the EaftSidc of a barren Ifland, and
has no fic(h Water but what the Rains afford
them, which they keep in Cifterns. The
^urki had great Dcfigns when they built it, fa
they thought of driving the Portngueze out of
their Settlements in India^ and to have pofleft
them thcmfelvcs. Accordingly alx^ut the mid-
dle of the fixtecnth Century, they made an Ex-
pedition into India^ agaihft the Portugucze^ but
wcTC iinfucccfbful, and fo have never attempted
fince to fettle in India. It continued many Years
after the Stapple Port for the Red Sea Com-
merce, but tljc Charges of keeping it, (o far
from the Turkijl^ Dominions, made them leave

of t^e Ead Indies. ^^

It to tht himaum, as was already obferved^ and'
he removed the Trade to Mocha.

It has a good Road for Shipping in the Weft-
crly Monfoons, and a pretty good Mould, or
fiafon for the Eafterly, clofe to the Town,
and the Road is not half Gun-fliot from it.
It has been well fortified, being naturally ftrong
in its Situation ; but the Badows, or wild
Jrais^ who inhabit about the Sea-coaft of jira^
hiapetrea^ have feveral Times taken, and plun-
dred it, fince it fell into the Immaum\ Hands,
The Country adjacent produces Barley, Wheat
and Legumen, and Store of Fruits and Roots,
Camels, Afles, Mules and Horfes, all very fine-
ly fhaped and metdefome ; but Money being
pretty plenty in that Part of the Country, their
Horfes are very dear, for 50 or 60 L. Sterl. is
reckoned but a very fmall Price for one. They
have alfo Plenty of Sheep, with large broad Tails,
that reach almoft to the Ground, and their
Goats are the fineft, both for Beauty and Tafte,
that ever I faw. ' And they have Poultry and
Guinea Hens in abundance. And the Sea af-
fords Variety of good Fi(h. The Immaums Do-
minions reach about 20 Leagues to the Eaft-
ward of Aden^ along the Sea-coaft ; but there
are no Places of Trade till we come to

Coffin^ that lies almoft under the Meridian of
Cape Guardafoy^ and under the prodigious high
Mountains of Megiddo^ on the Coaft of Arabia.
1 have feen thofe Mountains, in a clear Day a-
bove 40 Leagues off.

E 4 The

56 A New Account

The Religion of Cajpn is Mahometan^ and the
civil Government Democracy. Death is Capital,
and is puniflied with Death, but not by the ci-
vil Magiftrate ; for the Tribe or Clan of the
Defundl purfucs the Murderer or Homicide,
and when they have found him, he is immedi-
ately beheaded, and his Head put upon the
Point of a Lance, and brought to his Relations
in Triumph, with Mufic and Dancing, And
the Tragi-comedy ends in Feafting.

The Produdt of the Country (befides the
common Roots, and Fruits and- Animals) is
Myrrh and Olibanum or Frankincenfe, which
they barter for coarfe Callicoes from India ; but
they have no great Commerce with Strangers,
Nor has Doffar any better Trade, but is more
noted for Barbarity to thofe they can circumvene.
I knew an Englijh Ship/« Anno 170 ^. that call- '
ed there for frefh Water, and the Natives came
flocking on board with animal Provifions to fell
or barter. They found the En^%lijh fupinely neg-
ligent, and, being but fix or leven in Number,
they mixt with them, and fuddenly flabbcd
them all 9 but did no harm to the Indian Seamen
and Merchants, who were about 40 in Num-
ber. They took every Thing out of the Ship,
and then burnt her.

Curia Muria is another Port on that Shore,
but of fmall Account. It is in the Middle of
feven Iflands, each having a very high Mountain,
which makes them conspicuous from the Sea,
There are none that frequent it but Trankies,

that

of the Eaft Indies. 57

dut nav^te firom the Gulf of Perfia to the
Itei Sea^ who call there for frefh Water and
Recruits of Provifion. The Inhabitants, along
all that Coaft, zvcBadows^ who wear no Clothes
above the Navel. Their Hair grows long,
which they plat, and wreathe above their Heads.
The next remarkable Place is Maceira^ a bar-
ren uninhabited Ifland, lymg about 5 Leagues
from the Continent, and within 20 Leagues of
Cape Kaffelgat. It has dangerous Shoals lying
on its Weft End, which reach above 30 Leagues
along the Shore to the Weftward, and fo far in
the Sea, that the Land (tho* pretty high) can- .
not be feen, before the unfkilful or unwary Pi-
lot feels the Rocks with his Ship's Keel. The
Inhabitantson the main Continent, feem to be Sor-
cerers; for about the Year 1 684. a Ship fromL^;i-
iw, called the Merchants Delight Captain Edward
Say Supercargo, this Ship unfortunately run a-
fliore on the Ifland in the Night, being very
dark, notwithftanding they kept their deep Sea
Lead going every half Hour 5 yet they were fo
lucky as to run her faft a-ground between two
Rocks very clofe to the Shore. In a few Mi-
nutes the Ship was full of Water, but, being dry
on the upper Decks, the People kept on them
till Day-light, and then they aifcovcred about 4
or 5C0 wild j4rabs, with fome Tents pitched at
a little Diftance from them.

The j^aifs by Signs, {hewed themfelves ready
toailift the diftrcffed £«^///Z^, and being excellent
Swimmers, fwam to the Ship, and brought the

End

58 A New Account

End of a Rope afhore. ^here was one on board,
whom I was afterwards well acquainted with,
who, before that, had failed fome Years in /»-
May and had learned the Indujlan Language,
and fome Arabick : he ferved for an Interpreter.
They bid the Engtijh hoift their Boats out, and
come afliore without Fear, which they accord*-
ingly did, with their Arms. They told the £»-
glipy that they were not come there to rob them,
but to ailifl them for reafonable Rewards, and
that they would take no Advantage of the ill
Circumftances they were in, but would make a
fair Contrad: with them, and perform their
Fart, as fhould be ftipulated in their Agreement.
The Bjnglijhy tho' very diffident of the treach-
erous ArabSy were obliged to covenant and a^ee,
that whatever was faved of die Treafure, Car-
go, or the Ship's Furniture, (hould be equally
divided, and the Englijh to have their Choice
which Part they might have a mind to ; and
that the Arabs fhould tranfport the E/ig-
lijh's Part to Mujkat^ about 60 Leagues off,
Freight free.

Ailbon as the Contradl was made, the Arabs
went couragioufly to Work, and, in a Week
or ten Days, got every thing afliore that was
portable, and they, according to Agreement, di-
vided the whole into two equal Parts, and gave
the Englijtj their Choice, and then got Trankies,
(or Barks without Decks) and fliipt what be-
longed to the Evglifh for Muskat. All the
while they were getting the Goods afliore, they

treated

of the Eaft Indies. 59

freated the Er^UJh with excelknt Mutton, both
of Sheep and Goat, and laid in Provifion for
their Paflag^ to Muskat^ free of Charge to the
Sapercargo.

After the Interpreter aforefaid was grown fa«
miliar with thofe Arabs ^ that were lb kind and
benev^nt, he alked why fo many of them
had aflemhied on that barren Ifland. They an-
fwered, that about eight Days before the Ship
was toft, a Fakee^ who is an ccdefiaftical Offi-
cer in their Church, prophefied, that near fuch
a Time, a Ship would be loft there, and pref-
&d them to go to the aftiftance of the ftiip-
wrack'd People, who would be glad to come
under Contradl with them, to have one half of
what was gotten out of the Wrack ; and conju-
red his Auditory to perform their Part ^thful-
ly, which accordingly they did ; tho' at other
limes the BaSffws are perfidious, treacherous
and crud.

Cape RaJJelgat lies about 1 6 Leagues to the
Eaft ward of Maceira^ and the Sea-(hore is clear
of Dangp: ; and juft within the Cape, to the
Northward, is a Village called Teywee^ which
ftands on the Side of a &iall River, near the Sea;
bat is heft known by alitde Mountain (clofe by
it ) {baped like an high-crown'd Hat. And a^*
boot 1 6 Leagues farther to the Northweft ward,
is QiHat, a large Village in a Valley clofe to the
Sea. To the Northward of it is a very high large
Mountain, whofe Foot is wafh'd by the Sea,
and there are 40 Fathoms within 200 Paces of

it.

6o A New Account

•

it. It may be feen at>ove 40 Leagues from the
Sea. There are neither Trees nor Grals to be
feen along the ScsL^co3i{k, but at Curiat ; and yet
the Country has Plenty of Cattle, great and fmall,
with Variety of Fruits and Roots from the Val-
lieSy and Fi(h from the Sea. Their Wells are dug
in the Vallies very deep before they come to
Springs, but the Water is very good.

CHAP. VII.

Treats of the Kingdom and City of
' Muskat, and of their religious and
civil Cujioms ; with fome hijiorical
u^ccount of their H^ars and Oecono^
my. And a little Account of the Sea^
coaji of Arabia deferta, as far as
Baflbra.

MUSKA7 lies about 22 Leagues to
the North-weflward of Curtate and is
[art Town of Arabia petrea. It is built
on the Bottom of a fmall Bay, that almoft has
the Shape of an Horfe Shoe. It was built and
fortified by the Portugueze^ in the fifteenth
Century, but taken from them about the Year
1650. The King of that Province (for tho*
there be many Kings in Arabia^ yet none aifumes
the Title of King of Arabia) having War at

that

of the Eafl; Indies. 6i

ifaat Time with the Perfians^ had raifed an Ar-
my of 40000 Men to infult the^.Sea-coaft of
Perfia ; and liad provided a fufficient Number
of iinall Veflels, called Trankies, for their
Traniports. His Army lay at a little Diftance
from Muskat^ and his Fleet at Mutfera, a imall
Bay about a Mile from the Entrance of A/2^/^
Harbour. The King fent a civil Meflkge to the
Portugueze Governor, defiring the Liberty of his
Markets to buy Proviiions.

The infolent Governor, thinking himfelf fafe
within a walled Town, with many imall Forts
to annoy any Enemy that could come to attack
the Walls of the Town, inftead of returning
a civil Anfwer to the King's Requeft, fent a
Piece of Pork wrapt up in Paper, as a Prefent
to the King, and bid the Meflenger tell him,
diat if he wanted fuch Proviiions, he could
fiirniCh him. The Meflenger not kho wing what
was in the Paper, carried it to his Mafter, with
the rude Anfwer. Now Pork being forbiddea
the Mahometans as well as Jews^_ they hold it in
Abomination, and confequQntly it aggravated the
deiigned Affront. The King was much fur-
prized at the Governor's ill Manners, but diflem-
bled his Refentment, in expectation to find a
proper Time at his Return from *JtiiiPerfian Ex-
pedition, to corredl the GoverAor/s Infblence,
or revenge the Affront put on%him : But the
whole Army being enraged at the Affront,
breathed nothing bu t prefent Revenge. And the
Queen, who was of the Seid Extra<5tion, who

are

62 ' u4 New Account

are a Tribe or Family defcended from Mahomet^
by Fatima his Daughter and Mi his Apoftle,
being of a mafculine fiery Temper, reproached
the King for not rcfenting fo grofs an AjSront,
fwore by her Anceftor the Prophet, that (he
would never Air out of the Tent fhe then iat in,
till Muskat was taken from the Portugueze. Ail
the Army applauded the Qiieen, and threatned
to mutiny, if they were not forthwith led by
their Ofiicers to the Scalade of the City Walk.
And at laft the King finding that no Perfuafions
could cool their Fury,tho' the Day was for fpent,
ordered them to be led on. The Portugueze
ilank'd them, from their Forts on the Moun-
tains, with Plenty of great and fmall Shot ; but
the Arabs never looked l^ck, nor minded the
great Numbers of their dead Companions, but
mounted the Walls over the Carcafes of their
Slain. About Sun -fct they drove the Portugueze
from two of the City Gates, and purfued their
Enemy lb hard, that not oneefca}x:d, tho* they
fled in great Ilafte towards the great Fort, where
the Governor ftaid. That Fort is built on a
Rock almoft furroundcd by the Sea, and has no
Way to get up to it, but by a Stair-cafe hewn
out of the Rock, above 50 Yards high, and
not above two or three Perfons can afcend
a- bread. The Arabs thought it impracticable
to att;.ck it, fo made a Blockade of it. In the
Attack of ti.e Town, the Arabs loft between 4
•nd 5000 of the bcft of their Forces ; and the
Pcf^tugucze, in their I orts, were reduced to 60

of the Eaft Indies^ 65

or 70. Thofe in the fmall Forts were obliged
ibon to furrender for want of Ammunition and
Provifions ; and all were put to the Sword, ex-
cept thofe, who, to fave their Lives, promifed
to becircumcifed, and abjure the Chrijiian Re-
l^icMi. Thofe in the great Fort held out about
fix Months, under great Want and Fatigues ;
and all Hopes of Relief being cut off, they re-
folved on a Surrender, on which Motion, the
imprudent Governor, who was the fole Caufe
of their Calamity, leapt down a Precipice into
the Sea, where the Water being very (hallow,
he was dafht to Pieces on the Rocks.

The little Garifon would fain have come to a
Capitulation, but the Arabi would grant them
no Terms, but that they muft yield, or be ftar-
vcd ; and tho' the Terms were hard, yet they
thought beft to furrender, and all were put to the
Sword, except a few who embraced Mhbometifm^
which in all were eighteen Perfbns. And this
Relation I had from a very old Renagado, who
was at the Tragedy, being then a Soldier, who
reckoned himfclf about 1 00 Years old, and, by
his AfpeA, could not be much lefs.

The City of Muskat is very ftrong, both by
Nature and Art ; but the Buildings very mean,
as moft Fabricks are under the Oeconomy of a
People who abominate Luxury and Pride, as the
Muskat Arabs do. The Cathedral built by the
Partugueze^ ftill retains feme Marks of its anci-
ent Grandeur, and is now converted into a Pa-
lace for the King, when he refides there, which

64 -^ Nefw Account

is generally a Month or two yearly. The Wall
of the Town that feces the labour, has a
Battery of large Cannon, about 60 in Number,
and there are 8 or 10 imall Forts built on the
adjacent Rocks or Mountains, which guard all
the Avenues to the Town, both by Sea and
Land ; and there are none permitted to come in
or go out of the Harbour between Sun-let and
Rifing.

The Krates that infcfted the InSan Seas at the
latter End of the lixteenth Century, made a
Breach between the Efiglifl) and them. The
Pirates having made Prize of one of their
Ships, they retaliated on the E^glifh private
Shipping : They feized Captain Morrtce's little
Ship, and detained him and all his Crew as
Slaves, and would never ranfom them. In An-
m 1705, they took Captain Murvel in a rich
Ship from Bertgcl, bound to Perfm ■, but that
might be attributed to Pufilliuiimity, in not of-
fering to make a Defence.

They put their Slaves to no Manner of La-
bour, and allow them a Soldier's Pay for Sublift-
ence ; and wJiat they can earn otherwife by In-
duftry, is wholly their own.

There arc neither Trees, Slirubs r
be fcen on tlie Sea-coaft from Curiat t
and but a few Date Trees in a "
Back of the Town, ^iiul >et there
leaft Want of them W-x in ihc <
good Marked for \VIkml, Bwlc
and for excellent Fruiti, "~^

of the Eaft Indies. 65

good Cattle, both great and fnial!, as any
sre in India^ where the Soil is moft luxuri-
And the Sea furnifhes them with Plenty
Variety of excellent Flfh. Their Cattle
£ to be very lean, but when killed, they
very fat and good, affording a great Deal of
low. They are not well ftocked with
vl, but thofe they have, are very good,
■"lom May to September the Heats are excef-
in the Town, fo that none appear in the
cts, from I o in the Morning till 3 or 4 after .
Dn. Their Bazaars or Markets are a!! cover-
vith Date Tree Leaves, fpread on Beams of
iame Tree, that reach from Houfe to Houfe-
; and the ff oufes being all flat on their Tops,
liled with Clay and Straw mixt, in the afore-
Months every Body lodges on them in the
hts J for below Stairs they cannot fleep for
It, and the Nights afford plentiful Dews,
: fometimes wet them thro' their Cotton
ilts ; and thefe Dews are reckoned very falu-
us.

The Reafon of fo intenfe Heats proceeds
Q the Nearnefs of the Sun in thofe Months,
> fends his Beams almoft perpendicularly
rn on the §id|Mtf t^^ ^'^^"^^''^^> which be*
jjt an hard black
i them to fuch a
1 1 in the Fore-
t Fi(h on them.
) areaccuftom-
itjeir own Ac-
cord,

66 A New Account

€ord, to be ferved their Allowance, and when
they have breakfafted, retire again to Shades
built for them ; and yet their Beef and Mutton,
that are partly nouriflied by that Sort of Food,
have not the leaft Savour of Fifli, And the
Reafon why Fifties are fo plentiful and cheap in
the Markets, is by the eafy and odd Way they
liave in catching them, or rather conjuring of
them *, for J have feen a Man and two Boys catch
a Tun Weight in an Hour or two. The Man
ftands on a Rock, where the Sea is pretty deep
near it, and calls T^//, //?//, for a Minute or
two, and the Fifli come fwarming about the
Rock. The two Boys, in a litde Boat, (hut them
in with a Net about 20 or 30 Yards long, and
3 or 4 deep, and, drawing the Net near the
Rock, keep all in ^ and, when People come
for Fifli, he afks them what Sorts they want,
and puts an Hoop-net, fixed to the End of a
Pole, into the V^-^tcr, and ferves every Body
with what Kind they afk for ; and when he
has done, he hales out his Net, and gives the
rcrt their Liberty.

Their eftabliflicd Religion is M^bometan^ of
the Sedl of j4ili. They hinder no Body, of
what Perfuafion foever, to go into their Mof-
ques, even in the Time of divine Service. And
their Molahs or Priefts often preach themlelves
into violent Paflions, efpecially if the Subje£t of
their Sermon be about the Verity of their Reli-
gion ; and then they'll challenge the Priefts of
any other RcLgion^ to confirm theirs with as

2 good

of the Eaft Indies. 6'j

good Evidences as they can ; for, being well ver-
kA, in Legerdemain Tricks, (which all we
Qjrifiiam^ except one Set of our Priefls, are ig-
norant (rf) they'll take live Coals out of the Fire,
9od ieem to eat them, with as good an Appe*
tite as a School-boy can eat a Bergamy Pear ;
which Trick the poor deluded Auditory takes
for a Miracle, to confirm the Sandtity of their
Sd^ion.

The King keeps his Court generally at Na^
zawa or Rfy/iock^ two Towns four or five
0a]rs Journey from Muskat within Land. He
has no iplcndid Equipage, and his Garb very
plain, and no finer than an ordinary Soldier's is.
He has about loo of his own Slaves armed
with Matchlocks and fliort broad Swords, for
htt Guard, who always attend on him. He,
nor his Subjecb ufe no Tables, but plain Matts
i|xead on the Ground, ferve for Table and
Qiairs. Their Viands are a Difh of Rice, ei-
ther plain, or made in Pillaw, and a Difh or
two more of ftew'd or fi'yed Flefli, Fifh or
Fowl, placed near the Difh of Rice : And he,
with his Table Companions fit on the fame
Mat, with their Buttocks on their Heels, and,
,in that Poflure, they feed very plentifully.
Their right Hand ferves them for Spoon, Knife
and Fork, except when ihey eat Broth or Milk,
and then they have large wooden Spoons. Their
ufual Drink is Water, or fowre Milk, and'
in hot Weather Sherbets.

They make no great Difference about Table

F z Gueflsj

68 A New Account

Guefts ; for the King and a common Soldier,
the Mafter and Slave, fit promifcuoufly, and
dip in the fame DiQi : But Women never eat in
Company with Men. The Mens Apparel
is a Pair of Breeches down to their Ancles^
with a loofe Vefl on their Backs, with very large
Sleeves, and the Body of the Veft girded about
their Bodies with a Safli, and a large Turband
carlcfly wreath' dabout theirH eads, and aPoni^
ard, or a (hort broad Sword fluck into their Gir-
dle perpendicularly ; their Shoes clumfily made,
and very low and ftiiF at the Quarter-heels ; and
thus a Gentleman is equipped ; but in cold
Weather they.ufe Gimelins, a fort of loofe
Coat, without Sleeves, made of Camels WooL
Their Women wear Breeches to their Heeb, of
finer Stufis, and better Colours than the Men.
The Body of the Veft made for their Ufc, is
flrait, but Hiort wafted, and eathered above the
Niivel in Plats, which, makes the lower Part look
Xik:: a Petticoat. Their Shoes are fliaped like
the Mens, flat and broad.

The Rcafon why their Shoes are made fo, is
for their eafier flipping oflf or on, when they
enter or come out of a Room, that they may
not dirty the Carpets or Mats wherewith the
Rooms are fpread, which ferve them for Beds
in cold Weather. And, except fome large round
Pillows of broad Qoth or Velvet, ftuft with
Cotton, for the Eafe of thofe who fit on the
C.i nets or Mats^ to lean upon as they fit crofs-
legg*dy there is no other Furniture in a Room.

Over

of the Eaft Indies. 69

'■ Over all the three Arabias^ their Cuftom in
treating Strangers or Friends, is the fame ; for
as ibon as every one is feated, a Servant brings a
Pot of Coffee, and ferves it about in fmall Cups,
that contain not a Quarter of a Gill ; but as
foon as one Cup is out, they fill again, and per-
haps a third Time : Then a Pipe of Tobacco is
prefented, their Pipes differing much from ours
in Europe^ in Shape and Magnitude ^ which Ser-
vice lafte till near the Time of breaking up Com-
pany, when comes in a little Pot of hot burn-
ing Coals, on which they throw fome Chips of
Agala-wood, or fome Powder of Benjoin, Myrrh
or Frankincenfe, which produce a thick Smoke,
that incenfes or perfumes the whole Room.
And, as I obferved before, it is the Cuftom of
wearing very great Sleeves to their Garments.
They open their Sleeves as wide as they can, and
hold them over the Smoke, which perfumes
their Arms, Shoulders, Neck and Beard. And
the laft Courfe is fome Role- water to befprinklc
the Company, wliich is the Signal to be gone
every one about their Bufinefs ; fo without any
Forms of Ceremony, every one walks off.

The Produfts of Arabia petrea for Exporta-
tion, are but few, as Horfes, Dates, fine Brim-
ftone, ibme Coffee, but hot fo good as at Mo^
cba ; fome Ruinofs, which is the Root of a
fmall Shrub that dies Crimfon, and fome Pearl.
Their Manufacture is fome coarfe Cotton Lin-
en and Camelins, which they confume moft in
their own Country ; but the Badows need none,

F 3 ^ ' fincc

5^o A New Accormt

fince they wear none. The Arabs wear no Pearl
or Cold ; but the Womenof Diftindlion wear
Pearl of a fmall Price, tho' I faw one there as
big as a large Hazel-nut, exadlly round, and
of a fine Water. It was valued at a looo To-
manf, which is above 3000 L. Sferl. I have
fometimes gone in a Boat to fee them dive for
Pearl, and have bought fome Pearl Oyftcrs of
them, but the Divers are Cheats, putting the
Oyflers in the Sun, which makes them gape;
atui then the Rogues rummage them, and (hake
out the Pearl ; and, after they are robbed of
their Treafure, they put them into Water again,
nnd they clofe. 1 bought at Times above
100 Oyfters, and got nothing; they coft mc
but fcven Pence halfpcny a Piece. At kift I
found one that had an Excrcfccnce growing to
the SlicU on the Infide, which I carefully took
off J and/ at Carivar in ///^/V/, I fold it for 9 L.
Ster.

The Women in this Country have fome Pri-
vileges beyond the Men ; for if one complain
that a Man has offered Violence to her Pcrfon,
witiiout further Proof than her Word of Ho-
nour, he is puTMflied with a i oo Baftinadocs on
the Soles of the Feet, or put into a Dungeon
under Ground, which has only an Hole at the
Top, big enough to receive a Man ; and when
he is in, there is a Stone put over the Hole, too
big to be removed by a finglc Pcrfon, and there
lie mufl: ftay there three Days, and as many
Nights, without Meat or Water, or Room to

of the Eaft Indies. y i

\j at his Length. And if a Wife complain of
her Hufband for Unkindnefs in any Kind, par-
ticularly of due BenevolencCy as by Law efta-
^Kfbed in the yewijh and Mahometan Churches,
ibc rlufband muft undergo the Punifhment of
the Dungeon. But if a Lady trefpafles, and
her Spoufe deteft her Crime, he has the Law
in his own Hand, and may chaftife her with
the Whip feverely ; but muft not touch her
Life, on Piin of Death.

The Muskat Arabs are remarkable for their
Humility and Urbanity. I had one Inftance of
their Civility. As I was one Morning walking
the Streets, I met accidentally the Governor of
the City, by them called the Waaly^ and, ac-
cording to my Duty, I went into the Door of
a Shop, to let him and his Guards have the
Street, which generally are narrow \ but he ob-
ferving by my Complexion and Garb, that I was
a Stranger, made his Guard go on one Side, and
beck'ned me to come forward, and ftood till I
paft by him. And for an Inftance of their coot
Temper, in hearing Debates and redtifying Mif-
takes between Parties difagreeing about Com-
merce : The before mentioned Interpreter at
Maceira^ was Commander of a Ship from In-
dia^ and had freighted her to Muskat. The
Freighter^ who was a Mahometan^ delayed pay-
ing the Freight, long after it was due by the
Tenor of the Charter-party ; upon which he be-
ing in Paffion with the Freighter for his conti-
nued Delays, went to the Waaly to complain.

F 4 He

7 2r A New Account

He obferving by the Gentleman's Countenance,
that his Mind was difcompofed, anfwered him,
that being at that Time very bufy about fome
of the King's Affairs, he had not Time to fend
for his Freighter, but defired that he would
come fome other Time, and he would hear
him, and order the Payment. The Dela3rs ftill
continuing, the Captain went again in an an-
gry Mood to make his Complaint, but was ftill
put off with gentle Excufes : But at laft addref-
iing the U^aaly with Coolnefs, he was defired
to fit down, and he would fend for the Freight-
er, which accordingly he did ; and, on his Ap-
pearance, the IVaaly afkt him why he did not
comply with his Contradl, as was ftipulated by
xhz Charter-party ; and his Excufes being
thought infufficient, he was ordered to make
Payment forthwith, or go to Prifon ; but the
Freighter chofe rather to bring the Money, and
end the Difpute. The Captain afkt the IVaafy
why he did not do him Juflice fboner, who re-
fer Anfwer, that it was his own Fault, for com-
ing drunk to make Complaint The Captain
proteAed that he had not been drunk in many
Years; hut the JVaaly replied, that he fa whim
drunk with PaiTion, which was the moft dan-
gerous Sort of Drunkenncfs,

The Countries to the South- ward of Muf-
kilty as far as Curia Muria^ are under the Do-
minions of Muskat^ and the Skeeks or Princes
are their Tributaries. The Land is mountain-
ous ; but the Plains and Vallies very fertil and

well

of the Eaft Indies. 73

well watered, and confequently well peopled,
and, to the Northward of Muskat^ the fame
Qudn of rocky Mountains continue as high as
ZooTy above Cape Mufenden^ which Cape and
Cape Jaques begin the Gulf of Perjia^ on the
Arabian Side. About Zoar begins the Dcfart,
that runs as far northerly as Aleppo. The Moun-
tains near the Sea, are fandy, and the Vallies
and Plains Aeril^ and ill inhabited, and as ill
watered.

About the Year itzo. Perfia was in a flou-
lifliing Condition, and was a Terror to all its
Ne^hbours. Shaw Tamas^ Son to the funous
Show Abajsy was then King, and being of a
martial Difpoiition, had a Defign to annex all
the Arabian Coaft oppofite to Perfia^ to his own
Dominions, and accordingly tranlported from
Qmgy a City of his own that lies on the Sea-
(hore, an Army of 35 or 40000 Men to con-
quer it. The Army met with no Oppofitbn in
landing, and they fbon overran the Country
wherever they went ; but they had not been
long in Purfuit of their Conqueft, till Provifions
began to be fcarce in the Army, which, with
the Scarcity of frefh Water, and the intolerable
Heats, both of Sun and Winds, brought a
Contagion on the PerfianSy that killed the bet-
ter Half of them, and obliged what was left to
return back to Perfia by Shipping, as they had
come from it.

Thofe barren Coafts are needlefly fecurcd by
landy Banks, that run 10 or 12 X^eagues off
from the Shore, which would make Navigati-

^4 -^ -^^"^ Account

on impratfticable, if it (hould meet with Eneou-
ragement ; but the two Iflands of Barem, ly-
ing in the Latitude of 29 Degrees 30 Minutes,
alaK)ft in the Bottom of the Gulf^ and belong-
ing to the Crown of Perfia, have the beft Pearl
Fiihing in the World.

About the Beginning of this Cehtury, the
Musket Arabs took Pofleflion of Bareen Iflands;
but the honed Pearl Fifhers deferted it whilft
the Arabs kept Poileflion, who finding that
their new Settlement could not defray the
Charge of keeping, without the Pearl Fi(hers,
they left it ; and xbe Fifliers, who are moflly
Arabsy returned to their Induftry, and conti*
nusd thcFifhery.

The great Turk gives Laws to all the Coun«
tries that ly between the River Edipbrates and £-
tbiopia ; but there are many Sheeks who inha-
l»t thefc Defarts, that make but fmall Account
of him or his Orders, becauie the Sterility of
their Country makes them fecure from great Ar-
mies coming amongfl them, and a fmall one
dares not venture amongft them as Enemies.
They being naturally Thieve, rob Friend or
Foe, or one another 3 fo that few People of Sub-
fiance have any Commerce with them.

There are no Towns of Note between Muf-
kat and Bajjora^ but Zoar^ and but very few
inconfiderable Villages; but there are two or
three pretty convenient Harbours for Shipping.
The ibuthermoft is about 6 Leagues to the
iward of Cape Mojenden^ called Courfor-^

caun.

of the Eaft Indies. 75

ctim. It is alflwft like Muskat Harbour, but
femewfaat biggef , and has excllent frefh Water
ia deep Wefis, about a Quarter of a Mile from
the Lancting-plaee. The Village contains about
twenty little Houfes ; yet there are pretty good
Refreihments to be had there. Cape Mojenden
is of itfclf but a good Number of fmall high
Iflands lying near one another, but they appear
la^c a Promontary on ^erra Firma. And up to
the Weftward of the Cape there is another Har-
bour, whofe Name I have forgot; but there
are good frefli Water and animal Provifions to
be bad there. And now having defcribed Mus^
hat and its Territories as virell as I can, I'll make
cMic Gbfervation more, and procceed on my Tra-
vels.

Ever fince the Portugueze left Mujkat to the
Arabs ^ there has been a continual War 3 but in
die main the Arabs have been the Gainers, yet
they have been obliged to. build and buy Ships
of Force to confront the Portugueze at Sea, and
to keep their Coafts free 60m their Infults.
Their Fleets have often met, and had fomc En-
gagements, but few Ships have been taken or
funk on either Side ; but Merchant Ships of
both Sides have been taken. The Portugueze
ufe their Captives with great Severity, making
them labour hard, and inure them to the Dif-
cipline of the Whip ; but the Arabs ufe theirs
with very great Humanity, only making them
Prifoners at large, without putting them to hard
Labour, and allow them as much Diet Money

y6 A New Account

a8 their 6wn Soldiers receive, and that is duly
paid them twice a Month. And if any of tfaie
Portugueze are Artificers or Mechanics, they
may freely work at their Trade, to earn Mo-
ney to redeem themfelves.

In Anno 1 7 1 5* the Arabian Fleet conlifted of
one Ship of 74 Guns, two of 60, one of 50,
and 18 fmall Ships from 32 to 12 Guns each,
and iome Trankies or rowing VefTels from 4 to
8 Guns each, with which Sea Forces they keep
all the Sea-coafts in Awe, from Cape Comerin
to the Red Sea. They have often made De-
fcents on the Portugueze Colonies on the Coaft
of India^ deftroying their Villages and Farms,
but fpare the Churches, for better Reafons than
we can give for plundring them. X^ey kill
none in cold Blood, but ufe their Captives cour«
teoufly. In Anno 1695. they quarrelled with
the Camatick Rajab, a potent Prince by Land;
yet they came with their Fleet, and plundred
and burned the Towns of Barfahre and Man^
gulore^ two of the bed and richeft Towns on
that Coaft. And now I leap from Mujkat to

CHAP.

of the Eaft Indies. ^jr

CHAP. VIII.

Qives an Account of Baflbra Citj/y and
that Fartof ki^iz, defertaj njoith
Remarks on its Government and
Commerce^ and Jome Occurrences j
both ancient and modern ^ that have
happened to it \ with Jome Account
of the famous River of Euphrates.

BASSORAisHtifi eaftmoft City or Town
in the Turkifh Dominions, (landing about
two Miles l^om the &mous Euphrates, and has
a fmall Rivulet that wafhes its Walls on the
Weft Side, and difcharges its Waters into the
Euphrates. This City ftands about 30 Leagues
£x>m the Sea, and it is alledged, was built by
the En^ror Trajan, and had the Honour to
be the Birth-place of another Roman Emperor,
Philip firnamed the Arabian : But at firft it
was built along the Side of the River, and the
Veftigia of its ancient Walls are ftill to be feen
from the aforefaid Rivulet, a League down the
Banks of Euphrates, which difembogues her
Waters, by four or five Mouths, into the Gulf
of Perfia ; but none navigable for Ships of Bur-
den, but that Channel that leads to Bafjora. At
the City it is a fliort Mile over at high Water,
and it keeps about the fame Breadth to the very

Mouth of it.

The

78 A New Aacaunt

The River abounds in Fi(h, but none goodj
except a fmall Shad about the Bignefs of an Her-
ring. And there is great Plenty of wild Fowl,
fuch as Swans, Geefe, Duck, Teal, Wigeon
and Curlews ; and the Fields have Plenty of Par-
tridge of feveral Kinds, Plover, Snipes, DoveS|
Pigeons and large Larks, whofe Flefh is very 6-
voury , and their wild Notes grateful to the Ear.
They have alfo Birds of Prey, as Eagles, many
Sorts and Sizes of Hawks, and Kites, Crows
both black and white, and it is obfervabie, that
the black keep the Arabian Side of the River,
and the white the Perfian^ and if any prefume to
interlope into anothers Province, they raife the
P^^if, and drive them back to their own Territories,
There is great plenty of fmall Tortois in the
River ; but none eat them, becaufe they arc for-
bidden in the Levitical Law, to which the A&-
bometans adhere much in Point of eating. They
have alfo many Species of wild Beafts. Wild
Swine are very numerous, and their Flcfli is
very fweet and juicy, but no Fat to be feen a-
bout them. And the Pcafants come often to
Town to invite Chrijiians to kill them ; for they
make fad Havock of their Corn and Roots.
And if a Cbrijlian kills any, they'll bring them
to their Houfcs on A Acs or Mules, for a very
fmall Reward, notwithftanding there is a pofi-
tivc Command in the Alcoran^ that forbids them
to touch Swine's Flelli.

They have Plenty of black Cattle, wild and
tame, and good Milk ; but they make but fcur-

oj the Eaft Indies. 79

tf Chede of it, and no Batter, becaufe they
make the Fat of their Sheeps Tails ierve in
their Kicchens inilead of Butter ; and they keep
no Tea-tables for the Confumption of frefti But-
ter. And Coffee, which is much in Ufe, is the
conftant Companion of a Pipe of Tobacco,
which is taken by the Ladies as well as Gentle-
men. In the Etefart, which is very near the
Town, there are wild Camels, Horfes, Afles,
Goats, Lions, Leopards, Panthers and Foxes,
which they hunt on Horfe-back, with Sword
and Lance, and on Foot with Fowling-pieces.
They have Plenty of delicious Fruits, as Pome-
granates, Peaches, Apricocks, Quinces, Olives,
Apples, Pears, Neftarines and Grapes that arc
as fwcet as the Juice of the Sugar-cane, and
their Spirits are io weak, that they'll produce nei-
ther Wine nor Vinegar : But the moft plenty and
uieful of all their Fruits, are their Dates, which
fupport and fuflain many Millions of People,
who make them their daily Food, and they are
wonderfully nourifhed by ,them. BaJJora ex-
ports yearly for foreign Countries, above loooo
Tuns of Dates, which employ Abundance of
Seamen for their Exportation,befides many more
Poor in gathering and packing them in Mats
made of the Leaves of the Date Tree, and like-
wife in drying them. I bought about 160 Pound
Weight of wet Dates for 2 /7; 3 ^/ Sterl. and
fomctimes/ they are cheaper.

The Ruins of the famous Babylon lye about
200 Englijh Miles up the River from Baffora 'j

and

8o A New Account

and at Bagdat^ which is 1 2 Miles below it^ the
Ruins appear to be a Mountain, and are the H^p
bitation of wild Beads and Serpents. Whether
Bagdat was builtout of its Ruins, or no, I know
not; but 'tis reported, and generally believed
that it was. It is now a prodigious large Gty,
and the Seat of a BegUrbeg^ who governs a very
great Province. The Baftiaws of BqJJora^ Co^
tnera and Moful (the ancient Nineveo) are Tub-
ordinate to him, and are able to bring 150000
Men into the Field.

Comer a (lands on the Banks of Euphrates^ a«
bout 80 Miles above Pajfora^ and, by common
Tradition, is the Place where holy Job dwelt
It abounds in all Things that Bafjora produces,
viz. Fruits, Roots, Herbs and Animals : Be-
fides, it is very fruitful in producing Wheat,
Rice, and Pulfe of fcveral Species. There is a
Garrifon of i ocoo Janifaries continually kept
there, and 8 or 10 River Gallies, well fumi(h«
cd, toawe the circumjacent Countries, who are
apt to rebel. And Bajjbra has 3000 Janifaries
and 5 Gallics for the fame Account. The Ba-
(haws of the Gallics are not fubordinate to the
Bafhaws of the Cities ; but he of the Gallies has
the Command of the circumjacent Countries,
laying on of Taxes, and raifing Subfidies at his
Plcafurc, as he of the Cities has Power to op-
prefs the Citizens : And their Avarice and Seve-
rity often caufe Mutinies and Blood- Hied. One
of thofe Mutinies happened at Bafjora^ in Anna
172 1, for tlic Bufhaw of tlie City having married

of the Eaft Indies. 8 r

% Lady out of the Grand Seignior's Seraglio^
and that Monarch having fome Deference for
heron Account of Confanguinity, her Huiband
was put into the Bafliaw's Ship to get Money to
fbpport his Lady's Extrav.^gancy ; and finding
that fair honeft Ways would be a lonp; while in
raifing fuch Sums as he thought would be fufli-
cicnt for that End, oppreft both City and Coun-
try to fill his Coffers. The poor oppreft Mer-
chants, Mechanics and Peafants plied him with
Complaints on his Soldiery, who, they thought
robbed them, fince the Exadions were new.
They gave in Remonftrances of their Grievances,
and petitioned for Redrefs ; but the Perfons fent
with thofe AddrefTe^, had the Baftinado for
their Impertinence. Upon this the diftreflfcd Ci-
ty and Country made their Addrefs to the Ba-
fhaw of the Gallies, who knew they had juft
Caufe of Complaint. He wrote to the Beg/er-^
iegj and informed him of their Cafe and Condi-
tion, and obtained a fevere Reprimand ; for he
of the City, inftead of Amendment, added Cru-
elties to Oppreflion, and murdered many who
would not, or could not pay what they were
fcffedat, which unheard-of Barbarities made a-
bove 50C00 of the City and Country betake
themfelves to Arms, and march out, with the
Mu/ti or high Prieu at their Head ; and he had
a green Flag, which is Makomef^ Banner,
before him, carried by a Pricit ; and he and his
Army encam}x:d near the Hifiiaw of the Gallics
his Houfc, which ftands about twb Miles below
Vol. I. G the

82 ^ New j^ccount

the City, by the River Side { and the Baihaw
of the Gallics joined thfcm with i ooo Jani-
fliries. I'he Muftis according to Cuftom^ pli-
ed his fpirituul Artillery, and excommunicated
the fiiiHiaw of the City, and all that adhered to
him. This Mutiny continued fome Days ; but
I heard of no Blood^flied, and only opprobrious
liiinguugc pall. But the Town began to feel
Wanf> for the Peafants would bring no Eatables
to the City \ but the Muftts Elofl were plenti-
fully fupplicd. All Shops being (hut up^ and
all (he Markets unprovided, made the Baihaw
of the City lx:gin to think what the End would
bC) if the Mutiny continued any longer > fo he oot
ibmc Country Gentlemen who were of ntiwer
Fadion, to go to the Mufti and the Bafliaw of
the Gallics, asMciliators ; and accordingly they
went, and were handfomly received, and, in
their Oration on the prcfent Poihire of Afl^irs,
maiic the Mufci and his Party incline to Peace,
providing that about a Dozen of Incendiaries
might bj delivered to them, to receive condign
Piinifhment for their Faults, All the Profcri-
Ixrcl, but ojie, by the Intcrceflion of Friends,
were p;mloncd ; but they wouUl hear of no
Pca(T till the other was made a Sacrifice to their
jufl Kefcntment ; for this Villain would accoil
a Merchant in the Street, and, after common
(*onipliments were ended, l)c would afk them
what became of the Diamonds, or other Jewels,
that thev had fliewn him fuch a Time. The
iuuocent Merchants, who {x-rliaps never h;id any

2 Jewels,

of the Eaft ladies* 85

Jewels, being furprized at his Queftion, would
deny that ever they had any fuch as he fpake of.
ITicn the impudent Fellow would tell them
plainly, that without they would bribe him with
a roand Sam, he would inform the Balhaw,
that he had feen fuch Quantities of rough Dia-
monds, or other valuable Stones, in their PoiTelli-
on, and if they could not be found entered in
the Cuftom-^houfe Books, they mufl expert to
fufier what Punifhment the Bafhaw would pleafc
txi inflict for defrauding the King of his Cufloms.
'Some out of Fear would comply, and give a
Sam, others again ftood on their Innocence, and
would not give him Money ; and they were fure
to be informed againft, and brought before the
Baihaw, and, upon that Villain's Evidence, were
generally fined about double of what he afkt
of them ; fo that belides the great Sums that
came into the Baftiaw's Coffers by that Rafcal's
Ingenuity, he had accumulated twenty five Bags
to himfelf, each Bag containing 500 Crowns,
and all this in the Space of three Years that he
had been in Bafjora ; for he came from Confianti-
mple one of the Bafliaw's Retinue, hardly worth
an Afper^ and at his Death fo much ready Cafh
was found in his Houfe, which fell into his Ma-
iler the Bafhaw's Hands : For after this Villain
was culled out to be facrificed to the jufl Refent-
ment of the People, and found that they would
not be appealed without having his Life, he fell
at his Matter's Feet for Protection. The cun-
ning covetous Bafhaw bid him convey what Mo-

G 2 Key

84 -^ -NJfw Account

ney he had to his noufe, and he would talft*
Care of it for the Ufc of his Wife and Children^
and would fend him fecretly out of the Town^
and get him fafely condudled to Omera. He
fwallowed that Bait, and delivered his ill-gotten
Money to his Mafter, who proteded him but
one (ingle Day, and then told him, that the Pto^-
pie's Clamours were fo great, that he could pro»
tedl him no longer ) and accordingly he was
delivered to the enraged Mob, who forthwith
flrangled him, and threw his Body on a Dung-
hill by the Side of an High-way, where I (aW
it two Days after. And the Mufti and Ba(haW
made Matters up for the Eafe and Satisfa<£lion of
tlie People, who grew quite tired of their
Divifions.

Bajjora was many Years in the Hands of the
Perjians^ who gave great Encouragement to
Trade, which drew many Merchants from fo-
reign Parts to Ictilc there, and particularly from
Surat in India. But in Anno 169 1 . a Pc(Hlence
raged fo violently, that above Hoooo People
were carried off by if, and thofc that remained
fled from it, fo that for three Years following it
was a Dcfart, inhabited only by wild Beafii,
who were at laft driven out of the Town by the
circiiniiacent wild Arabs^ who poflcft it about
12 Months, and were in their turn driven out
by the T^urk^ wiio keeps it till this Day ; but its
Trade is very inconfidtrablc to what it was in
the Times that the Perjiam had it, and the
Reafon is, that the T^urh arc very infolcnt to

itranger

oj the Eaft Indies. S5

fiiai^^ Merchants, iv ^^^200 1721. Ihadanln-
ftanoe (^ their arbitrary Infolence, for I fold a
cooikierable Quantity of Pepper, which fome
flmiger Merchants bargained to take at 28 Ma--
wtooSes * a Mound Attarie^ widiout Deductions.
The Baihaw being made acquainted with the
CoDtrsK^l, fent Orders, that the Pepper mufl be
delivered to two Minions of his at 24 Mamocdi^
efj and allow them 'f Turk and Buri^ which is
a Fkct of Stone or Brick between a Pound iind
aa half or two Pounds Weight, into the Scale
with the Standard Weights, belides the Tare of
the Bags* I at firft rcfufed to comply with the
unjiifl Order, and flood out three or four Days,
but at laft was advifed by fbme Surat Merchants
( who were there, and had met with as great
OpprefiioQS ) to obey, left I (hould run the
Rkque of being plundered by the Soldiery.

There are many Jencs in Bajfora who live by
Brokerage and exchanging Money 3 but the Turks
keep that Set of People very low, for Reafons of
State. There are alfo about 200 Cbrijiians of
the Greek Church, but no Priells of that Com-
monion, wherefore fome Roman Mifiionaries of-
ficiate there. The Greek Clergy are very indifferent
about gaining Profelytes, and, to nouriih their
Flocks, will not run the Rifque of Martyrdom,
fo they keep none of their Priefthood at Bafjo^
ru : But when I was there, three Romijh Priefts

* 28 Mamo§dies 2Lrt I'] Jb b d, A Maund AttarU is 28 Lih.
t Turk and Burk Is a cuftomary Donation, fuch as Tret
in Britain.

G 3 of

86 u4 Nr'w j4cconnt

of the Ccrmelite Order h.nl the Superin tendency
of that Church. Thcfc flindtificd Rnfcals were
a Scandal to CJ^nlthmity^ by making a Tavern
of their Church j for having more Indulgence
from the fJovcrnmcnt than the Mahometans^ in
mornlMattcif;, they ahufc it to thevilell Ufes,
in felling Arrack, which they diftil from DatCRi
and procuring Birdfi of Paradifc for the Ufc of
their Criftomcrs. The Mahometans again arc for-
bidden ftridly the Drinking of Wine or diftilled
Liquors, both by their ccclcfmftick and civil
Laws; for tlic Ilcat of the Sun, and the dry
fandy Soil tTc;Hc much adull Cliolcr in their
Hr.iins, that wlicn they arc heatcci by drinkins
{Irong Licjuors, tlicy l)tX'omc furious and mit-
chicvous to one another, and, in thofc mad FitSi
v'onnd and kill their Fellows. Thofc fcnuidaloui
Pricfls liad been oiicn rcpiiinandai by the Go-
vcrnmrnt, for nhnfiiiji; tlir IiKhdgcncc they had,
btit to little Purpofr, lor ihcir 'IVade was very
gainful ; but, upon a dnnikcn Quarrel between
two Scamt-n ot mine, whrrcin one was dangc*
roully woiuKlfd with a Knife, and the other,
for Icar of Puniihnu'ut, t\\xx\f^i\ Mahopnrtan ^ bc-
inp; before a Purthyjtrze (Irijlian^ the liiOinw
frut ari Officer and Soldiers tocnter theChurch|
and all the I (oufc s appertaining to it, with Or-
ders to brr:ik their .Stills and J.us, with the reft
of the didilling IJteniils, and to (xnir out all the
Arrack thry ffMUhl, on the (Ground, which was
urcoidingly done • nnl, in the Search, thcSol-
dicrnnct with a fine Silver Watch, andal)out 400

Spauijb

of the Eaft Indies. 87

Spamjb Dollars^ which they carried off with
tbem. The PricAs petitioned the BaOiaw to
htyc the Watch and Money rcftored ; but were
anfwercd, that they preached much on the Con-
tempt of worldly Riches, and if his Soldiers
had made them practice what they preached,
tbey ought to be thankful, and to let the dcfpi-
cable Money continue in Hands that profeO:
their Love of it, and knew much better how
to u& it than Priefts, and fo.difmift them, with
Threats of harder Penalties on their next Tranf-
grefllon : But the Sweets of worldly Gains foon
omde them forget the Admonition given them
by the Bafhaw, as well as their heavenly Pro-
mifcs and Oaths made at their AdmifTion into
tlKir holy Order ; and, like a Dog to his Vo-
mit, returoed hack to their old Trade of de-
bauching Cbrijiians^ y^^'^> Mahometans and
Pagans with Liquors, and fet up Stills for that
Parpofe once more.

Notwithftanding that the TurkiJJj Govern-
ment is fo well eftablifhed by Severity, and even
Cruelty, when their Laws are tranfgrcfTed, yet
the Arabs^ who are the natural Lords of their
own Country, are not to be rigoroufly dealt
with, for they are a People very bold, revenge-
ful and cunning. While I was at Enfjara^ a
Parcel of Janilaries were fent to the I (land of Ga^
6on^ which lies between the City and the Month
of the River Euphrates. The Weft End is waHi-
cd by a Branch of the River, wJiich runs into
the Sea^ aiid the North Side by the main River

G 4 for

88 A New Account

for 25 Leagues, till it difembogues into the Sea
by the Channel for Shipping. It being pretty
well inhabited, and the B.i(haw impofing exor-
bitant Taxes on thofe poor Iflanders, which they
cither would not, or could not pay, fent the a-
foremcntioned Janifaries to dragoon them into
Compliance. They firll built a Sconce, and for-
feited it, both to iccurc themfclves from fudden
Attacks or Surprize, as well as to hold what
they might diArain from the poor Peafants.
Many of thofe poor Wretches having experiment
ted the Turkifj wholcfom Chaftifements of plun-
dering and baflonading thofe who icruplcd
to obey, or were not able to piiy what they were
taxed, making tlieir Complain 'b to one another,
and bewailing the Mifcry that they underwent
by the inexorable Janil-incs, took Counfcl tofcr-
rLt them otFtluir llland at the Hazard of their
Lives, r.uher than ccjininue under the Uiifup
poriiiblc Yoke ihcy were in j wlieiclort al)Out
y.o of rliem prepared for an Attack on the )a-
nilancs liirle iu)ri, with no oilicr Weapons than
I.aiiccs and Swords. 'Hiere were about Ibrty Ja-
nilaricii in the Fuic, wcil armed with Guns ; but
tliJ yhabs dcfealed ihc Defign of Powder and
Ball, by making up great Bundles of Straw,
that covered thecn entirely from Head to Fool,
whillr their Faces were towards their Enemy.
Tiiey waited a convenient Time when the Wind
was pictty higl), and marching towards the
windwardmoft Fart of the Foit, Jet Fire to their
Straw, whofe Blaze and Smoke kept the Jani-
faries

of the Eaft Indies. 89

iaries clear from molefling them to windward.
There were fome Shades within the Fort, built
of Date Tree Leaves, for Icdging the Garrifon,
but they took Fire alfo 3 aiid five or fix Barrels
of Powder blowing up, deftroycd moft of the
Janifaries, and fome few who leapt down the
Outfidc of the Wall, were killed with the SworJ;
i:^ that, between Fire and Sword, not one efca-
ped. I ^w fome of the flaughtered and half-burnt
Carcaies brought up to the City next Day after
the Tragedy was adted ; but the Commotions
that had happened before in the City, made the
Bafhaw bridle his Refentment, fince it was his
own Avarice that begat both Mutinies.

The Horfcs in this Part of Arabia are very
well fliap'd, and mettlefom, and the Men the
mod dextrous ih managing them that ever I iaw.
They flioot with Bow and Arrow, and throw
their Lance at full Speed, and very feldom mifs
the Mark, They will ftoop at full Speed, and
take up an Hair as (lie runs, with their Hands,
or throw a Lance in the Air, and catch it before
k comes to the Ground : and indeed the moft
of their Exercife, whilft young, is in managing
their Horfcs,

They have many Boats on tlie River, of fe-
veral Shapes and Dimenfions ; fome are made of
Wood, with high broad Boughs, and very long,
others are very Ibort : Their Rudders are in
Breadth a Quarter Part of their Keel's Length,
but not in tire of one Piece as ours are, and they
daub them over Outfide and Iiifide with Bitu*

men .

po jiNew jiccouttt

tnen^ without caulking them ; others are B^ets
made of Reeds^ perfe(^y rounds with two Sticks
laid athwart crofs-ways their Bottoms to keep
them 6pen. They are alfo daub'd on the Out-
fide and Bottom with Bitumen. And this fort
they make ufe of to tranfport Goods from Place
to Place. Bitumen is a thick fulphurous and un«
£tious Matter, generated in the Earth there, and
boils up of its own Accord to the Surface ; and
fometimes it is fo hot, that it fcalds the Hands
or Feet of them that go to gather it. And there
are fome hot Pits in the Ground, that patting
a Pot over them, they'll boil Meat. There is
alfo Oyl of Peter in thofe Grounds, which ii
very good in healing rheumatic Pains.

CHAP. IX-

Gives a Defcription of the Sea^coafi of
Perfia, from Euphrates to Gombroon,
<with the Places of Commerce on tlx
Perfian Side of the Gulf.

THEY have a Tradition, that between
Bafjora and Comera was y<?^'s Habitation,
if he had any ; but that is out of my Sphere^
and fo rii travel down the Euphrates again to-
wards Ferfia.

For above 20 Leagues to the caft ward of the
Channel for Shippings or from Morgan Point,

the

of the Eaft Indies. 9 1

e Landis very low and marfhy, and is over-
own with Reeds and Shrubs, which, in the
(onth of Augu^^ are very dry by the extreme
[eats of ^une and July ; and the Winds blow-
ig freHi, put them in fo great Agitation, that
(T Fridion they take Fire ; fo that before we
e any Land, we fee great Smokes by Day, and
«t Fires by Night, of 4 or 5 Lotgues long,
at at Durea^ which I take to be the eaftermoft
ranch of the River, the Land is pretty high,
id ibme Date Trees to be &en from the Sea.
iid the firfl: Mountains that appear in Perfia^
e thoie of Bander-dillm^ which is a large
'own on the Sea-coafl. It has large Plains near
, that produce Plenty of Wheat and Barley,
id have good Pafturage for Horfes and Catde.
lS alfo does Bander-rick^ another Sea- port
'own, and may be feen plainly from the Sea ;
ut the Bay is fhallow fo far ofl?", that a Ship can-
ot come within three Leagues of it ; however,
; has a pretty good inland Trade, by reafon of
8 Vicinity to Sbyrajh^ the iecond Town in
^erjia for Magnitude, from whence it is but
X Days Journey for Beads of Carriage.

Bowcbier is alfo a Maritim Town, about 12
iCagues to the Southward of Bander-rick. It
tands on an Ifland, and has a pretty good Trade,
oth by Sea and Land.

The Iflands of Carrack lie, about Weft North-
vtRy 1 2 Leagues from Bowcbier, One of them
las no Inhabitants but Deer and Antilopes. The
bothermoft has between 2 and 300 poor Fifliecs

9 z A New Account

on it, who ferve Shipping with Pilots for BaJJora.
It ufibrds good Mutton and Fifh^ and Potatoes
and Onions, with good Water. The Anchor*
ing-);Iace is at the North End of the Inhabited
IllanH, in 12 Fathoms Water. Their Language
is Auibick^ and Religion Mahometan.

About 7 Leagues to the Southward of Bcnxh
chier^ oii the Sea-coaft, is Chur choir ^ where are
the Ruins of a large Caille and Pier that jetts t
pretty Way into the Sea. They were built bjT
the Portuguezej who kept a Garrifon there^ and
had Gallics continually cruizing about in the Bot-
tom of the Gulf, to compel all Ships that Tra-
ded there, or to BaJJora^ to pay lo per Cent.
Toll or Cufloms to them. There is nothing
clfe to invite Obfervation for Travellers, from
Q or choir to Congoun^ which is about 30 Lea-
gues, but high, dry, barren Mountains, and hi-
deous Precipices.

C'-ngoun ilaiids on the South Side of a large
River, and makes a pretty good Eigure in Trade;
for moft of the P.:arl that are caught at Bareen^
on ihe yy;v7Z'/tf;/ Side, are brought hither for a
Market, and many fine Horfes are fcnt thence
to Irdia^ where they generally fell well. And
four Days Journey within Land, is the City
of Laar^ which, according to their fabulous
Tradition, is the Burying-pUce of Lot^ and they
pretend to fhcw his Tomb ftill ; but they do
not know a Word about the poor Woman his
Wife. That there ar&many Mountains of Rock
Salt there, is very certain.

The

of the Eaft Indies. 9 j

TTie next maritim Town, down the Gulf, is
Omg^ where the Portugueze had lately a Fadlo-
ry, but of no great Figure in Trade, tho* the
Town has a fmall Trade with Banyans and
Mocfrs from India. The many Infults the Mus^^
Arf-4ra^jgiveit with their Fleet, frigh'^eii Mer-
chants of confiderable Stocks from frequenting
it After the Portugueze loft Ormus, and a Teat.^
made with ShawAbafs the King of Prrfij^ they
were permitted to fettle at Cong. But that King
built the City of

Gombroon^ or, as the Natives call it. Bander
Abaffi^ or the Sea-port of AbaJli. This City
Aands on a Bay, about 4 Leagues to the North-
wawl of the Eaft End of the Ifland of Kifmijh^
and 3 Leiigues from the famous Orumje^ which
Ac Englijh had fo great an Hand in reducing to
the Obedience of Shaw Abafs. What Time the
Portugueze fettled on Ormufe I know not, nor
could I ever learn from the Perfians that I con-
verfed with, when they did fettle ; but finding it
a convenient Place to tyrannize over the Traders
into the Gulf of Perjia^ they built a large Fort
on the Eaft End of it, almoft environed by the
Sea that wafties the Fort Walls. This Gomb con
was formerly a Fiftiing Town, and, when Shaw
Abajs began to build it, had its Appellation from
the Portugueze in Derifion, becaufe it was a
good Place for catching Prawns or Shrimps,
which they call Camerong. The Englijh and
Dutch have their Fattories here, which bring a
good Commerce to it ; and the French formerly

had

94 -^ A^^w Account

had their FaAory too. It is ill feated^ and wants
almofl every Thing that contributes to the Sup-
port of human Life, except Fifh and Mutton $
yet, for many Years, it nas been well peopled
by Reafon of its Trade^ which has filled the
Pockets of many Merchants, who, at their firft
fettling there, were very empty. They have no
drinkable Water within tnree Miles of the
Town, except a few Ciftcrns, which arc dry a-
bove one Half of the Year : And the Hills near
it, are barren, and the very Rocks tafle of Salt.
And when Rain falls, which is but feldom^ the
Rivulets (which are iillcd by the Waters running
down the Hills into low Grounds ) bear a
Cruft of fine white Salt on their Sides, but is
bitteridi, by Reafon of too much Nitre and Sul-
phur in its Compofition. People of DiflindUon
and Fortune keep a Camel or two daily employ-
ed in bringing thcin fi efh wholcfom Water from
jljfcvn^ alxjut j 5 Miles from the City, becaufe
the Water of INaban^ wliich is three Miles off,
is not accounted faliibiious. There is an high
MouiUiiin that lies North from Gambrotm^ about
8 Leagues, whofc Rcflcdtion of I leat on the low-
er Ground, in the Summer Months, almoft
fires the Air, which creates much Uncafinefs and
Unhcaltliiuhiefs totlic Inhabitants oi Gombroon \
wherefore moil (>f' them retire into the Coun-
11 y, to pafs the I Icats ol' yimt\ 'July and Auguft^
wt'.o/c ljeat!> aflc^.l the bca, iiiiomuch that in
Augujl tlicie comes a Stink frcmi if, that is as
dcicllubic as the bmcU oi dead Animals on the

Lands

of the Eaft Indies. 95

Land ; and vaft Quantities of fmall Shell Fi(h
aije thrown on the Shore by the Surges of the
$ea ; from them I judge the intolerable Stink
piocecds. It tarnifhes Gold and Silver, as bad
» the Ulge Water of a tight Ship.

About I o Miles from Afjeen^ at the Foot of
the afbrefaid Mountain, is 4 Place called Minoa^
where are Natural cold and hot Baths, which
cure Itches, Poxes, Leprofy and rheumatic
Psuns, only by bathing, for they are not drink-
able ; and fome that try to drink them, and get
a few Spoonfuls down, find them powerful £-
luetics. There are two or three little Choulteries
or Shades built for Patients to red in ; but there
are no Ptople that inhabit near it, fb that who-
ever goes there, muft carry all Ncccflaries or Con-
veniences along with them.

At jlITeen there are many Gardens, where
the Inhabitants of Gombroon retire to in the hot
Months ; but the Englijh EaJl^India Company's
is the beft, and bed cultivated. It produces
Pknty of Seville Oranges, whofe Trees are al-
ways verdant, and bear ripe and green Fruit,
with BloiToms, all at once. In the hot Sea-
fon it is well watered from its Wells, fo that
Roots and Herbage are plentiful, and good in
their Seafons, which fupply the Fadory at Oom-
broon : And there is pretty good Fowling and
Hunting in that Plain j but the Road to the
Town is only paffablc for Men\ and Afles or
Camels, but not for Horfcs : Nor are there any
Houfes on the Road, but one Fac/aWs or Beg-
gars'

i:>r .- L'-rcirsi. liir. J''^'ai-t i. * ''"Hjitt p: 'g tly well
T-rrj^ .:n. xji.i ::i j:.-! T'trt- :c r^r^tr z Wood

t:. z'^-ai -v.Lr x::.i i: jn ::i!t:i:i tcLsr Branches

Ei-i.:...::ir. :f ':z,rzi. :^r-t:.z v.: -jj'.; ir.': fjf, that it |
is:^— lilt TcriT lu*^ j!i.t:i."t^i ^ui.. fricT- CT^ End \
V. ir.iiiirr- !::«: i:'j:ji. r:iti-if: z^ics ^^t^ from

«_'.--i_ *— :- -i. -f--.. : «. . -— «3T:. » . w»...i ^.CIUl JUT

m ~ m

O.'v. i.:n?^-nn.:. t^iji i_'i irji^i Neils on the

A .

f^ : -.:- :c-z :■ 1*^ r '_r.t:'.:*:T fir Ez.^zt*zcns^ oc-

ciiL.-it: i; :Lr..."_:_:'Z H-.: :: S.n:,mtr, and

pifri-" z Ciii :: W.:..:f : ::r i/: ir.oicr that ilay

L-t:t r. r^::rr.Tjr: ?iiv£ V.^rr-ir. ir.r.ies to cool

LT.i fir. 'J'fz:. :'. '-Lrr :.-t irii'^tc, :n Winter,

VJ '^t^: Ci:>. Ci-i::, -: ti -v.ih Fur, to keep

tr.-jr: %- irrr.. Tr.: £i :--:\:':: 'iftt-: hiftcn Death

: ,' ^ : .'-'.?': '.v: . ; : - r ; 1/ hi: c wn Accord,

V ::-..r:... ..; ^r.i L/.':. -i:;trv cf Icvcral

]. ; :•- -'. -• !'.'..- ili : ,!-. ".,iL ;::ettv near

• . * »

t;.: T\ :.. '. -^ : c c- v.:;-. T^:.:l:, but never

i, • . ... . ^ . L>« .^ , • ■ . . V. i....ta. ^il V ILliUC

.. • f r. r'irr.s iind Pcr-
r :..;.:.... \'/:.'.:. en /-'.,/.;- ''-- 7.\/;rv laerctick
n . y, o. t- .'. •■ i:-;, I/- m i^f t'-.Lir Labour to
L'/'i r::r» li'.c:, ti.^;- ili^ K-iiv' i- il-nt furto
I... /.'■ li:.. li i .It a CLrtnian-^ bi.i wjoHiclate in

» The

4. '

4«i, . - ' . '■'} ■••->

oj the Eaft Indies. 97

The anihial Provifions of Cattle, Sheep, Goat,
Fowl and Fl(h, are all in their Kind good, and
pretty cheap j but they kill no Cows pub)ickly,
Kcaufe the Banyans from India^ who make
a good Figure in the Town, and are pretty
namerous, give the Sbanajheen or Governor, a
yearly Pfefent of Value, to prohibit Cow-kil-
Kng, for they being all Pytbagoream in the Be-
lief of Tranfmlgration, worfhip that Bcaft in ss
great a Degree of Veneration as a Papiji does
riic Image of a Saint given him for a Protedlor.
TTic Devotees of both differ not much in Point
of Adoration j for fctting afide the Divinity of
Cattle, who till the Ground, and nourilh them
by their Milk, which, they fay, is more than
a dead Image can do, they have greater Anti-
quity, and as great Authority as Cbrijlian Idoh"
ten can pretend to. Their Books are as nume-
roDSy and their Traditions and Legends as full in
relating Prophecies uttered by the Cow, as well
as Miracles performed by her, as the others can
boaft of done by their Images ; fo they laugh at
a Pa/nji that calls them Idolaters.

TTic Grapes, Melons and Mangoes that fup-
ply the Market of Gombroon^ come from the
b^ Mountain beforementioned, or from the
Vallies on the North Side of it. In November
and December the Snow falls fo plentifully on that
Mountain, as well as on others to the South-
ward of it, that it cloathes them is white gene-
rally till the Month of March.

In Augufi the poorer Sort of People go up

Vol. I. H the

the Country to their Date Uarved \ and for a
Months Time; that the Har\'cfl laAs, we can
I.urdiy isiZ Boatmen and Porters enow to lade
or i:;:iadc our SLipping, which often proves very.
i: convtr.icnt for thofc whofc Voyage depends on
quiLk U.'puVAu Arid the Winds blowing then
h^rd at iroutii-wcft from the jirabian Shore,
bri: i ii'^-g v/iih them futh Qouds of fcorch-
iiv^ ^..r.iir, tliat the Sun is cbfcured by them.

A mtnior.blc Accident happened about the
Yciir 17 1 2. to two French Gentlemen, who,
t'.Mrsry to the Advijc of their Friends at G091-
/res;/, v.ould needs travel in ihc Month oijulj
ijzljpalan^ the Metropolis of P^t^j, which lies
7-0 Ei.gHjl Milcb from Gctnbryjn. The Chief
of lie En^lijl pLCiory, who was a Gentleman
of much Can'ior and Probity, and had travelled
that Roa^Ifcvc.'.l Times, told them of the Danger
of ]i.mx.atiiig Ilcais that they mufl pafs through
il;t \A.\ iliiec Stiij^Ci of their Journey i for there
arc fume deep Cuvcrnb in the Sides of fomc
Mrunt;!.':'-, cominoiily called by the Inhabitants,
Uelti M'Mtis^ wliich fomciimcs fend forth fuch
hot (liy Wind-, that kill Man and Bcafl, if they
do rot flnin thciu, which is done by falling flat
on the (Ground, and pKtcing their Cattle's
Kiniips to ilic Wiiid, whilll: tliey lie on their
I3L!li(s;. Thofc BLills may be fccn fomc Mi-
ijiiic. I.L'I'yrc they come near enough to Men or
Ijcll^ to lull t thcni; and, in a Minute or two,
they l)l<iw over, being con fjJiCil to a fmall Space
ol Ciiound to blow on. The general Rule for

Travellers,

of the Eaft Indies. 99

Travellers, is fo fet out between three and four
in the Morning, and travel to Nine, which Rule
Aofe French Gentlemen obferved, and being fa-
tted by their Morning's Journey, aflbon as
they came to a Cararcanferay ^ ( which are Lodg-
ings built at every Stage's End, a Stage bdng about
15 Miles ) they were difpofed to reft, and order-
ed their Servants to make their Beds ready, (for
even thofe neceflary Furniture Travellers are ob-
liged to carry with them on Carriage- beads )
and ordered their Servants to call them when
]%iner was ready, and withal ordered a Sheet
for each of them to be dipped in Water, to lay
over them, in order to cool them. One of
thofe hot Blafts unfortunately came whilft the
Gentlemen flept, and had left the Windows of
the Room open, and the Wind blowing in at
die Windows, fcorched them both to Death on
tfadr Beds, where the Servants found them
when Dinner was ready, and pulling off the
Sheets, the Skin and fome FleQi came off with
them.

I obTerved before, that Ifpaban is difbnt from
Gomirom about 700 Miles, and yet I have known
a Foot- port bring Letter sin 1 1 Days from thence,
iho* the Ways are fo bad, that Horfcs cannot
travel it in that Time.

Sbyrajb is a large City on the Road, about
550 Miles from Gombroon^ in a fine, pleafant
fe: 'il Cbun*i v ^ that produces Fruits of all Sorts,
excellent ii. iheir Kinds, particularly Apples,
Pears, Plumbs, Figs, Wall-nuts, 'Chcfnuts,

H 2 Hazel-nuts,

MfK^C^^

I oo A New uiccQUHt

Hazel-nuts^ Piftacio-nuts, and Grapes which
afford good Wines, and Raifins, and is lb wdl ilo-
red with Rofes, that they can yearly export aooo
Cheils of Rofe- water, beiides ten Tjmes m
much fpcnt in Perjia^ jirabia and Lidufiah. A
Chefl contains about 12 Englijh Gallons, care-
fully put up in thin Flaiks or Bottles. TheilC»-
bometans are forbid to meddle with Wine, there-
fore the Armenian Cbrijiians ( who are very na-
merous in Perjia ) have the Privilege of making
Wines, mod excellent in their Kind i and it is
a Queftion whether the World aflfords better,
for they are excellent Stonuchics, and being
ftrong, they'll bear four Times the Quantity of
Water to mix with them, without being flat ;
and the Mixture has a very fine Flavour. Ther
make alfo Brandy and Vinegar, but^ tho' much
ilronger, not fo palatable as what France produ-
ces ; fo that this Country, which formerly was
a Kingdom of itfclf, not only produces what is
convenient for itfelf, but exports larg^ Quf^iti-
ties of Wines, Brandy, Vinegar, Rofe-water,
Raifins and Figs, with the aforementioned Nuts,
which greatly increafe the Wealth of .the Coun-
try, whith alfo abounds in good Wheat, Peafe
and Barley for its own Confumption : And their
Beef, Mutton and Fowl arc exceeded by none
in Europe.

About 5 Leagues off the Road of Ijpaban^
are the Ruins of the famous Perfepclis^ that mad
Alexander of Macedon burnt at the Recjueft of a
Strumpet : And, as I have been informed by

feverak

of the Eaft Indies. lo i

fevoak that had the Curiofity to fee thofe Ra-
ines, in their Way to and from Maban^ it has
been a large ftately City. The Fabric has been
QoUCy by what may be yet feen in fome Parts
yet ftandine, and fome Paintings on Stone, that
ibD look frefli, in Ipite of Time's Iron Teeth, .
whode&cesand deflroys mod fublunary Things,
or alters their Figures fo much, that they can be
known no other Way than by Tradition, '

C H A P. X-

j& a Continuation of Obfervations on the
Empire of Ferlia, giving an Account
of its Magnitude^ the Reduction of
Ormuze to the Obedience of Perfia fy
the Affifiance of the Englilh : Alfo
of the late Revolution by Meriweys.

THE Empire of Terjia is of a large Ex-
tent, being limited by Euphrates and the
PerfianGxxMio the Weft ward, the Indian Ocean,
from C^L^c Guaddely to the Southward, on the
Eaft Side by the River Indits^ that runs 1 200
Miles to the Northward from its Mouths, and
on the North, by ZJ/becky Tartar/a, Q^lchis^
Mangrelia^ the Cafpian Sea and Georgia. Eri-
van in jirmenia^ is a Province in the North- weft
of it, as Cabul and Candaha are on the Nordi-
caft Side. Towards Turkey they fometimcs lofe

H 3 and

102, A New Account

€ nd get whole Proi^iiKes in a Year. About the
Beginning of the /eventecnth Century, Shaw wf-
bafs was King of l^erfia^ a King worthy of Efn«
piic, and made himfclf famous by his Valour
and JuAice ; but having no Fleet at Sea, the
Portugueze infaltcd his Sea-coafts, and feftkd
thcmfelves on the Ifland of OrmuzCj and built
a good ftrong Fort, as is already obferved, with
a pretty large Town, and magniBcent Churches.
Sonic Porches and broken Pillars I have feen,
that fpeak their ancient Grandeur ; and the Caf-
tic is Aill good, and well kept. The Partugueze^
with their li;^ht Frigats and Galleys, infultcd the
Sea-coafls of Perfia^ and all the Shipping that
had Commerce in the Gulf, for above a whole
Century. Shaw Ahnf\ bcin;; tired with the Com-
|>laiiits of hi> Siibjc<f:t<;, and others that had been
robbed and infulted by the imperious PortugutM^
mad^: liim very uneafy, and found no Remedy
I ut by (:»:coijrajjing the Englilh^ who then had
%\ frnall F.idtory on ihc Sea-Tlioie, about 7 Ix:a-
j;iit:, Un\Ti fhc Mouih of the Gulf, to the Eaft-
v/.'ird, «..il!cd y^lpjii^ii but were continually
fiifturbcd in their Commcicc by the domineer--
inj5 Portugueze fiom Ormu/e.

Sir ^houins Roiv being then Arnbaflador at the
C'f;nrt cf Perjia for King James the Firft of £«5f-
land^ to cultivate a Correi]xjndence between the
two Kin{^Homs, Sbaiv Abafi broke his Mind to
Sir TUmns^ and profL-rred any reafunable Indul-
j'/tnce to the Englijfj that traded \mo Perjia^ pro*
vising they would join Jiis Land Forces with

theirs

of the Eaft Indies. loj

iheirs at Sea, in Indian to drive the ' trouWcfom
Forturueze out of the Perfian Gulf. Sir Thomas
screed, that, if Shaw Abafs would defray the
Charges of the Ships that (hould come to
his Afliftance, give the B^glifh a free Trade over
alh the Perfian Dominions, Cuftom free, and
grant them one Moiety of the Cuftoms raifed by
Merchandize in the Gulf, they would not only
help to drive the Portugueze out of Or maze; but
kcq) two Ships in the Gulf, to proteft Trade.
AH which was agreed to by both Parties, and
fealed and figned by the King of Perfia.

The Englijh Forces confided ' of five Ships,
about 40 Guns one with another, and were well
mann'd. The YSngof Perfia fent an Army of
40 or 50000. with Trankies for Tranfports, to
land them on Ormufe. The Englijh foon de-
ftroyed the Portugueze Armado of light Frigats
and Gallies, which were hal'd dry on the Land
near the Cattle. The Cattle firing brifkly on
them, funk one of the Englijh Ships, whofe Ar-
tillery was carried aftiore, and put in Batteries
to annoy the Cattle, which the Shipping and
Batteries did fo efl^edtually, that, in lefs than two
Months, the Portugueze capitulated to leave Or-
mufe^ with all the Fortifications intire, and to
cany nothing away but their noble Selves. The
Plunder, which was very great, was equally di-
vided between the Englijh and Perjians ; and
Tradition reports, that there was fo much rea-
dy Bullion found in the Cattle, that it was mea-
fured by Long-boats full ; and one Boat being
pretty deep, and an Officer ftill throwing in

H 4 \\\^\^^

1 04 -^ ^^^ ^CQlWt

more, put the Boatfwain of the Ship, who was
in the Boat, into u Paliion, and nnacte him fwcar,
that for every Shovel-full that they threw moiie
in, he would throw two out into the Sea \ fix
he COM Id not tell what would fktisfy them, if a
Long-boat Load of Money would not. On the
Redudion of the Ifland and Fort of Ormuzty the
Port:/gueze withdrew their Men from, the FoM
of Laracka^ another liland 4 or 5 Leagues from
Ormuze^ and from Ki/inijh Fort, that lies on
tlie EaO: End of that Iflfind, and retired to Muf^
kat. Shaw Abafs was pun(flual in obferving the
Agreement with the TLngUp^ ; and it was. punc-
tually kept by the fuccceding Kings, till about
the Year 1680. the Englijh Com^iany failed on
their Part of keeping the Gulf clear of Infults,
and the Perfians. finding that the EngliJIj Com<-
pany's Forces were now too fniall for the increa*
fing Power of the Arabs their Neighbours, took
awiiy the half Cuftoms, and aliovv them 1 100
Tomiuiiis, which is about ^300 Pouu'ls Sterling
a Y(*ar ; hut I am afraid that that is alfo loft by
ihc l.itc Rl volution in Pcrfia.

WJicn Shaw Abafs dcmifcd, his Son Sbaw
7owas fucceded him, who was a Son worthy of
fi:ch a Father. He died about the Year 1630.
I isi was a very valiant and fortunate Prince in
his V/ais witli Turk and Moguls and a great
Lover of Juftice ; for whoever broke the cfta-
hlifhcd La\v% were fure to fufter the Penalty
sinncxoi to them. One Inftance of that he
fhevvtd 0:1 a Kaker ; for, being once detected in
zj^nking his Bread lighter than the Standard, he

2 was

of the Eaft Indies. 105

was ieverely lined \ but, on his being detedled
and €onvi(9ed a fecond Time, he was condemn-
ed to be bak'd in his own Oven , for a Terror to
othecSy who might flatter themfelves witli break-
ing the Laws with Impunity.

After Sba^ Tomas^ the fucceeding Kings have
been debauch'd with Ignorance of their own
AfiairSy Voluptuouihefs and Indolence, leaving
die Reins of Government in the Hands of P^ra-
fites, or Eunuchs and Concubines, who never
fail to bring their Mafler into Contempt, and
the People into Murmurings and Rebellions. A
very flagrant Inflance is to be feen in Menwafs
Revolution.

The whole Reign of the laft Sopbi^ or King,
was managed by fuch Vermin, that the Bailout
cbes and Mackrans^ who inhabit the Sea-coafl.
from Cape Jajques to huksy obferving the
Weaknefs of the Government, threw off the
Yoke of Obedience firfl, and, in full Bodies, fell
upon their Neighbours in Garmaniay who were
thriftier and richer than the maritim Freebooters,
and plundred their Fellow Subjeds of what they
had got by their painful Induflry. There was
no want of Remonflrances and Petitions put in-
to the Court to put a Stop to thcfe Enormities,
but.no Redrefs could be had. The XJjbecks came
alfo on their Neighbouring Province of Mufchet^
and committed many Depredations ; and when
Letters came from the Governor of that Pro-
vince, to acquaint the King of the Ujhecks In-
curiions, he happened then to be at Play with a

young

I o6 A Neav Account

young Cat, that hunted a Feather that he kept
in Motion with a Thread. One of the Pagei
acquainted him, that a Meflenger was come in
great Hade from Mujcbet^ with Letters to the
Vizier, who was at the Chamber Door, to
know what his Majefty would pleafe to order in
that JunAure. He anfwered, that aflfoon as he
had done playing with his Cat, he would fend
for the Vizier, and confult of that Matter ; but
he never thought more of it. This Indolence
made many Thefts, Robberies and Murders to
be committed throughout the Country : Nay,
his own Guards went out in Troops, and way-
laid Merchants going or coming to or from -JC
paban^ robbed them, and often murdered them ;
and when Complaints were made, and Proof
offered, yet no Redrefs could be had, which
made mofl People believe, that fome Court Fa- '
vourites were Encouragers of the publick Cala-
mities. /// ^nno 1716. I carried fome Armenian
Merchants from Perjia to Surat^ who aflured
me, that there was a Deiign to depofc the King,
and fet up his Son, or invite the Mufcavite into
the Province of Co/bin^ whofe Shores are on the
Cnfpian Sea, and where a foreign Army may
ealily be brought into their Ports by Sea : And
ccrtiiinly there was fuch a Dcfign ; for in Anno
1719. the Plot of dcpofing the King was found
out, and the Attamadculet or Vizier was deeply
concerned in it. He was Merincnfs or Meir
Mahunmd Shaw\ Father, the S<jn being then
Cbawfi^ or Prince of Candabacr. I1)e King was

2 folacing

of the Eaft Indies. 107

dng himfelf in a Garden near the City of
\ban^ when he was apprifed of the Plot,
kJi was to be executed the fame Night it was
overed. He immediately fent for the At-'
aJoalet, pretending Bufinefs of Importance
lit fome Frontier Provinces; and the old
itkman not dreaming of the Difcovery aiade,
ic to the King, who taxing him with the
t, made no EXfficulty to confefs that it was
his own Contrivance^ to fave the Country
Q Ruin, which was inevitable, if he conti*
d in Supinenefs, which had aflFedted him near
Years, and there was no Sign of Amend*
it, notwithftanding his Remonftrances and
Bonitions all that while, and now that he

detected, he knew the word that could be-
him, was to be facrificed for the Good of
Country, which he took to be rather Glori-
than DiQionourable. The King ordered fome
5 of Iron to be heated, and his Eyes * kept
n till the Irons were gently moved near the
» to dry up the Moifture, which is the roy-
^unifhment in Perfia^ for difobedient or re-
ions Pjrinces -, fo the old Man being made
id, his Treafure was feized, but his Palace

Gardens allowed him, and an Allowance
able to his Dignity. He had in Gold and
monds, to the Value 800000 Tomaans or
)OOoo Pounds Sterling ; and fome faid he had
re in his Son's Cuftody : But how true thefe
)orts are, I am no proper Judge, cither to
eve or rgeA ; but fome Bars of his Gold
w at Gombroon. Udoit

io8 A ^&va Account

Before this Confpiracy of the AttanuMkt
happened, the Mujkat Arabs came with a Flee^
and landed 5 or 6000 Men on Ormuze^ and be-
fieged the C^ftle ; but could not take it in three* '
Mraths, and being tired with Fatigue, they left '
it. But in Anno \ 720. Meriuoeys hearing how
the King had ufed his Father, made the whole
of Candabaar rebel, and wrote Letters to die'
Cbawn of Samacbie to come into Alliance widi
him and his Confederates the Ba/Iowcbes and
JJJhecks^ who readily embraced his Propdidons
in Hope of Plunder. Inijzi. Meriioeys beg^
his March towards Ifpaban^ with an Army of
45000. and paid honeftly for what his Army
had Occafion for in his March, declaring,
that he did not take Arms for their Hurt or Dc-
ifarudtion, but to free Perfia from the Folly and
Tyranny of a doting Fool, who was incorri-
gible by fair Means. The UJpecis entred the
Provinces Mufcbet and Tefd^ with 40000. and
a£led like Robbers. Another Army of 40000
went out of Samacbie^ and ravaged Erivan ; and
the Bal/cwcbes entred the Province of Carmmia^
and plundered the Country, and at lad took the
City. Then they marched towards Luior^ and
took the Town, but not the Fort : And there
twelve Hollanders^ who were fent from Gom-
hrcon to convey down fome Trcafure belonging
to their Company, behaved thcmfelves to Ad-
miration. They were lodged in a Caravanferaj^
where the Ballowcbes came with about 300 to
attack them ; but diey hud a brave v/arm Re-

ceptioDi

of the Eafi: Indies. 109

ipdon, and kft about fourfcore of thdr Num-
X dead on the Spot, without die Lofi of one
\utcb Man : But not thinking themfelves and
Kxr Treafure lafe where they were, they defi-
d Admittance into the Fort, which was readily
anted, and there they alfo behaved themfelves
well, that the Ballawches marched away with-
t the Booty they came fo far for. The Dutch
lid there above a Month, and in that Time
ime a Detachment of 40C0 Horfe to plunder
mabrdon. We heard of their Defign about tea
(ays before they came, and fo we and the Dutch
rdfied our Fa£ix)ries as well as poffiUy we
mid, planting little Falconets on the Top di
IT Wafls in Swivels, and beating out Ports in
oor Walls to ply great Guns, to fcour the
vemies to our Factories. Mean while the Perfi'-
I Governor fired Guns every I^ght, to let die
Dcmy know he was a brave Fellow : How-
per they hada Mind to iee, and on the 15 th of
kcember^ they a{^)eared near the Town, on a
siSt March towards it, which feared the Go-
mor fb much, that tho' there was an high Mud
iTall between him and them, he got on Horfe-
Lck, and fled to a FcMt on the Sea-{hore, leaving
few Guns, loaded as they were, tothe Enemy.
The Balhwcbes firft came to the Weft Quar-
r of the Town, where our Fadory ftands^
id foon made PaiTages through the Mud Walls.
'hey hewed down 2JI that came in their Way,
irticularly old People and Children, and came
I a confufed Halle to attack our Fai^ory, down

fome

no ji New jiccount

fome Lanes ; but we gave them a warm Wd*
come with our great Guns and fmall Shot. Hiejr
foon found their Miftake and retired in as great
Hafte as they came. Some of their Muiketcen
got into fome ruined Houfes, and fired onos)
but we being barricadoed, they did us littk
Damage, and had our Men obierved their Or-
ders better, we had come off with lefs. Oar
Firing lafted about three Hours, in which Time
we loft three or four, killed by their own Ra(h-
nefs by (landing open to the Enemy, when they
might have done better Service under Cover a
our Barricadoes. We had alfo feven woundedi
but none mortally, but one who was a Fador,
who received a Shot in his right Hand, which
threw him into a Fever, of which he died in
feven or eight Days. The Agent being gone to
IJpahan fome Weeks before we had any Advice
of the Ballo'uxbes coming, had carried twenty '
Soldiers along with him for a Guard, and left
but fix in the Factory, befides Cooks, and a
few Ser\'antp, I faw the Faftory in Danger if
they (hould be attacked, fo I reinforced it with
thirty fix of my beft Men, and another fmall
Englip Ship from Bombay^ aflifted with eight or
nine of his, fo that when the Enemy came, we
were about fifty ftrong. The Seafon being very
cold, made our Duty hard, for we lay in our
Arms every Night, for lo or 12 Nights that
the Enemy lay in the Town. They had a Con-
fultation next Day after their Repulfe, how they
might make another Attack ; but none would

undertake

^^ of the Eaft Indies. 1 1 1

ndertake to lead thdr Men on, and fo the Day
after Confultation. they went to attack the
Dutch who were three Times ftronger than we,
tod they met with the fame kind Reception we
gSLve them ; but they had a Ware-houfe within
Kftol-fhot of their Fa^ory, with Goods to the
Value of 20000 Pounds Sterling in it, which
die BaUowcbes broke into, and plundered. The
DiUcb loft twelve Men, and had eight or ten
wounded : So finding our Factories were not to
be taken without the Danger of much Bloods
£bed, they went a plundering the Town for eight
or nine Days, and carried away, in Money and
Goods, above 200000 Pounds, belides 14000
Captives, and as many Beads of Carriage, and
b went off about five or fix Miles from the
Town, which they laid in Afhes before
they Idft it. They continued in our Neighbour-
hood, with their Plunder, about a Month, I
£appo& till they received new Orders how to
difpofe of themfelves.

Notwithflandir^ fuch numerous rebellious
Armies were a-foot, threatning Dcflrudlion to
the State, the indolent King being lulled afleep
in Security, did not ofier to raife any Forces for
the Defence of himfelf and Country, but faid to
his Cabinet Counfellors, that be ivas fare bis
Emmies would leave bim Ilpahan, and tbat one
Qty loouU be eaougb to maintain bim and tbem bis
Cmnfelbrs : But when Meriweys came within
three Days Jourr.ey of the City, he raifed about
50000 of the Citizens, and fent to the Englijh

and

Ill A New Accotint

and Dutch Agents, to join their little Forces to
his^ to manage the Artillery, and to lend bim
ibme Money to fupport and pay his new ratted
Artny. The latter defired to be cxcufed in both ;
but the EngliJhQomi^iRA^ and were very adive
in defending the City, when Merkveys came to
betiege it : And when he approached within a
Mile or two of the City, the King fent his nw
Army out to fight Meriweys-, but in their March,
Meriweys^s Men liaving made a long Trench a
pretty Way from their Front, and hid a large
Quantity of Gun*powcicr in it, and then filled
it up again, which Ambufcade the King's Army
fell into, and, after a good Number of them
had pad it, I'irc was fet to it, and blew up and
ftorched tnnny of the King's Men, which fo
frightncd the rcA, that they turned Tail, and
fled without Ariking one Stroke ; fo Meriweys
made an eafy Conquefl of the City, and found
the King weeping, and dcfcrtcd by his bafcand
treacherous Courtiers. But Meriweys foon put
an End to his Melancholy, by ordering his Head
to be flruck off, whic h was forthwith executed,
and put on the Point of a Lance, and carried
thro' the City three Days fucccflively, as a Spec-
rjcle. The Prince Royal, or the young Sophs
feeing his Father's Affairs in fo wretched a Con-
dition, liad left the City, and went to Taurus
or Teverize before Mertweys came. Meriweys
carried himfelf mighty civilly to the CitiTcns,
but made the EngHJh Prifoners, and fcized
what Money and Goods could be found of

theirs,

of the Eaft Indies. 1 1 j

Ifadrs, and alfo the Dutch Company's EfFeds,
iNtt not their Servants Perfons. It was reported,
dnt the Englifi loft about 600000 Pounds, and
the Dutch 2 looco. But the Truth of thefe Re-
ports are beft known to themfelves.

When the old King had a Mind to honour
die EngUJh Facftory with a Viiit, as I faw in a
Letter from Mr. Bruce the Company's Agent,
dnt he fometimes did, and one particularly
b his Agency, he magnifies the Honour done
CD his Mafters, above what the Dutch could
Dvcf obtain. He relates how he and all the Fac-
tory, great and fmall, were ordered to leave
dieir Houfe, and Chamber I>oors and Ware-
bouies all open, for his Majefty and his Seraglio
Companions to ramble thro', and take fuch
Things as beft pleafed him and his Vlinions ; and
:hcrc was a Table left in the Dining-room,
Ipread and fumifhed with the richeft Sweet-
seats and Fruits.

I believe the Company was not very ambiti-
ons of having many fuch Honours conferred on
hem, fince they were obliged to pay for them.
&nd when the King has a Mind for fome new
CcHicubines, he iffues out Orders for all Men
ind Youths to depart out from their Houfes in
the Street, that be is pleafed to vifit, and to leave
A the Ladies in Pofiefiion till his Majefty fur-
v^tbem; and' the Penalty of Difobedience is
Death. He generstlly makes his Progrefs thro'
thfe Armenian Quarters, becaufe the faireft and
moft beautiful are amongft their Children.

Vol. I. I The

114 -^ New ^ccotwt

The Religion, bv Law cftabli(hcd for neu'
eleven Ages, \& Mahometan^ of iheSedlof jM\
but the ancient Religion was ParJ^ or Wm>
ihipers of the Sun and Fire. The Founder qf
it was Zoroajicr^ whom they Aill venerate. A«
bout the ninth Century of the Cbrijiian JB^a^
the Mahometan Zealots, according to the ka»
dablc Way of fomc Cbrifiians^ raifed a Perfe-
cution againd the Parfis^ whofe whoifon Seve*
rities made many Proifelites \ but fome ohftioate
Rogues, who would not change for a worfci were
lawfully murdered, or obliged to nin their
Country, fo that at prcfent there were but few
left in Verfia^ and thole that are left, arc proteft-
cd by their Poverty and Habitations, wnich an
in Deferts or Hills little frequented.

There are vaH: Numbers of jlrmenian Chrif^
tiam in Perfia^ whofe Religion is tolerated.
Their former Country of Armenia is now the
Province of Erivan. I'hcrc are many fubdantial
Merchants of ylrmemam^ who inhabit Juffar^
a Town near I/pahan^ and they fend radors
all over hulia to carry on Trade ; and fomc come
to Europe on that fame Account,

The Mahomet am in Perjia^ to encourage Pro-
fclytcH to their Reli[!;i()n, have a Law, that if a
Son of an Armenian turns Mahometan^ all the
J'uthcr's I'lftatc becomes his, and all who conti-
nue Cljrijliam aie excluded, which fomctimcs
makes jricat Diviljonsand Alterationsin a Family.

In Kaptifin they imincrte, luitdonot fprinklc.
The Piicil muA olliciate in his faccrdotul Garb»

with

of the Eaft Indies. 1 15

nth a Crown on his Head, and mud have two
Affiflants in holy V'eftments alio, but without
Ckowns. Hieir titulary Saint is St. Gregory^
of whom diey teU many flrange Stories ; but
iriicchcr tnic or falie I know not : But I am
hfc lie has plagued them with Fail-days, for
hof faft ODC Half of the Year at lead.

'BsL'nag made what Obfervations I could, of
dbe EmfHTc of Perfia^ Til travel along the Sea-
Qooft towards InduHan^ or the Great MoguH
Empire. All that Shore, from y^fjues to Sindy^
■ inhabited by unciviliz^ People, who admit of
» Ccxmnerce with Strangers, tbo* Guaddei znd
Diul^ two Sea-ports, did, about a Century ago^
Axd a good Trade.

CHAP. XI.

Treats of th Mogul/ Domim&»s on
the River Indus, part'tcntarty of the
ancient Kingdom of Sindy /// Pro-
dtt^ and Commerce^ Religion and
Ckfionfs of the Inhabitants ; <with a
Defcription of the River Indus.

SIND l* is the weftmoft Province of the
MoguFs Dominions, on the Sea-coaft, and
us Larrihundar to its Sea Mart, which (lands
ibout 5 or 6 Leas:ues from the Sea, on a Branch

"12 of

il6 A New j4c count

of the River Jndus^ capable to receive Shipe ^
200 Tuns. It 18 but a Village of about 100
Houfes, built of crooked Sticks and Mud } bat
it has a large Stone Fort with four or five
great Guns mounted in it, to protedt the Mei^
chandize brought thither, from the Robberies of
the Ballowches and Mackrans that lie near themi
to the Weft ward, aud the Jams to the Eaft-
ward, who being Borderers, are much given to
Thieving, and they rob all whom they are aUe
to Mafler. The former are revoltea SubjeQi
ofPerfia^ and the other are Subjects of theAf<^*
gul\ but being fecured from the Awe of an Ar*
my's coming to chaflife their Infolency, by the
marfliy Grounds they live in, and the rapd
Tides of Indus ^ they make but little Account
of their Sovereign's Power or Orders, and fq
they commit Depredatious on the CafHllas that
pafs to and fro l>ctween Tatta and Larribundar^
notwiihflanding a Guard of 100 or 200 Horie
are (cut along with them, by the Nabob or
Vicc-roy of Tatta^ for Protc<5tion ; but often
thofc Protcdors futfer the CafHllas to be robbed,
pretending the Robbers are too numerous to be
redrained by their fmall I'orces, and afterwards
come in Sharers with the Robbers.

Tatta is the Emporium of the Province, a
very large and rich City. It is about three
Miles long, and one and an half broad, and ii
about 40 Miles didant from Larribundar^ and
has u large Citadel on its Weil £nd, capable to
lodge 50000 Men and Uurfc, and has Barracks

2 and

of the Eaft Indies. 1 1 y

and Stables convenient for them, with a PaFace
boilt in it for the Nabob. All Goods and Mer-
diandize imported or exported between T^atta
and Larribundar^ are tranfported on Carriage
Beads, fuch as Camels, Oxen and Horfes. The
Country is almoft level, and overgrown with
Shrubs and Bufties, very fit to cover an Ambuf-
cade, which the aforefaid Robbers often make
oie of, and fuddenly rufh out on a CaffiUa, and
virihilft the Guards and Carriers are fighting in
one Place, either of Front, Flank or Rear, the
the Robbers drive away tjw Beafts with their
Packs. In Anno 1699. a pretty good Caffilla
was robbed by a Band of four or five thoufand
f^Uains : The Guard, confifling of 250 Horfe,
were intirely cut off, and above 500 of the Mer-
chants and Carriers, whic h ftruck a Terror on
dl that had Commerce at I'atta.

It was my Fortune, about four Months after,
to come to Larribundar^ with ^ Owgo from
Malabar^ worth above loooo L. I could find
Qo Tatta Merchants that would meddle with my
Catgo before it was carped to T^atta ; but agreed
Ml the Prices of mpft of the Species of my
Soods : And finding no other Remedy but tra-
irelling by Land, in a Caflfilla of 1 500 Beafts,
ind as many, or more Men and Women, be-
fides 200 Horfe for our Gtiard, about the Middle
li January we fet out 5 and after we had march-
ed about 1 6 Miles, our Scouts brought in News
of the Ballowcbesznd Mackrans being pA before
us, in great Numbers. I had thirteen of my

I 3 beft

1 1 8 A New Account

bed Firemen with mc in the Front, where mr
Bcafts were. Wc being all inonutcd on Iitt»
Horfcs, alighted, and fct our Beafts on OBflP
Flanks and Front, to fcrve us for a Barricadoe,
to defend us from Sword and Targct*incn,
which were the principal Strength of the Rob-
bers,- and wc, at the limic Time, had Room
enough to fire over our Barricadoe. Wc were
not long in that Poflurc, till the Enemy fcnt an
Herald on Horfc-back, with his Sword brariifh-
ing, and when he came within Call of u«, he
thrcatned, that if wc did not inftantly farrender
at Difcretion, we (liould have no Qiiartcr. I
had two of my Seamen that fhot as well with t
Fuzce as any ever 1 faw, for I have fcen them at
Sea, for Diverfion, knock down a fingle Sea-fowl
with a finglc Bullet, as they were flying near oar
Ship. I ordered one to knock down the HeraM,
which he inHantly did, by a Bullet through his
HeiKJ. Anoiher camcprcfendy after, with the
fame Thrcatnings, and met with the fame Treat-
ment. Tlie next that came, I ordered his Horfe
to be ([\oi in the Head, to try if wc could take
his Rider, that we might learn fbmewhat of the
Encn^y's Strength. The Ilorfe was killed af-
foon as he appeared, and fome of our Horftgot
the Ride, and hewed him down, inflead of
brinj^inj; him to us. Our Guard of Horfe conti-
nually kept in the Rear, but feeing what we had
done in the Front, took courage, and getting in
amongft the Buflies, met with fome that had a
Defign to attack our Flank, and foon defeated

2 tliem,

of the Eaft Indies. 119

them, which put the Robbers in fuch Fear, that
diey betook themfelves to Flight, and our Horfe
piinoing, put many to the Sword ; fo when
they returned from the Purfuit, we went on in
our Journey, and traveling four Miles, canse to
aMsd-wall Fort, called Dungbam^ a proper
E^ljfi) Name for fuch a Fortification. It is
bottt mid- way between l^atta and Larribundar^
to iecure the CafHlla from being fet upon in the
Nighty who all lodge within it, Men and Beads
promifcuoufly, which makes it fo nafty, > that
the Englijh Appellation is rightly beftowed on it«
There are about twenty little Cottages built clofe
to it, who breedFowls, Goats and Sheep, to fell
to Pa&ngers. And thefe are all the Houfes to be
&en in the Way between Tatta and Larribundar.

The News of a Vi<5lory that I had over their
Sanganian Pirates at Sea, on my Voyage from
Malabar to Larribundar y had reached Tatta^ be»
fore the fecond Skirmifh by Land, fo that when
I came to T^atta^ we were received with Accla-
mations from the Populace, and the better Sort
vifited us with Prefents of Sweet-meats and
Fruits, afcribing the fafc Arrival of the Caffilla
wholly to our Courage and Conduct.

We were lodged in a large convenient Houfc
of 1 5 Rooms, and had good Ware-houfes. The
Stairs from the Street, were intire Porphyry, of
lo Foot long, of a bright yellow Colour, and
as fmooth as Glals. They were about ten in
Number, and led up to a Square of 1 5 Yards
long, and about 10 broad. Next Day we had
a Compliment from the Nabob ^ of an Ox, five

I 4 ^VvRC^^

1 2 o A New Account

Sheep, as many Goat$, twenty Fowls and fifty
Pigeons, wi(h Sweet-meats and Fruit in Abun-
dance: He, at that Time, lay encamped about
£x Miles from the Town, with an Army of 8
2 oooo Men, with a Defign to punifli the Ai/-
kwches and Mackram for robbing the Cafiilla»
and killing his Men, as is before mentioned. He
defired me let him know when we defigned to
drink a Difh of Coffee with him, and would fend
Horfes to bring us to the Camp. 1 returned
Thanks for his Civility, andfentbim Word,
that 1 defigned to kifs his Hand the very next
Day ; and he accordingly fcnt twenty fine Per"
Jicn Horfes, well eauippcd for my Ufc, ten of
which I accepted tor myfclf and Guard to
mount, and the other ten were mounted with
fomeof the mofl cojiiiderablc Merchants in 7W-
ta^ who went to accompany me out of Refped;
and, to make our Cavalcade appear with the
greater Grace, aObon as we came to the Camp
Gate, we would have alighted, but an Officer
on Horfe-back told us, that it was the NaM%
Pleafure, that we fhould be brought to his Tctt
on Horlc-back, and he riding before us, con-
ducted us to the Tent Door, and, afToon as we
got from our Horfes, I was conduced into his
own Pavillion Chamber, where he was fitting
alone. The rcfl that came with me, were not
admitted for an Hour after. It would take a
grcit Deal of Time and Room to relate the
Compliments and other Difcourfes that pafl;
but 1 knew the Cuftom, not to appear hticstt

great

(^ the EslGl JnHeSs I21

great Men with an ensptjpHaod. . Ideftred Leave
tohy alittle Frefent at liis'Eeet, which he^ser-
fldittedL^ It cooiifled of a Loofcing-^afe of about
5 Pounds in Valoe, a Gun and a Pair of Piilols
wdl gilded, a Sabre Blade and Dagger Blade
gilded, and a Glafs Pipe for his Tobacco, and
an embroidered Standifh for it to (land in. He
then fent for all who had accompanied me into
the Room, and (hewed the Prefent I had made
him, magnifying every Piece of it; and after
£)me Encomiums on my Valour and Generofi-
ty, told me that I was a free Denlfon of Tatta,
with the Addition of an Indulgence of being
free of all Cuilom and Tax on all Goods that
I had brought or (hould export, and that who-
ever bought any Part of my Cargo, and did not
pay according to the Agreement made for Pay-
ment, I fhould not be liable to feek Juftice at
the Qidjee's Court, but to imprifon my Debtors,
and if that would not perfuade them to give Sa-
&s&&ion, he would fell their Wives, Children
orneareft Relations to make good their D(bt«
This Privilege did me fingular Service when the
Term of Payments came, and was obliged to
try the experiment of imprifoning. After three
Hours Con veriation, we took Leave to go, and
he dtfmift us with much Civility, and told
me, that when he returned from that Expedi-
tk)n, he would repay my Vifit at my Lodg-
ii^s ; but in three Months that I (laid, he did
not return, but often fent to enquire after my
Welfare, and how my Affairs flood.

Ill j4 New Account

In travelling from Dungbam towards Tatta^
about 4 Miles fliort of the City, on fmooth fi-
fing Ground, there are forty two fine laig^
Tombs, which, from the Plain, appeared to be
a fmall Town. They are the Bur3ring-plaGe8
of feme of the Kings oiSindyy when that Coun-
try was governed by its own Kings. I went
into the largeft, which is built in the Form of
a cupola, and in the middle of it flood a Cof-
fin-tomb, about three Foot high, and feven
Foot long, with fome others of a leflcr Size. The
Materials of the Cupola were yellow, green and
red Porphyry, finely polifhed, and the Stones
fct in regular Order, Chequer-ways, which Va-
riegation flrikes the Eye with wonderful Plca-
fure. The Tomb is about lo Yards high, and
7 in Diameter. I was told, that it was the Bo-
rying-place of the laft King of that Country,
who was robbed of his Sovereignty by yeDM
Guire Grandfather to the famous ^urenzeb^ in
the Beginning of the feventeenth Century, who,
after he had made him Prifoner, bid him afk
what Favours he would defire for himfelf and
Children, and they fhould be granted. He
nobly replied, that all the Favour he begg'd,
was, that himfelf, hb Queen, and their Chil-
dren, might be buried in that Tomb, which, in
Times of Profperity, he had built for that Pur-
pofe, and had cofl him two Lack of Rupees, or
25000 L. Sterl which Requeft his Conqueror
could not well refufe.

Tatta

[

of the Eaft Miesr 125

7atH Gty flands about two Miles from the
River hius^ in a ipacioas Plain, and they have
Cmak cut from the River, that bring Water to
the City, and fome for the Ufe of their Gardens.
The Kong's Gardens were in pretty good Condi-
tkm in Amo 1 699. and virere well fk>red with
cxoeHent Fruits and Flowers, particularly the
moil deUcious Pomegranates that ever I tafted.

For three Years before I came there, no Rain
had iaBen, which caufed a fevere Plague to af--
fed the Town and circumjacent Country, to
ffich a Degree, that, in the City only, above
80000 died of it, that manufadured Cotton and
Silk, and above one Half of the City was defer-
ted and left empty. And that was one Reafon
why the liabob had placed his Camp in that
Place that I went to vifit him at. The Fi-
gure of the Camp was a regubr Tetragon,
and ditched about with a Trench about 3 Yards
broad, and 2 deep. The Ground taken out of
the EKtch, was thrown upon the Infide, about
4 Foot high, and regularly built like a Parapet.
It had 4 i^tes, cme in the Middle of each Cur-
tain, and a ilraight Street from the oppofite
Gatet, i^ich make an exadl Crofs in Figure,
and the Nabol/s Tent was pitched in the Middle
of the Crofs. Each Side of the Tetragon was
about 6 or 700 Paces in Length, and the Ditch-
es could be filled with Water from the Indus^
and let out at Plcafure, into a large Marfti a-
bout two Miles off the Camp.

The

ia4 \ANew Accoutit

The River Indui is navigable for their Vcflcis,
as high as Cafmire^ that lies in the Latitude of
32 Degrees ; and one Branch runs i^p to Ca^
bul to the Weftward, and others to Penjeby La*
bure^ Multan, Buckor, and other large Provinces
and Cities to the EaAw^ard, and all (hare the
Bcnetits of the inland Navigation. Their Vef-
fels are called Kifties^ of feveral Sizes. The
largeft can lade about 200 Tuns. They arc flat-
bottomed, and, on each Side, Cabbins are built
from Stern to Stem, that overhang about 2 Eoot;
and, in each Cabbin, is a Kitchen and a Place
for Exoneration, which falls diredtly in the Wa-
ter. Thofe Cabbins are hired out to Pailengers,
and the Hold, being made into Separate Apart-
ments, are let out to Freighters, fo that every
one has a Lock on his own Cabbin and Apart-
ment in the Hold, and has his Goods always
ready to difpofe on at what Places he finds his
Market. And indeed in all my Travels I never
faw better Convenicncies of travelling by Water.
They have one Mart of a good Length, and a
Square-fail to ufe when the Wind is a-flern, or
on the Quarter; but they never hale clofe by
the Wind. They are obliged to carry a great
number of Men for trading them up againfl the
Stream, when the Winds are againfl them, fo
that a Voyage from Tatta to Lahore^ they reck-
on fix or fevcn Weeks long, but fro^i Lahore
back, not above eighteen Days, and fometimes
it is performed in twelve.

of the Eaft Indies. 125

At ^atta the River is about a Mile broad*
and, where I tried with a Lead and Line, it
was about fix Fathoms deep, from Side to Side.
Hie Stream is not very rapid, for its Motion did
not exceed two Miles and an Half in an Hour.
It produces many Species of Frefh- water Fifh-
ee, and among them, the heft Carp that ever I
bm or tafted. Some of them weigh above 20
Pound We^ht, and we have them alive in Tat-^
ta Market. They have black Cattle in great
Hentf, lar^ and good, and mod excellent
BffnttoD, of 80 or 1 00 Pound Weight. Their
Hories are finall, but hardy and fwift. Deer^
Antdopes, Hares and Foxes are their wild Game^
which they hunt with Dogs, Leopards and a
finall Fierce Creature, callod by them a ^bae--
g/ioje. Itisabout the Size of a Fox, with long prick-
ed Ears like an Hare, and a Face like a Cat, a
gpqf Back and Sides, and Belly and Breaft white.
I bdieve they are rare, for I never iaw more than
cme. When they are taken out to hunt, an
Horfii-man carries it behind him, hood-winkt,
and thdr Deer and Antelopes being pretty fami-
liar, will not ftart before Hories come very near.
He who carries the S£c^^^^, takesoffthe Hood,
and (hews it the Game, which, with large fwifc
Spring, it foon overtakes, and leaping on their
Backs, and getting forward to the Shoulders,
foatches their Eyes out, and gives the Hunters
an eafy Prey. The Leopard runs down his
Game, which often gives the Hunters a long
Chafe, as well as the Dogs, who will take the

Water

11 6 ^ New jiccount

Water when the Game betake tbemfelves to
fwimmiiig, which thicy frequently do. They
iiave Store of PeacoclcR, Pigeons, Doves, Duck,
Teal, Wigeon, wild Ctecfc, Curlews, Partridge
iind Plover, free for any Body to flioot. Twf
have a Fruit that grows in the Fields and Gar--
dens, called Salob^ about the Size of a Peach, but
vithout a Stone. They dry it hard befoic thcj
uie it, and being beaten to Powder, they dred
it as Tea and Coffee are, and take it with pow*
dered Sugar- candy. They arc of Opinion, that
it is a great Rcflorative to decayed animal SjuritflL

This Country abounds richly in Wheat, Rkae
and Legumen, and Provender for Horfes afid
and Cattle; and they never know the Mifervof
Famine, for the Indus overflows all the low
Grounds in the Months oi Aprils May and Jum^
and when the Floods go off, they leave a bl
Slime on the Face of the Ground, which they
till cnfily before it dries, and being fown and
hnrrowVi, never fails of bringing forth a plentip
ful Crop.

The other Produdlions of this and the inland
Country, are Saltpeter, SnUarmoniack, fiofax,
Opoponax, Afla-fa'tida, Goat Bczoar, Lapis
tuttfC and Lapis lafuli^ and raw Silk, but not fine.

They manufafture in wrought Silks, whkh
they call yevmivaars^ in Cotton and Silk, call-
ed Oittaiecs^ nd in Silk mixt with Carmania
Wool, tailed Lulhulcys^ in Calicoes coarfe and
fine, (hcer and clofe wronglit. Their Qoth
called Junies^ is very fine ;u)d foft, and lafls

beyond

oftlx Eaft Indies. i if

befoad any other G>tton Qoth that I have xxkd.
They make Chints very fine and cheap, and
Coverlets i(x Beds very beautiful. They make
fine Cabinets, both lack'd and inlaid with Ivory.
And ' the beft Bows and Arrows in the World,
are made at Mulian^ of Buffalo's Horns. They
Jack wooden Difhes and Tables, but not fo weU
as in China. The Lack is clear enough, but
always clanmiy. They export great Quantities
irf* Butter, which they gently melt, and put up
In Jars, called Huppas^ made of the Hides of
Cattle, almoft in the Figure of a Globe, with a
Nedc and Mouth on one Side. They are made
<xf all Sizes, from thofe that contain 320 Z(. to
ibofe of 5* and that Butter keeps, without Salt,
the whcde Year round, but, as it grows old, it
becomes rank.

Tlie Wood Ugna dulcis grows only in this
Coontry. It is rather a Weed than a Wood,
and nothing of it is uieful but the Root, called
Puicbock^ or, Radix dulcis. I never heard it is
nfed in Phyfic, but is a good Ingredient in the
Compofition of Perfumet:^ There are great
Quantities exported for Sural ^ and from thence
to Cbina^ where it generally bears a good Price ;
for being all Idolaters, and burning Incenfe be*
fore their Im^es, this Root beaten into fine
Powder, and an Incenfe- pot laid over fmoothly
with Afhes, and a Furrow made in the Afhes,
about a Quarter of an Inch broad, and as much
in Depth, done very artificially into a great
Length, the Powder is put into that Furrow, and

firft

128 A New jiceount

Aredv and it 'will born along time like a Mttdi,
fending fbrtli a fine Sriidce, whofe Smell bverjr
grateM, the Powder hating the eotxl QuaNfo
of mdhtaining and delaying the Fire.

The Religion, by Law eftaUifhed, ia Mab^
metan y but there are ten Gentows or Pagam far
one Mufjuhmm. But the City of l^atta is fiunoM
for Learning in Theology, Philoloey and Poli-
ticks, and they have aU)ve four Hundred Col-
leges for training up Youth in thofe Parts of
Learning. I was very intimate with a Seidv^ho
was a ProfeiTor in Theology, and was reck-
oned to be a good Hiftorian. He afkt me one
Day, if I had heard of Alexander the Grnt in
my Country. I told him I had, and I mentb*
ned his Battle with Porus^ and his Vidtory. He
told me, that their Hiftories mentioned the fame,
but with fome Difference in the two Kings
Names, and Alexanders'^ Paflage over InJkt
lie faid, that their Hiftory mentioned Sbaw
Hnfander and Prorus^ and that Alexander was
a great Magician, id fummoning above aMil-
lion of wild Geelc, they fwam his Army over
the River, and that Prorus's Elephants would
never turn their Heads towards the Place wheft
Alexander was.

The Portuguese had formerly a Church at
tlie Eaft End of the City. The Houfc is ftill
intirr, and in the Veftry are fome old Pictures of
Saints, and fome holy Veftments, which they
brofcred to fell ; but I was no Merchant fur
luch Bargains.

The

of$he Eaft Indies. 129

The Gentows have full Toleration for their
Rdi^on, and keep their Fads and Feafh as in
former TioKS, when the Sovereignty was in
P^an Princes Hands. They burn their Dead,
but the Wives are retrained from burning with
tbc Corpa o£ their Huibands. There is a very
gpeat Coofumption of Elephants Teeth, for 'tis
die Fafliion tor Ladies to wear Rii^ of Ivory
from their Arm-pits to their Elbows, and from
their Elbows to their Wrifts, of both Arms ;
and when they die, all thofc Ornaments are
borat along with them.

llicy had feveral Feafts when I was there,
but one they kept on Sight of a New-moon in
Pdftiory^ exceeded the reft in ridiculous Adions
and Expence ; and this is called the Feafl of
XPflO^, who was a Knight errant in Time of
yofc, and was a fierce Fellow in a War with
fame Giants, who infefted Si^, and carried
away naughty Girls and Boys, and made Butch-
er Meat of them. This U^oofy, in a Battle one
Day, killed fifty of them, each of them as tall
as a Tree, and after he had difpatcht them,
be led them down to Hell, and there they con*
dnue bound up their good Behaviour, and are
never to appear again on Earth, for Fear they
(hould (car the Kings Liege-fubje(^, or frighten
Children.

In thb mad Feaft, People of all Ages and
Se3KS dance thro' the Streets to Pipe, Drum and
Cymbals. The Women, with Baskets of
Sweet- meats on their Heads, diflributing to eve-

V o L. I. K ry

130 ui New j4ccomt

ry Body they meet. The men are bedawb'd
all over with red Earth, or Vermilion, and are
continually fquirtinc gingerly Oil atone another;
and if they get into Houfes of DiiunAion, they
make foul Work with their Oil, whofc Smell
is not pleafant i but in givine a Prefent of Rofe-
water, or fome Silver Coin^ they are civil enough
to keep out of Doors. And in this Madnefs they
continue from 10 in the Morning till Sun-let.
The River of Sindy would be hard to be found,
were it not for the Tomb of a Mahometan Saint,
who has an high Tower built over him, called
Sincfy Tower. It is always kept white toierve
as a Land-mark. The Bar, going into the* Ri-
ver, is narrow, and has not above two Fathoms
and an Half, on Spring^tides : But this is onb a
fmall Branch oilndus^ which Appellation isfDW
loft in this Country that it fo plentifully watoi^
and is culled Divellee^ or fcvcn Mouths ; but it
difcmbogues itfclf into the Sea thro' many moit.

CHAP.

of ike Eaft Indies. 131

CH AP. XIL

©nr^i an Account of the aiicient King^
dom of Guzerat, now a Province

7. annexed to the Mogul's Dominions^

; its Situation^ Produbt^ Mmifiers and

Religion y with fome Account of the

Pirates that inhabit Part of it^ and

Jbme Obfervations on DiMj a Portu-

. gueze City on an IJlafid appertaining

'to Guzerat*

'nir^ H E neatt maritime Country to Sirufy^ is
* ^ Guzerat, The Indus makes it an Ifland^
ff9L Branch that runs into the Sea at the City
)f Camk^a. This Province, tho* Vaflals to
lie Mfigulj yet contmue in their old Religion of
Pagani/mj and for the moft Part, drive the old
Trade of thieving and pirating, for they plunder
11 whom they can overcome, on both Elements :
^or can the Mogul reftrain them, for their
[Country is fecure from the Marches of Armies
nto it, by Reafon of the many Inlets of the Sea
hat overflow the low Grounds, and make it fo
bft and muddy, that there is no travelling but
>y little Boats, in many Places.

The firft Town on the South Side of hdus^
s Cutchnaggen. It admits of fome Trade, and
produces Cotton, Corn, coarfe Cloth and Cbonk^

K 2 a

l^z A New Account

a SheU*fi(h in Shape of a Perriwinkle, but as
large about as a Man's Arm above the Elbow.
In Bengal they are faw'd into Rin^ for Qma«
inents to Womens Arms, as thofe of Sifufy wear
Ivory Rings. They are in Fashion ia many
Countries in India. The Province and Town
of Cutcbnaggen are governed by a Queen, Who
is very formidaUe to her neighbouring States.
The Reafons they give for choofing that Sex for
their Governefles, are, that they'll be better advi-
fed by their Council than Men, who, by too
large a Share of Power and Honour placed on
thcin, become obHinate in their OpinionS| and
inlbknt in dieir Behaviour : But Ladies are 6-
iteciTicd complaifant and gentle.

The next Province to Cutcbnaggen^ is Sas^a*
nia^ which is aUo governed by a Princels, for
the above Reafons. Their Sea-}X)rt is called
liiii't^ very coiiunodious and fecure. They ad-
mit of no Trade, but praclifc Piracy. They
givv Protcdtion to all Criminals, who deierve
Piiiiirtimcnt from the Hand of Jufticc. All
Villains in the Countries about flock thither, aod
become honeft Robbers, fo that they are a
Medley of Criminals, who flee their Country for
Fear of Condign Puniiliment due to thdr
Crimes. This Province produces Cotton and
Corn, as all the Kingdom of Guzerat does ; but
they udn*it of no Trade in their Country, as I
ohfrrvcd bcfoie, for fear of being civilized by
Example. I had feveral SkirmidKrs with them.
1 iiey, being confident of their Numbers, ftrive

of the Eaft Indies. i^j

to board all Ships they can come at by failing.
B^ore they engage in a Fight, they drink Bang,
^Idcb is made of a Seed like Hemp- feed, that
has ad intoxicating Qufdity, and, wbilft it af-
ftos die Head, they are furious. They wear
kxDg Hair, and, when they let that hang loofe,
tb^^ give no Quarter.

' m Jim 1 686. a fmall Ship of theirs, that
mouhted 8 Guns, and mann'd with 300 of
tiiefe fiirioos Fellows, was cruizing on the Coaft
ddf itdia^ between Surat and Bombay^ and the
Pbenixy an EngUJh Man of War of 42 G008,
was bound for Sural. The Sanganian made
towards her, and engaged her, but would fain
have been gone again when diey found their Mi{-
take I but that was impoffible. The Pbenix
ient her Boats, well mann'd, to try if they
could make them yield, in order to fave their
Lives; but they fcorned Quarter, and killed and
i!¥ounded many of the Englijh^ (o that Captain
^yrrely who commanded the Pbenix^ was for-
ced to run his lower Teer out, and fink them :
And after their Ship was funk, and the Mifcre*
ants let a fwimming, yet moft of them refufed
Quarter, and only about 70 were taken alive.
( I believe Sir George Bing can give a better Ac-
bount of the Story than I, for, if I miftake not,
ne was a Lieutenant then on Board the P'henix^
apd rieqeived a dangerous Wound in the Combat,
at leafl: one of his Name, who bore a Commif-
fipn, did.) In Anm 17 17. they attacked a Ship
\^i(^^^^M6tnkg'$tar Ih her Paffagc between

K 3 Gombroon

154 ^ ^^^ j4c count

Gombroon and Surat. She was richly laden,
which they were npprifed of, and two Squadrons
were fitted out from two diflFcrcnt Ports, to WAy»
lay her, and accordingly ihe fell in with ei|^
Sail ' of thofc Pirates. One was a large Ship of
rear 500 Tuns, and three others were Ships be-
tween 2 and 300 Tuns, and the other 4 were
Crabf^ or Gallies, and Sbrybars^ or half Galiies.
They reckoned in all there were about 2«oo
Men in their Fleet, and the Morning Star but
17 fiphting Men, who were refolvcd to truft
ProvictcncC) and fight for their Lives, Liberty
and Mltate. The firil Attack was by the great*^
ed: Ship alone, but was foon obliged to (heer off
again, with the Lofs of fome Men, and the
Captain of the Morning Star was wounded in
the Thigh, by a Lance darted at him, that
pierced his Tiiigh through and through. The
Pirates were not diicouragcd by this firfl Repulfc,
but joined their Forces and Councils together,
and, after a Day^ Rcfpite and Confultatiun, they
attackt the Morning Star a fecond I'iinc, the
two largcil Ships boarding, one on her Bow, and
another on her Q jartcr, nnd three more boarded
them two, and cntrcd their Men over them.
TI1C Combat was warm for above four Hours,
and the Morning Star had ieven killed, and as
many woni.dcdj but kind Piovidcnee afliUcd
Jicr. WhiHl flie was on Fire in three Places,
and had burnt through her Pciop and half Deck,
l\\c was diftngaj^l of ihcm, and left fivcof ilie
l.irpell f/) entanpjeci with one another, that they

couhi

of the Eaft Indies. 135

oonld not porfoe her. So (he purfued her Voy-
j^ to Suraty but having no Surgeon on board,
(be catted at Bombay y to get her wounded Men
dceft and cared. In the Time of the Combat,
whSe the Pirates were on board of the Morning
Star^ twenty one Indian Seamen went on board
of tbem, and twenty fix Merchants had gone to
tfaem, to try if they could perfuade them to take
a Som, and not put it on the Hazard of a Bat^
de. All thofe they detained, and carried aloi^
with diem, and made them pay above 6000
-Founds for their Ranfom, who gave an Account
-afterwards of great Slaughter done on the Pirates.
And the Commodore loll his Head afibon as he
landed, for letting fb rich a Prize go out of
his Hands.

J5i jSmto 1698. one Captain Lavander ^ in the
Ship Thomas y bound from Surat to Mocba^ en-
coQotred four Sail of thofe Freebooters, and
Smght them bravely ; but they burnt the Ship
and all her Crew, becaufe he would not yield.
They are very cruel to thoic they can mafler, if
they make Refiflance ; but to thofe that yield
without fighting, they are pretty civil.

The next Sea-port Town to Baet^ is Jigaf^
It fbinds on a Point of low Land, called Cape
'Jigat. The City makes a good Figure from
the Sea, (hewing four or five high Steeples* It
is the Seat of a Fouxdaar or Governor, for the
MkguL It is a Place of no Trade, and confe-
quently little known to Strangers*

K 4 The

13(5 .^^Nfw jiccount

The next markimc Town is Mm^arouL It
admits of Tradci and affords coarfe GalUcoaii
white .and died, Wheat, Pulfeand Buller ftr
JBxpQrt, and has a MarJcet for Fbpper, Su^ur
aiid Betbnitf • It is inhabited by Baiyans % tM
viM Deer, . Antelopes, and Peacocks are fo Sk¥
miliar, that they come into the very Houib
without Fear.

The next Place is Porentain^ a pretty farae
Town on the Sca-fhore, and admits of Trade,
producing the fame Commodities as JManggrmd^
and its Inhabitants arc of the fame Religion ibnt
boih Town^ are obliged to keep Ragouts to pro*
ted them from the Infults of the Sangamam.

'I hoib Rajjpouts are Natives of Guzerat^ and
arc all Gentlemen of the Sword, and are well
trained in the Art of killing. They, like the
Switz^ employ their Swords in the Servioe of
tliofc who give them bcfl Pay. They feUom
give or take Q^iarter, and wlien they go on an
£x|x:dition, they carry their Wives and Children
in Curts and Waggons along with them, and if
they meet with a Repulfc, their Wives wiH
never futfcr Cohabitation till they can regain
their loR Honour by Tome noble Exploit.

Diu is the next Port, and is the (buthermoft
] .and on Guzcrat. It is a fmall Ifland of three
Miles lon^, and two broad, belonging to the
Crown ot PortugaL The City b pretty large,
and fortified by an high Stone Wall, with Bafti^
ons at convenient Diftanccs, well furni(hed with
with Cannon to flank it, and a deep Mote hewn

out

of the Eaft Indies* 137

out of an bard Rock, to defend it on the Land
fiite; which is ^bout one diird Part of the <^ty«
Theotfaer Parts are fortiikd by Nature, having the
Ocean thick fet with dangerous Rocks aAH high
Oifis, who fbrlMd any Approaches ob that !Skle,
and a rapid deep River, that affords a good Har-
bour) on the North-eaft Side. The Harbour b
iecured by two Caftles; one large, that can bring
above 1 00 large Cannon to bear on the Mouth
of the Harbour, to f jrbid Shipping Entrance
without Leave. The other is but fmall, and is
bull irreguiarly on a Rock in the Middle of the
River, and Channels for Shipping to pafs by it^
within ten Yards of its Wall. It is nudeuieof fc^
a Magazine for Powder and other Warlike Stores.
It is one of the bed built Cities, and beft for-
tified by Nature and Art, that ever I ikw in
iSsdlM, and its ftately Buildings of free Stone and
Marble, are fufficient Witnefles of its ancient
Grandeur and Opulency ; but at prefent not a*
bove. one fourth of the City is inhabited. It
contains five or fix fine Churches, which >are
great Ornaments to the City, which fbnds on a
T&!0% Ground on an eafy Afcent from the great
Caflfe; and the Churches, being built wide
fiom one another, and flanding gradually high-
er than one another, make the yifio from the
Sfii -admirably pleafant, by fhewinj^all their beau-
tifol Fronts that Way. And within they are
wcU decorated witli Images and Paintings.
- Thc« is a Tradition, that the Poriuguezt cir-

annvtnted 'the King ofVuz&ai, as Vido did

the

138 ^ New Account

the Africanus^ when they gave her leave to boiM
Caribage^ by defiring no more Ground to build
their Cities than could be circumfcribed in an
Ox's Hide, which having obtained, they cut k
into a fine Thong of a great Length, and over-
reacht their £>onors in the Meafureof the Ground.

After the City was built and fortilied, it
drew all the Trade from the King's Towns of
Commerce thither, wbich made him heartily
repent his Generofity ; and he made Propolak lo
the Portugueze to reimburfe all the Charge and
Expence they had been at, if they would r^ore
that Ifland again, but he never could perfnade
them to that Bargain, and fince fair Means would
not do, he defigned to try what might be ob-
tained by Force, wherefore he raifed a great
Army, and befieged it, but was foon forced to
draw off again with Lofs, for the Portuguezt
large Cannon from their Walls didurbed and
dittrcft his Camp fo, that he found but little
Safely for himfelf, and much lefs for his Hoft,

This City came to fuch an Height of Trade
and Riches in the fixteenth Century, that it drew
a vc'.y potent Enemy from the Red Sea ; for, a-
bout the Year 1 540. the Turks defigning to
have a Footing in iW/^, caft their Eyes on DiUy
as being conveniently fituated, and well forti-
fied for their Purpofe 5 fo they came in a Fleet
of Gallics and Tranfports 25000 rtrong, from
yiWtv/, and landed on the Well End of the Ifland,
and laid Siege to the City ; but the Poriugueze
fcnt a Reinforcement fronj Goa^ of twenty fail,

fome

of the Eaft Indies. 139

le of which were large Ships or Galleons,
ich carried heavy Metal, with which they
ered the Turkijh Fleet, being fmali Veflfele,
many Tiurks were funk, and the BaQiaw
forced to make off with great Lois and
me, and leave their battering Artillery to the
tugueze^ for which Misfortune and Diigrace
oft his Head when he returned to Aden.
tut about the Year 1670. the Mujkat Arabs
hetter Fortune, for tney came with a Fleet
Frankies, and took an Opportunity to land
be Night, on the Weft End of the Ifland,
lout being difcovered, and marcht filently
5 up to the Town, and, at Break of Day,
Ml the Gates were opened, they entred
lout Refiftance. The Alarm was foon
ad over the Town, and happy was he who
firft to the Caftie Gates, but thofe who had
vy Heels were iacrificed to the Enemies Fu-
who fpared none ; fo in a Moment that fair
L City and Churches were left to the Mercy
the Arabsy who, for three Days, loaded
r Veiiels with rich Plunder, and mounted
le Cannon in a great beautiful Church, and
i on the Fort, but to little Purpofe. The
/ernor, who was in the Caftie, could foon
t obliged them to remove farther off the
He, by the Force of his heavy Cannon, yet
Priefthood forbid him firing at the Church,
Pain of Excommunication, left fome un-
iy Shot /hould facrilegiouily have defaced
le holy Image.

But

140 A New Account

But the Jrabs^ like a Parcel of unian^fied
Rogues, made fad Havock on the Cburchci
Trumpery, for, befides robbing them of all the
£mdified Plate and Giih, theyr did not leave one
Gold or Silver Image behinothem, butcarribd
all intodirmal Captivinr, from whence they nevor
returned that I coukf hear of. And as for tfat
poor Images of Wood and Stone, they were b
rudely tn:ated by xhoit barbarous InfiJeb^ dut
they came weH off if they loft but a Limls
and I faw fome who loft their Heads : But kr
the indefatigable Induftry of the Clergy, their
Churches are again as well, or better furniihed
with well carved Images of Wood and Stone
than they were before ; but I faw none of GqU
or Silver tofupply the Places of the poor Oiptivei

However, before the Arabs had done plun-
dring, they became fecure and negligent, whidi
the Governor having Notice of, proclaimed
Freedom to all Slaves who would venture to iaU
ly out on the Enemy. Accordingly about 4000
Soldiers and Slaves made a Sally with Succeft,
killing about 1000 Arabs^ and made the reft
flee irom the Town, the AiTailants lofing but
very few ; and by that one Sally the Town was
regained. Thofe Slaves are generally Mojbnh
bique and Monibafs Negroes^ whofc Strength and
Bruvcfy I have mentioned before. The City
ftill feels the difmal Bfiedts of the Lofs it then
received, ^t prefent there are not above 200
Tortu^cze \>o^ in the Qftk and City. The
reft oi its Inhabitants' are Banyans of all Sorts.

a There

of the Ead: Indies^ 14I

There may be about 40000, but fewof them of
Fortune or F^urc, becaufe the Inference of the
Portugueze makes it unfafe for money'd Strao-
giers to dwell among them. The King of Por-^
ttjfis/ has about 12000 VcKxnds per Amum^ of
Poll Money paid into his Treafury, and the
Oiiloms and Land-tax may come to about
6000 Pounds more : But if that Ifland were in
the Hands of fome induftrious European Nation^
it would be the beft Mart Town on the Coaft of
hdia^ for the River Indus being near Neighbours^
both by Sindy and Cambay^ thofe Commodities
might be imported and exported to Advantage.
And that Commerce has raifed Surat.

All the Country between Diu and Dand
Pointy which is about thirty Leagues along
Shore, admits of no Traffick, being inhabited
by Freebooters, called Warreh^ who often affo-
date with the Sanganiam^ in exerciiing Piracies
and Depredations. They confide much in their
Numbers, as the others do, and ftrlve to board
their Prizes, and, aflbon as they get on board,
they throw in Showers of Stones on the Prizes
Decks, in order to fink them that Way, if they
don't yield, and they have earthen Pots as big as
a fix Pound Granadoe Shell, full of unquenched
Lime, well fifted, which they throw in alfi>,
and the Pots breaking, there ariies fo great a
Duft, that the Defendants can ndther breathe
nor fee welL They alfo ufe Wicks of Cotton,
dipt in a combuitible Oil, and firing the Wick,
and ^throwing it into tb:ir Oppofer's ^p, it

bums

14^ ^ J!^ew Account

bums violently^ and fets Fire to the Parts tha^
it is thrown on. They have no Cities, and their
Villages are fmall. The beft of them ftands
about 60 Miles to the Eaflward of I>iu^ and is
called Chance. It is built about a League within
the Mouth of a River, which has a fmall Ifland
lying athwart it, about two Miles into the Sea.
The Ifland has good Springs of frefli Water,
but no Inhabitants. In Anno iyi6^ the Englijb
went to burn that Village, and their pirating
Veilels, but were unfuccefsful in their Under*
taking. The JVarreb occupy all the Sea-coaft
as high as Goga^ which lies about 1 2 Leagues
within the Gulf of Cambay. And the Coaft,
from Dand Point to Goga^ is very dangerous,
being thick fet with Rocks and Sand Banks ; and
a rapid Tide runs amongft them of 6 or 8 Miles
in an Hour, in a Channel that is 20 Fathoms deep
in feme Places, which caufes Anchoring to be
dangerous alfo.

Goga is a pretty large Town, and has had
fome mud Wall Fortifications, which ftill de-
fend them from the Infults of their Neighbours
the Coulies who inhabit the North-eaft Side of
Guzeraty and are as great Thieves by Land as
their Brethren the Warreh and Sanganians are by
Sea : Nor is there any Land Army that can
come into their Country to chaftife them, for
there are fo many Rivulets made by Indus and
the Sea, that are fo foft and muddy at the Bot-
tom that there is neither Paflage for Men nor
Horfe to penetrate their Country. And their
I Towns

oj the Eaft Indies* 14^

Towos are mvironed with fuch thick Hedges of
gicen BambooSj which are not to be burned in a
fliort Time, and the People fo numerous and
valiant, that it would be an hard Tafk to civi-
lize them.

G^ga has fome Trade, admitting Strangers to
a free Commerce in fuch Merchandize as are fit
to be imported or exported to or from Guzerat.
It has the Conveniency of an Harbour for the
kgeft Ships, tho' they lie dry on foft Mud, at
low Water ; but the Tides rifing four or five
Fathoms perpendicular, afford Water enough at
li^h Water. The Town is governed by an Of-
ficer from the Moguls who commands about
200 Men, who are kept there for a Guard to it,
and are fabordinate to the Governor of

CHAP. xni.

Gives an Account of the Cities of Cam-
bay, Baroach and Surat , withfeve^
ralOccurrences that happened to them.

CAMBAT^ or, as the Natives call it,
Cambaut^ about 1 2 Leagues from Goga^
in the Bottom of the Gulf of Cambay^ on a
finall River, that is fent by the Overflowing of
iSt^ Indus into that Gulf or Bay, is a large City,
with high Walls, and was formerly the Metro-
polis of a Kingdom that bore the City's Name 5

but

144 ^ ^^ Account

bis Son, ^man Gmrc^ with a great Army in
tbc fixteenth Century, and conquered it^ and
annext it to the Empire of the Great M^uL

h is flill a Place of good Trade, tho' not half
inhabited, and it contributes very much to the
Wealth and Grandeur of Surat^ to which it is
fubordinate ; and its Vicinity to Anadaimt^
from whence it is about 1 50 MUes diftant, makes
it (hare the Advantages of that great City, whidi
in Magnitude and Wealth, is little inferior to
the heft Towns in Europe. What it exports fay
Sea, comes moft to Ccmbay^ and carried hy the
^rat Shipping all over India^ except what £«-
mpean Ships carry for Europe.

The Produdl and Manufadories of Camhaj
are inferior to few Towns in India. It abounds
in Grain and Cattle, Cotton and Silk. The
Cornelian and Agate Scones are found in its Ri*
vers, and no where elfc in the World. Of Cor-
nelian they make Rings, and Stones for Signctt,
and of the Agate, Cabinets, intire Stone except
the Lids. I have feen fome of 14 or 15 Indies
long, and 8 or 9 deep, valued at 30 or 40
Pounds SterU They alfo make Bowls of fevend
Sizes of Agate, and Spoons, and Handles of
Swords, Daggers and Knives, and Buttons, and
Stones to fet in Snuff-boxes, of great Value.

Tlicy embroider the beft of any People in h^
dia^ and perhaps in the World. Their fine
Qiiilts were formerly carried to Europe. I have
feen fome worth 40 L. Sterl. and fune Come-^

liaa

(jfthe Eaft Indies. 145

fim Rings^ alx)ve doable thdr Weight in Gold.
The Patimners arc their near Neighbours. They
ire moftly Horfemen, and bold Fellows who
borrow round Sums from the City, by Way of
Compulfion, and the Raffpouts and Coulies make
Inroads into this Province, and plunder even to
Ae Gates of the City, and fometimes have fur-
prUed and plundered the City itfelf, for which
N^ledt the Governors Heads anfwercd.

bi Amo 17 1 6. they were very bold and pre-
fbmptuous, fo that there was a Stop put to all
Ac Commerce of Amadabant and Cambay, The
Governor of Surat got an Army of 20000 to
chaftifc and rcftrain them ; but they laid fo
many Ambufcades, that, in two Months, the
Army was reduced to lefs then Half the num-
ber, and the reft were obliged to get Home,
with forrowful Hearts, to Surat.

The next Town of Note for Commerce, is
Baroacby a walled Town, ftanding on a rifing
Ground, on the Banks of the River Nerdaba.
Formerly it was a Place of great Trade, but in
Aurengzeb's Wars with his Brothers, about the
Year 1660. this Town held out a great While
againft his Army. That Seafon proving a dry
one, Aurenzeb*^ Folks fufFered much for want
of frefh Water and Provifions, but at laft he took
it, and put all to the Sword that had borne
Arms againfthim, and raz'd Part of the Walls,
and pronounced a Curfe on them that fhould re-
pair them again. But the Savajees Incurfions
made him order the Rebuilding them hiniiUf,
and he chriftned it Suckabanty or the dry Ctty j
V o L. I. L bat

146 A New j4ccount

but that new Name could not efface the did
One, which it yet retains. It is now inhabited
by Weavers, and fuch Mechanicks as manuiac*
ture G)tton Cloth. And the Baroacb Baftai
are famous throughout - all India^ the CounbT
producing the beft Cotton in the World. Thtt
Town isalfo fubordinate to Surat -, and former-
ly the Englijh and Dutch had Fadories fetded
there, but of late have withdrawn them.

Surat is the next Sea-port. It was built a-
bout the Year 1660. on the Banks of the River
^apta or Tappee^ which being difcommoded
with Banks of Sand at Rannier^ the then Mart
Town on this River, the Englijh removed about
two Miles farther down the River, on the oppo-
iite Side, near a Caflle, which had been built
many Years before, to fecure the Trade from
the Infults of the Malabar Pirates, who ufed to
lord it all over the Sea-coafl between Cape G;-
tnerin and Cambay. In a little Time after the
Englijh had fettled there, others followed their
Example, fo that in a few Years it became a largp
Towii, but without Walls, and fo it continued
till about the aforefaid Year, that Rajab Sava-
fee, who had never fubmitted to the MoguN
Domination, came with an Army, and pTun-
dred it, except the European Factories, who
flood on their Guard. Them he complimented
with the Profer of his Friend (hip, becaufe per-
haps he apprehended, that he could not plunder
them witliout Bloodfhed and Lofs of Time.
I lowevcr, he carried away a very great Rx)ty,

I which

of the EaiV Indies. 1 47

icfi^ made the Inhabitants petition Aurenzeb
fecure them for the future, by a Wall round
ir Town, which Favour he granted, enclo-
r about 4 Miles to build their City in ; buC
ide increafing, the Town was too fmall with«
the Walls to contain the People that came
lut Commerce, wherefore feveral large Suh-
s were added to the City for the Conveniency
VIechanicks. The Wall was built of Brick,
>ut eight Yards high, with round Baflions^
3 Paces didant from one another, and each
I 5 or 6 Cannon mounted on them. And
rich Men of the Town built many Summer-
lies in the Fields, and planted Gardens about
m to folace themfelves and Families in the
ats, which are pretty violent in Aprils May
[June.

The City flourifhed in Trade till Aino 1686.
t the EngliJ}^ Company difturbed its Tran-
lity by an unjuft War they made on Surat^
: pretended it was not with the Moguls who
I given them many Indulgences, which War
remark when I treat of Bombay^ but that
IT was ended /;; jirmo 1689. neither to
Ftofit nor Honour of that Eafl-lndia Com-
ly. In jinno 1695. Captain Evorj a Pirate
iurbed the Trade and Tranquillity of the
the Town with four fmall Ships, taking one
the Mogufs Ships, with a great Booty in Sil-
and Gold, and a Mahometan Lady, as I ob-
jcA before in the Commerce of the Red Sea
I the Ifland of Madagafcar. And iince that

L 2 Time

148 A New Account

Time this City has felt many Convolfions in itt
Trade. .

In Jnno 1 705. when Aurengzeh began to be
crazy with old Age, the circumjacent Rajabs^
with an united Force of fourfcore thouiand
Horfe, came and hcfieged Surat^ and plundred
all the Villages in the plain Country ; but ha^rnig
no Artillery, they could do but little Harm to
the City itfelf, befides Araitening it a little for
Provifions, but the City having their River and
Sea open, that Difficulty was removed by plen-
tiful Supplies brought them from Guzerat.

Thefe Freebooters go under the general Ap-
pellation of Gennims^ but they are compofed of
the aforementioned WarreU^ Coulies^ Rajprntts^
Patanners and Gracias. Thefe Gracias were
formerly the landed Men of this Country, and,
upon their Submiffion to Ecbar^ the then Eoei-
peror of Moguls articled to have the Ground
Rents paid to them and their Poflerity ; but the
tiabobi often defraud them, and they, to put
the Governors of Towns and Villages in
mind of their Contract, come in great Numbers,
and plunder or lay them under Contribution.

But whilfl this rabble Army lay before the
Town, the Citizens built Sconces in convenient
Places, about half a Mile without the Wall, to
prote<^ the Suburbs, and all thofe Sconces had
Cannon mounted on them, which kept the
Gennimi at a Diftance ; and after the Sconces
were finiHied, they buik a good high Wall be-
tween each Sconce^ that encompai&d the whole
X Suburbs,

of the Eaft Indies. 149

bdrbs, which Wall is aboat five Miles in
Dgth from the Bank of the River, above the
rwn, to that Part that terminates below the
rwn ; and all the Inclofure is well inhabited*
le Inhabitants are computed at 200000 Souls,
I amongft them are many very rich, both
ibametam and Gentiles. Abdul Gafour^ a
ibmtetan that I was acquainted with, drove a
ade equal to the Englijh EaJl^India Company,
I have known him fit out in a Year, above
enty Sail of Ships, between 300 and 800
ms, and none of them had lefs oi his ovm
ick than looco Pounds, and fome of them
1 25000 ; and after that foreign Stock was fent
ay, he behoved to have as much more of an
and Stock for the following Year's Market,
lien he died, he left his Eftate to two Grand-
18, his own Son, who was his only Child,
ing before him. But the Court had a Fling
them, and got above a Million SterL of their

The Trade of Surat was, and ftill is very
nfiderable, for, from Anno 1690. to 1705.
e Revenues arifing from tlie Cuflom-honfe,
md Rents and Poll Money, communibus anniSy
me to 1300000 Rupees, which is SterL
12500 L0 And the Revenue of Amadabant is
nerally reckoned ten Times as much as Surat.
he Cuftoms in the King's Books, are but 2
r Cent, for Mahometans^ and 5 per Cent, for
entiles. • The Land pays three Qiiartcrs of its
rodud if! (Dofxl, and the Poll about a Crown an

L 3 Head;

15 o A New Account

Head ; but the Rich generally affift the Poor,
fome paying for lo. fome for lOo. and fbme
for I GOO. This Account I had from an Offi*
cer, called the Faccanaviece, who is obligsd
yearly to take in the Accounts of the CoIle6liDitt|
and fend them to Court. Befides the current
News that monthly occur in his Diihidt^ ho
fends to the Vizier by Poft.

The Poft in the Moguh Dominions goes wry
fwift, for at every Caravanferay, which are built
on the High-roads, about ten Miles diftant from
one another, Men, very fwift of Foot, are k^
ready. The Letters are inclofed in a gilded
Box, which he that carries holds over his Head
when he comes near the Seray, and giving No-
tice of his Arrival, another takes it, and runs to
the next, and fo on. Night and Efey, at 5 or 6
Miles in an Hour, till it is carried where direft-
ed to, fo that in eight Days, Advices are brought
from the fartheft Parts of that large Empire, to
Cburt. And thofe Couriers are called i>^
Choucktes.

In the City of Surat there are as many diffe-
rent Religions as in Amjlerdam. That by Law
cftablifhed, is Mahometan^ of Halt's Seft, and
they are called Moors. Then there are Perfiam
and Turks ^ and fome called Mujey^ who obferve
Mofes^s Law as well as the Alcoran, and another
Scil called Molacks, who obferve fome ancient
heatheni/h Cuftoms and Feafts ; but all the others
reckon them Heretics. They have a yearly
Feaft, but the Time of its Celebration is only

known

of the Eaft Indies. 151

blown to themfelves, wherein, after much
Afirth and Jollity, each Sex withdraw to a
Room. The Women take each an Handker*
chiefy ( or fome fuch Sign that may be again
known ) and go in the Dark promifcuoufly a-
noDg the Men, and, without fpeaking, lie
iown together on Mats or Carpets fpread for that
Purpoie, and enjoy one another's Company fome
Hours, then withdraw to their own Room, lea-*
ring their Signals with their Bed-fellows, who
know whom they have been carefied by ; but
rery often they find inceftuous Embraces, which
It that Feaft are only lawful. Aurengzeb nuide
it Death to be found at thofe Meetings, yet
that execrable Rite is flill continued and pradifed.
find Abdul Gafour^ the rich Merchant aforc^
mentbned, was a Difciple of that Sedt.

The Banyans are moft numerous in this City,
md are either Merchants, Bankers, Brokers or
Pen-men, as Accountants, Collectors and Sur-
veyors, but few or none Handy-crafts, except
Taylors and Barbers. They have 85 different
3ei9s among them, that do not eat with one a-
nothen The greateft Part of the eaftern Reli-
aon is in Forms of Worftiip, and abftaining
Bxim certain Meats ; and their Priefts differ as
much in thofe Points, and fome others of Doc*
trine, as Papijis and Protejiants do; for the
Brabamans or, Bramanies are the Priefls of the
major Parts of thofe Seds, who guH the People
Rfhen any are dangerouHy lick, by perfuading
them to leave Legacies to their Churchy as fome

L 4 ^ pious

15 i u4 New j4c count

pious Chriftians do among U8,and when they oi>«
tain a Legacy, they gratefully acknowled^ the
receipt of it, by putting a Scroll of Paper into
the dead Perfon's Hand, containing an Account
of the I xgacy, with a Bill at the Bottom, to
receive ten Tinicf^ the Value in the other World,
from feme eminent Saint that deab in fudi
Bills of Exchange in Paradife. They have Pa*
triarchs and Bidiops to fuperintend the in&rior
Clergy, who, by Virtue of a divine Right, live
fplendidly and luxurioufly on the ObUtsoM of
the People.

The other Sedts are taught by the Ta/apatfUf
who declaim againd that papiftical Polity, and
preach up Morality to be the bed Guide to hu-
man Life, and affirm, that a good Life in thil
World can only recommend us in the next, to
have our Souls rranfmigratcd into the Body of
fornr innocent li<!ai}, or to reft in Paradife.

Their PriciU indeed flicw much Self-denial,
for the live on Alni^ and their Pontificalia is a
while Sheer that (overs their Bodies, from the
Shoulders downwardfi, a black Staff about 5
Foot loDg in their ILind, and afniall earthai
Pof, witli fonic powdered Saffron and Oil, to
maik thofe on the Forehead that have received
their Benedidion that D.iy. When they go a-
bio.id, tljc old carries a Novice in his Company,
to teach him Divinity and Morality by Example.
They fcldom fpeak in the Streets, but look
gravely and demurely, and they ex tend their Cha-
rity even to Beaits and Birds. They fufier their

Hair

of the £a(l Indies. 153

Hair to grow as low as their Shoulders^ and have
flo other Covering on their Heads, and keep
their Beards (haved.

Another fort of them are Doctors of Phytic,
who pretend to do great Cures by Amulets,
Philtres and Prayers. They have fome Skill in
Simples and Minerals, which make them in
g^t Eileem ; but when their Skill in Phytic
produces not the promifed Efiedts, then they
perfuade the Patient, that they Ik under the
Di^pkafure of fome angry Deity, who muft be
appealed by Obladons and Penances, whk:h they
turn to good Account, by ordering the Offer*
iDgB and Penance to be light ; and when that
Trick fails, they leave their Patients to work out
their own Salvation the bed Way they can.

There is another Sort called Jougies^ who
pradiie great A u Verities and Mortifications.
They contemn worldly Riches, and go naked,
except a bit of Cloth about their Loins, and
fome deny thcmfelves even that,, delighting in
Naftinefs and an holy Obfcenity, with a great
Shew of San^ity. They never cut nor comb
their Hair, and befmear their Bodies and Faces
with A(hes, which makes them look more like
Devils than Men. I have feen a fandtiiied Rafcal
of 7 Foot high, and his Limbs well proporti-
oned, with a large Turband of his own Hair
wreathed about his Head, and his Body be-
dawb*d with Afhes and Water, fitting quite na-
ked under the Shade of a Tree, with a pudenda
like an Afs, and an Hole bored through his

Prepuce,

154 ^ New j4ccount

Prepuce, with a large Gold Ring fixed in the
Hole. This Fdlow was much revered by
Numbers of young married Women, who, pro-
ilrating themfelves before the living Friapus^
and taking him devoutly in their Hands, kiflcd
him, whilft his bawdy Owner flroked their
filly Heads, muttering fome filthy Prayers for
their Prolification.

The Auflerities of the Jougies are beyond Be-
lief to thofe who have not been Eye- witnefles of
them. Some fland on one Foot fbme Years,
with their Arms tied to fome Beam of an Houfe,
or Branch of a Tree over their Heads, and
continue in that Pofture, except when Nature
calls for Exoneration, for others feed them
whilfl they fland. Their Arms in Time iettk
in that Poflure, that ever after they become ufe-
lefs, and are not to be brought again into their
natural Pofition. Some fit in the Sun-(hine^
with their Faces looking upwards, till they are
incapable of altering the Pofture of their Necks,
their Gullet fwelling almofl as thick as their
Heads ; and they alfo take no Suflenance with
their own Hands. Others clinch their Fifb,
and tie them in that Pofture, till their Finger-
nails come through the Back of their Hands.
And their Faftnings are as incredible. I faw a
Woman of about 30 Years of Age, who made
a Vow of fafting three Months, to avert fome
impending Calamity threatncd by Heaven, that
(he pretended to forefcc. The Governor oi&u-
rat being a tf:'Ao\i%Mab)mctan^ (who generally

difcourage

of the Eaft Indies. 155

diicourage GentUifm^ and flrive to deted their
Lgger de main Nfoacles ) ordered the faid Wo-
man to be put into a Prifbn without Windows^
without any other Suflenance than fair Water^
and to be well guarded by Mahometans^ to avoid
Impoihire. About 80 Days after ihe was im-
prilbned, I and feveral other Europeans paid her
a Vifit, and got the Door opened to obferve her
Afped. We found her in Health, but very
wak, and her Pulfe beat very low. Her Keep-
ers declared, that (he had taken no Suflenance,
but a very fmall Quantity of Water, all the
while diey had the Overfeeing of her, nor did
ihe ever deiire any Food. She told us, that
diree or four Years before, (he had failed fixty
Days on the fame Account.

Yttin Anno 1721. the Governor deteded a
great Piece of Impofture of the JougieSy who
paid pretty dear for their Impudence. One- of
thofe filly Zealots, who pretended to more Sanc-
tity than his Neighbours, gave out, that he
would be buried ( in a Grave 10 Foot deep ) a-
'live, and that he would appear at jimadabant^
which is diflant from Surat above 200 Miles^
within the Space of 1 5 Days. The Grave was
due, and he went in, and had fome Reeds pla-
ced about a Foot or two over his Head, to keep
the Mould off that was to be thrown over him.
There was a lai^e Jar of Water ftanding under
the Shade of a great Tree, about ten or twelve
Yards from the Grave, where a good Number
of ^tmgies bad for fome Time taken up their

Quarters j

156 .A New jiccount

Quarters ; they were Accomplices in the Impof-
ture, and, by their preccDcled Sandity and great
Lnerefl with Heaven, had gull'd many poor
People into a Belief of their Story, and many
brought Prefents to them. But the Governor of
Surat ordered a Party of Soldiers to fee the Jm^
gie interred, and to fee that no Impofture would
be ufcd about his pretended Refurredlion, and to
feaich wlH, that there (hould be no fubterraneoui
Communication between the Grave and any
Place that might be fufpedted above Ground ;
and accordingly fearching narrowly, they fiif^
pe(?lcd fome Place about the Root of the Tree
miglit ijflbrd a Paflage, ordered the Jougies to
reii;ove a little out of their Way, which they
did willingly, and, finding no Vifto that might
be fufpcded, they ordered the Jougies to remove
their great Water Jar, which was near full of
Walter ; but the Jougies clamoured loud againft
that Bleach of their Privilege, in touching
their Water : But their Noife made the Mabo*
me tans Sufpicion grow ftronger, and the Jar
was cither removed or broken ; and behold,
where the Jar flood, they difcovered a Mine
that reached within 2 Foot of the Grave, which
Cheat being thus detedled, the angry Soldiers
fell to Work with their broad Swords, to try if
their Sandity was Proof againft fharp Steel,
but found, by an Experiment of laying a Dozen
or more dead on the Ground, and twice as
many maim'd with Wounds, that they were as
eafily killed or wounded as other honcll Fc4ks.

The

of the Eaft Indies* 157

Tbe poor Miracle-monger loft his Head in the
Fray. That fpoiled his Journey to Amadabant^
aod^ which was worfe^ brought great Scandal
on the whole Order.

I was one Day walking by the Side of a great
Itank or Pond near Surat^ in Company with an
Englijh Lady, and feeing a young J^ugy fitting
by the Tomb of a celebrated CuttereCy who arc
a Sedl that bury their Dead, the Youth feemed
to be very devout iri Prayer ^ but, by the La-
dy's Order, I interrupted him, and, afking him
why he prayed there, aiid to whom did he direct
his Prayer ? Heanfwered, that he prayed to God
to make him as good a Man as he was who lay
interred there. I afked him where God was i
at which he feemed to fmile, and afked me,
where he is not ? and fo continued a little Space
m Prayer ; and, when he had done, he took
Ibme Flowers and Grain, with a little Water,
and befprinkled the Tomb, and, making fome
decent Cringings towards the Tomb, took a for-
mal Leave to go his Way.

CHAP. XIV-

Is a Continuation of my Ohfervations of
the Religions and Cufioms ujedin
Sarat and the adjacent Country.

TH E great God, whom all adore, they
call §^edaa\ but ih:y have many inferi-
or

158 A New Account

or Deities^ and of tbem MabadoWj or, as th(^
exprefs it, Maadow^ is the fecond in Place
and Dignity. Ramm is the third, and Brahma
the fourth. And Parvette is a Goddefs much
venerated, and is fuppofed to be the Wife of
Maadow. The inferior Deities or Saints are very
numerous ; but the Images of Guntes^ J^gort'-
naty Rujlum^ Gopalfami are moft worihipped
in their Temples, as reckoned to have moft In-
tereft with the Superior Deities.

The Marriages of the Gentiles m India^ are
celebrated with much Pomp. They be^ in
the Forenoon to fend a long Train of People
with covered I^fhes or Bafkets on their Heads,
with Prcfents from the Bridegroom to the Bride,
and before the Prefent march Hautboys,
Drums and Trumpets. After the Prefents march
ibme female Slaves for the Bride and Bride-
groom's Ufe. After the Slaves comes an emp^
Pallankeen to tranfport the Bride from her Houie
to her Hufband's. At Night the Bride and
Bridegroom are carried in State thro* the Town,
with Torch-light and Mufic before them, and
Fireworks played off as they pafs in the Streets,
and the Parents of the married Couple fend Pre-
fents to their Friends. They have no Choice in
their Marriages, for that is left to the Parents
or neareft Relations ; and they are married be-
fore they can be capable either to choofe or refufc,
being often married at fix or feven Years of
Age ; but they do not cohabit before the Bride be
about 12. and the Bridegroom 16. As to their

Burials

of the Eaft Indies. 159

Bomis fbmeburn, and fbme interr ; but Chil-
dren under 4 Years of Age are all buried. And
the Wives are not permitted to burn with their
Hufhands \ but, when once {he is a Widow,
ibe never can marry again, but lives to bewail
her Widowhood, and perhaps her Virginity,
all her Days.

They marry but one Wife, except in Cafes of
Barrennefs or Adultery, tho' there are no Laws
againft Poligamy. They abhor Buggery and
Sodomy, and the Mahometans for that Account^
" becaufe they ufe them. They eat twice a Day,
but the Hufband and Wife eat feparate ; and
they wafli before and after Meat. And the £«-
nfeans there follow that cleanly Cuftom.

The Parfees are numerous about Surat and
the adjacent Countries. They are a Remnant of
the ancient Perfians^ who rather choofe to be
baniihed their Country than change their Reli-
gion ; for in the feventh Century of the cbrijiian
MrUy when Mahometifm over-ran Perfia^ the
Spirit of Perfecutlon came there, and fome 4 or
500 Families were put on board of Shipping,
and fent to Sea, without Compafs or Pilot ;
and they, fleering their Courfe Eaftward ( in
the Southweft Monfoons ) from Jafques^ in a-
bout 20 Days, fell in with the Coaft of India in
the Night, and the firft thing they faw was a
Fire afhore, which the Exiles fleered towards,
and accidentally fleered into the River of blun-
jareCy about 7 Leagues to the Southward of 5^-
rj/, and were welcomed to Land by the Crow-
ing

i6o A New Account

ing of a Cock. Zaroafter was their Foander,
and taught them to adore the Sun and Fire, that
produced and maintained all fublunary BeiKS.
Their feeing the Fire on their approaching voc
Land, contirmed their Belief, in chcOpuuoo
that Adoration was due to it, for which Reafin
they never extinguifli Fire by its oppofice Ele-
ment Water ; and even if their Houies are a
burning, they'll ufe no Water to quench the
Flames, but throw Earth or Duft to put it oat
And becaufe the Cock faluted them firilt, after
they had palTed through a dangerous Sea, and
were fecure in a River, they will neidier kiflj
nor eat the Flefli of a Oxk,

When they came afhiore, the charitable -&•
diam flocked about them, and there being feme
among them that tould fp:iak fome Indian Lan-
guages, rei ttcd whit hard Ufii^^e they had met
v/itl-i in tlicir o-.vii Cour.rrv, and that Providence
having c.irectcd tr.cm to the Indian Country,
t}.c;/ i> ;f'icfi J..:j:ivc to iizvAz among them, and
by uicir lijliav/jj-.r they would fhew their Gra-
titude for rciicvi:v.{ dii'iiCiTjd Strangers, who
wcTw then beconic thtir Supplicants. The ge-
nerous Indiam granted their Rcqueft, and aU
lo-.vj'l liicm Land to manure, and Seed to fow
x\vi (jroijnd, n|X)n the fime Conditions andTe-
jiwfj thi-y enj^ycll their o-.vn r-irms: And there
th'jy Icttk'd hrjf, and remain in and about that
Country to this Day. Ti"icy never marry into
I'oRJgn Fiim»l:c7, which makcc them retain their
native wir Conjplcxion , lilt/j inferior to us £i^-

rcipeam^

of the Eaft Indies. 1 6 1

r^tm%y only their often Waftiing and Anoint-
ing, which is a Part of the Exercifes of Rellgi-
OD, takes away the beautiful frefh Ruddinefs,
that adorns ours. Their Rites of Marriage arc
performed like the other Gentiles ^ in Oftent;ition
and Expence \ but their Burials are quite diiFe*
rent, for . they inclofe a fmall Piece of Ground,
with a Wall about 4 Yards high, and place
fcveral Benches for the Corps to fit on, that tjie
four Elements may ea4:h have a Share of the
Matter their Bodies are compofed of. The Sun
or Fire exhales the putrid Effluvias. The Wa-
ter or Rain carries the putritied Flefti and the
Bones to the Earth, that gives Burial to them,
ind the voracious Fowls carry what they can
)ick into the Air in their Maws. They watch
he Corps all Day, till one of the Eyes is pickt
>ut. If the Bird begins with the right Eye,
hey rejoice and feaft, but if with the left Eye,
hey mourn and lament for the ill Fortune of
he Defundl's Soul, for they attribute future
lappinefs to. the right Eye, and Mifery to the
^ft. They build thefe Charnel Places far from.
ny Town or Village, left the Stink flioulJ
nnoy them.

They are very induftrious and diligent in
heir Vocation, and are bred to Trades and ma-
luring Ground. They are good Carpenters or
ihip builders, exquifite in the Weaver's Trade
nd Embroidery, which may be feen in the rich
Ulaffes, Bottadaan and Jemewaars made by
hem, as well as fine Baroach and Nunfaree Baf-
Vol. I. M tas

i^)Z A Ne^jj Account

las that come from their MdHufaftorics. They
work well in Ivory and Agate, and arc excellent
Cabinet- inwkcrs They diftil ftrong Waters,
hut that they do clandeftincly, becaufe that
Trade is prohibited by the G^^vcmment they lifC
under ; yet fome of them get a good Livelihood
by it.

The Fields about Surct are all plain, and the
Grrjund very fertil towards the Country, hot,
towards the Sea, it is faiidy and ftcril. They
have excellent Beef, Mutton and Fowl daily ex-
poled to Sale in the City, reafonably cheap.
Beef is alx)ut three Farthings a Pound, when
the Bones are kept with the Flefh, and aboat i
Peny with the Bones our. Mutton is about
three half Pence, and gcx)d large Fowls at Icrcn
Pence halfpeny a-piece. They have fomc
good Fifli, not dear, and Pigeons at a Peny a-
piece, and live Hares at four Pence a-piece.

TJjcy have JMenty of Wheat, as good as any
in hUtrope^ and foine Peafc, and Trench Beans j
but neither O^ts nor Barley. They have fcvc-
ral Species of IXr/iimcn ; but thofc of Doll^rc
inoft in \\fi\ ((/: Io.tic Doll and Rice being ming-
led t^^'j'licr and boiled, iniike Kitcherec, the
toinin')n I'ood of rjjj Country. They eat it
v/irli \):Va:v [xvA yl:cfj:7r ni- S.ilt-fifli. 'Tis a
?J-..;;;:it noiiriflifi.'/ I'oo^i, iTid tji.it which the
f.'.ino:!', A'in m "fj inoil (K:!i'/}jted to cat. They
h':vf; /.{'.) St^rc (if Wild Fowl ; but who have a
Mind to eat of them, inufl flioot them. Flam-
in^oe, arc large, and good Meat. The l*addy-

bird

of the Eaft Indies. iG^

d is alfo good in their Seafon, and the Corn-
i is excellent in theirs. They have good
tridge, but bad Phcafants. Their wild
i{ty Duck and Teal are plenty and good ; and
jral Sorts of Turtle-doves, both beautiful
well tailed. They have few Deer, but
It Plenty of Antelopes in their Forefts.
sre are no fine Buildings in the City, but
ly large Ploufes and fome Caravanferays and
fcheitjj, and fome fine Tanks^ or large CiC-
s to keep Rain Water, near the Town, par-
larly one a little without Brampore Gate.
J French have a little Church near the old
;/(/& Fa^ory, which naaintains a few Capu-
15, who pradtife Surgery grath to the poor
lives, of what Perfuafion foever. They
le fome Converts j but they are generally of
ioofefl Morals of any Set in the Town.
:re are above an hundred different Seds in
City ; but they never have any hot Difputes
at their Dodrine or Way of Worfhip. Eve-
)ne is free to ferve and worfliip God their
1 Way, and Perfecutions for Religion's Sake
not known among them. The Mahomet am
e the Law in their Hands, and diflribute
:ice beft to tliofe that pay befl for it. The
.ge's Fees are 25 per Cent, on all Sums that
pronounces due to the Party whofe Plea is beft
ported with Bribes or Intereft, for the Juf-
of a Caufe fcldom prevails. Many Exam-
, I have fccn between honeft Men of low
tunes and Villains cloathed with public Cha-

M 2 radlers

1 64 -^ -N^^?*^ Account

ructcrs and good Fortunes ; yet in fome Caies I
have fcen Juflice tajce Place. The Englijb and
Dutch Dircdiors or Agents there make good Fir
gurcs, bceaufc the Oiiiccrs of State and Juftkx
get yearly Prcfents or Penfions from them. The
Governor of the Caflle is not fubordinate to him
of the Town, and he dares not come out of his
Ned but once in a Year, that he is permitted to
go to Church, and then he mud return befofe
Sun-fet. None are fufiPered to pals the Rivff
whilfl the Sun is below the Horizon, nor dares
any one that comes in Boats put their Foota-
fhore without a fpecial PcrmifHon ; and all
Boats or Veilcls mufl land at the Cuftom-houfCi
and the Boat and Men are narrowly /earched.
I'hc Cudoms on Mahometans Goods are twoki
the hundred, on Chrijlians three and three Quar-
ters ', but the Chrijlians are exempt from pay-
ing Poll- money, but the Mahometans arc not^
nor (Jc/uou's^ who pay 5 per Cent. Cuflonis on
tlicir Goods. The Banyans are Brokers even to
Mahometans^ who cannot well make Bargains
wiiliout their Brokers.

I'lic Mahometan Women go always vcil'd
when they ap}xar abroad. Their Garments dif-
fer but little fr(;m the Man's. Their Coals,
which alio icrvc both Sexes for Shirts,' arc clofc
bodied. I'lie Mens arc pathcred in Plats below
the Navel, to make thtin Icem long-wai(led|
and the Woincns are gatlicrcd a pretty Way a-
bove, to make their Wallc Iccni lliort. They
botli wear iirceciics to the Ancle. The Men

wear

of the Eaft Indies. 165

af only Silver Rings on their Fingers, and gc-
ally but one for a Signet. The Women
IT gold Rings on their Fingers, and fome-
es one on their Thumbs, with a fmall
)king-glars fet in it, and often they wear
i Rings in their Nofes and Ears. The Gen-
I again permit their Women to appear bare-
5d, and their Legs bare to the Knee. They
ir gold or filver Rings, according to their
ility, one on their Nofe, and feveral fmall ones
Holes bored round the Rim of the Ear, with
large and heavy in each Lappet. They wear
\ Rings on their Toes, and Shekels on their
xs, of the aforefaid Metals, made hollow,
I fbme Glafs- Beads loofe in them, that when
y move the Leg, they make a Noife like a
ttle-fnake. The Men wear Gold Rings in
ir Ears, and often three or four in a Clufter,
iging at the Lappet. Some have a Pearl fet
chem. The Mahometan Men are known by
ar Garb, tho' the Genttnvs and theirs are
one Make, fave only as they are all overlapt
the Breaft. The Mahometans are tied on the
t Side, which, among them, is the Side of
Dnour, and the Gentiles tie theirs on the right
le. The Mahometan Turbands are likewife
another Drefs or Make than the Heathens ;
d the different Sedts of the Heathens are
lown by the Figure of their Turbands.
When the Englijh firft fettled a Commerce in
is Country, which was about the Beginning
' the fixteenth Century, they were held in

M 3 great

1 66 A Ke^jj Account

great Eftcem ; but the Portuguerrx pretending a
Right to that Trade fokly, clilturbed the En^iifii
in theirs, murdering their People, and making
Prize of all Ships and Vcflels they could over-
come. One Scalbn tlie hjiglijh had eight good
large Ships riding at Swal/y, which is aboat ten
Miles from Ranter^ where the Prcfident and his
and his Council then refided ; and Swalfy was
the Place where all Goods were unladed from
the Shipping, and all Goods for Exportation
were there (hipp*d off. The Portugueze think-
ing it a fit Time to give a deadly Blow to the
EtJgliJh Commerce, came with a Fleet of 6 large
Ships, lofmall, and loor 12 half Gallics, and
anchored to the Northward of the Englijh^ in a
narrow Channel, not MuflvCt-flioi wide, and a
Tide generally of 6 or 7 Miles an I lour. The
Portugucze landed near 3000 Men, and feizcJ
l^)nie Carts laden with the Comp:iny's Good?.
The EngUJJj could not bear the Infvilts they d'.ily
received, held a Council, wherein it was resol-
ved to land 800 Men out of the Ships, and at-
tack the Portifgr^eze^ while they were lulled in
Security of their own Strength ami Nuinlx-r,
and if they were overpowered, that thofelefton
boiird the Englifh fl-oiild try if they could cut a
Portugucze Ship's Cahles that hy near them,
and her driving on bcxird of another, mieht,
with the Force of the Tide, put them all a-
ground on the Shore, or a Sancl-bank that they
lay very near to. Accord in l^Iv, hy IJrcuk or'
Day, the Englijh were all landed, and every

1 Ship's

of the Eaft Indies. 167

ip's Crew led by their own Commander. As
y had conjedured, fo it fell out ; the JLn^
% were among the Portugneze before they
Id get in a Pofture of Defence, and ' put
Ci in Confufion. Thofe on board had done
hey were ordered, one being cut loofe, foon
de all the reft run a-ground, and moft of
m loft, cfpecially the great Ships. The liitle
'^lijh Army purfued the Portugueze^ and kil-

many in their Flight ; but at a Point of
id, about three iViiles from the Ships, the
"-tugueze made a Stand, and rallied ; but the
e victorious Army foon made them take a fe-
d Time to their Heels, and fo the E^iglijl}

an intire Vicftory, with fmall Lois, for
re were not twenty killed on the EngliJIj Side,

above 1 500 of the Portugucze. In Anm
)Q. I was on the Field of Battle, and faw
ay human Sculls and Bones lying above
)und. And the Story of the Battle I had
n an old Par/ee, who was born at a Village
ed I'amiwy within two Miles of the Field,

could perfectly remember the Action.

M 4 CHAP.

1 68 A'New ^ccouM

CHAP. XV.

Gives an Acconiit of the famous Au-
rengzebV Birthy his Politics and
j^£iio?Js in obtaining the Empire^ anii.
of his long and pr of per ous Reign. \

AN D now, before I leave Surat^ I will
venture to relate Aurengzeb'^ Origin, and!
feme of his Adlions.

Cha Jchan was one of the mod polite Kings
thnt ever ruled over that great Empire of jl^
gtilfian. He was a great Patron to all ikilfiil
Perfons in Arts and Sciences, and gave great En-
couragement to Foreigners to come to his Court,
treating them kindly and familiarly, and allowed
them handfome Pcnfions to live on, and ofcen
fenc tor the moft polite of them, and difcourled
them about the Cufloms, Laws, Commerce
and Strengih of the European Nations, and what
he found valuable among! 1 them, he would fain
have brought into his own Dominions. He was
forry to fee the moft beautiful Part of the Cre-
ation caged up in Seraglios^ bred up in Igno-
rance, and kept from ufeful and pleafant Con-
verfation, by the heavy Fetters of blind and
unreafonable Cuftom. lie turned his I'houghts
to break thofe fordid Chains, and introduce the
Ladies to a free Air, and reckoned his Court,
which he then kept at Jgra a great City, to be

the

of the Eaft Indies. 169

the moft « proper Part for the Stage to adt it
&ftupon.

The firft Step he took, was to order all the
Lidics at Court to provide precioas Stones to
faDDg to a Market-place that be had ereded, and
there to (hew their Wares publickly to all the
Noblemen at Court, who were ordered to buy
them at whatever Prices the Ladies put upon
them ; and the King himfelf was to be a Buyer^
to but the greater Honour on the new ere^kd
Ziiarket. The Ladies obeyed, and took their
Booths as they thought fit. On the Market
Day the King and the Noblemen came to Mar-
ket, and bought the Jewels and other Trifles
the Ladies had to difpofe of.

The King coming to the Booth of a very
pretty Lady, afked what (he had to fell. She
told him, (he had one large fine rough Diamond
ftill to difpofe on. He delired to fee it, and he
found it to be a Piece of fine tranfparent Sugar-
candy, of a tolerable good Diamond Figure*
He demanded to know what Price fhe fet on it,
and (he told him with a pleafant Air, that it was
worth a Lack of Rupees, or 12500 L. SterL
He ordered the Money to be paid, and, falling
in Difcourfe with her, found her Wit was as ex-
qoifite as her Beauty, and ordered her to fup
wtth him that Night in his Palace. She pro*
mifed to obey, and accordingly went, and flay-
ed with him three Nights and Days, and then
went back to her Hufband, whofe Name was
yemal Cbaim, and was a Commander of 50Q0

Horfe«

I^o A Kev) Account

liffrfe. The Hu(band received her very coldly;
and told her, that he would contifHie civil to
her, but woiild nevc^ cohabit with her again,
and would live with her in the fame Maimer as
if f}ie was his Sifter* Upon which (he wot
back to the Palace, and defired to be brought to
the King, and, being conducted to him, flxftl
at hi^ Feet, and told what her Huihand had £ud.
The King, in a Rage, gave Orders to carry the
Htifhand to the Elephant Garden, and then to
be executed by an Elephant, which is reckoood
a fhameful and terrible Death. The poor Man
was ffx>n apprehended, and had his Clothes torn
off him, as the Cuftom is when Criminals ait
coridemned to that Death, and he was dragged
frrm his Houfe, with his Hands tied before
him. On his Way to the Garden, he virasto
pfs near the Palace, and he begged to have
Ix-;!vc to fpeak to the King, and then he would
ciie willingly, if his Majeflydid not think fit he
fliouid live. A Friend of his, who was an Of-
ficer of the Guards, ordered the Meilengers of
.Dcaih to flop a While, till he had aoquainted
the King with the Requeft, which was accord-
ingly done, and he was ordered to be carried
into tlic Court of the Palace, that the King
mif'lit hear what he had to fay, aixl, being car-
ried t hither, his Majcfty demanded what he
wonld have. He anfwercd, that what he had
fii'l to his Wife, was the grcateft Honour that
he was capable to do his King, who, after he
had honoured his Wife with his Embraces,

thought

of fhe Eaft Indies. 171

Aoog^t hknielf unworthy ever after to cohabit
wkfa her. The King, paufing a little, ordered
to be unbound, and brought to his own

Room, ¥^here, aflbon as he came, the King
embraced him, and ordered a Serpa'-iO or a royai
flmt to be put upon him, and gave him the
CooHnand of 5000 Horie more, but took his
Wife into his own Harran or Seraglio^ and about
OBic Months after, the famous Aurengzeb came
s&to the World. How long the Charter held
ior Gontinning thofe Markets, I know. not, but
it feems Cha Jeban grew fonder of this Lady
-dian of any 1^ had before, tho' he had three
5ons by them, the eldeft of whofc Names I
have forgot, jiurengzeb was brought up and e-
ducated by his Mother, till he was about 12
Years of Age, and then he had Priefts and
Fhilofophers to inflrud him.

C36k yeban finding his Empire too krge, de-
fined to divide it amongft his Sons, and fo pla-
obA his eldeft Son in the northern Provinces of
Candabaar and Uzbeck^ to fuperintend there,
and make him acquainted with thofe People and
their Cufloms, that he defigned (hould be his
Sufa^eAs. The fecond Son Morad Bucks he lent
to Decan^ to govern there. The third, Sultan
Sujaby he lent to Bengal ^ to govern that Country;
and Aurengzeb he defigned for Guzerat^ being
a fmall Province in Comparifon of the others :
Bat wlien Aurengzeb came to be about eighteen
Years of Age, and had done with the School, he
dififembled his ambitious Thoughts, and decla--

red

iTi _:/ JVt*a) Account

Bri du: he denred ta live a private Life in tbs
TV- 1 ■-.■: iJ.sici him, and to took up the Fob'n
tLr;-; X.- Wiv ci iJie. contemning the Ho-
D.>j.> .Lii^ Richiir^ Dl the Wwld, and zealouflf
k;r: :hr .-.^..iDkul Hoars of Prayer, which^-tf
0.>i ,<::.'■ j~, j> T.\t Times a Djy. In this fA*»
•■■ . . .^ \\'.\ hf I'peai eight or ten Years, till
\m :\.:jjc: rcp^u tc' be old and weak ; and Neiq
tv.. ;! ..-i^ -h>.ud that he was Tick, the elddt
^juwK^M soriiicaa Army in his Province, to
auNwb KNunis^^nti^in order to leize the Ciowii
tm. ktt Fitfacx'i Demiir. hhrad Buch know*
c the oucl Oidoca ot' hts Country, whicfait
[ tadc, at to be loit to an Htll near A^
_^ Godtar, «tti (here drink the Pw//, ( whi*
ft itft lafeboa of Poppy Seeds in Water, tfafl
fCQwikiaSlai|>} iDdipcndsbi&Day in a Lethuk
IQF • b**t, U »vQid both, he alio nufcd a good
jJLiKjr ipiut i^-incx, and marched towudi
J^^ and SitCaca Ay*^ laifcd one in Bet^d,
S L:ft niduB Ihb own Province uitra^a^
KsoKK^^ac-l in hm KctircnKiu and holy JExcrdtin,
»e4 ace^hci ouWbol hu Fdiher's Kepofe, as tfac
IC^b;-- '"^ • " w^ fulpecicd by bis r
^bcTt - ■-■.;» to rule.

1j^* ,- '. ..' -UjAw/, ilutv

Jjl^ :...;^c. hu;x .- ■: ■.,.. auJt

»S»i».-". • '■,.- Uii.. '

of the Eaft Indies. 175

rzeb with them by Letters, and promifed
Afiitlance to fct him on the Throne.
]&i Jeban lent Letters to his Sons, who were
Arms, to difband their Forces, upon their
:2:knce, bat nor one obe\'ed, slle^.r.::^, thit
r kept in Arms tor their own Se^ii:':: v 1:1 Cile
his £>e£th. The two eldeit made daily Ap-
aches toward? -^-/7, and Aurerigzcb railed a
dl but good Army, pretending it w;.5 tc keep
Peace of his own Pro\'ince. However, 2s
rod Bucks was on his March towards Agra,
was obliged to pais through fome Part of
rtngzeb'% Territories, and they \i'A an Inter-
ir, and agreed, that if the eldeil Sen would
: be advifed to retire back with hi? Army to
own Province, but continue dilbbediect to
ir Father's Command?, then Aure^.gzeh
old join M:rcj Bucks ^ and compel him by
roc ; bat rtill AureKgzeb preached up Peace
i Contempt of worldly Grandeur. They
ote preiiingly to their elder Brother, to ho-
ar their Father's Commands, but to no Pur-
fe ; fo Aurengzeb marched his Army always
ar M:rcd Bucks's to meet their eldeft Brother,
d found him encamoed on the Bank? cf the
^er Gernna^ and on the oppolite Bjr.ks Mo-'ud
icks encami>ed hi? Men. Aurc^T-zcb went to

A C

lit on his elder Brcrher a? a Mediator, bat in
ilitv todiicover what Cor.diticn his Armv was
His E:"other received him vrlth all the
[arks of Efteem, ir.i, after a long Canfercnce,
; invired Ari*'r:::z:i :^ "oin Forces v.'i:h him,

and

of the Eaft Indies.. 175

Wine and carouze ivitfa fahn, which they
and he got beaftly drunk, and vomited on
ine Carpets he lay on. While he was ia
Pickle, Aurengzeb came to his Tent with
ruard, and demanded prefem Admitt^ncV,
here were News brought of the greatje:fi:
)rtance, which he muft, without Delays
nunicate to his Brother, and flq)ping hafti*-
X) the Tent, his Guards following him, be
d his Brother in the Condition he wifhed
tfid calling him feveral Times by his Name^
as not able to anfwer, wherefore Aureng--
out of an holy Zeal to Religion, venteH
1 angry Words againll the Beaft his Brother,
hen, in a fandihed Choler, ordered one of
ruards to Itrike off his Head, which waS
with executed. The News of the Fratri-
Sew like wild Fire through the Armies, but
figzeb's being in Arms , foon calm'd thoie
bad a Mind to raife Troubles, and, in the
ling, made an Oration that pleafed the
ies fo well, that they fwore Obedience to
:ommands. The Clergy run his Praifes as
as their Prophet's Paradife, commending
Ddly Piety and Zeal for poor diftrefied
;ion, and, no Doubt, would have done the
for the Drunkard, had he been as politic as
ngzeify who is now faluted Pautjhaw^ or
eror, by the Army, notwithftanding his
er was then alive.

m yehan having loft two of his Sons, ex-
rd that all his Troubles were now ended,

fent

%»'ll

176 A Kev) Acctuint

ient XoAurengzeb to come to him, and
about fettling the Peace of his Couutry, which
bad been fo long difturfaed by civil Wars, but
Aurengzeb would not truft himfelf within the
Walls of the City, where he had not the Com*
mand of his own Hands, but wrote very fob*
miilive Letters to his Father, and advi&d him
to lay down the heavy Charge of Governoieat
on his Shoulders who was young, and modi
better able to manage it than a Man whofe Age
xeguired Reft, and gave Orders to build an hi^
Wall round the Palace, and placed his onm
Creatures to guard the Palace, which io vesod
the old King, that he ordered all the Jewek cf
the Crown to be broken, and particularly Ym
Throne, which he himfelf had caufed to bt
made worth above a Million Sterlings but nooe
durd obey him. And Neur MabaaL who had
given her Brother Auretigzeb private Informati-
ons of her Father*s Defigns all the Time of the
Rupture, advertifed him of the old Man's De-
iign in that Aitair, and cautioned him to take
Care of what Meat and Drink he took, and to
fend an Army into Bevgal^ to re»lace Sultan Su*
jab ^ who was inviicd by the old King, tocomc
with his Army to ylgra. Aurengzeb durft not
leave that Country, where his Father was well
beloved, for Fear of a Revolution in his Affairs,
but fcnt an Army under the Command of a
trufiy Genera', called Emirjci?ial Ooaun^ who,
in three Years Time, chafed Sidum Sujab out of
the Dominions of Bengal^ and Cha jfckan then

I dying,

o/" //^^ Eaft Indies. 177

VmZt hroviz^t a ferene Peace throughout th.c
irhole Emr»irc. yiiirer^zei rcmembrina: his Sif-
jCt's Services, made her Governed of the Pjhce,
md retained her always near his Pcrlbn, and
ivould eat nothing but what came from her
»and.

Being now fettled in Peace, he invited his ho-
ly Brethren the Fakires^ who are very nume-
rous in India ^ to come to Agra^ and receive a
new Suit of Cl;thes, as a Tellimony of his
fCindnefs for them. Great Numbers came on the
[iivic;ition, and he pitched Tents in many Places
mind the City to entertain them, and he pro-
claimed, that on a certain Day the Dillribution
boukl be made, and appointed Otticers in every
Tent to deliver the new Clothes, but to retain
die old Rags in their Rooms, which Stratagem
bfooght many Millions into his Treafury, for
thofe pretended Saints having good Store of Dia-
monds and Gold fewed up in their Rags, were
(breed to leave all behind them. He then bent
his Thoughts on enlarging his Dominior.?, and
quarrelled with the King of Orlxa near lirrgtii^
and with the King of Vifr.t'ore near Decan^
and, in ten Years, he annexed their Dominions
to his own large Empire. And [o I Lave him
to take his Pleafure till the Year 1707. that he
died in his Tent near A^rj^ and lies biiiicJ in a
fmall Tomb of fevcn Foot long and three high,
on the Side of an Hi?h-\vav that leads to that
Gtv.

Vol. I. N K»

i-S yi Nezs ^ccouf/f

Ke was a Prince every Way qualified for go-
veriiii'.^. None ever underftood Politics better
than hv. Tiie B;ihnce of diftributivc Juftice
he held in un cxaiil Equilibrium, He was
brave and cunning in War, and merciful and
nugr.ar.in-io'js in Peace, temperate in his Diet
and Recreations, and modeft and grave in hii
Apparel, courteous in his Behaviour to his Sub-
jeds, and afiable in his Difcourfe ; He encou-
raged Virtue, and difcountenanced Vice, and he
ftudied the Laws of Humanity, and obferved
them as well as thofe of Religion, foe in that Fvt
he inclined to Superftition. He had five Sons, but
three only made any Figure. The eldeft was
Dara^ or vulgarly Hazan TaraL\ tlie fecond
Sbaiv Alkm^ the third Furuckjier^ the fourth
Eckbat\ and the fifth Sbaw Hazander. The
three firft contended for the Crown after their
Father's Death, but Shaw Allom carried it.

From Surat to Damaan^ a Town belongiog
to the Crown of Portugal^ and at 22 Leagues
Diftance, are fcvcral Rivers and Villages, under
the Sijperintcndcncy of Surat. Dumbafs is the
firft, biitof fmall Confequence, either in Trade
or Manuflidory. Ntmfaree is the fecond, that
has a good Manufaftory of Cotton Cloth, both
coarfe and fine, Gtmdavee is next, where good
C^iu?ntitics of Teak Timber are cut, and export-
ed, being of excellent Ufe in building of Hoii-
fcs or Ships. Seragoung is a River of no other
Confcquericc but limiting the Moguts Domi-
nions on tlie Sea Side, as well as the Portu-

ffuze

of the Eaft Indies. 179

ffeze Territon
about 4 Miles.

CHAP. XVL

Treats of the Cities and To^xns on the
Seih<oaftj beJ$nging the Cro^xn of
Portugal, from Damaan to Bombay.

DAM A AN was, in former Time?, a
a Place of good Trade, but at prefent
educed to Poverty. It (lands at the Mouth of
\ River on the Sea-{Jjore, and is naturally very
hong, by a deep Marfh that almofl furrounds
t. The Town is about half a Mile long, ^
nd near as broad, walled with a good Stone
¥all, as the reft of the Buildings of the Gty
le boilt of; and it has a large Cathedral to a-
kxn it, that is confpicuous a long Way at Sea.
fhcre are two or three other Churches, and a
Soovent, a Monaftery, a Nunnery, and an
lofpital, and there is a Cadle (lands on the op-
ofitc Side of the River, chriilned by the Name
f St. Sahadore^ and it is well fecured by the
(focais, as well as the Town. It has been for
long Time a great Eye-fore to the Governors of
anrf , who have often pickt Quarrels with the
^ortugueze, and laid Siege to Damaan, but with-
ot Succeis.

N 2 From

I So A Ne^ Account

From Damaan to Bapim is about 1 8 Leagues
along the Sca-fliore. There are feveral Riven
liiul Villages by the Way, "oiz. Danaiv^ Tar^
r{7/)orey Mabim^Kellcm^ and the Ifland Vaccas^
but they are all of Imall Account in the Tabic
of Trade,

Baffiiim is a fortified City belonging to the
Crown of Portugal. It ftands on a little Ifland,
feparated from the Continent by a fmall Rivulet
its Walls are pretty high, and about tv^o Miles
in Circumference around the City, which has a
little Citadel in the Middle of it. It contains
three or four Churches, and fome Convents
and iVlonallcrics, with a College and Hofpital.

It is a Place of fmi-ll Trade, becaule mod
of its Riches lie dead and buried in their Church-
es, or in the Hands of indolent lazy Country
Gentlemen, who loiter away their Days in Eafe,
1 .uxur yand Pride, without having the leaft Senfc
of the Poverty and Calamity of their Country.
Tl)e Town is about half a League diilant from
tlie llland Salfct^ which Inlet lerves it for an
Iiaibourfor linall Shipping, but there is not
Wuter ciiough to aecommcxiatc great Ships.
Tlie Governor is ftiled, by the Portugueze^ Ge*
neral oj the Norths having Z)///, Diwumn and
Cbiud^ wiih all tl:eir Territories, fnbi.)rdinnte to
him, bi;t the Church fiiperiiueiids, w]}ich makes
his Gcveriimcnt both uMcafy ar.d precarious.

iV///<V is an Ifland about 25 Miles long, and,
in fome i' laces, )o Miles broad. It is fruitful
in Roots a!;d Fruits^ but not iu Corn. It is

flockcii

of the Eaft Indies. \ 1 8 1

locked with Villages and Churches, but has no
jty on it, but an old one, called Canra^ hewn
dt of the Side 6f a Rock, but by whom I never
3uld learn. It is near a Mile in Length, and
lany antique Figures and Columns curioufly
irved in the Rock, and hns feveral good Springs
F. Water to accommodate it. At prefent it is in-
abited only with wild Beafts, and Birds of Prey,
^he Ifland is almoft cut in two by a narrow
iver that bifeds it at Town, called Verjua^
'hich lies on the Sea-fhore, and has a little nar-
>w Harbour, deep enough to receive Ships of
IC grcateft Burden, and is fecured by a fmall
ort ftanding on the North Side, but the Town
on the South Side of the River. It drives a
oall Trade in dry Fi{h, made here, and tranf-
Mtcd to the inland Countries and Villages,
lat want the Benefit of fifhing. The Fifhers
:rc catch their Fifh in long Nets, faftncd to
akes placed in the Sea, the outwardmoft of
hich are driven in the Bottom on nine Fathoms
^ater ; and they^ appear to Strangers like a
/ood in the Sea. There are feveral Villages
anding between Verfxia and Bombay^ on the
»-(hore, but Ba?idara is the moft confpicuous,
hich fronts Mahim on Bombay^ about a Mile
ftant. The Portugueze have fome great Guns
anted at Bandara, but' they have no Trade,
x:aufe the River belongs to the Englijh ; and
I Cuftoms of Goods, either imported or
rpqrted^are paid to the Cuftom-houfe of Ma-
m. The Mouth of the River is pcfter'd with

N 3 Rocks,

iSi A New Account

Rocko% that forbid Entrance to any Veflek of
Bnrden.

In Anno 1 694. the Mujkat Arabi made a De«
fctnc on Saljet^ and committed great Depredati-
ons in plundring and burning Villages and
Churches^ killing the Priefts, and carried aboot
1400 Captives into irredeemable Slavery* And
about the Year 1720. the Priefts of Salfet dif-
turbed che Englijh at Mabim^ animating the
People to Arms ; but a Bomb or two tbttown
into the Church at Bandara^ bad no Reaped
to the PrieAhood, but facrilegioufly killed one
or two> befides fome Lay Brothers, '^vrii
made them know that War was not their Taib.
They were alfo troublefom to the Englijh m
yifino 1722. but the Englifh furprifcd a Pared
that were about repairing an old Fort, contia-
ry to Articles of Agreement, and killed a Score •
or two, which made the reft take to their Hech
and Ix: quiet.

CHAP.

of the Eaft Indies. 1 85

CHAP. XVIL

Qlves a Dejcriptlon of Bombay, ^ith
fome hijtorkal Remarks on its PFars^
Government and Trade^ till Anno
1687. ^xhen the Foundation of a
FFar avas Jaidj which proved the
Ruin of the then Engliih Eaft-India
Cjompany.

O MB AT comes next in Courfe, an
Ifland bdonging to the Crown of Eng^
It was a Part of Katharine of Vortu-
gsts Portion^ when (he was married to Charles
-IL of Great-Britain^ in uinno 1662. Its
Ground is fteril, and not to be improved. It
has but little good Water on it^ and the Air is
fbmcwhat unhealthful, which is chiefly im-
puted to their dun^g their Cocoa-nut Trees
with Buckjkoe^ a Sort of fmall Fi(hes which
their Sea abounds in. They being laid to the
Roots of the Trees, putrify^ and caufe a moft
unfavoury Smell ; and in the Mornings there i- ge-
nerally feen a thick Fog, among thofe Trees, that
afiects both the Brains and Lungs oi Europeans^
and breed Confumptions, Fevers, and Fluxe-.

After the Marriage, King Charles fent my
Lord Malberrj^ with four or five Ships of War,
to take Poffcflion of it, and the King of Portu-

N 4 gal

1S4 -^ ^^'^ j4ccoufjt

galftrv.t a Vicc-roy to deliver it, and all its Roy-
alties to the faid Lord, and Sir jibrabam Ship-
man was ordered to be Governor for King Cbarks.
They arrived at Bombay in September^ 1663*
but the Church withftood the Crown, and diC-
cbeycd the Order : Nor would they acknow*
ledge the Vice-roy, unlefs he would come into
their Meafures, which, rather than loofc his
new Dignity, he did. And the Englijh Fkct
was f jfc ed to go to Swally to land their Men,
and j^ct UcfienimcntS} but the Governor of 5i/-
rcit^ in whofc Diftridl iSzc;^/^ is, grew jealous of
the NunJxirs and Biavcry of the EngHJb^ ,ani
llircat ned tlic Fudtc^ry cflabiiflicd in Surat, if
they (lid not fpecdily re-imbark, which, to a-
void Sufpicion ihtydid, and the Governor al-
lowed rhtm the free Ufc of the Markets, {0
tlj::t rhcv Ikiu no Want of Provifions and Mer-.
ch'.indi'iic wljihi: they liaycd there. In jfamarf
i66^;.. my Lord went back to England y carry-
ing two Siiips with him, and left Sir Abraham
with the reft, to pafs the wefterly jMonfoons,
i.i r.nic Port on the Coaft, but being unac-
(r.:.:i:,ti;d, chofe a defolatc Ifland, cAkd yfujaJi'
r a^ to wii'tcr at. It is fo far from an Harbour,
liii'.t it is even but a b:id Road for Shipping in
tii:)fi: boillcrous South-Weft Winds and turbu-
kTit Sea 5 however, he landed all the Land-forces,
and biiilr H'jts to defend them from the Wea-
ther, Th': Ifland is barren, but has fome Springs
of }.7'r;d Water, It is about a Mile long, and
300 Pates broiid. Here tl;cy flayed from A^

Z pril

of the Eaft Indies. 185'

pril to OBoher^ in which Time they buried a-
boye 200 of their Men.

When the Monfoons were over, the Squa-
dron put to Sea, and put into Bombay^ to try if
:he Church had confidered on the Obedience
lac to the King of 'Portugat% Orders, or if
hey had a IVTind to draw the Arms of England^
IS well as their Sovereign's, upon them. Some
)f them had not forgot what Damages Spain
ind Portugal had fuAaincd by the Knglijh Flee*
n CromwelPs Time, advifed the Church to o-
yej the King, fctting fordi the Miferies they
Should l)e brought into in Cafe of Noncompli-
ince. At length their holy Zeal abated, and
they were content to admit of a Treaty, but,
before the Treaty was concluded. Sir Abraham
died, and one Mr. Humphrey Cook^ who was
Rcxt in CommifTion, continued the Treaty, and
articled, that the Inhabitants fliould enjoy their
Lands and Religion under the King of England^
bat forgot to infcrt the Royalties appending on
Bombay^ which reached as far as Verjua on SaU
fet^ which Omiflion has been a Bone of Con-
tention for both Parties ever fince.

Mr. Cook^ according to the Treaty, took
Poffeflion of the Ifland, in the King s Name,
and forthwith began to fortify regularly, and to
fave Charges of building an Houfe for the Go-
vernor, built a Fort round an old fquare Houfe,
which fervcd the Portugueze for a Place of Re-
treat, when they were difturbed by their Ene-
mies, till Forces could be fent from other Places
to relieve them. After

1 86 A New Account

After the Fort was lined out, and the FouQh
dations laid. Sir Gervas Lucas arrived from Etig^
land with two Ships, but Affairs being fetljbd
before he came, did not ftay at Bombay loqgcr
than January 1 666. and left the Governmeot
of the liland in the Hands of Mr« Cook and hiy
Council, the Pxeiidency for the then Compi*
ny reiiding at Swat. Their Trade flouriffaedi
and increafed wonderfully ; but, after the Fort
was finished, the King finding, that the Charge
of keeping Bombay in his own Hands wooki
not turn to account, the Revenues being fb veiy
inconfiderable, he made it over to the Eaft-
India Company in Fee-Tail, which continues
fo till this Time,

In building the Fort where it is, Mr. CM
ihewed his want of Skill in Architecture^ where
a proper and convenient Situation ought to be
well confidered, for it is built on the Point of
Rocks that jets into the Sea, where there are
DO Springs of frefh Water, and it flands within
800 Paces of an Hill, called Dungeree^ that
overlooks it, and an Enemy might much income-
mode it from that Hill, as we found by Expe-
rience in Anno 1689. when the Mogul fent an
. Army on Bombay. As for the Magnitude, Fi-
gure and Materials of the Fort, there is no
Fault to be found in them, for it is a r^ular
Tetragon, whofe outward Polygon is about
500 Paces, and it is built of a good hard Stone,
audit can mount above 100 Piece of Cannon;
and that is all that is commendable in it : But

2 had

of the Eaft • Indies. 187

fasd it been built about 500 Paces more to the
SoQthward on a more acute Point of Rocks,
caNed MenSam^ Pointy it had been much bet-
ter on feveral Accounts, Firfl, it had been
much nearer the Road for proteding the Ship-

E'ng there, it had been farther off Dungeree
ill, it would have had a Spring of pretty
gcxxl Water, which ferved the Hofpital that
was afterwards built there, and the ShipfMng
had been better fecured that lay in the little
Bay between the Point where the Fort now
fiands, and Mendhanis Point.
' They went about building feveral other lit*
de Forts and Sconces in convenient Places, to
binder an Invaiion, if any of their Neighbours
Ifaould have attempted one. At Mazagun there
3f7as one, at Souree one, at Stan one, at Mabim
one, and Worke had one, and fome great Guns
Hiounted on each of them. Notwithflanding
tiie Cbmpany was at fo much Charge in build-
«g <£ Forts, they had no Thoughts of building
t Church 5 for many Years after Sir George
Oxemdon began to build one, and charitable Col-
le£tions were gathered for that Ufe ; but when
Sir George died, Piety grew tick, and the building
t)f Churches was grown unfashionable. Indeed
it was a long while before the Ifland had Peo-
ple enough to fill a Chapel that was in the Fort^
for as fafl as Recruits came from Britain^ they di-
bd in Bombay^ which got the liland a bad Name.
There were reckoned above 5000 L. had been
^^ithercd towards Ixiikling the Church, but Sir

John

lS8 A New Accouftt ■

yobn Child ^ when he came to reign in B$mhayl
converted the Money to his own Ufe, and
never more was heard of it. The Walls were
built by his PredeceiTors to five Yards hig)i^
and fo it continued till the Year 1 7 1 5. that
Mr. Boone came to the Cliair^ who iet about
building it, and, in five Years Time, finiflxd
It by his own Benevolence^ and other Gentle-
men, who, by his Perfualions, were brought is
to contribute. The Company alfo contributed
fomething towards thac pious End.

About the Year 1 674. Prefident Aungier^ . a
Gentleman well qualitied for governing, came
to the Chair, and, leaving Surat to the A^
nagement of Deputies, came to Bombay^ aod
redified many Things that were amifs, and
brought the Face of Juftice to be unveiled,
Vi^hich before lay hid in a Tingle Perfon*s Breaft,
who diftributed her Favours according to the
Governor's Direflion. He eredled a formal
Court, where Pleas were brought in and debip
. ted ; but that Method lafled but a few Years ;
when Sir "John Child came to the Chair the
Court was done. Mr. Aungier advifed the
Company to enclofe the Town from Dungem
to MendbanC% Point, for fecuring the tradif^
People from the Infults of their troublefom beg-
mrly Neighbours on the Continent ; but his
rropofals were rejeded, and that necefi^ry Piece
of Work was referved for Mr. Boone alfo. And
happy it was for the Inhabitants that the Town
was fecured by a Wall, othcrwife Cmnajee Aun-r

garie

of the Eaft Indies* 189

Mrf^ would have harafled them, wltb continual
uiults fiace his War with the Englijh began.
" The Name of Mr. Aungier is mucli reve-
red by the ancient People of Surat and Bombay
to this Day. His Juftice and Dexterity in ma*
n^ing Affairs, got him fuch Efteem, that the
Natives of thofe Places made him the common
Arbitrator of their Differences in Point of Traf-
fick : Nor was it ever known that any Party
receded ever from his Award.

There are no Dangers in going into Bombay
iload, but one funk Rock that lies about half a
League from the Caflle. It is dry at low Wa-
ter, and has a Channel within it deep enough
ibr the greatefl Ships to pais. I never heard of
any Damage done by that Rock^ but to a fmall
.^p called the Baden^ which, by Carelefnefs,
ran on it at Noon-day, and was lofl.

In the Year 1673. the Dutch Eajl-India
.Company having an Eye on Bombay^ ient a
Squadron of Ships, with a little Army, to try
if they could take it in amongfl th:ir other Con-
quefts of India^ but, on their landing, met
with fb warm a Reception, that they were glad
to get off with the Lofs of 2 or 300 of their
Men, and fo left the Englifb to the quiet Pof-
ieiiion of it. V

The Governors proved tolerably good, till
1682. that Sir John aUd fpoilt it. The India
Company knowing how to make ufe of King
Charles's Neceffities, made him fbme Prefents of
Money, and he, in grateful Acknowledgments,

granted

jgo A New Account

granted them Power to rob their fellow SubjeAi
in India ; but they ufed that Power to their own
Deftruftion, for Mr. G&/Af s Pride and Oppref-
fions grew fb intolerable, that even the Gentle-
men in the Company's Service had not the fret
Exercife of Trade, and much lefs private Mer-
chants. And he, trampling on the eftaUifbed
Laws of England, by Advice of his Namefake
who governed the Company in Europe, by im-
prifoning and murdering their fellow Sut^eAs,
grew hateful to all.

In Anno 1684. he made his Brother in Law
Mr. Ward his I>eputy of Bombay, who defign-
cd to fi(h in troubled Waters. Mr. Qnld be-
ing honoured with the Title of Baronet, by die
powerful Motive of the Company's Money to
the King, he, at the fame Time, got the Com-
miflion of General, which puffed him up fo,
that he contemned all Laws human and divine.
The military Gentlemen, who had made Con-
trads in England iov their Salaries, tho* paid at
20 per Cent. Lofs, yet to (hew hinfelf a good
Occonomift for his Mafters Interefts, fent his
Deputy Orders to reduce their Pay to 30 per
Cnit. lefs than it was before, tho' it was (0
fmall, that they could hardly bring both Ends
to bear at the Month's End. That hard Pill
the Sons of Mars could not fwallow, and fo
l>eiu their Minds on a Revolution : and having
come to fome Knowledge of Mr. Ward^s tam-
pering with the Sevajee to land on the Jfknd,
they detefted fome Letters of his to that Pur-

pofc.

of the Eaft Indies. 191

pofey which gave them a Ground for a Revolt.
The Sevajee indeed fent a Fleet of 80 Sail of
jGnall Veficls to land on the back Bay which
faces the Ocean ; but^ on their trying to land
fome Forces, they were warmly repulfed, and
loft many of their Men, which made them
draw off again in Confufion, and Mr. Wardy
lieing confronted with his own Letters, and
liaving little to fay in his own Defence, was
made a Prifoner ; and General CMli% Fa<flion
was Cent to Sural to him. The Iflanders, tak-
ing the Government of the Ifland into their
own Hands, chofe Captain Kegwine Major of
the Military, to fuperintend military Affairs, and
one Captain ^horbum to overfee the civil.

General Child foon difpatched Letters to Eng^
hndy and gave ai) Account of the Rebellion,
and King Charles difpatched a Frigat, called the
PherdXy for India^ to demand the Reftitution
of the Ifland, and put it again into the Com-
pany's Hands. They arrived at Bombay^ in
September 1685. and (hewed the King s Or-
ders, with a full Pardon to all who yielded O-
bedience, which unanimoufly the lilanders did;
but, for their own Security, drew up fome Ar-
ticles to be figned by General Child and Captain
Tyrrely who commanded the PbeniXy one of
which Articles was, That any Perfoji that bad a
Mind to go for England, Jkould have free Liberty ^
and a Pojfage on board the Company s Shippings
which being agreed to and figned, Captain Keg-
wine took his Pailage on board the tiril Ship ;

but

19 i A Keno Account

but Tborburn being. a married Man, and hatng
a ftnall Eflatc, as well a:» a Family on the
likndy could riot fo cafily rcmcnx, but troued
to the Adt of Grace, and the Treaty they had
made.

After General G&//^ had gotten the Reins of
Government again into his own Hands, he be-
came more in fuppor table than ever. He cred-
ed a Court of Iriquifition, and made an old
Creek^ one Captain Gare\^ Judge, who had
condemned a Man to be nanged on a 7ue]iaj^
and the Man fufFcrcd according to Sentence }
but, on Iriday after, the poor dead Fellow
wa«; ordered to be called before the Court, but
he would not comply with the Orders.

Captain Thorburn was the fii ft that felt the
Weight of Mr. Chtld\ Difpleafurc. He got
fume Fellows to fwear him out of his litdc
ICftate, who brought in forged Bonds for Sums
borrowed from one King^ whom he never had
any Dealings with, and found Witnefles toat-
teft them. All that ThorhUrn had, was too
little to pay the Sums, for which his EAate was
taken from him, and himfelf put in Prifon,
without the Pcrmillion of one Slave to attend
or fcrve him in IMfon. His own Wife was not
|H:imitted to vifit him, which hard Ufage
l)i(ni;;ht him into a violent Fever, thatfbon put
an ImuI to his Life. Alxnit two Days before he
ciini, tin: C^oalcr acquainted his Lady of his Dan-
gcr, and (lie, with two fmall Children, went
t'.i the General, and, on their Knees^ begged

that

of the Eaft Indies. 195

dmt a Doftor might be permitted to vifit her
Hufband, but he was inexorable, and would
aDow no fuch Favour, only granted her Leave
to be in Prifbn with him till he died, and (he
flayed but one Day and a Part of a Night till he
caqpired. When the Tragedy was over, fhc was
going Home to her diftrefled Family, but found
her Slaves and Children removed into a litde
Oot-houfe of hers, and the Doors of her Dwell-
ing-houfe (hut againft her. The Lady had
two Sifters married on the Ifland, and (he, hop-
ing to find Relief from them, went to viiit the
ddeft, but Ihe met her at the Door, and told
her (he could have no Admittance, her Hu(band
being liable to Profcription, if he admitted her
into his Houfe ; and (he believed the other Sif-
ter's Hu(band durft not entertain her in his
Hou(e. The poor Lady, full of Sorrow and
Grief, being abandoned of all her Friends and
Relations, went back to her dlftreiTed Family^
and, having no vifible Way of Support, had
once fome Thoughts of putting an End to her
Mi(eries ; but her Sifters, unknown to their
Hufbands, fent her fome Relief by a trufty Fe-
male Slave in the Night, and a Letter, ( that
they defired her to burn aftbon as (he had read )
wherein they promifed to be aftifting in the
Maintenance of her and her Children, till the
Almighty (hould think proper to deliver her out
of the Perfecution.

The poor Lady had both Beauty and Difcre-

tioD enough to recommend her to the virtuous

Vol. L O Part

1 94 -^ ^^^ Account

Part of Mankind ; but none of the Gentlemeb
that wifhed her well, durft make Addrefles to
her; only one, who had the Command of a Ship
in the Indian Merchants Service- as he had no
Dependance on the General, nor his Maftcrs in
"England^ thought he could not well come with-
in the Reach of their Perfecution ; fo he court-
ed her, and married her, but that was thought
a capital Crime, and the General acquainted his
Indian Owners, that without they difcharged
him their Service, tliey (hould alfo find the
Weight of his Difpleafure ; and accordingly,
to avoid Contefts with his Excellency, he was
difcharged : But Grief put an End lo his
Troubles, for he died within a Year after his
Marriage, and left the poor Lady another Child
to take Care of, but left her above looo L.
Bterl. of Stock for her and her Family's Support.
As- the Phenix was in her Way for India^ (he
called at the Ifland of Johanna^ and there found
an Englijh Ship, called the Brijtol^ flopping
feme Leaks in her Bottom. Captain Tyrrel^
by a difpenfing Power from the King of Eng-^
land, feized her, and defigned to have carried
her to Bombay y in Company of a fmall Veflel that
he had feized on the Coaft of Madagafcar. The
Brijlol funk the third Day after they put to Sca^
but the other came fafe. The Brijiots Men
were looked on as Pirates, and one Mr. Mews a
Supercargo was arraigned before the Gencrars
Tribunal, where he himfelf fat Lord Chief Juf-
tice, and, after his ufual Manner of bcflowii^

opprobrious

of the Eaft Indies. I95

opprobrious Names, he condemned Mr. Mewt
to lofe all that he had in the World, and 1000
Pounds befide, and to lie in Prifon, at his own
Charges, till the Fine was paid ; but Mr. Vaux^
who was Judge of the Ifland in petty Affairs,
(hewed him the Weaknefs of his Sentence,
and perfuaded him to fet the poor Man at Li-
berty, and order him a Paffage for England.

When Mr. Child firft got his Commiflion to
plunder, there were two of his own Council at Su^
rat that were great Eye-fores to him, viz.
McfBeurs Fetit and Boucher. They were Gen-
tlemen of good Intereft in England^ and had
great Remittances of Moneys on the Company's
Shipping coming yearly to them, to buy up
Diamonds and fend Home. General Child let
diem know, that he cxpedted half of their
Omimifiions as a Perquifite to his Poft, but
Aey could not be brought to think fo : Howe-
ver they condefcended, that^if ' he would join his
CommiflioDS to theirs, which were much great-
er than his, they would be content to majce an
equal Dividend in the CommifHons ; but that
Propofition he rejefted, and was refolved to
carry his Point by Fraud, and wrote to the
Company in England^ of thofe two Gentle-
mens ill Services relating to the Company's
Afl^rSy tho' none knew of any, but Mr. Child
himielf. Thofe Gentlemens Friends in the
Committee of the Company in England^ ac-
quainted them, by Letters over Land, of the
Dangq: they were in, and gave them Warning

O 2 to

1^6 ^ New Account.

to be on their Guard ; and they accordingly took
a Houfe contiguous to the Fadory, and^ by
Degrees^ conveyed what they thought fit into
their new Lodgings, but retained their old ones in
the Fadory. When the Shipping arrived , and the
Company's Packet was opened, and read at the
Council-Table, Mr. Petit fat in his Place as
fecond, and Mr. Boucher in his as fourth. When
fome few Paragraphs were read, one was to
difmlfs thofe Gendemen from the Company's
Service, and they were forthwith ordered to wim-
draw, which accordingly they did, and went
to their new Lodgings without the Factory.
AfToon as the Council broke up, Mr. Qnli
ient Orders to confine them in their Fadx)ry
Rooms; but Word being brought that tfaey
were not in the Fadlory, but their Doors were
lock'd, he gave Orders to break them open,
and fecure all that was found in them for nim,
efpecially their Papers and Books ; but they
found nothing but a Bed furnifhed, and fome
empty Trunks. When Mr. Qjild underilood
that their EiFefts and Papers were removed, be
raved like a mad Man, but to no Purpofe, fo he
perpetrated their Deftrudion by Fraud ; but
the Profcrib'd being well beloved by the Era-
kers, who were always of Mr. Child's Cabinet
Council, were timely advertifed of his Plots,
and prepared to counterplot him. He was the
firft that bribed the Mogul's Governors to join
in Villainy with a Prcfident ; but 'tis now a
very common Piece of Policy at Suraf^ and

ha$

of the Eaft Indies. 197

has been often made ufe of againft the Englijh
Company, fince Mr. Q)ilis Time : However^
for a Sum of about 4000 L. Sterl. he got the
Governor of the Town to ftretch his Commif-
fion, in pretending to diftribute Juftice, which is
only the Cadjee's Place to do. He got the Go-
vernor to command the two Vidtims to meet at
a Garden near the Town, and to deliver them
op to the General, who was there with a Dozen
of Grenadeers to receive them, and carry them
on board of a Ship that lay ready to tranfport
them to Bombay y and there to feed on the Bread
of Afflidtion as long as they lived. He had fub-
om'd a Gendeman to draw up an Account^
wherein the Delinquents were brought in
Debtors to the Company 11 4000 Rupees,
or, 14250 £f. SterL and that Gentleman fwore
to the Account. The two Defendants being
forewarned of the Plot, had given Bonds to
their Mahometan and Heathen Friends, for a-
bove double the Sum that the honed General
demanded ; and it is againft their Law to force
any Perfon out of the Mogul's Dominions, who
is indebted to his Subjcfts ; but when Mr.
Harris had fworn to the Account, ( for that
was the Gentleman's Name ) the Governor or-
dered the two Gentlemen Defendants to be put
in Irons, and to be delivered to Mr. Child ; but
their Friends protefted againft their going,, till
they had fatisfied their Creditors, and declared
the Governor liable to make good all the Sums
contained in their Bonds, if by ^Violence they

O 3 were

1 9B ^ Ner[JO j!4ccourit

were fent away. That Proteft flartled the Ge-
neral and Governor both, fo the Gentlemen
were delivered to their Friends, and the Gover-
nor was no Lofer by the General's Honcfty ;
However, they could not live in Quiet, fo Mr,
J^etit bought a Ship to go a Trading, whilil
Mr. Boucher went to the Mogul' s Court, or
rather his Gimp, to try if he could procure a
Phirmaund or Charter to be under the Mogul's
Protedtion ; birt the Company's Money had
crept into the Secretary of State's Purfe, that
retarded Mr. Bouchers Affair fome Time : Bat
the General, being afraid of his Succefs, fent
a Banyan from Bombay to poifon Mr. Boucher;
This Banyan being often about his Tent, got
acquainted with his Cook, thinking him to be
the propereft Perfon to make ufe of in that Af-
fair ; and, after fome Difcourfes about General
Child and Mr. Boucher's Quarrel, he told the
Cook, that he had a CommiQion from the Ge-
neral to fettle a Salary on him during Life, and
the Sum of 500 Rupees in Hand, if he would
poifon his Mailer. The Cook feemed to like the
Propofals, and bid the Banyan bring him the Poi-
fon and the 500 Rupees, and accordingly the next
Day he did, and on the Delivery of the Money,
he gave him a Paper with fome Powder of white
Arfenick to mix with his Mafter's Rice, which
is a common Difli there. The Cook gave him
large Promifes of performing what he would^
and fo left him, and went to his Mafter with
the Bag of. Money and the Paper of Arfcnick,

and

of the Eafl- Indies. 199

and told him, that he had made a Bargain with
General Gfr/^Ts Vakeel^ or Attorney, to poifon
him, and told him the Terms he had agreed
cm, and (hewed the Money and Poifon 5 Mr,
Boucher commended the Cook's Fidelity, and
told him, that he would give him 600 Rupeei
to be honeft, and a Maintenance during Life^
and Mr. Boucher being bred a Druggift in his
Youth, prefently knew the Poifon, and carried
it to the Cautwal or Sheriff, and (hewed it.
The Cautwal ufed his utmoft Endeavours to
catch the Banyan^ but he could never be found
diere.

Mr. Boucher had been fourteen Months fb-
liciting to procure his Phirmaufid; but his re-
peated Petitions to the Secretary had no Effeil :
bat he had an Englijh Man, one Swan^ for his
fiiterpreter, who often took a large Dofe of Ar-
rack. Aurengzeb one Day had Ordered his
Camp to remove to another Place, and had got
on Horfe-back. Swan took hold of that 0^
portunity, and got pretty near the King, hold-
ing his Petition or Bocca above his Head, and
cried with a loud Voice in the Perjian Language,
that his Mafter wanted Juftice done him. The
Mogul feeing him in an European Garb, ordered
him to be brought to him, and afked the Cau(e
of his Complaint. He anfwered, that his Maf-
ter had been fo long at Court about procuring
a Pbirmaund to become a Subjedl: of his Majef-
ty's, to be freed from the Oppreflions of the
Englijh Company, who were grown intoler-

O 4 able

aoo ^A Neav .^^ount

able by the Connivance of his Majcfty's Govcf-
Aor« of Surety and therefore conjured his Ma-
jefty, as he fliould anfwer before God at the
great Day, to do his Mafter Juftice, and grant
him a Phirmaund. The King was ftartled at the
bdd Exprcffions, ordered his Secretary to gpt
on* ready for the Seal againft the next Day,
which was accordingly done, and Mr. Boucoer
had it delivered to him afToon as it was figoed,
and then took his Leave of the Court.

While Mr. Boucher was at Court, Mr. Petit
made fome Voyages into the Gulf of Perfia^ and
going thither once, met with fome Sangamon
Pirates, who attacked him. He defended him-
felf bravely, and beat them off ; but his Gim-
ner firing a Blunderbufs out of one of the Gun-
room Ports, blew the Ship up, and the Sanga^
nians took up thofe that were faved by fwim-
ming, among whom was Mr. Petit himfelf.

The Sanganians carried their Prifoners to Bdet
on Guzeraty and laid a Ranfom on them, which
Mr. Petit agreed on, and fent Letters to his
Friends at Surat to pay the Money : But Ge-
neral Child hearing of Mr. Petit' s Misfortune,
and where he was, difpatched a Banyan to Aj-
ety to perfuade the Pirates not to part with their
Prifoner under 25000 L. Sterl. and fo they,
hearkning to the Banyan^ would not ftand to the
ftipulated Ranfom of 5000 L. Mr. Petit flay-
ed about fix Months their Prifoner, and then
died thro' Grief, and the ill Treatment he had
received but by Mr. Child's Pcrfuafion ; for the

Pirates

of the Eaft Indies. aoi

Flmtes getting no Ranfom^ curd the General
for his CounfeU

In Anno 1683. the jyutch difpoflcfled the
Englijh Company of their Faftory of Bantain,
on the Weft End of Java ; and the Englijh
having a Mind to regain it by Force of Arms,
built feveral Ships between 60 and 70 Guns, fo
that in Anno 1685. they had a Fleet ready vic-
tualed, and mann'd with 7 or 8000 Men, to
the Number of 23 Sail of Line of Batde
Ships, which Expence, and the continual Crav-
ing of the Court, brought their Stock very low 5
yet fince the Maw of the Court was not enough
crammed, the King laid Embargoes on the
Fleet from Time to Time, for nine Months,
and then the Dutch Ambaflador had Orders to
prefeni hisMajefty with 1 00000 Pounds, if he
would command the Company not to ufe Vio*
lence. He fnapt at the Bait, and defeated the
Oefign to all Intents and Purpofes.

CHAP.

aoi A New Account

CH AP. xvm.

Continues the Obfervations on the Af-
fairs of Bombay, toith the Articles
exhibited bj/ Mr. Child, in Order to
embroil the Company s Ajffairs *with
the Mogul and his Subjedh,

TH E Company having fuch a Number
of great Ships on their Hands, were ob-
liged to lend them abroad 5 but having no Stock
to employ them, ordered the General and Chiefs
of their Fadories in Luiia to borrow what Sums
they could on the Company's Credit, from the
Indian Merchants, to lade their Ships Home,
which accordingly they did, and what they
could not lade Home, they were to employ by
Freights in InJia. And I faw a Letter from
the Governor of the Company in Englandy in-
timating, Aat when they had got as much Cre-
dit of the MoguPs Subjeds as they could, tlien
they world pick Quarrels with the Creditors,
and put a general Stop to their Trade, which
was accordingly done ; for, in 1686 and 87.
the Surat Merchants traded brifkly by Sea to
Mocha, Perfia and Baffora, to the Weftward,
and to Bengal^ Atcheen^ Malacca and Siam^ to
the Eaftward. The General granting Pafles to
all who required them, then ; about the latter
End of the Year 1687. he laid down a C9m-

plaiot

of theEaQ: Indies* 2.03

plaiDt and Grievance before the Governor of 5«-
rat, and demanded Redrefs and Satisfaftion.
The Articles of his Grievances I faw in a print-
ed Copy, and were as follows, in 35 Articles.

L '' LaftYear aShip of Mo/ah jibdel Ga^
^^ foars coming from Juddab^ in her Return
^ met with two Danijh Pirates, who made a
Prize of her. The News coming to Surat,
the faid Molah Abdel Gafoar^ by Perfuafions
^* of Mebir Nazim^ and other Merchants,
made their Complaints to Salabat Caun ( then
Governor ) and other Officers of Surat,
faying, the Englijh belonging to Surat^
had taken his Ship, at the fame Time fend-
ing his Attorney to Court, . to complain to
the King J, who ordered the Governor, &c.
Officers of Surat, to enquire into it, and do
Juftice accordingly. In this Affair, by Bri-
bfery, and difgracing me to the King and his
Subjeds, as alfo the Dutch^ French^ and
other Nations, making them believe it to be
true, for which Difgrace I am not able to
trade in thefe Parts ; but I hope the Difgrace
'^ will light on him, that hereafter no fuch
Scandal may be put on me, or any other, we
having traded here thefe 80 or 90 Years, but
^* never before accufed as Robbers, but daily
" enriched the Port of Surat.

II. '' The Complaints of Molah Jhdel Ga-
^^ foar having. been much to my Prejudice, by
** reafon I could not clear my Money out of
^* the Cuftom-houfe, nor (hip my Goods for

•* Europe^

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a 04 -^ New j4c count

•* Europe^ which were feizcd and hindered,'
** which hath made mc leave the Port and
Trading, and retire to Bombay. I have by
me 30 or 40 Lack of Rapees in Money
and Goods in a Readinefs ; if you pleafe to
•' fend any Body, you may be certified of the
•* Truth. Confider the Lofs I am at in die
** Ufe of my Money, Damage of my Goods,
•* and detaining my Ships a Year. I dcfirc
•* yourAnfwer.

III. " MoJab Abdel Gafodr's diigracing me,
** makes People afraid to truft me, my Credit
** being lofl by his falfe Reports, having 12
^^ Ships laden with Goods, which I defignol to
•* have fent to Surat^ there to have provided
•* Goods, and relade for Europe \ » but his dif-
•^ gracing me is the Occafion of the great Ourg-
•^ es I am at, my Ships wintering in thefe
*^ Parts, and my Goods lying on my Hands,
*^ we Merchants trading for Profit, which

Hindrance hath not only been a great Lofe to
the King in his Cuftoms, but to me, which
I muft anfwer to my Mafters.

IV. " Mr. Petit and Mr. Boucher being
indebted to the Company feveral Sums
of Money, I would have called them to Ac-
count for the fame -, but they, like Traitors,

*^ went to the Governor Cortalab Caun for Pro-
" tedtion. As for Mr. Petit he is dead, and
** gone to the Devil. Mr. Boucher {WW remains
" at Sural. I demand him, his Wife, Child,
or Children, Family, and all Englijh Men

I \\ belonging

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of the Eaft Indies. 205

*' belonging to him, with their EflFeas, that
^' they be delivered to me, and that he may not
" make his Efcape from Surat.

y. " Formerly fuch Goods as we brought
" from the Malabar Coaft, Mocba^ and other
** Parts, which were for Europe^ and not to
fell here, we had Liberty to bring them a-
(hore at Swally^ to clean them, and fhip a-
gain, without paying Cuftom ; but the Go-
^^ vemor Cortalah Caufty in his Time, forced
*^ us to pay Cuftom for thofe Goods. My De-
^^ mand is, that what he took more than the
** former Cuftoms, may be reftored, and he
'^ do not the like again.

VL " Of late Years we bring more Money
** than formerly, which hath much enriched
" ijic Port, of which the Governor did ac-
** quaint the King, who was pleafed to take no
" mcxc than 2 per Cent, we paying no more
for many Years. Of late die Governor of
Surat did write to the King, to make us pay
'^ three and one half per Cent, for Money as
well as Goods, which has been a great Pre-
judice to our Trade. My Defire is, that we
may pay no more than formerly, and that
the former Overplus may be repaid. Which
Exadlings made Salabat Caun over-rate our
Goods in the Cuilom-houfe, to our great
Damage.

VII. " Formerly we never paid Cuftom for
Apparel or Provifions, but of late Salabat
" Caun forced us to pay Cuftom for them. My
^ " Defire

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106 A New Account

*• Defire is that may be repaid , and fot the fii-
«^ ture, no more Trouble on that Account.

VIII. ** When our Goods came out of the
" Country, if robbed by Thieves or otherwife

on the Road, it is the King's Order, that
the Governors and Officers make ^ood all Da-
mages, or elfe the King to fatisfy us himfdf.
Few Years fince our Goods coming from
Amadabant and Durrimgumy were robbed in
the Way to Surat. We have petitioned the
Governor of Surat for Satisfadtion, but nevq^
obtained any. My Defire is, that the King
•* order Satisfadion to be made for the Lofe wc
" fuftained, being great and confiderable.

IX. ** Several of the Natives are indebted to
*^ us, of whom we can get no Satisfadion,

having feveral Times made Cbmplaints to the
Governors, where they refide, for their Af-
fiflance, but, as yet, could have no Redrefi
from them. Our Defire is, that all Gover-
nors and their Officers may be affiftant to us
•* in recovering our Debts.

X.' ** We bring more Treafurc into the
•* Country than any other Nation, which is
** carried to the Cuftom-houfe -, when cleared
from thence, we fend it to the Mint to be
coined ; but the Officers, for their own In-
** tereft, delay the Coining, to the Hindrance
** of the Difpatching our Bufinefs, for, if our
Ca(h was coined in Time, we could have our
Inveftments out of the Country, and lade
our Ships according to the Monfoons or Sea-

2 "fon

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of the Eaft Indies. 207

'* Seafon of the Year. Our Req ueft is, that,
" for the future, the Coiners may not delay the
'* Coining, and that our Treafure may be coin-
" ed apart, for its more fpeedy Performance.

XI. " At the Arrival of our Ships, when un*
" laden, vik carry our Goods to the Cuftom-
" houfe, where they are thrown up and down

very carelefly, where they are broken, da-
maged and ftolen. Our Requeft is, that wc
* * may have a Ware-houfe apart, by that of the
** Dutch ^ to put our Goods in, that we may be
** no further Sufferers, that, when we difpofe
" of our Goods, or fend them to our Fafto-
" ry, that the Cuftomer take Account of the
** King's Cuftomsj clearing them without far-
" ther Moleftation.

XII. " Formerly when we cleared our Trea-
** fure, Gf^. Goods from the Cuftom-houfe,
** wc ufed to make up the Account of our
" Cuftoms at the latter End of the Year, and
** then paid it. Of late Years the Officers of
" the Cuftom-houfe daily and monthly fend
•^ to our Broker, demanding the Cuftom, for
*^ which Reafon we are forced to fee the Offi-
** cers not to affront our Broker,, which has

been much to our Prejudice. Our Requeft
is,* that they demand not the Cuftoms till
the End of the Year as formerly accuftorpary.

XIII. ** When Gafjadean Caun was Governor
** of Surat^ by Order of the King, the City was
" walled, at which Time we had a Garden
** near Brampore Gate, about which we built 3 4

Shops,

4o8 A New Account

«' Shops, Stables for Holies, a Summer-botiie;
^' and feveral other convenient Places, all firm
^' Buildings, which coft to the Amount of
^^ 25000 Rupees, when the Wall came near
^^ our Garden, our Buildings were broke down,
^' and our Garden (poiled. We petitioned the
•« Governor for Satisfadion, he promifedtoaU
*• low us the Charges out of the King's Trca^
•* fury ; but wc have not received any Satis&c-
^* tfon. We demand Satisfadtion for the iaid
Charges.

XIV. " Formerly when our Goods came

from other Parts to Surat^ we paid no more

<' than due Cuftom, and fhipped them for £f^

•* fope^ or other Places, without any farther

" Trouble. Of late Years the Officers of thofc

" Places from whence our Goods come, put

*• us to much Trouble in demanding the Go*

•* vcrnor's and Officers of Surat's Receipts of

** us, and many Times detain our Goods oo

** that Account, by which their Proceedings

** our Ships fometimes return empty, and

" fometimes are forced to remain in the Coun-

•* try, which is a great Lofs to the King in

his Cuftoms, as well as to us. Our Requcft

is, that, for the future, fuch Receipts may

not be dcmandal of us, but that we may

have the fame Liberty as formerly.

XV. *^ When our Goods are in a Readinefs,

" wc icnd them to the accuftomcd Place to be

*' Ihopcd, with a true Invoice of the Contents

"of

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of the Ea(^ Indies. 209

" of the Bales. Formerly they ufed to make
" Choice of one or two Bales, and if they
" found them according to Invoice, then to
(hop and clear the reft without any farther
Trouble. Of late the Cuftomer, Gf^. Offi-
cers, ifor their Intereft, and to delay Time,
open moft of our Goods, which is not only
a great Charge to us in repacking our Goods,
but alfo our Goods are damaged. Our De«
fire is, that they may be (hopped and (hipped
according to Invoice, without any farther
Trouble, as accuftomary.
Xyi. ** Our Sloops and Boats coming from
Swally to the Cuftom-hou(e, the Meerbar
u(ed to fearch them, if empty cleared them,
without any farther Trouble. Of late Years
" die Meerbar^ &c. Officers will tiot clear
•* them in three or four Days, which is a great
Hindrance to us in the Dlfpatch of Bufine(s,
Our Defire is, they may be fearched and clear-
ed as formerly, without Delay.

XVII. " Sometimes Merchants that buy our
Goods, break, plead Poverty, that they have
not wherewithal to pay us, applying ourfelves
to the Governor, Gfr. Officers for Juftice,

*^ and their Affiftance, we can have no Redrefs.

'^ Our Defire is, either that the Governor, t^c.
Officers order Payment to be made, or to
fatisfy us out of the King's Cuftoms, that wc
may be no longer Sufferers by his Subjeds.

XVIII. ** Sometimes we fend our Brokers or
" Servants to the Governor, G?r. Officers, as our

V o L. I. P '' Affairs

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2 1 o A Neno Account

" Affairs require, who cannot be admitted vddi«
*' out bribing the Servants of the fiiid Gover-
*' nor, C^c. Officers. We defirc it may be r4-
** medied for the future..

XIX. '' Our Horfes that come from Perfidy
Bqjjora^ &c. at their Arrival we ufed to tesA
them to our Stables, without farther Dday.
Of late Years at their landing are carried to
the Governor, his Seal put about their Necks,
and ourfelves not trufted to ufe or difpofe df
them. Our Defire is, that we may cidier
ride them, or difpofe of them as formerly.

XX. *' The Governor, &c. Officers often
^' fend to us for broad Cloth, Sword-blades,

^c. in civility we cannot deny them^ bot
when we fend for the Money, they deny
the Payment, and abufe our Servants, by
" which we are Sufferers. Our Defire is, that,
for the future, if the Governor, Gf^. Officers
defire any Goods, they may pay for them
before they carry them away.

XXI. *^ Goods provided at Agra^ Anadd"
hanty &c. coming to Baroach, the Governor
forces us to pay iSper Mill. Cuflom, which
is contrary to the King's Order, for we ought
to pay but in one Place as the Moors and Bd'
nyans. Our Defire is, to be cleared of that

*^ Cuflom, that at the Arrival of our Goods at

Suraty they may be fent for out abroad with-

** out farther Trouble, paying the King his

[I due Cuftom, We defire the lame Goods

" Aippcd

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of the Eaft Indies. 211

^^' ihipped at Baroach^ Cambay, &c. that our
^f Ships may not lofe their Paflage to Europe^

XXII. ** At the Arrival of our European
" Ships, we fend our Goods to the Cuftom-
** houfe when cleared, carry them to the Fac-
*^ tory, fometimes we have prefent Vend, and
** fometimes we fend them to other Places, as
*• we think convenient, and for our Intereft ;
•' in cafe we fend our Goods to any other Place,
" within the Term of fix Months then to pay

half Cuftom for the faid Goods, but, if

kept a full Year, then to pay full Cuftom.

Sometimes we fend to Swally more Goods
•* than will lade our Ships, the Remainder we

dare not keep there, for Fear of Fire or
«■•' Thieves. Our Requeft is, that for all fuch
••' Goods as have paid Cuftom, we may freely
** bring them to Surat^ keep them there for
•*' our next Shipping, and ftiip them off^ with-
^* out farther Trouble or Demands.

XXIII. '' Our Servants, Englijh, Gentoivs^
•* and others, many Times we fend up the
•* Country, for the fpeedier Difpatching of our
'* ^Affairs. When we fend to them for pur Ac-
•* counts, being at a Diftance, and out of our
/* Reach, like to Mr. Fetit and Mr. Boucher^
** they go to the Governors for Protedlion, by
*^ by which Means we cannot call them to Ac-
" count, to our great Lofs, and farther pro-
** ceeding againft them. Our Requeft is,, that

whatever Englifh Man, employed in your
Service, without our Leave and Difcharge,

P 2 " that

ci2r A New Account

'^ that they, with their EfFcds and Eilatcs, te
*^ delivered to us, that they may not be pro*
^' teded, but that we may proceed a^unft
^* them, as we think cx)nvenient.

XXJ V, " It is near 90 Years that wc have
** traded here. At our iirft Coming, theKii^
^* granted us a Piece of Ground for a Bunder
*^ to repair our Ships and VeiQels. Of late
** Years Meer Nqfjam hath forced it from us^
^* and made it a Garden. We are deftitute of
*^ a Place for repairing our Veflels, and other
^^ Conveniencies. Our Requeftis, that wcmay
** have the lame Ground as formerly, or ibmc
^* other near the Water Side, fitting our Oc^
" caiions.

XXV. " Formerly we ufed to pay for each
^^ Bale of Indigo, two and an half Rupees /«r
** Bale, without opening it. Of late Years the
^' Officers open it, valuing it at their Plea(iirc,

damaging the Goods, which is a great Lo&
aud Charge to us in repacking it. Our Dc-
fire is, that, for the future, it may not be
opened, paying the Cuftom as formerly.

XXVI. " The Governor, Gfc. Officers buy
of us, for the King's Account, Iron, Guns,
Lead, giving us fome Money in Hand.
When they are turned out, and others come,
when we demand the Remainder, they dc-

*^ lay the Payment of the Money, faying the
** the King did not want our Goods, that we
*' may take them again, fometimes after they
" have kept them one or two Years. Our

Requefl

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of the Eaft Indies* 21^

*' Rcqucft is, that whatever they buy of us
** for the King's Account, we may be paid be-
** fore they take them from us ^ and whatever
*^ Goods we have that the King has no Occa-
*' fion for, we may dilpofe of them at our
** Pleafurc.

XXVII. " As to the Idand of Bmhay^ it
produceth no Corn. The Mogul's Fleet
^* often winters there, which makes Provifions
" icarce and dear. We arc in Want of Supplies
•* from Suraf, and other the MoguN Ports.
^' When we fend to thefe Places, the faid Go-
** vernor and Officers will not let us have any
without giving them one and one fourth /rr
Cent. Our Requeft is, to be free of this
Tax, that we may have Liberty of fending
" what is ncceffary for Supply of the King's
" People and faid Ifland.

XXVni. '' A Ship, with her Cargo, to the
" Amount of 254000 Rupees, came out of
" England without our King's Licence, which
*^ came to Surat. Our King's Orders came to
*^ us to fcize Ship and Cargo, which accord-
•' ingly we did ; but Salabat Caun then being
*^ Governor, forced her from us, and delivered
** her to Mr. Boucher. Our Defire is, the
•* laid Ship may be re-delivered us, that Mr.
•• Boucher and his Broker give us a juft and
*^ true Account of the Remainder of the Car-
go, and that the Governor take Care it be
not fquandred away by them,

P3 XXIX. •'Tw

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214 ^ New .Account

XXIX. " Tis the Kings Grant, that Mcr-
chants pay but one Cuftom for their Goods,
without farther Moleftatioh, and, when thejr
pay it, to take a Difcharge. Of late Years,
the Officers have forced us to pav double
Cuftom, befides their Perquifites which thejr

*' have demanded, which has been a great Hin-
drance to the timely Arrival of our Goodi
We defire we may not be forced to pay more
than accuftomary.

XXX. " Wc formerly rented a Piece of
Ground for Stables, on which wc were at
confiderable Charges in building and Repara-
tions. Meer Naffam^ by buying it, deprived

*^ us of it. We defire he may iatisfy U8 the
** faid Charges.

XXXI. " Some Years fince we loft an An*
chor at the River's Mouth, which Mifzs
Mrffiim's People took up. We have often
demanded it, offering to defray the Charges
he was at, but cannot get it. Our Reqaeft
is, that his Son Mirza Mahomud Araff deli-
ver the fame, we paying the Charges they

** were at,

XXXII. " At the Arrival of our Ships, they
•* fend the Boat up with News. At; the Cuf-
^* tom-houfe they ftop her a whole Day before
" they will let our People come afliore with
^* Letters, which is a gVeat Impediment to our
** Affairs. Our Rcqueft is, that they may not
** be hindred for the future, but fuffcrcd to
*• to land aiioon as they come to the Cuflom-
« houfe. XXXIII. ♦• As

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^ /Z?^ Eaft Indies. 2x5

XXXIII. " As concerning my Bengal^ we
" hear ieveral Ships have been taken an?^burnt,
** ID which Affair we are not concerned, nei-
** ther do we know whether Peace be conclu-
ded there or not. Oar Requeft is, that the
King iflue out his Orders, that no Perlbn
queiHon us, or make Demands on us on that

*^ Account. ^

XXXIV. *^ Some Years ago die Sedee^ with
the King's Fleet, wintered at Bombay ^ in
which Time fome of his People murdered
two of our Englijh Men, which made our
Men refolutely refolve to revenge their Death,

*' but, with great Perfuafions, were pacified,
** being promifed Satisfadion. We acquainted
** the Governor of it, who ordered the A4ur-
^' derers to be imprilbned ; but, three Days
after, they were cleared by the Sedee. Our
Requeft is, they may be delivered, that we
may prolecute them, and that Juflice may
** be done.

XXXV. ** When we are minded to take
*' oar Pkafure out of the City, altho* we re-
turn before the ufual Time of (hutting the
Gates, the Porters fhut them J^ainft us, de-
manding Money before they will let us enter
the City. Our Requeft is, that Order be
^ven by the Governor, that we be no more
afirontcd by thofe People.

Thefe Grievances were the Foundation on
which General Child built a War widi the Mj-
gul^ without ever fending them to Court to

P 4 know

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ai6 ui Se^ jiccount

know the King*s Pleafure, but, without declar-
ing Aij^r, feizcd his Subje£ts Ships wherever
they w<^re found, altho' they had the Sandioa
of his own Pafles. If the fourth Article be
Chriftian^ the Mahometans and Heathens abhor
St The feventeenth and twenty third are un-
juft, as well as the twenty eighth; and the
thirty and thirty firfl were but weak Arguments
to help to fupport his Complaints and raife a
War, that coft his Matters abovtf 400000
Founds before they could lay it, befides the
Lofs of their Credit with the Mogul and his
Subje(Ss, which, to this Time, is not quite re-
covered. Or by what Rule in Policy could Sir
yo/iab or Sir Jobn Child think tp rob, murder
and deftroy the Mogul's Subjcdte in one Part of
his Dominions, and the Company to enjoy a
free Trade in the other Parts? or how tncy
could cxpedl that he would ftand neuter ? Let
Politicians anfwer them, and I'll proceed.

The General having fuch a Number of great
Ships on his Hands, and little Employment for
them, font them to Mocha^ Perjia and Bengal^
where the Suraters had fent theirs under the
Protection of his Pafles. Captain AndrevH in
the Charles II. went to Mocha^ and fet up the
King of England's Flag on his Factory, and
there he feized two Eng\i(h Ships, onefixxn
'England^ called the Streigbts Merchant^ com-
manded by Captain Bear^ and another belong-
ing to Mr. Samuel White at Siam. She was
commanded by 6ne Captain JVren^ whom they

killed

of the Eaft Indies. 219

and one Captain Hilder^ being the eldeft, ad-
vifed him not to meddle with the Corn Fleet,
becaufe it would ftraiten the AVmy, and force
them to look abroad for Provifions, where it
might beft be procured, and perhaps might afFe^
Bombay^ which was in a great Meafure behold-
en to their Neighbours for Suftenance and Fire-
wood. The General took him up with fcurri-
lous Language, calling him Coward and Fool,
aiid bragg'd, that if Sedee Yacoup ( which was
the MoguPs General's Name ) fliould dare to
come with his Forces on Bombay^ he would
blow him off again with the Wind of his Bum.
Cowards are generally ftout when Dangers
arc at a Diftance, and fo was bur General,
who had never {^n a Sword drawn in An-
ger, and confequently very ill acquainted with
War ; and when it came to his Door, none
was ever fo confounded and dejeded as he was,
as appeared by his Condud in that War that
he fo fooli(hly brought on himfclf and his
Country.

CHAR

iio A New Account

C H A P. XIX.

Gives an Account of the ffar of Bom-
bay, betweeen the Mogul and the
Engliih Eaft-India Comfany^ with
AurcngzebV Letters of Advice to
the Governor of Bombay, on grant'
ing them a Peace and new InduU
gences in Trade.

WH E N the News came to Sedee To-
ctmp^ that his Fleet, with his Provifi-
ons of Corn and Cloth, were feized and carrkd
to Bwnbajy he fent a civil Letter to our Gene-
ral to difcharge his Fleet, protefting, that as he
had not meddled in the Affairs between him and
the SuratirSy he would continue neuter, unlefi
he was forced to do otherwife : But our General
gave him an infolent Anfwer, and the Fleet
was unladed at Bom'- ay.

Sedee Tacoup fent again to defire the Delivery
of his Fleet in fair Terms, otherwife he would
be obliged to come with his Army, and quarter
on Bombay y where his Provifions were detained,
and that if his Fleet was not fct at Liberty be-
fore the 1 1 th of February, which was near at
hand, he would certainly be on Bombay the 14th*
but ftill receiving uncivil Anfwers, he perform-
ed his Promifc to a Tittle, for that very Night

oj the Eaft Indies* lai

be landed at a Place called Source ( about four
Miles diflant from the main Fort ) with 20000
Men at his Back.

Our General's Security had made him negleA
providing for receiving fuch Guefts, trufting to
the Reputation of his Forces^ who were great-
er then^ than ever they had been before, or ever
iivere £nce tliat Time, and he had fmall Ships
enough^ had they been placed ia proper
Places^ that might certainly have hlndred his
Landing, and forced him Home again ; bat all
tbofe neceilary Preparations were negle<9:ed, and
the Sedee landed at Mid-night, and the Redoubt
where he landed, fired a great Gun to give the
Alarm and fo deferted their PoO:, and the Seiee
took Pofleflion of it. At One in the Morn-
ing the Cadle fired three Guns to give the ge-
neral Alarm, which brought fuch Fear on thofe
that lived fecurely in their Houfes without the
Caiftle, that the poor Ladies, both white and
Uack, run half-naked to the Fort, and only
carried their Children with them ; but they
were all obliged to wait without the Wall, till
Day-light relieved them.

Next Morning, the Sedee marched to Maza--
gun J a fmall Fort of 1 4 Guns, and about a ran-
dom Shot diftant from the Caftle. On the
Enemy's Approach^ that Fort, tho* fituatcd on
a Point of Rocks, where the Sea defended
three Quarters of it, was alfo deferted in fuch
Precipitancy, that eight or ten Chefts of Trea-
fure, which generally contain iQoo Pounds

each.

412 A X?«; Account

each, and four Chefts of new Arms, were left
behind, tho* the Seamen that wicre fent in Boats
to bring them off, profiered to carry them aloif
with them ; but the commanding Officer
dioQght them not fit to be trulled with Monef
and Arms, and fo they were kfc for a Prefent
to Sedte Tacoup^ with fourteen Cannon, two
M(xtai?, with fome Powder, Shot and ShdUs :
But why that Treafure, and thoie Arms and
Ammunition were depofited in Mazagtm^ fisw
could account for, and the Reaibns why diej
were left to the Enemy were as wonderfbl ;
but it was plain, that the old Way of FMIhi^
in troubled Waters was known at BomSay^ and
the Ofncer was never called to account for hii
Ovcrfight.

Sedee Taccup finding no Oppofition, &nt a
Party of Men towards Mabimy to plunder the
poor Pealants, and to take that Fort, which, he
thought, might be deferted as the reft had been,
and was not in the leaft out in his Conjedore,
for the Garifon had embark'd in Boats, and
came by Sea to Bombay^ before they faw an
Enemy. The Sedee taking Poffeflion oiMaza*
gun, hoifted his Flag there, and made it his
head Quarters.

The following Day fome of the Enemy ap-
peared on Mazqgun Hills, which grieved our
Gvjnerars righteous Soul to fee Infidels come fo
near him in an hollile Manner. He called a
Minion of his own, one Captain Pean^ who was
no better Soldier than hinilelf, and ordered him

of the Eaft Indies. 225

to take two Companies, each containing about
feventy Men, and march to thofe Hills, and
drive the Enemy out of his Sight. He order-
ed one Monro^ who had been a Soldier at T^an^
gier^ to be his Lieutenant. In Tangier he had
reoeived a Wound in his Heel, that fpoiled his
Running, and accordingly they marched in good
Order within Shot of the Enemy, who (hew-
fed their Heads above the Surface of the Hill,
bat did not offer to advance or cxpofc their
Bodies* Several Gentlemen Volunteers took
their Arms, and accompanied the little Army.

The Lieutenant advifed the Captain to march
up the Hill in Platoons, to feparate the Enc- '
mies Forces. The Captain took it as an Affront
tobeadvifedy told his Lieutenant, that when
he had the Command in his own Hands, he
might ufe it as -he thought fit, but, as it was
intrufied to him, he would ufe it according to
his own Mind, and fo ordered his Men to fpread
as much as they could, and when they faw the
Enemy open in the Plain, to difcharge all at
once amongft them, which, he faid, would
terrify them. Monro oppofed his Scheme, and
told him of the Danger he would bring him-
felf and them into, if the Enemy fhould at-
tack them whilfl their Arms were reloading ;
but nothing cOuld diffuade him from his Pro-
jedt, and fo commanded his Men to fire as he
had direded. The Sedee'% being ten to one in
Numbers, and better Runners than oar Men,

and better acquainted with clefs Fighting with

I Sword

224 -^ A^^w Account

Sword and Target, took hdd of the Opporta*
nity, and advasKcd with all their Speed, vdiich
the Captain perceiving, betook himielf to his
Heek, and was the foremoft Man to the fw*
tugueze Church, where he took Couragp to
look behind him, to iee what was becomeof
his Men, Poor Monro thinking to (lop the Ene-
my's Career by a Part of the Wing that be
commanded, found himfelf deferted by all, but
1 3 or 14 flout Fellows, who were foon fur-
rounded by the Enemy, and cut to Pieces.

Pean bad not flopt at the Portugueze Church,
had he not found a Party of i oo Men that lay
there ready to fupport or receive him, as his Csie
fhould require. He was a Fellow as well made
for running as any I ever faw, and was fo much
in the GeneraPs Favour, that he had not lb
much as a Reprimand for his Cowardice and
Minx:havjour. This Relation I had from a
Gentleman Volunteer, who kept always near
the Captain while he could keep Pace with him.

When the General left Stirat, there were
fcvcnil (.-cntlcmcn l:i it, fomc in the Compa-
ny's Service, and i'nnc private Perfbns, who
were all iniprifoiied, and put in Irons, except
IVir. Boucher and his Dependents, who were
protected by his PLirmaund. Thofe imprifon-
cd were fcurvily ufed, being obliged to pafi
thro' the Streets with Irons about their Necks,
for SpL-dtacles to pleafe the Mob. Captain
yohnjon and Captain Teaman^ tho' partkubr
Merchaiiis, were obliged to a£t their Farts in

1 the

of the Eaft Indies. 225

the Tragi-comedy, and continue Prifoners,
where Captain Jobfifon died, but Captain lea^
tnan got his Liberty at the End of the War,
which was about the Beginning oi June 1690.

I will now return back to the Year 1686.
when Sir John Weybum was fent from England^
with a Conimiflion of Judge Admiral froni the
ICing, and he had like wife another Comminioii
from the Governor of the Company ( which
they made him believe was alio from the King)
to condemn and hang 13 of the Inhabitants of
St. ilelena^ where, in a Tumult caufcd by the
Oppreffions of the Governor of that ifland,
one Jobnjbn the Second was killed. Sir Jokn
Weyburn took his Paffage to India on board the
Ship London^ and, in his Way, called at St.
Helena^ and hanged iTp the 1 3 profcribed Per-
ions, withput Form of Procefs, for which tlie
Company paid dear afterwards, and fo had Sir
yobjij had he lived ; but he rinding the illegal
Proceedings of Mr. Child to be infupportable^
and meeting with many Affronts ( from that
Man without Manners ) died at Bombay about
two Months before the Sedee came on it. He
was much lamented by all honed Men that
knew him. He was Captain of the Hi2ppy
Beturn who accompanied the Gloucejier when
ihc was bringing the Duke of Tork to Scotland^
and loft by the Way. It was Captain Weybum
that fcnt his Barge to v/ait on tl>e Duke, and
brought him fafe on board of the Happy Return^
who carried him forward to Scotland^ for which

Vol. I. Q^ good

226 A 'New Account

good Service he was knighted. He was ever
after a great Favourite of King James^ who
feeing he could not be brought into his Mca-
fures, put that Employ on him^ to difmifs him
with Honour.

And now the &edee being Mailer of tbc
whole lilnnd, except the Caftle and about half
a Mile to the Southward of the Caftle, he raif-
cd Batteries on Dmgeree Hill, which overlook-
ed the Fort Wall, and difturbed the Garifon
very much ; then he put four great Guns in
the Cuftom-houfe, commonly called the hdia-
houfe^ and raifed a Battery at uie Mooify*^ Houfe,
within 200 Paces of the Fort, and another m
the Lady's Houfe that he had been fb unkind
to, fo that it was dangerous to go out or in at
the Caille Gate, till we got up an half Moon be-
fore it. Ail Men were then preft into the
Company's Service, and I amongft the reft.
We paflcd the Months from April to September
very ill, for Provifion? grew fcarce by the Additi-
on of 3 000 Sevajees that were employed as Aux-
iliaries in the military Service of the Company.
When the Winter Months were over, at S^
tember we went to Sea with our fmall Ships,
to cruize on the Mogul's Subjedls, and Ind
pretty good Succcfs. I was employed in that
Service, and had the Command of a fmall Pri-
vateer of 7 or 8 Tuns, with twenty fightiDg
Men, and fixtcen Rowers. In three or four
Months 1 bi ought 9 Prizes into Bomiay^ laden
moll with Provifions and Clothes for the Ene-
my's

of the Eaft Indies. 227

my's Army, which was now increafed to 40000.
but we were not allowed any Plunder, but
were rather plundred ourfelves, for when we
brought our Prizes in, our Cherts were feverely
iearched, and if we had faved any of our Pay,
it was feized for the Company's Ufe, as Money
we had found in the Prizes, wliich made us
carelefs in purfuing the Enemy at Sea. Except
when Hunger pinched we never looked out for
Prizes, by which Indifference of ours many of
the Enemy efcaped that we could have taken.
The ill Succefs we had afliore with the Ene-
my, made our General fick, and, in Decern^
her^ he difpatched two Fadors to the Mogul's
Court, with a Surat Merchant, called Meer
Mezamic. He was our Friend, and had fome
Intereft at Court. They went under the Name
of the Englijb Ambafladors. Mr. George
Weldm was firft in Commifiion, and Abraham
Navaar a Jew was fecond. In fifteen Days they
arrived at Court, being then at Jebanabanf.
They were received but coldly ; but, about
the Middle of jipril^ by the fpecial Affiftance
of Prefents to the Officers at Court, they were
admitted to Audience, but were brought to
jiurengzeUs Prefence after a new Mode for Am-
l>afladors, their Hands being tied by a Safh be-
fiire them, and were obliged to proftrate. The
/-.King gave them a fevere Reprimand, and then
- aiked their Demands. They firft made a Con-
feffion of their Faults, and defired Pardon, then
that - their Bbirmaund . which was forfeited,

Q^ (hould

228 A New Account

{hould be renewed^ and that the Sedee and
his Army ftiould be ordered off Bombay. Thdr
Submiilion he accepted of, and pardoned their
Faults, on Condition that Mr. Child (houkl
leave India in nine Months, and never cooie
back again ; the Phirmaund to be renewed^ on
Condition that Satisfaction (hould be given his
Subjects on account of Debts contradtod, Rob*
beries committed^ and Lofies and Damms
made good, and, on Security given for them
Performances of thefe Premises, the Sedee mk
his Army (hould be ordered off the Ifland. In
January General Child died, which much facH
Utated their Affairs, but it was kept fecret M
Court J till they knew how the King wouM or-
der the Affair about him. In Marcb^ Meer Afr-
zamie died alfo, and, it was fuppofed, was po^
Ibned by feme Enemies, contrafted by his
good Services to the Englijh. When he was
given over by Phyficians, our Amboiiadors
fent to know what he had done widi 50000
Rupees, he had received for fecret Sovices.
He anfwered, that he was forry that ever he
jiad meddled in their Affairs, for he had ferved
them even with his Life, and yet they were
not contented, for what Ufe that Sum was put
to he durfl not divulge.

When our Affairs were in fo bad Circum*
fiances at the Mogul's Court, the Dutch Com-
pny had one Mr. Baroon their Ambaflador
there, who defigned to impofe on Aurengzet^
ivho^ he thought^ was ignorant of EurtpM

2 Afnirs.

of the Eafl- Indies* 229

Afiairs.* The, News of the RevoluticHi in
Britain being arrived i» India^ when he had
an Audience of Aurengzeby he began to mag-
nify the Power and Grandeur of his Coun-
try, and viliiy the Englijh. The Mogul feem-
cd to be pleafed with his Difcoude^ to encou-
n^ him to go on. He faid^ that the Englijb
were but contemptible in Comparifon of his
Sovereigns, for they were forced to fend the
EagHJb a King to rule over them, and that if
his Majefty would exclude the Englip from the
Trade of his Dominions, the Hollanders would
carry it to a much greater Height, and enrich
his Treafury, and the Englijh would not know
where to get Bread. The Mogul gravely an-
iweted, that if his Mailers were fo much fu-
periw to the Er^lijh in Power and Riches, they
m^t eafily drive them out of India^ and en-
grois all the Trade of his Countries to them-
tdmj and commanded him to tell his Mailers,
dut 1^ czped^d it from them. Then the Am-
haiiador excufed himfelf, and told, that ^ he
could adt nothing in that Affair till he received
Orders from Holland. Aunngzeb then repri-
manded him, and ihewed him wherein he had
lied, for, £iys he, about 17 Years ago, the
King of France conquered moil of your Coun-
try in a fin¥ Days, and that it was the Engift?^
atid not the Power of HoHand^ that repelled
him ; and that if England did not hold the Ba-
lance of Power^ either the Emperor or the
King of France could conquer it one Campaign.

CL3 The

4 JO \/4 New yiccaunt

The Ambaflador knew not how to anfwer
thefe Truths : But, being fcnt to folicit fome
Indulgence in their Trade, he could obtab
none, and fo left (he G)urt diiilatisfied.

After our AmbafTadors had obtained Pardon,
they began to be refpedted, and had Liberty to
take their Diverfion abroad, till a new Ptir--
maund was drawing up, which, according to the
Method of the eaftcrn Courts, took up Yomc
Time : However, Orders were fent to the Stia
to forbear Hodilities, and the Englif) had the
fame Orders, fo that frequent Vifits palled be-
tween the Sedee's People and ours. And, du-
ring the War, about 60 Eurvpeam of feveial
Nations, had deferred from us, and took Pay
of the Sedee. The Reafon they gave for their
Defertion, was ill Ufage they had received from
fome Irijh Officers ; yet moft of them return-
ed after the War, on Promife of Pardon.

Tlie Phirmaund being ready, and the required
Security given, Sedee Tacoup left Bombay the 8th
of "^une^ 1690. but he alfo left a Peftilencc
behind him, which, in four Months Time,
deftroyed more Men than the War had done,
and, for Joy, made a malicious Bonefirc of his
Head Quarters Mozagun Fort.

Now we may fee the Mogul's Stile in his
new Pkir maund toht fent to Surat^ as it fbnds
tranflated by the Company's Interpreters, which
runs thus in the printed Copy annexed to Sir
John C/jilds 3 ij Articles of Grievances.

fit

(f the Eaft Indies. 231

jE Occc^im of your writing to me^ was
T being in Fault of all thejc T^roubks^
)ave repented of what you have done^
nade feveral Complaints againjl former
, all which I have here from ftroeral of
IS, and the feveral ^ufes received from

their Officers^ all which you Jkould
linted me withj before* you proceeded
. Having acknowledged your Error ^
i Pardon y I do not only grant your Re^
ioning what is pafl^ but granting ym
jnd according to your Defire^ and have
.flit Caun to forward it to the Governor

with fuch Particulars as be will ac^
t with.

Arrival of my Phirmaund, receive' it^
t BjefpeHy- acknowledging the great Glo-
ve got in obtaining the fame ^ that you
* ds formerly at your Plea fur e^ and as
y. ^hat you deliver the Merchants^
. complained againjl you^ their Ships
r EffeSls. That^ for the future^ you
mmit the like Error ^ in doing as you
J and proceed according to my Will and

and be not forgetful of the fame,
receive any Affronts from my Governors^
Officer Sy or any of my SubjeSrs^ be not

in acquainting me of the fame. I
red Affit Caun to write according^,
you write concerning former Governors ^

Mr. Boucher, that you have feveral

on him, that you cannot call him to

0^4 an

2^1 j4 New j^ccorwt

an Account^ ^^fi^^^g that be may be deiiverei to
you. My Order is, that you prove your Demofds
accordvjg to Law^ that Juftice may be Am
accordingly.

D4tcd the 3 1 Year of Aurengzeb*^ Reign.

It feems the King was not ignorant of the
hard Ufage his Subjefts had met with, nor
was he dcfirous to ufe Severity in punifhing Of-
fences and Affionts ; but, like an indulgent
Prince, only told them of their Faults, and pru-
dently admonifhed them not to be guilty of ifall-
ing intofuch like Errors, and, in a majeftic Stile,
advifed them to receive his Favours and Gmodl
with great Refpeft, and that they ought W
make the Law the Standard of Juftice, and in
all his Words and Adlions, ufed a dbrijHan
Moderation.

General CJ)iU being dead, Mr. yd)n Vaux
fiiccceded him in the Government of Bombay \
but h\\\ Bartholomew Harris^ who had-txtn
Prifoner at Surat ( all the Time of the Rup*
ture ) had the Seigniority in the Company's Ser-
vice ; but it being not the Cuftom for one that
had been the MoguN Prifoner ( for any Crimes
judged to be capital ) to receive public Marks of
Efteem from the State, without a fingular
Amncfty from the King, Mr. Faux was dblig-
ed to go to Surat and receive the Phirmami
and the King's Serpaw or Prefent, which, on
ftjch Occafions, is generally a fine Horfc, and
a Suit of Clothes from Head to Foot, made of

rich

of the Eaft Indies. 235

ridi AtlafTes or Zeerba/las. Thole are Sattins
or Tafiataes full of Gold or Silver Flowers
wrought in them. The Horfe muft never
after be fold, on no Account what foe ver. They
have alfo a fine Turband, embroEdered Shoes,
and a Dagger of Value, (luck into a fine Cum-
merband or Safh ; and, being equipped in that
Habit, the Pbirmaund is prefented ( by the
Goojberdaar or Hojbalbouckainy or , in EngUJhy
die King's Mefienger, ) and the Governor <^
the Province or City makes a ihort Speech a-
dapced to the Occafioii, fetting forth the great
Honour conferred upon him by the greatefl
Kii^ in the World, with an Admonition to
make future A6tions deferve the Merit of fuch
Favours.

After the aforefaid Manner Mr. Vdux receive
ed the Pbirmaund in a gilded Box, and, ac-
cording to Cuftom, put it on his Turband for
a litde while, and, by an Interpreter, returned
the Governor's Compliment, acknowledging
the )Cing's Favours, and the Governor's Civilities ;
and then the Governor conduced him from the
Garden ( where the Ceremony was performed )
into the City, through a great Concourfe of
People, who welcomed him with Shouts of Joy
as ne pafled thro' the Streets to the Ejiglijh
Fadory.

After Mr. Vaux had flaid in the City about
a Week, he fent to acquaint the Governor of.
the Neceffity he lay under to return back to his
Government of Bombay 5 but the Governor fent

him

234 -^ ^^'^ Account

him Word^ that none but he could be trufted
by the King to fee the performance of the Con-
tra£t accomplidied, and begged, that he would
not think of leaving the City, left the King
fhould take it amifs, and repent him of the Fa-
vours he had fliewed to the Eaji-India Compa-
ny ; and fo Mr. Vaux was detained in Hofiagp
for his Mafters future good Behaviour.

Mr. Harris^ according to that Company*s
ordinary Cuftom, demanded the Prefidency
from Mr. Vaux^ who, to (ave Contention, gave
it to him, tho' his Mind was fo debilitated,
that he was but few Degrees wifer than an Idi-
ot, and, in two Years Time, Mr. Vaux was
fufpended the Company*s Service, and to re-
main their Hoftage at his own Charges^ and (b
he continued till the Year 1697. that he, by
Accident, was drowned in Surat River, by a
Pinnace's overfetting, in which he and his Ijidy
had been taking their Pleafure on the Water.

This Mr. Vaux had been Book-keeper to Sir
yojiab Child in England, and, for his good Ser-
vices and Behaviour, was preferred by his Mailer
to a Supercargo's Poft in a Ship to Cbina^ which
Trade, in thofe Times, was the moft profitable
of any within the Limits of the Company's
Charter. In Anno 1684. he was fent thither
on board a Ship called die Carolina, command-
ed by one Captain Harding 5 but Mr. Vaux
and Harding difagreeing in their Paffage to GW-
na, Mr. Vaux laded the Ship, and fent her
back to England^ while he himfclf went Paf-

2 fengcr

of the Eaft Indies* 2^5

Smger on board a Surat Ship for Bombay^ where
le was entertained in the Company's Service as
I Factor, and wrote to Sir yofiah Child the Rea-
bns he had for leaving the Carolina j and his
Xefcdution of flaying in India. Sir Jojiab con-
inued his Efteem for Mr. Vaux^ and procured
lim feveral profitable Pods at one and the fame
rime in the Company's Service, and, amongft
he refl, confUtuted him Judg^ in Qvil Afiairs,
^hich brought him both a good Salary and Per-
[uifites. After he was inftalled in that Office,
Sr Jojiah wrote him a Letter of Admonition
ind Reminifcence, wherein, after many Pofhi-
ates, he put him in Mind of the many Favours
lehad done him, and that now, having the
?ower of condemning the Company's Enemies,
r fuch as fhould be deemed fb, particularly
hofe who fhould dare to queftion the Compa-
ly's Power over all the Britijh Subjeds in ^-
Uay and that he expected his Orders, from Time
o Time, fhould be obferved and obeyed as
latute Laws.

Mr. Faux gratefully acknowledge Sir yofi^
dfs Favours in his Anfwer to that Letter ; and
NTomifed, that, as he had put him into that Pofl
t£ Honour and Profit, he would flrive to acquit
limfelf with all the Integrity and Juflice he
¥as capable of, and that the Laws of his Coun-
ry fhould be the Rule he defigned to walk by.

In Anfwer to that Letter, Sir Jofiab feemed
JO be angry, and wrote roundly to Mr, Faux,
bs^t he cxpcQi^ his Orders were to be his Rule,

and

2j6 A New Account

and not the Laws of England^ which were an
Heap of Nonfcnfe, compiled by a few igno-
rant Country Gentlemen, who lordly knew
how to make Laws for the good Government
of their own private Families, much kfi foi
the Regulating of Companies and foreign Com-
merce.

I am the more particular in this Account,
becaufe I faw and copied both thofe Letters in
jirmo i6g6. while Mr. Vaux and I vircre Pri-
fbners at Suraf, on Account of Captain Ew^

's robbing the Mogur$ great Ship, called the

Having given an Account of fomc ftrt rf
Sir Jofiab Child's Reign, I muft alfo reniark t
few Slips in the Government of fomeof his Sac-
ceflbrs, and of the Ways that they took to gpt
into the Chair of Bombay.

I remarked before, that Mr. Harris was a
very weak and indolent Perfon, very unfit to
govern a Colony and the Faftories fubordinate ID
Bombay^ and, by that Means, a cunning defign-
ing Fellow, one Mr. Samuel Annefley had the
Reins of the Government wholly in his Ma-
nagement, who (hewed, that he had malkioas
Wit and Avarice enough to embroil both his
Mafters and the private Merchants Afiairs in
Surat in Harris's Time, and on Harrises Death,
got into the Prefidency, or rather Tyranny.

The Mogul's Subjects have a good many fine
large Ships that trade all over In£a. The
Owners of ihofc Ships had a very great Re-
gard

of the Eaft Indies. 257

gard for the Courage, G>ndu<5t^ and Art of
Navigation of the Englijh^ above any other Eu*
ropean Nation in hdia ; and, for tho(e Quali-
ficadons, the Indian Owners procured Englijb Of*
fioers to go in their Ships, and allowed them very
iundibm Salaries and Indulgences. The Cap«
tains had from 10 to 15 i. per Month, Mates
fiom 6 to g L. and the Gunners and Baat-
fwains had alio good Salaries, befides the carry-
ing of ibme Goods and Merchandizes^ Freight

Mr. Atmejley thought thoie Salaries and In-
dulgences were two great for Seamen, fo he
went about to reduce Uiem to about one Half,
and the other Moiety he looked on as his own
due by Virtue of his Poft.
' Some, through Fear or Neceflity, complied ;
others again, who defpifed both lias Power and
Ty canny, would, by no Means, come into his
Meafuces^ and thofe he looked on as Rebels,
and per&cuted them to the utmofl of his Pow-
er, bribing the Mogul's Governor to plague us ;
ib iiXM were ruined by his Villainy, whilil
others bade him open Defiance : And we were
not wanting on our Side to expofe him and his
Mafters to the Moguls Subjeds, which, in the
End, was the Lofs of both their Efleem and
Credit among the trading People of that Gaun-
try. The poorer Sort, whofe Maintenance de-
pended on their Labour and Induilry, lofing
their Employs in the Moorijh Merchants Service,
were obl^ed to fall on new Schemes to fupporc

themfelves,

5^2 A New Account

themfelves, not very well fuited to the Com-
pany's Interefl:, for fome went and joined them-
felveswith the Pirates.

The Company in England receiving Accounis
from every one that came from India^ of Har*
ris and Annefley'% Mal-adminiftrations, fent out
Sir *John Gayer to take Care of their Afiain
He arrived in Anno 1694. with the lofty Titk
of General of all India. He continued Jhn^'
ley in the Company's Service till the Year lyoo,
but divefted him of all Power of doing more
Mifchief ; and^ in the End, he difhiift him
the Company's Service.

Sir John Gayer was a Man not vicious in his
Temper, yet he had fome Slips in his Govern-
ment that proved prejudicial to his Charafier,
tho', in Matters of common Commerce^ he
adled pretty regularly, till a young Lafe of 3000
L. Portion made him difpcnfc with the com-
mon Methods of Matrimony. This young
Gentlewoman was a Daughter of Mr. Warii
before- mentioned. She had no Relations alive,
and uhadvifedly married one Mr. Sohmon LnyJ^
a Fador, and the Marriage was clandeftine,
which was pofitively againft the Statute Law of
Bombay y where no Marriage is binding, but when
the Governor's Confent is tack'd to it. This
Law Sir yohn had got by Heart, and unmar-
ried the poor Fador after Confummation, and
married her to his own Son j but the fecond
Marriage was attended with ill Confcquenccs,
for, whilil her Huiband was at Cbina^ one Cbl^*

of the Ea^ Indies. 235)

nan was ordered to teach her to write good Eng-
i/b^ but, negledling thofe Orders, he taught
ler fomething elfe, and was difcovered in the
?raftifing, by a watchful Mother in Law, The
School-mafler was fent, in Irons, on board of a
Slip for England. And the poor Hulband's
tiead aked as long as he lived.

Another Piece of ill Cpndudt was in forcing
lie Mocba Frigat's Men on Board, againfl their
Wills, to proceed on a Voyage to Cbina^ not-
ivithftanding their jufl Complaints againfl: Edge^
:mnb their Captain, whom the Mutineers (hot
in his Cabbin, and then turned Pirates, and
infefted the Streights of Malacca^ robbing and
plundering all Ships that they could overcome.
Captain Hide, in the Dorrel^ met her there in
ber Paflage to Ojina^ and had a fharp Engage-
ment with her, but got clear with the Lofs of
Gxteen Men killed, and fome wounded, which
difabled the Dorrel fo, that fhe proceeded no
fiurther than Malacca.

And another Fault of Sir yobn*s was in fuf-
fering* himfelf and his Lady to be taken Prifon-
crs zt Swalfy^ by the Governor, of »S«riJ/'s Or-
der, when he might either have avoided that
Difgrace by Force or Flight ; but it was
generally believed, that that was only a Piece of
Policy to get to Suraty in order to employ his
Money, which he could do much better there
than at Bombay.

Sir Nicholas Waite fupplanted Sir John in the
Government of Bombay^ and in the Prefidency.

240 ^ A^^w Account

He was % Man of very loofe Morals ; and his
bare-fac'd Injuftices and Prevarications fo irritated
the Inhabitants and Soldiery of Bombay^ that
they feized him, and fent him Prifbner for
l^gland. Tho' his Reign was fhort, it was '
very pernicious to his Mafters, as well as to
particular Merchants under his Jurifdi^tion.
JBut, to return from this Digreffion,

Bombay was governed by a Deputy, fince the
Prefident was obliged to ftay at Surat. hpi
of feven or eight hundred Englijh that mhar
bited before the War, there were not above
iixty left by the Sword and Plagqe ; thus Bom^
bayy that was one of the pleafanteft Places in ii?
dia^ was brought tobeoneof the mod difmal De?
i^rts; but the Spirit of Injuflice flill refided in it,
for thofe who had ventured thro' the War and .
Plague in Defence of the Ifland, had not the
Liberty of returning Home to their own Coun-
try, nor to raife their Fortune by private Trade,
but all were continued prefled Men in the Right
Honourable Company's Service, without the
Hope of Preferment, which made fome Difr
contents.

And, even in the Time of War, when Stran-
gers (hould have been encouraged to bring Provi-
fions on the Ifland, the Company's Taxes of 5
per Cent, were cxaded with great Severity 5 for
I havefecn the Portugueze Subjeds bring twen-
ty or thirty Poultry to the Market, and have
had live of the bcft taken for the Cuflom of
the reft.

CHAP.

of the Eaft Indies* 441

CHAR XX.

Gives an Account of nxihat is remarkr^
able 072 fome IJlands ^ and of the Sea^
coajiy as far as Goa.

3"^ jW O Leagues from the Caftle is a fmall
Ifland belonging to the Company, call-
Butcher\ Ifland, but of no Ufe, befides
hauling Ships afhore to clean, and graze a few
Cattle. And, a League from thence, is ano-
dicr larger, called Elephanto, belonging to the
Portuguezey and ferves only to feed fome Cat-
tle 1 believe it took its Name from an Ele-
phant carved out of a great black Stone, about
feven Foot in Height, It is fo like a living
Elephant, that, at two hundred Yards Dil-
timce, a fharp Eye might be deceived by its
Similitude. A little Way from that ftands an
Horfe, cut out of a Stone, but not fo propor-
tionable and well-fhaped as the Elephant.

There is a pretty high Mountain ftands in
the Middle of the Ifland, fhaped like a blunt
Pyramid, and, about the half of the Way to
the Top, is a large Cave, that has two large In-
lets, which ferve both for Pafl'age into it and
Lights. The Mountain above it refts on large
Pillars, hewn out of a folid Rock, and the Pil-
lars curioufly carved. Some have the Figures
V o L. I. R of

1j\i a New Account

of Men about eight Foot high, in feveral Pof-
tures, but exceedingly well proportioned and
cut. There is one that has a Giant with four
Heads joined, and their Faces looking from each
other. He is in a fitting Pofturc, with his Lcg^
and Feet under his Body. His right Hand is
above twenty Inches long. There arc feveral
dark Rooms hewn out of the Rock^ and a fine
Spring of fweet Water comes out of one Roooi,
and runs thro' the Cave out at one of the Inlets.
I fired a Fuzee into one of the Rooms, but I
never heard Cannon or Thunder make fucfa a
dreadful Noife, which continued about half a
Minute ; and the Mountain feemed to (hake*
Aflfoon as the Noife was over, a large Serpent
appeared^ which made us take to our Heels, and
got out of the Cave at one Door, and he, iii
great Hafle, went out at; the other. IJudged
him to be about 1 5 Foot long, and 2 Foot a-
bout. And thefe were all that I faw worth Ob-
fervation on that Ifland. I afked the Inhabi-
tants of the Ifland, who were all Gentows^ or
Gentili'Sy about twenty in Number, if they had
any Account^ by Hiftory or Tradition, who
made the Cave, or the ^adrupeds carved ia
Stone i but they could give no Account. A-
bout a League from Elephant 0^ is an Ifland call-
ed Salvageo. It affords nothing but Fire- wood,
v» iih which it fupplies Bombay. And, about
half a League from it, is the Ifland of Carronjaa^
belonging to the Po^tugueze. It affords no
Trade, but Eatables for Bombay^ from whence

of the Eaft Indies. 243

it lies Eaft about two Leagues. Between it and
the main Land, is the Mouth of 'Pen River.
And four Leagues South of Bombay ^ are two
fmall Iflands, XJndra and Cundra. The firft has
a Fortrefs belonging to the Sedee^ and the other
is fortified by the Sevajee^ and is now in the
Hands of Connajee jingarie. The Englijh have
made feveral Attempts to take it, but never
could ; tho' in Anno 171 9. it had certainly been
taken, had not a Portugueze Traitor, who lay
in one Quarter of it with fome Veflels of War
to hinder Relief coming to it, betrayed his
Truft, and let fome Boats pafs by in the Night
with Provifions and Ammunition, which the
Ifland was in great Want of. The Englijh land-
^, and were obliged to retire by fome Lofs
they received.

About four Miles to the South-eaft of Cundra^
is Culabee^ a Fort built on a Rock a little Way
from the main Land ; and, at high Water, it
is an Ifland belonging to the Sevajee. And, 2
Leagues to the South of Cnlabee^ is Cauh a
Town belonging to the Portugueze^ whofe
River affords an Harbour for fmall Veflels. The
Town is fortified, and fo is an Ifland on the
South Side of the Harbour, called Chaul Moar^
which maybe known 5 or 6 Leagues off at Sea,
by a white Church built on it. Chaul^ in for-
mer Times, was a noted Place for Trade, par-
ticularly for fine embroidered Qnilts 5 but now it
is miferably poor.

R 2 Dandee

144 ^ ^^^ Account

Dnndee Rajapore lies feven Leagues to the'
Southward of Q>aul, a Town belonging to the
Sedee^ who generally lies there with a Fleet of
the Mogul's Veflels and Ships of War, and an
Army of 30 or 40000 Men. This Place af-
fords a good Harbour* for his Fleet, and the
Country about feeds good Numbers of black
Cattle, from whence Bombay is moftly fupplied^
when they keep in good Terms with the Seike^
otherwife he makes them feed on Fifti, which
that Ifland is plentifully Aored with ; but now
worfe than before the Sedee's War* There is a
Rock fortified by the Sevajee, that lies within a
League of the Mouth of Dandee Rajapore Ri?er»
to the Northward, and another as far to the
Southward^ called the Whale^ that (hews his
Back at low Water,

Coafling to the Southward from Danitt
RajaporCy are feveral fmall Rivers and fifliing
Towns. Zeferdon is the beft, and two littk
Iflands called Homey Coat^ fortified and kept by
the ^evajee. It lies 5 Leagues to the North-
wnrd of Dabul^ whicli ftands at the Mouth of
a large River, and, of old, v^^asa Place of TradCi
and where the Englijb once had a Faftory.

There is an excellent Harbour for Shipping
8 Leagues to the Southward of Dabul^ called
Sangufeer ; but tlie Country about being inha-
bited by RcipareeSy it ib not frequented : Nor is
Rajapcr(\ about 7 Leagues to the Southward of
Saiiguftyr^ tho' it has the Conveniency of oneof
the befl Kai hours in the World, and had fbr-

I merlv

of the Eaft Indies. 245

merly both an Englijh and French Faftory fettled
there ; and the Place where General Child had
his Education, from ten Years old to eighteen^
under his Uncle Mr. Goodjhaw^ who was Chief
there, and having betrayed fome of his Uncle's
Secrets, in making ufe of the Company's Cafh
in his own private Trade, his Uncle was calhi-y
cr*d, and, before the Nephew was come tQ
fear and twenty, he had the Honour to fill his *
Chair.

About the Year 1685. when jiurengzeb\
Army was in Decariy in order to bring Sevajee
Rajah to Submiilion, but could never do it, a
Son of jiurengzebj called Sheek Eckbar^ had
contracted a Friendfhip with the Rajah. His
Father having Notice of it, diflcmbled his Re-
fentment, till he had, by fair Promifef , entic'd
the Sevajee to come to his Camp on the public
Faith, but had a Deiign to have him cut ofif in
1m6 Return from the Camp. Sheek Eckbar fore-
warned him of his Danger, v^^hile he was in
the Camp, which made the Rajah depart in the
Night, without taking a formal Leave, which
Aurengzeb imputed to his Son*s Advice to the
Rajah, and, to requite his Son, he had a Mind
to make his Life atone for the Rajah's, but de-
iigned it to be taken from him by Stratagem ;
wherefore, pretending more Kindnels than or-
dinary to his Son, he fent him a fine Horfe,
richly furni(hed, and a Veft, which was very
rich and beautiful, but was poifoned by a per-
fumed Powder. His Son^ with great Acknow-

R 3 ledgements,

246 A Ne^ Accourit

Icdgemcnts, received the Prefcnt, but, being
too well acquainted with his Father's Subtilty,
put not the Veft on, but deferred it to anotl^
Time, that he might put it on with more So-
lemnity J however, he ordered it to be put on a
Slave, who died in a Day or two after he put it
on. On which Sbeek Eckbar fled to Rajabpore^
and took Shipping, with a few Attendants, for
Mujkat^ where he was kindly received by two
Englijh Gentlemen, Meflieurs Bendal and Ste-
phenSy and they provided a Veflel to carry him to
Perfiay where he had a royal Welcome, and
was foon after married to that King's Sifter,
whom Meriwey's dethroned, and beheaded at
Ifpahan.

When the Englijh had a Faftory at Bajdih
pore^ that Country produced the fineft Beteellas
aud Muflins in India ; but now all Arts and
Sciences are difcouraged, and the Port not fre-
quented. There are fine artificial Ciftcrns for
Water there, and a natural hot Bath, within
three Yards of a very cold one ; and both arc
reckoned very medicinal.

Ghiria is another Harbour, about 2 Leagues
to the Southward of Rajahpore. That is the
common Place of Refidence for Connajee Ah
garie^ which is well fortified by a ftrong large
Caftle, waflied by the Sea. Whether Gbiria
is alfo called Vizendruck^ or whether it lies a-
bout feven Leagues more foutherly, I am not
certain ; but that Place, to the Southward, de-
termines the Limits of his Government that
Way. About

of the Eaft" Indies. 247

About 12 Leagues to the Southward of Gi'/r
r/tf, is an Ifland about 2 Miles in Circumference,
and fortified with a Stone Wail round it, called
Malwan, It lies about a Mile from the main
Land, and is governed by an independent Ra-
jah^ who is alfo a Freebooter, and keeps three
or fcur Grabs at Sea to rob all whom they can
mafter ; and that is all 1 know of him .

Vingurla lies about 4 Leagues to "the South-
ward of Malwatiy and was formerly a Place of
Trade ; and the Dutch Company had a Factory
there for Cloth, both fine and coarfe. But, in
Anno 1696. a Rajah ^ called Kempajon^ over-
run that Country, and fubdued it, and, under
Pretence of vifiting the Dutch chief Fadlor,
took an Opportunity of the Dutch being in Se-
curity, feized their Factory, and plundered it,
but killed no Body. The trading People in the
Country, in and about the Town, having no
Security for their Perfons and Eftates, fled to
the Portugueze Dominions of Goa^ that lies
within 6 Leagues of Vingurla. The Rajah find-
ing the Country deferted by the Natives, wrob
to the Vice-Roy of Gofl to fend them back,
.but, on his Noncompliance, entred the Portu--
gueze Territories, and plundered and burnt all
he could lay Hands on, not fparlng the Church-
es and Images, for whkh Sacrilege the Portu-
'gueze gave him the Name of Kema SanBo^ or,
St. Burner ; and they raifed a Force fufHcient
to drive him and his Freebooters out of their
.Dominions, but, for many Years, continued

R 4 in

^4^ -^ ^^^ Account

in his Robberies, when Opportunity prcfented,
which kept the poor Country Peafants conti-
nually alarmed ; and, for all the Portugueze
Haughtinefs and Pride, they were at laft forced
to buy a Peace, and allow him a yearly Penfi-
on to keep him quiet.

He is a Soldier of Fortune, and will fefvc
thofe Rajahs who hire him beft, fo that if he
affifts one*at one Time, if another gives him
better Hire, he tacks about, and ferves on the
other Side. His Army confifts of 7 or 8000
Men, and he had two Grabs a Pirating at Sea,
but, in a Difpute about a Prize which Connajee
Angarie laid Claim to, they went to War, and
Connajee being much fuperior to him in Power,
firft took his Grabs and burnt them, and then
landed at Vingurla^ and burnt and deflroyed
the Villages near the Town. And I know not
if ever they made Peace fince.

Two Leagues to the Northward of Vingurla
River, there is a Parcel of Rocks that ftretches
about 2 Leagues into the Sea. The outermoft
lies in 17 Fathoms of Depth. Theyfeemto
have been Vidcanoes.

The Religion of all the Countries, from
Dandee Rajahpore^ to the Dominions of Goa^
is Paganijm ; but they arc not tied up to divine
or moral Rules. And fo I leave them, and
take a view of Goa.

CHAP.

of ihe Eaft Indies. 249

CHAP- XXI.

Gives an Account of Goa /// Situation ^
Tradcy Religion and Churches^ with
the Fortifications about It^ the Limits
of the Portugueze Dominions there^
as far South as Cabo de Rama.

SO Ay the Metropolis of Lidia^ under
the Dominion of the Crown of Portu^
^ ^ ftands on an Ifland about 12 Miles long,
and 6 broad. The City is built on the Norih
Side of it, on a Champain Ground, and has
the Convcniency of a fine Salt Water River,
capable to receive Ships of the largeft Size,
wnere they lie vsrithiii a Mile of the Town.
The Banks of the River are beautified with
noble Structures of Churches, Caftles and Gen-
tlemens Houfes ; but, in the City, the Air is
reckoned unwliolfom, which is one Caufe why
at prefent it is not well inhabited. The Vice-^
Roy's Palace is a noble Edifice, (landing with*^
in Piftol Shot of the River, over one of the
Gates of the City, which leads to a fpacious
noble Street, about half a Mile long, and ter-
minates at a beauuful Church, called Miferi^
cordia. The City contains many noble Church-
es, Convents and Cloifters, with a (lately large
Hofpltal, all well endowed, and well kept.
The Mirket-place ftands near the Mifericordia

Church,

a50 -^ -Nifw Account

Church, and takes up about an Acre fquarc,
where moft Things of the Produd: of that
Country are to be fold 3 and, in the Shops about
it, may be had what Europe^ China, Bengal,
and other Countries of lefs Note furnifli them
with. Every Church has a Set of Bells, that
one or other of them are continually ring-
ing, and, being all chriflned, and dedicated to
fome Saint, they have a fpecific Power to drive
away all Manner of evil Spirits, except Poverty
in the Laity, and Pride in the Clergy ; but, to
to thofe that are not ufed to nodurnal N(^,
they are very troublefom in the Nights. The
Vice-roy generally refides at the Powder- houfc,
about two Miles below the City, on the River
Side, the Springs of Water there being reck-
oned the beft on the Ifland, which is a Liquor
very much efteemed by the Portugueze^ except
when they can get Wine or Spirits Cbfl-fra,
and then they'll drink to Exceis.

The Religion, eftablKhed by Law, is the
Romijh, and here are the moft zealous Bigots of
it 5 and the Laws of the Church (but not of
their Country ) are rigoroufly obferved, and
there is a fevere Inquifition Court to prniith any
whom the Inquifitors have the leaft Sufpicion
of, which awes both Clergy and Laity to fuch a
Complacency, that I queftion if there is fuch a
Pack of notorious Hypocrites in the World ;
and yet their Indian Converts^ who go by the
Name of Qinnarians, retain fo much of their
anticnt heathenijlj Superftidon, that they abftain

from

oj the Eaft Indies* 25 1

£rom eabng Cows Fkfli, becaufe of the Vene-
ration paid to that Beaft, above others, by the
GentowSy whofe Offspring they are.

There are many Gentoivs dwell in the Gty,
who cannot be brought to change their idolatrous
Soperftition for the Religion of Rome, but
tfaey are tolerated, becauie they are generally
more induflrious than the CbriJiianSj efpecially
in mechanical Employments and Agriculture ;
but the mercantile Part of them are very fubjeft
to the Infults of the Reynolds, or European jp/-
dalgoes, who will often buy their Goods, and
never pay for them ; which Cuftom has alfo
crept into fome Countries better poliftied than
the Portugueze, only with fbme Reftrictions,
that they dare not ufe Force in taking what
they have Occafion for, as the Portugueze do,
nor inflidl corporal Punilhments on their Credi-
tors, when they alk for their Money, fo that
it is dangerous for the poor induflrious Merchant,
either to refufe their Goods, or afk for their
Money when it is due, for fear of a Baftinado
in either Cafe, and fometimes worfe Confe-
quences, which Abufes make the Circulation of
Trade very faint and weak.

The Clergy at Goa are very numerous and
illiterate, and are a very great Burden on the
State. Their Churches are richly furniflied
with fine Decorations and Images, and, as I
iaid before, richly endow 'd to maintain the Lux-
ury of a great Number of idle Drones.

Their

452. A yievt) Account

Their Houfcs are large, and their Ootfides
magnificent ; but within ( like their Ownen
Heads ) they are but poorly fumifhed, and their
Tables very mean. Green Fruits and Roots,
in their Seaibns, with a little Bread and Rice,
go far in their Diet ; and candied and prefervcd
Fruits arc their Regalio in all Seafbns. They
have Hogs and Fowl plenty, but ufe them fpsT'-
ingly ; and the Church feeds moft on Fi/b,
but not miraculouily, for the poor Fiihers dare
fell none till the Priefthood is firft ferved, ib
that the Laity modly eat ftale or ftinking Fiih.
And the Sddiery, Fi(hers, Peafants and Han-
dicrafts feed on a little Rice boiled in Water,
with a little bit of ialt Fi(h, or Atcbaar^
which is pickled Fruits or Roots,, and drink
fair Water, when they can get it. This fine
fpare Diet never loads them with fuperabundsmt
Flefti on their Bones, and, without the Church,
it is rare to find a corpulent Man among thenu
They are generally very weak and feeble, bat
whether that proceeds from their Diet, or fixxn
their too great Inclinations to Venery, or from
both, I am not Phyfician enough to determine.

Their Soldiers Pay is very fmall and 31
paid. They have but fix Xerapheens per Month,
and two Suits of Calico, ftriped or chequered,
in a Year. Their two Suits may amount to
forty Xerapheens ; and a Xerapbeen is worth a-
bout fixteen Pence Half-peny SterL Out of
their fix Xerapheens in Money that they are to
receive, their Captain, who is Barrack-mafter

and

of the Eaft Indies. 253

2od VidaaUer to his Company^ detains five,
and the other one is paid in fmall Money to
discharge the Accounts of the Shoemaker, Tay*-
lor. Barber, Waiheraian and Tobacconift, (b
that Frugality is no great Virtue among them,
tbo' Theft is, and really they are very dextrottt
ia that Art, as well as in Murder, for if they are
deteded in committing fuch innocent Crimes,
the very next Church is a Sanduary for them,
and neither divine nor human Laws can affed;
them after they get in there.

This Nation was famous in the fifteendi
Century for their Navigation and Difeoveries
into the Eaji-lndies^ wnere, by Friendfhipor
Force, they made Settlements all over its Sea^
coafls. Their Settlements were thick fet be*
tween Mozambique and yapon ; and, as a Mo^
numcnt of their Grandeur then, their Language
goes current along mofl of the Sea-coaft at this
Time, Their infolent Pride and War with the
Dutch have brought them to the Poverty and
Contempt they are in, as I fhall remark in their
proper Places.

The Mujkat War ( that has lafted fince the
Arabs took that City from them ) tho' the
longed, has done them leaft Harm, for it ob^
ligcs them to keep an Armada of hve or fix
Ships, beiides fmall Frigates and Grabs of War,
which gives Bread to great Numbers of Peo-
ple, who other wife would be much more bur-
dcnfom to the State, by crowding into Church-
es. The Arabi and th^y have had many En-
counters,

254 -^ ^^^ AccoufJt

counters, but no great Damage done on either
Side. I was Witncfs to one Engagement near
Surat Bar, but it was not bloody.

They alfo have had feveral Wars afhorc, bat
the mod dangerous to the City of Goa^ was
that with Sevajee Rajab^ who got Footing on
the Ifland about the Year 1685. He raifed
ibme Batteries againft the Town, which would
have annoyed it very much, had not a Portu-
gueze Heroine y in a Sally, got into a Redoubt of
the Enemy's, and cut them to Reces, which
ftruck fuch a Terror into Sevajee's Army, that
they c jitted their Pofts and fled. The Lady
was alive in Anno 1705. and received the Piy
of a Captain all her Days aft«r that noble Ex'-
ploit* She was called Donna Maria. She
came to India in Man's Apparel, in queft of a
Gentleman that had promifed her Mtrriagc,
and then deferted her, and went, in Quality of
Captain, to India ; but (he found him, and
challenged him at Sword and Piftol, but he ra-
ther chofe to make the Quarrel up amicably
by Marriage.

I have (lood on a little Hill near the City,
and have counted aboat eighty Churches, Con-
vents and Monaftcrics within View ; and I was
informed, that, in the City and its Diftrids,
which ftretch about 40 Miles along the Sca-
coaft, and 1 5 Miles within Land, there are no
fewer than 30000 Church Vermin, who live
idly and luxurioufly on the Labour and Sweat
of the mifcmble Laity, fo that every Body that

I has

of the Eaft Indies. ^^^

has Sons and Subftance, drives to buy Places for
tbem in the Church, becaufe neither military
nor civil Preferments can be expeded fi-om the
State ^ or ifiby Merit they chance to raife them-
filves, yet the Tyranny and Oppreflions of the
domineering Clergy is inibpportable ; iot In*
fiance, I knew a Gentleman diat bou^t a Par*
od of fre(h Fifh, and a Prieft coming fbon after
to the Fifhers, and finding that none was left
for the Church, he demanded the Gentleman's
Baffin, who excufed himfelf, by telling the
Priefl:, that he had fome Friends to dine with
him^ and could not fpare them« The Priefl
gave him a Reprimand in fcurrilous Language,
and the Gentleman ufing fbme tart Language to
die Prieft, that offendai him, he let fly the
(harp Dart of Excommunication, that pierced
him fo deep, that it coil: him above 7 L. SterL
to take it out again, and beg his Pardon on his
Knees before the Archbifhop, before he could
be abfolved.

In a fine (lately Church dedicated to St. Paul
the Apoftle, lies the Body of St. Francis Xa-^
vier a Portugueze Apoftle, and a Jefuit by
Trade, who died in his Miflion to Japon in the
fifteeenth Century ; and, about fifty Years af-
ter, as a Portugueze Ship was going to, or
comii^ from Cbina^ being near an Ifland on
that Coaft, called after St. Juan^ fome Gen-
tlemen and Priefts went alhore for their Diver-
fiouj and accidentally found the Saint's Body
uncorrupted, and carried it PaflTenger to Goa^

and

2.5 6 A New Accou»f

and there, with much Veneration and ecdefiaf-
tical Ceremony, it was depofited in an Iflc d
St. Paul's Church, where it lies ftili, and looks
as fre(h as new fcalded Pig, but with the Lq6
of one Arm ; for, when the.Runu>ur of the
Miracle reached Rome, the fovereiffn PontiflF or-
dered his right Arm to be fent, tnat he migjht
find out if there was any Impoflure in it or oo,
or perhaps make him fadge m a China Bonzee
into his Calendar, under the Name of a Cbrifii*
an Saint. Accordingly his Arm was fairly cut
off by the Shoulder, and fent to Rome to iland
its Trial. When his Holinefs had viewed it, be
called for Pen, Ink and Paper to be brought on
a Table, and the Arm fet near them. After i
little Conjuration, in full View of the facred
College, who were there prefent, and no Body
clfe, the Saint's Hand took hold of the Pcd,
and dipped it in Ink, and fairly wrote Xdvier.

I take it to be a pretty Piece of Wax-work
that ferves to gull the People of their Money,
for many vi(it it with great Veneration, and
leave fomething at its Shrine for the Mainte-
nance of Candles and Olive Oil, that continu-
ally burn before it : And a Prieft attends week-
ly to fhave his Head and Beard •, but none but
that Prieft has the Honour to come within the
iron Rails that are placed about the Corps, four
or five Yards diftant from it. Now if any
fl^ould qiieftion the Truth of Xavier's Story at
Gc{j^ they would be branded with the odious
Name of an obftinate incredulous H.;:retic,

and

of the Eaft Indies. 257

md perhaps fall in the Hands of a convincing
Inquifition.

But, if any incredulous Heretic Ihould be
iqueanuAi, and cannot fwallow the Story oiXa-
vier without chewing it, I will tell them of a-
Dtother that doubdefs will go glibly down. At
a certain Time, but God icnows when, a Ship
of Portugal coming to hdia^ got the Length of
Caio de bona Efperanza^ and then met with fuch
a violent Storm, that drove the Ship fo vio-
lently before it, that it was paft the Pilot's Skill
to keep her to Rights in her Courfe ; and who
ihould come to their Affiftance in that critical
Juoifhire, but Senhor Diabolo^ who took the
Helm, and managed it very dextrdufly : And
the Virgin Mary, to (hew her Kindnefs, and
SkSl in Navigation, flood a whole Night on the
Forecaftle, directing the Devil how he (hould
fleer, and behold, to the great Admiration of
all concerned, the Ship was high and dry in
the Morning, in a Valley on the South Side of
the River of Goa^ about half a Mile within the
Land. The Ship failed very well, for that one
Night (he ran, according to a moderate Com-
putation, 1500 Leagues. And, in Comme-
moration of this Miracle, there is a fine Church
built where the Ship anchored fo fafely, and the
Struifture is juft the Length, Breadth and
Height of the Ship. The Church I have often
feen as I pafled up and down the River. And
this Story is fo firmly believed at Goa^ that it is
dangprous to make any I>oubt of it.

VoL.L S Of

258 A Kc^jo Accotwt

Of all the Churches in or about Goa^ none
is honoured with Glals-windows, but one in the
City dedicated to St. Alexander^ for the reft arc all
ferved with clear Oyfter-fliell Lights, that are £ir
inferior to Lights of Glafs. And all their ftately
Houfesare furnilhed with Oyftcr-ftiell Lights.

The Country about Goa is fteril in Com,
but it produces fome excellent Fruits, The Goa
Mango is reckoned the largeft and moft ddicious
to the Tafte of any in the World, and, I may
add, the whollbmeft and beft tafted of any
Fruit in the World. Their Jambo Malacca is
very beautiful and plcafant, and they have very
good Pine-Apples and Melons.

The little Trade they have, is moftly from
their Arrack, which is diftilled from loddj of
the Cocoa-nut Tree, which grows in great A-
bundancc in the Territories of Goa. The fii-
glijh are their beft Ciiftomers, for they buy
great Qiiantities yearly for Punch. It is fold
by the Cdnd\\ or two Cafks, about 45 Gallons
each, for 25 Xcphar cats per Cafk; but I have
bought it for 20. wlicn there was no great De-
mand for it. They alfo make a great Deal of Salt
in Ponds made in low Grounds, where they may
convey theWaterat i'pring Tides. It may be bought
forn Crown the Tun, and fometimcs cheaper.

Tlie River's Mouth is guarded, and the En-
trance defended by feveral Forts and Batteries,
well pi J n ted with \\\V9S Cannon on both Sides.
On the liland is the black Fort, which ftands
within half a MuilvCt-Hiot of tlie Bar, which
is fliut by the Sou th-fouth weft Monfoons, from

Jfril

of the Eaft Indies. 259

April to September^ when is St. Anthony'^
New-moon, as they call it, being the firft New-
moon in September. The Frelhes coming down
from the Mountains, carry ofF the Sands,
which choke the Mouths of the Rivers a-
long all the Coafts of India. And without the
black Fort, is a Battery built clofe to the Sea on
a little Promontory, called No^ Senhor de Cabo^
about a Mile without the black Fort. And,
juft over that Battery, on a little Hill about 40
Yards high, is a fine Monaftery, always kept as
white as Snow, and may be feen a good Diftance
off at Sea. The Monaftery has a large pleafant
Garden towards the Land, and an Orchard of ex-
cellent Fruit-Trees. And , on the oppofite of Nos
Senhor de Cabo, is a Fort built on the Face of a lit-
tle Hill, which commands that Side of the River.
And, without that, is the Agiiada^ fortified with a
Fort on its Top, and feveral Batteries at the Foot
of its high Grounds, which are alfo about 40
Yards high. In the Caftle is placed a large Lan-
thern for a Light-houfe, to (hew Shipping the
Way into the Road about the Beginning of Sep-
tember y when thick Clouds obfcure the Land, that
it cannot be well known at Sea. All Boats that
are bound to the City, are obliged to call at
Aguadciy to give an Account from whence they
came, and what tlieir Bufinefs is ; and if any
prefume to' pafs without calling there, they are
fure of Shot fired from a Battery at them, to
put them in Mind of their Duty. Two Leagues
to the Soiuh of Aguada are the Marmagun I-
flands, being five in Number, and run a League

S 2 \\\\.o

^6o \/4 New j4ccourjt

into the Sea. The two innermofl are fortified,
to command the Entrance of the River of St
Lor^nzo^ which is a Branch of Goa River, part-
ing about five Leagues from their Mooths, and
compofe the Ifland called Goa Ifland.

This Country belonged formerly to the Kingi
of Vifapore ; but in the fifteenth Century,
when Albiikerk fettled the Portugueze Clonics
in India^ he purchafed the Iflands of Goa and
Salfet^ which lie contiguous to Goa^ from the
King, who did them many fingular Services,
which afterwards were repaid by Ingratitude.

About the Year 1660. when the Dutch hiA
2L War in America and India^ with the Fortu^
gueze^ the Dutch fent a Squadron, to try if they
could add Goa to the reft of their Indian Con-
quefts, but found its Avenues fo well fortified,
that it was thought imprafticable to land. Their
Ships were forced to lie at a good Diftancc from
Aguada and Nos Senhor de Cabo^ and fo conti-
nued riding at Anchor triumphantly, without
Adion, except a little Diverfion they had widi
a Portugueze Bravo, who, with a fmall Ship of
forty Guns, would needs pafs thro' the DutchFied
as they lay at Anchor j but they foon made him
fenfible of rafh Folly, by finking his Ship, and
cither killing or drowning him and all his Crew.

Wh-^n the Portugueze and the Sevajse had
War, I thiiik that Co7iJe de Villa Verde was then
Vice- Roy, there wctc fo few Soldiers, and fo
many Priclls, that he was obliged to take Re-
cruits for his ArmVj out of the Churcli ; but

the

[

of the Eaft Indies. 261

the King of Portugal was forced to recal him
for that great Offence.

Between Goa and Salfet there is a little River
that is another Branch of the River of Goa^
which difembogues about a League to the South
of Marmagun^ at a Village called Bangricoaly
and affords a little Harbour for fmall Veffels,
from which Place the Ifland of Saljet ftretches
five Leagues along the Sea-fliore, in a fine level
Plain planted with Cocoa-nut Trees and Church-
.es. The Produd: of this Ifland is as that of
Goay Arrack and Salt. The Churches and
Monafteries are Seminaries for black Romip^
Priefts, and the Country, befides them, pro-
duces good Store of Hogs and Poultry. At Ca-
bo de Rama^ which is contiguous to Salfet^ are
the Limits of the Dominions of the Portugueze
on that Part of India.

CHAR XXU.

Gives an Account of the Sundah RajahV
Dominions y the ProduByReligiony and
Cujioms of his Country ^with Ohjerva^
tions on his H^ar with the Englifh
Eaft-India Company y in Anno 1718^

£ABO de Ramay or, as the Englijh call it.
Cape Ramus y begins the Limits of the Sun-
Rajah's Country to the Northward, and has
a Caftle on the Cape to fecure his Frontier ;
but there is no River or Harbour for Shipping,

S3 Vi5t

a 6 2 ^ Kew j4c count

till we come to Sevafeer^ and that is but a bad
Dne, tho' it has the Cover of a large Caftle with
few Guns in it. But

Car^^ar^ which lies feven Leagues to the
Southward of Cape Ramus ^ has the Advanta-
ges of a good Harbour, on the South Side of
a Bay, and a River capable to receive Ships of
300 Tuns. The Englijh have a Factory here,
irbrtified v/ith two Baftions, and fome fmall
Cannon for its Defence. The Rajab is tribu-
tary to the Mogul at prefent, but formerly was
a Part of Vifapores Dominions, before AurertT^
zeb conquered that Country. This Rajiw'%
Dominions reach from Cape Ramus to Aferzee^
about fifteen Leagues along the Sea-coafl and
fi:cty or feventy Leagues within Lan'B.

About the Year i66o. Aurcngzeb czvat in-
to Vifcipore with an Army of 3 or 400000
Mei!, aiid foon conquered the open Country,
but t!iC Metropolis, called the City of Vifapcre^
took him feven or eight Years to reduce it, for
bcino; built on a flat Mountain of difficult Ac-
ccfs, and Room enough to fow Corn on it, ob-
liged Aurengzeb to furroundit with his Army,
and made a Blockade, but at laa it yielded,
and Aureiigzeb put the King in Ciiains of Silver,
and carried him in Triumph along with his
vidl-orious Army, near the Space of thirty Ye^r?,
r.:uV then he died an inglorious Captive. He
wfiS reckoned a good fimple peaceable Prince
w^hile he reigned, but was in no Way related
to the God Mars.

The

of the Eaft Indies. 26 j

The Sundab Rajah's Country is mountain-
ous, and lies on both Sides of the Mountains
of Gatti. The Vallies abound in Corn and
Pepper, the beft in India \ and the Woods, on
the Mountains/ with many Sorts of wild Beafts,
as Tigers, Wolves, Mookies, wild Hog, Deer,
Elks, and wild Cattle df a prodigious large
Size. I have feen a wild Bull killed there,
whofe four Quarters weighed, above a Tun
Weight, befides the Hide, Head and Guts. I
meafured his Horns, which were not long in
Proportion to their Fhicknefs, being twenty
three Inches in Circumferefice about the Roots,
and his Marrow-bones fo large, that I took the
Marrow out with an ordinary Silver- fpoon.
The Flefli was not fo favoury as that of fmall
tame Cattle, nor would it take Salt kindly, but
grew hard, dry and black when falted.

This Country is fo famous for hunting, that
two Genriemen of Diftindlion, viz. Mr. Lem^
btmrg of the Houfe of Lembourg in Germany^
and Mr. Goring^ a Son of my Lord Goring s
in England^ went incognito in one of the £^-
India Company's Ships, for India. They left
Lietters direfted for their Relations, in the Hands
of a Friend of theirs, to be delivered two or
three Months after their Departure, fo that
Letters of Credit followed them by the next
Year's Shipping, with Orders from the 'Eafi-
India Company to the Chiefs of the Factories,
wherever they fhould happen to come, to treat
them according to their Quality. They fpent

S 4 three

a 64 A New Account

three Years at Carwar^ viz. from j^hm 1678.
to 1 68 1, then, being tired with that Sort of
Pleafure, they both took Paflagc on board a
Con^pany's Ship for England, but Mr. Goring
died four Days after the Ship's I>epartuiie firom
Carivary and lies buried on the Ifland of St
Mary^ about four Leagues from the Shore> off
Batacola^ and Mr« Lembourg returned iafe to
"England.

There are three Species of Tigers in Carwtr
Woods. The fmalleft is the fierceft. It is not
above two Foot high when it walks* It is very
cunning, and delights much in human Flefiu
The fecond Sort is about three Foot h^h, and
hunts Deer and wild Hog, and a little Creature^
called a Piflay. Its Body has the Shape of a
Deer's, but its Head like a Swine ; and, as a
Boar has two long Tuflcs growing upward from
the nether Jaw, fo it has two long fmall (harp
Teeth which grow downward from the upper
Jaw, and reach as low as the under Part of the
lower Jaw. They are very harmiefs and fearful,
and feed on Grafs and Herbs. They are hardly
fo big as a full grown Cat, and their Flefli is black,
and taftes like an Hare's. The largeft Size of the
Tigers is above three Foot and an half high, when
they walk. They are lefs rapacious than the o-
thers, feldom greedy of human I^'lefli, and fooncr
frightned. A poor Peafant in this Country had
a Buffalo bemircd in a Bog, and while he went
to his Neighbours for Afliftance, came a large Ti-
gcr that fived them the Trouble, for he pulkd

of the Eaft Indies. 265

it out by his own Dexterity and Strengtli, and,
when he had done, thtew him over his Shoul-
der, as a Fox does a Goofe, and was carrying
it, with its Feet upwards, to his Den ; but,
when he faw the People, he let it M, and
i^nt away ; but he had killed the Buffalo, and
had fuck'd his Blood. 'Tis a finall BufFado that
weighs not above 500 lb. Weight, and fome
weigh 1200.

I once was in the Woods with my Fuzec, to
try if I could kill a Deer, but a fmall Rain
happened to fall that damped my Powder,
which was only wrapped up in Paper ; and, my
Gun being ufelefs, I was making towards the
Plain where our Fadlory ftands, and falling on
a Foot-path from the Mountains towards the
Plain J I kept in that Road, and had not gone
fir, till I efpied a Tiger of the largeft Size
flanding in the fame Path, with his Face to-
wards me. Aflbon as he faw me he fquatted
his Belly to the Ground, and wagged h^ Tail,
and crawled flowly towards me. I thought it
would be in vain to flee, io I flepped leifurely
forward, till I came within ten Yards of him,
I then cjubbed my Fuzee, and made what Noife
I could to frighten him, and he out of Civili-
ty, ruflied in amongft a Thicket of Bufhes, and
left me the Road, which I did not think fit
to accept of, but got in among the Buflies
on the oppofite Side to him ( I dare fay ) much
more frightned than he was ; and before I got
to the Plain, I faw a wild Bull and a Cow graz-
ing.

0,66 A New Account

ing. " The Bull grew angry, and f norted, but
the Cow only gazed on me ; but I foon got out
of their Sight, and got fafe to the Fa<5lory ;
but never went to the Woods again, but with
a numerous Company.

The Chief of the Englijh Faftory is held ia
very great Efteem in this Country, and when
he goes a hunting, is generally accompanied with
moft Part of the People of Diftinftion in the
Vicinage, who bring their Vaffals and Servants
with them, armed with Fire Arms and other
Weapons, both miffive and defenfive, with
Trumpets, Hautboys and Drums. The Fire-
men place themfelves at convenient Diflances,
along the Skirts of an Hill or a Wood, except
fome that are fent in to guard thofe who arc
fent with their loud Mufic to rouze the Game.
The Drums, Trumpets and Hautboys fpread
themfelves fometimesfora Mile or two, and, on a
Signal given, ftrike up at once, and march to-
mards the Skirt where the Fire-men are placed.
The wild Inhabitants being aftonifhed with the
unufual Noife, betake themfelves to their Heek,
and fill in the Ambufcade, and many of them
are killed and wounded in their Flight. I faw, in
one of thefe Huntings, above a Dozen of Eteer
killed, andtwo wild Cows with their Calves,
who would not leave their dead Parents, the'
they had done fucking ; alfo four or live Sows,
. who had above a Dozen of Pigs following them,
and were all killed, with fome Piflays ; and all
in lefs than two Hours Space. The Hunters

made

of the Eaft Indies. 26/

made good Cheer of what they liked beft, and
what remained was fent to the Faftory ; and the
Chief foon following after, was condafted
Home by the whole Company, ahd, at the
Factory Gate, made him a Compliment, and
departed. At this Time, which was in Atmo
1692. the Factory had about a Score of good
Dogs for Game, of Englijh Brood, and the
Company allowed each of them about 2 lb. of
boiled Rice daily; but now they are better Huf-
bands of their Money, and have difcharged ail
their Dogs and other Superfluities, except one
good old Caftom of treating Strangers that
come from Europe^ with pretty black female
Dancers, who are very aftive in their Dancing,
and free in their Converfation, where Shame is
quite out of Fafhion.

The Woods produce great Quantities of good
Teak- Timber, ufeful in building both Ships and
Houfes. It is more durable than Oak. And
there is good Poon-Mafts, flronger, but heavi-
er than Firr. There is a Shrub grows in the
Woods, that has a Leaf bigger than that of
the Fig-tree ; and the Dew that falls on that
Leaf being carefully gathered, and fet in the Sun
a Day or two, becomes the pleafanteft and
ftrongeft Acid that ever I tafted.

Before Atirengzeb conquered Vifapore^ this
Country produced the fineft Betteellas or Muflins
in India. The EngliJI) Company had a great
Cloth Trade here, and employed about 50000
People in that Manufactory 3 but the MoguPs

1 licentious

a68 A New Account

licentious Soldiers fell bto this Province, and
ruined all manner of Trade, plundering the in-
dudrious Inhabitants of all they could lay Hands
on, and cut the Company's Cloth from the
Loom, and ufed the Weavers fo rudely, that
they left their own Country, to look for Pro-
tedion in Countries farther to the Southwardi
where War had not fet up her bloody Banners.
When the Moguh General had taken Pof*
feflion of that Province in his Mafter's Name,
he invited the Gentlemen of the Englijh Fa£lo-
ry to an Entertainment in his Tent, under
Pretence of fettling the Company's Cbmmerce,
and, while they were at Dinner, he fent a Par-
ty of Men, who plundered and burnt their
Houfe, which made the Company build and
fortify what they now have ; but he who built
it where it is, had no great Forefight in Choof-
ing his Ground, for it ought to have been built
in a Place of free Communication with the Sea,
but now it Hands a League from it. And, in
Anno 17 1 R. the Rajab Ihewed them their Er-
ror, and built Batteries at the Mouth of the
River, fo that the Fadory is nothing at prefent
but a genteel Prifon, which by dear-bought Ex-
perience, we found in a War we had with
him, by the Indifcrction of one Taylor who was
Chief, who pretended to be Lord of the Man-
nor, in appropriating a Wreck to his own Ufe,
that was caft away above four Miles from the
Faftory. The Rajah could not bear to be lb
bare-facedly affronted in liis own Dominion?,

of the Eaft Indies. 269

by Tenants that would hear no Reafon. He
belieged the Fa<^ory for two Months before the
Seaion would admit of Forces coming to afiift
them by Sea ; and when thev arrived^ the Seas
run fo high on the Shore, that there was great
Difficulty of landing in the Teeth of an Ene*
my, who had ten Times our Numbers, fo that
the firft Attempt of landing was unfuccefsful,
by our Mens Neglect and Difbbedience to the
Orders they had received, and about fourfcore
ci our braveft Fellows were cut off, and fbme
taken Prifoners : But, about fix Weeks after,
we had fome Revenge on the Enemy in an En-
gs^ment on the Side of an Hill among thick
Buflies. The Enemy being above our Men,
began their Fire at Break of Day, to beat our
Men from a Spring of frefli Water clofc to the
Sea ; but our fmall Veflels lying near the Shore
to cover about 400 Men, that lay to guard the
Water, fired with fo good Succefe, that, in aa
Hour's Time, they were obliged to run, and
leave near 200 dead in the Woods ; and our Men
purfuing them in their Flight, did fome Execu-
tion on them.

We were in daily Expedition of more Forces,
and did not offer the Enemy Battle, becaufc of
their Numbers and our Want of Experience ;
but we harraflfed the Enemies in the Nights, in
burning Villages, for there was little to plunder i
and at Sea we took fome Veffels laden with Salt
going to the Enemy, and three Ships of the
Rajafs coming from Arabia with Horfe?, to

I the

2^o A New Account

the Number of 1 40. which created us mudi
Trouble to find Provdider and Water for them :
However, when our Reinforcement came, wc
could mufter, in our Fleet, of Seamen and
Soldiers, 2250 Men. The Enemy raifed fomc
Batteries on the Strand to hinder our landing ;
and we took two of the Prizes, and made them
Shot- proof above Water, and laid themafhorc
at high Water to batter their Batteries, and
keep the Enemy at a Diftance with their great
Shot, till our Men were landed and drawn up.
Each of our ffoating Batteries were covered widi
with a Frigate of 20 or 24 Guns. When all
was ready, we landed 1250 Men, without the
kaft Hindrance from the Enemy, for they
were preparing to flee to the Woods ; but our
frefli Water Land Officers were fo long a draw-
ing irp their Men in a confounded hollow Square,
that the Enemy took Courage, and, with
Ilorfc and Foot, came running towards our Men,
firing, and wounding feme as they marched in
their Ranks, which our Commandant feeing,
pulled off his red Coat, and vaniflied. Some
other as valiant Captains as he, took Example,
and left their Polls, and then the Soldiers fol-
lowed, and ihrcw down their Aims. We loft
in this Skirmiih about 2 ^0. b'lt our floating
liattcries would not permit tlic Enemy to purfuc
Jar, nor diirii: they il.iy to gather up our fcat-
tercd Arms, lb aboiU So Sailors we^it on the
iMcld of l>;itt!e, and brought on board of the
Commodore about joo Stand of Arms, moll

oj the Eaft Indies. 2,71

of them loaded : However, the Enemy had
fbme Lofs too, for we found eleven Horfes
dead, and faw many Fires along the Foot of
the Hills to burn their dead Men in.

The Rajah had, by this Time, 7000 Men
engaged in this War, which Expence he began
to be tired of, and the Lofs of his Ships and
Horfes was fome Mortification to him, befides
the Saijo Rajah had made an Inroad into his Nor-
thern Borders, which made him incline very
much towards a Peace, and accordingly he fenta
'Brahman on boar dthc Commodore of the Fleet,
to negociate about a Peace. The Commodore
heard him, and adv^fed him to make his Over-
tures to Mr. T[aylor ; but he faid, that the Ra^
jab would by no Means confent to treat with
him, complaining, that he was not only the
Occafion of that War, but even, before the
War, had done fome Detriment to him and his
Subjeds ^ for receiving the Company^s Pepper a-
bove 100 Miles from the Faftory, he made
the Servants that went to receive the Pepper,
take certain Quantities to fell out by Retail in his
Villages to the utter Ruin of many poor Inhabi-
. tants, that had no other Way to get their Live-
lihood, but by huckftering, and becaufe the
Company's Agreement with his Forefathers and
himfelf, gave them a ^ree Trade in all his Do-
minions, he paffed all over, but was forced to
relieve the poor Botikeers or Shop-keepers, who
before could pay him Taxes ; however, we being
tired of War as well as he, by the Mediation

^ of

a72r A New Account

of a Seid^ who was a Frieiid to both P^trtm^
in ten Days after the firft Overture was made^
Peace was proclaimed on eafy Terms for both
Parties.

There is one Trick that the Priefts yearly
put upon the People in this Country^ thsut
would puzzle the befl Merri- Andrews in Eth
rape to imitate, and that is, about the latter End
of Afojr, or the Beginning of June^ there is a
Feaft celebrated to the infernal Gods, with a
Divination or Conjuration to know tl^ Fate di
the enfuing Crop of Corn. The Ceremony I
faw here, and at other Places on the Coaft of
Canara. The Priefts having perfuaded fome
Fools to bear a Part in the Farce, proclaim the
Feaft to be on fuch a Day, at a certain Grove,
where feveral thoufands of People afiemUe,
and in the Middle of the Grove is placed a black
Stone of 3 or 400 Weight, without any deiign«
ed Shape, but fome Places bedaub'd with red
Lead mixed in Oil, to ferve for a Mouth, Eyes
and Ears, and a little earthen Pot of Fire placed
before the Stone, and a Girl about ten Years of
Age to attend it.

Some Priefts, all naked, except a Bit of Cloth
to hide their Privities, run and dance round the
Stone and Fire for half an Hour, like Mad-men,
making ftrange Diftortions in their Phizes, and
now and then bellowing like Calves. And this
was tlie firft Scene. Thofe Priefts had ereftcd
a Scaffold on two Axle- trees, that had Trucks
fitted for them, like the Carriage of Ship Guns.

of the Eaft" Indies. ±^^

In the Middle of the Scaffold ( which might
be about 1 5 Foot long, and as broad, ) was e^
reSed a Piece of Wood about 1 5 Foot high,
with a Notch cut in the upper End, like jhe
Cheeks of a Ship's Pumpj with Holes bored
for a Bolt to pafs through, as Pump Cheeks
have. A Tree hewn for their Purpofe, about
40 Foot long, was laid about the Middle in the
Notch, and a Bolt paffing through the Cheeks
and that Tree, like a Pump-brake. At one
End of the Tree were placed i;wo crofs Pieces,
one at the very End, and the other about four
Foot within it. Each of thofe Crofs Pieces were
about four Foot long, and, at the other End, had
a Rope faftned to it. And this was the Vehicle
for the A<a:ors to hang on for a Mile or two.

The Adtors prefenting themfelves to the
Priefts, being four in Number, drefled as the
Priefts were ; only on their Heads, Crowns
were made round their Temples, of Sugar*-cane
Leaves, open at the Top, like ducal Crowns.
The Priefts brought two Tenter-^hooks, fuch as
the Butchers in Britain hang their Meat on,
for each Adlor, and, after fome ridiculous Ce«
remony, hook*d them on each Side of the
Back-bone, a little above the Kidneys. Thofe
Hooks had Cords faft to them, fo they went
dancing round the Stone, and the Prieft hold-
ing their Strings faft, and, after two Minutes
Dancing, they came tamely to the End of the
Tree, where the crofs Pieces were faftned, and
one was tied up to each End of the crofs Pieces,

V L. I. * T and

25^4 ^ ^^"^ Account

and the Mob was ready to hak down the other
End, and faftned it to the End of the Scaffold,
and the foolifii Fellows were hung up by the
Back, above ten Yards from the Ground. The
Populace broke fome old Cocoa-nuts on the
Scaffold, and fome hundreds of them got hold
of the Ropes faftned to the Scaffold, and haled it
over plowed Ground, above a Mile, to another
Grove ; and the Girl with the Pot of Fire cm
her Head, walking all the Way before. Whea
they came to the End of their Journey, they
were let down, and going into the Grove,
where was placed another black Stone Pagod,
the Girl fet her Fire before it, and run ibik
mad for a Minute or two, and then fell in a
Swoon, and in that (he lay fweating and foam-
ing at the Mouth prodigioufly. When (he grew
mad, the Men fell flat on the Ground befbce
the Image, and then arofe after fhe fell in her
Trance. She continued immoveable about a
Quarter of an Hour, and then awoke, and fccm-
cd co be very fick. The Priefts interrogated
her about what (he had feen and heard from the
terreftrial Gods, and (he gave them a fatis£idocj
Anfwer, on which they all bowed to the Im^,
and put their Hand on a Cow lliat was there ready,
c^edicatedtothe Image; and foalldeparted fatisfied
On light of the New-moon in Augufi they
have another Piece of Superftition, in a Fcaft
dedicated to the Sea, for the profpcrous Navi-
gation of the enfuing Seafon. They have the
Efligics of the Cod Gunnies^ which is a Man's
Body, with an Elcphcmt's Head clapt cleverly

of the Eaft Indies. 275

on his Shoulders, and carried in Proceilion to
the River's Side, and thrown into the River,
upon which, all Rivers who have Bars, are
opened for Navigation.

This Gunnies was Son to Ram another God,
who had a great War many Years with a cer-
tain Sort of gigantic Devils, that infuhed the
Ijand, and carried away all the Virgins they
ix>uld lay their Paws on : At length Ram over-
came them in a bloody Battle, for which Suc-
ccfs, he fwore, he would make a Sacrifice of
the firft living Creature he fhould meet in his
jown Dominions, to the great God of Heaven j
-aad poor Gunnies was the firft Objed that pre-
sented himielf 3 for being a good loving Son, he
4:ame on purpofe to meet and welcome his Fa-
ther from his Fatigues in War : You may
jjodge what a Pack of Troubles Ram was in,
but there was no Remedy, but Gunnies muft
^ie s and, with great Regret, he was about to
have his Head flruck off, when a clever Fel-
low oi a Brahman Dodor came, and told Ramj
that by his Art he could lave Gunnies*^ Life, if
his Advice might be followed, which Ram pro-
miied to do, on which the Dodor ordered a
young Elephant to be brought ; and when the
Father whipt off his Son's Head, the Dodlor
•very fkilfuUy cut off the Elephant's at one
Stroke, and nimbly iet it on Gunnies's Should
ders, to the great Admiration of all the Behold-
ers ; and from that Day to this. Gunnies has
wore an Elephant's Head.

T 2 There

2^^ -^ AVw Account

There are a Set of Brahmam in this Coun«
try called Buts^ they ftudy Aftrology, and arc
in gteat Repute for their exemplary innoceot
Lives, and Skill in Prophefying. In the Year
1684. one Moam But told fome Things very
furpriiing, when Mr. Walfel was Chief for d»
Englijh at Carwar.

In the Space of three Years no EngUJh Ship
from Europe had called there^ and the Geode-
men longing for one, and Moam But coming to
vifit the Chief, Mr. Walfel afked him if he
could tell when a Ship from Europe would cA
there. He anfwered, he could tell, and mn*
(ing a little While, told, that on that ^me
Day forty Days, which happened to fall out
on a Sunday^ one would arrive, and that (be
was, at that Time, at Anchor at an Ifland 00
this Side of the Cape of Good-^bope^ taluK in
Refrefhments. The Chief told him, if he
prophefied true, he would prefent him with as
much Scarlet Cloth as would make him a Coat.
The But anfwered, that he thank'd him, but
that neither of them would live, to fee her ar-
rive, and therefore advifed Mr. Walfel to fct
his Houfe in order j and that, to prove fomc
Part of the Prophecy true, the But himfdf
fhould die ten Days after the Day he prophefi-
ed, and that Mr. Walfel fhould die fo many
Days after. Accordingly the But died, which
put the other's Mind out of Order, till the Day
of his Death came, and that Morning Mr. WtL
Jel iaid, he believed the Conjurer was cot in his

Reckoning,

of /^^ Eaft Indies. 277

Reckonings for he never was in better Health
in his Days ; but^ after Dinner, he had an apo*
{dedic Fit, that carried him ofE And the
Ship's Pinnace came aftiore at the Fadory Gate
that Noon that the But told (he fhould arrive*
The Ship was the Mexico Merchant^ command-
ed by Captain Boger Paxton^ whom I well knew.

The pretty nimble female Dancers at Carwar
are not fo by Choice ; but all Trades and Oc-
cupations being lifted into Tribes, none can mar-
ly out of their own Tribe ; and, as it fortuned,
the Originals of this Tribe were Ladies that
could not be confined to one Huiband, and fo
would not marry. Their Pofterity are not fuf-
fcred to marry, becaufe there are no Men in
their Tribe allowed. When the Laflb bring
£>rth Children, the Males are brought up Sol-
diers, and the Females are learned to dance, and
what they earn by dancing goes to the Rajab,
except a imall Share for the Girl's Maintenance.
What they get by their Kindnefe to Strangers is
all their own ; and I have feen fome have very
fine Clothes and Jeweb acquired by their Trade.

The Portugueze have an lOand called y^je^
diva ( before mentioned ) about two Miles from
Batcoal. They fortified it, for fear that Muf-^
hat Arabs or the Sevajees (hould have fetded on
it 5 if they had^ they might have incommoded
the Goa Fleet that goes yearly to Canara for Corn.

At the Mouth of Carwar River, are two for-
tified Iflands, called Sbipe and Gur. One is
fortified by Walls built round it, and fome Guns

T 3 mounted

2^5 \A New Jic count

mounted on it. The other is ftcril nnd dry,
and not worth wajling. Thty both belong to
the Rajah of Sundah. There jire feme Iflands
lie athwart the Mouth of the Bay, that make
the Harbour of Cancar^ but none inhibited.
The Bay has two large Entrances for Shipping.
That to the North is clear from Danger j but
the South Channel has a fliarp Rock like a Py-
ramid in the Middle of it, that fevefal large
Ships have ft ruck on, for there is too mudi
Water on it for fmall Ships to be frightncd by
it, having at leaft 1 5 Foot Water on its Top.

There are feveral more little Harbours in tMs
Rajah's Dominions to the Southward of Car^
war^ viz. Ankla^ Cuddermuddy and Merzee^
whofe River terminates the Sundab*s Territories,
and brings us on to a better Country, viz. Canara.

CHAP- XXIIL

Cwcs a Dcfcrlptton of Canara, Jljc^votng
its Fertility^ Proda^y Qovernmerny
Religion^ CuJiomSy mid Temper of
its hihabitauts.

ONO AR is its northcrmoft Port, and has
the Benefit of a River, capable to rccehrc
Ships of 2 or 300 Tuns. It has a Caftle on a
low Hill, about a Mile within the Bar, built,
of old, by the Portugueze^ when they were

Lords

of the Eaft Indies* 279

Lords Paramount of all the Sea-coafls of India ;
but the Itajab of Canard was fo affronted by
them, that he laid Si^e to the Caftle, but was
three Years in reducing it ; and fo long he
Uock'd it up, till Hunger forced a Surrender.

The Religion, by Law eftabliflied, here, as
well as in Sundab^ is the Pagan. And there is
a Pagod or Temple, called Ramtrut^ that is
viiited yearly by great Numbers of Pilgrims.
Cbie by the Temple there is a fine Ciftem or
Tank of a fquare oblong Figure* It is continu-
^ly fumifhed with good Water, that gufhes out
of d}e Face of a Rock, as big as a Man^s
Th^h. There are about 50 Steps cut out of
the ]&me Rock, that lead from the Surface of
the Earth down to the Tank ; and at the Foot
of the Stairs is a litde Summer-houfe built«
The Tank is about three Fathoms deep in the
Middle, and is flored with Plenty of pretty
brown Fifli, with a white Stroke from their
Head to Tail, on each Side of the Back-bone.
And when any mufical Inftrument is played on
by the Skies of the T^ank^ they come in fuch
Numbers towards the Mufic, that they may
be taken up in Bafkets ; but none dare meddle
with them, becaufe they are confccrated to the
Pagod.

Sometimes they carry the Image of the Pa-
god in Proccflion. In Figure he is more like a
Monkey than a Man. They put him into a
Coach in Form of a Tower, with a Pyra-
midal Top about 1 5 Foot high, where eight or

T 4 xttx

a8o \A New Account

ten Prieftsare fet to bear the Image Company,
and to fing iiis Praifes. The Coach has four
Whceb, anda Rc^ of a good Thicknefs made
fail to itf and drawn through the Streets by
Strength of Hand, with a great Mob attend^
ing his Godibip, wherever he is drawn.

In Canara there are feveral Cuiloms peculiar
to itielfy and many of them are fpread abroad to
remote Countries. Here it was, that the Cuf-
tom of Wives burning on the fame Pile with
their deceas'd Hufbands had its Beginning. It
is reported, that befcH-e the Brahtmm invented
this Law, Poifon was fo wc;ll known and prac-
tiied, that the lead Quarrel that happoied be«
tween a married Couple, coft the Hnfband his
Life, and this Law put a great Stop to it ; and
now Cuftom fo far prevails, that iJF any faint-
hearted Lady has not Courage enough to accom-
pany her Spoufe to the other World, (he is
forthwith {haved and degraded, and obliged to
ferve all her Hufband's Family in all Kinds of
Drudgery,

I have feen feverals burned feveral Ways. In
this Country they dig a Pit about i o Foot long,
and 6 broad, and fill it with Logs of Wood.
One great Piece is fet at the Brim of the Pit,
ready to fall down on pulling a Bit of String.
When all is ready, there is good Store of Oil or
Butter thrown on the Wood, and then the
Huiband's Corps is placed about the Middle of
the Pile, and Fire fet to it, which blazes in an
Inft^nt. Then the Spoufc took her Leave of ail

Friends

of the Eaft Indies. 481

Friends and Acquaintances, and Drums, Trum-
pets and Hautboys playing cheerfully, fhe
walked three or four Times round the Pile^
which, by this Time, was all in a great Blaze^
and then leaps in on the Corps. A^x>n as ever
ihe leaped in, a Pried drew the String, and
down fell the great Log of Wood, at leaft 500
Pound Weight, over her Body, and all con-
fumed togedier.

In other Parts they do not ufe Pits, but a Pile
is built, and the Corps laid on it, and Fire put
to it ; and the Vidim dancing round it for a
little Time, to the Noifc of loud Mufic, leaps
in ; and, if (he hefitates, the Pried thrufls her
in with long Poles, making fuch an hideous
Noife, that (he cannot be heard ; and, all the
While (he is a burning, the Prieils dance round
the Fire. Others again take fomnific Medi-
cines, and fland by the Pile till they fall on it
while afleep. I heard a Story of a Lady that
had received Addrefles from a Gentleman, who
afterwards deferted her, and her Relations obli-
ged her to marry another, who died (hortly af-
ter the Marriage, and who, according to Cuf-
tom, was laid on the Pile ; and, as the Fire
was well kindled, and (he going to ad the Tra-
gedy on herfelf, (he efpied her former Admi-
rer, and beckned to him to come to her. When
he came, fhe took him in her Arms, as if fhe
had a Mind to embrace him ; but, being Wrong-
er than he, fhe carried him into the Flames in
Iter Arms, where they were both confumed, with

th^

48 i A New Account

the Corps of her Hufband : Yet I have known
fome faint-hearted Girls that had not the Courage
to accoqipany their Spoufes into an unknov?B
lA^orld, but rather live in this, the* under the
Badge and Umbrage of Ignominy and Shame.

This Country of Canara is generally govern*
ed by a Lady» wrho keeps her Court at a Town
called Bay dour y two Days Journey from xht Sol
She may marry whom fhe pleafes y but her
Hufb^d never gets the Title of Rajab^ tfao' if
ihe has Sons, the eldefl; of them does ; butDci-
ther Hufband nor Son have any Thing to do
with the Managementof the Government, whik
ihe lives : Nor are the Queens obliged toboiQi
with their Hufbands. The Subjects of this
Country obferve the Laws fo well, that Rob-
bery or Murder are hardly heard of amoog
them. And a Stranger may pafs through tk
Country without being afk'd where he is go-
ing, or what Bufinefs he has.

No Man is permitted in this Country to ride
on Horfes, Mules or Elephants, but Officers of
State, or Troopers, tho' we are allowed to ride
on Oxen or Buffaloes : nor none are permitted
to have Umbrellas carried over them by Ser-
vants, but muft carry them themfelves if the
Sun or Rain offend them ; but in all Things 6k
there is. Liberty and Property.

The next Sea-port, to the Southward of 0-
noar^ is Batacola, which has the Feftigia of %
very large City, (landing on a little iSver, a-
bout four Miles from the Sea. There is uo-

thiDg

of the Eaft Indies. 285

thing of it left now worth noticing, but ten or
eleven fmall Pagods or Temples covered with
Copper and Stone. The Country produces
good Quantities of Pepper; and the Englijh
Company had a Fadtory there : But about the
Year 1670. an Englijh Ship coming there to
lade, had a fine Englijh Bull-dog, which the
Chief of the Fa6tory begged of the Captain.

After the Ship was gone, the Faftory, which
confifted of eighteen Pcrfons, were going a
hunting, and carried the Bull- dog with them ;
and paffing through the Town, the Dog feized
a Cow devoted to a Pagod, and killed her. Upon
which the Priefts raifed a Mob, who murder-
fid the whole Fa6tory ; but fome Natives, that
Vterc Friends to the Englijh^ made a large Grave,
and buried them all in it. The Chief of G/r-
war fent a Stone to be put on the Grave, with
ati Infcription, That this is the Burial-place of
John Beft, with feventeeen other Englifli Men^
who were facrijicea to the Fury of a mad Priefts
hood and an enraged Mob. The Englijh never
refettled there fince ; but often buy Pepper
there. The Ifland St. Mary lies Weft-north-
wefl from the Mouth of the River of Batacola^
about four Leagues diftant, being the Burial-
place of Mr. Goring before obferved. There are
fome more Iflands lying clofe to the Shore, but are
bcfct with Rocks under Water. And what
Ships pafs between St. Mary and them, ought
not to venture above two Miles within that

Ifland I

a 84 -^ Nevo j4ccount

Kland ; but there is no Dangp: within a Qtiflfrter
of a Mile of it, but what is vifiUe.

The next Town, to the'Southward of Bal§^
cola^ is Barceloar^ Aanding on the Banks of a
broad River, about four Miles from the Sea.
The Country abounds in Rice, having in ibany
Places two Crops in a Year, by the Advantage
they have of fome Liakes at the Feet of the
Mountains of Gatti^ whofe Waters beii^ con-
fined by Sluces, are let out at convenient Times
to water their Rice Fields. The Dutch have a
Faiflory here, only to buy up Rice for their
Garifons on the Malabar Coaft. It ftand^a*
bout a Mile from the River's Mouth, that ha
a Bar of 13 or 14 Foot Water on it at Spring
Tides, and has a Caftle on its North Skfe fix
its Guard, that none may go in or out with*
out Leave.

The Porfugueze alfo get Supplies of Rice for
Goa^ and they have fix or eight Ships belonging
to Barceloary that carry their Cargoes of Rice
to Mujkat^ and bring back in Returns, Horfcs,
Dates, Pearl, and other Merchandize of the
Produd: of Arabia. To the Southward of this
Flace^ on a plain Road that leads to Manguhrt^
are planted four Rows of Trees, on the Sides
of a Walk about eight or ten Miles^long, which
being very large, and having ipreading Branches
ever green all the Summer, ferve for Umbrellas
to Paflengers that travel that Road. And, on
feveral Places, there are Huts built, where fome
old People flay in the Day-time, with Jars of

fine

of the Eaft Indies. 285

line clear Water for^thc Paffengers to drink gra-
f/j, at the Charge of the State. Baccanoar and
hblkey lie between Barcehar and Manguhre^
both having the Benefit of Rivers to export the
large Quantities of Rice that their Fields produce.

Manguhre is the greatefl: Mart for Trade in
iH the Canara Dominions. It has the Ccmve-
akocy of one River produced by three that
DCXBC into it by different Ways, viz. from the
North, South and Eaft, all proceeding from the
great Rains and Dews that fall from the Moun-
buns of Gatti^ which lie 25 or 30 Leagues up
in the Country, and are in the inland Bounds of
the Canara Dominions. Thoie three Rivers join
about a Mile from the Sea, and, at Manguhre ^
difembogueat one Mouth into the common Re-
oeptory of Rivers.

The Portugueze have a Faftory for Rice
here, and a pretty lai^ Church, becaufe great
Numbers of black Cbrijiians refide there. 'The
Prieils, as well as their Congregations, are the
very Scum of Cbrijlianity. The Clei^ are fo
(hamelefs, that they will bargain with a Stran-
ger to pimp for him. And the Laity look on
Whoring, Thieving and Murder as no Sin, if
swy Gain can be got by them.

The Fields here bear two Crops of Com year-
ly in the Plains ; and the higher Grounds pro-
duce Pepper, Bettle-nut, Sandal-wood, Iron
and Steel, which make Manguhre a Place of
pretty good Trade. The Town is poorly built,
along the Sides of the Rivers, and has no De-

2 fence

a 86 A New Account

fence againft an Enemy, but two fmall Forts,
one on each Side of the River's Mouth. Th?
Rajah or Rana keeps generally about 15000
Soldiers on their Malabar Frontiers, to repd
the Infdence of the Malabar s^ and another Ar-
my towards the Sevajee Borders, to cover them
from the Inroads of thofe Harpies ; for th^
Malabar s and Sevajees being poor in refpcd of
the CanarweSj watth Opportunities to borrow
the Superfluities of their rich Neighbours. Such
Praftices have been ufed, in former Times, a»-
mongft us in Britain, and, no Doubt, wooU
ftill be fo, if good wholfom Laws, back'd with
good Forces to fee them put in Executicxi, did
not reftrain us.

Along the Malabar Frontiers, the Canarines
have Forts built of Earth, wherein are kept ar
bout 2 or 300 Soldiers ready, on all Occafions,
to encounter any fmall Party of the Malabars
that clandeftinely come in to thieve or rob;
but the Mujkat Arabs in Anno 1695, came
with a Fleet, and plundred the Sea-coaft of Cor
7iara^ and burnt Barceloar and Mangulore, and
carried away a great Booty. And Connajee At-
garicy in Anno 1720. came along the Coat,
and infultcd it ; but, on landing ibme Men,
found fuch Refiftance, that made him embark
again, without doing much Mifchicf to the
Country.

There is only one fmall Sea- port more inCi-
nara^ called Mauguzeer, about five Leagues to the
Southward of Mangulore^ and three from 2>-

2 cul^,

of the Eaft Indies. 287

uUjy a large Fort buUt on an Ifland clofe to
he Land. And three Leagues farther South is
fmall River that divides the Canara and Mala-
or Territories.

CHAP. XXIV.

^reats of the Malabars their Forces and
Families^ Religtony La^s and CuJ^
tomsy Product of their Country y and
their Commerce , nsjith Jome mifcella^
neous Obfervations on their Ctiftoms
and JVars.

MAL AB AR isa pretty large Coun-
try, divided into many Principalities,
nd I have a Lift of them as thqr were given in
the ingenious and curious Heer Van Rede
jommiffionary General for Affairs of the Dutch
laA^lndia Company in Anno 1694* who died
rff Bombay in his Voyage towards Surat.

rhc Province of Upopoforiwan can raife Forces

ky its Clans, '-Jiz.

Men.
rerivancoar - - 1 00000

Ltdoga - - - 30000

Maforiwan ... 50000

^eritalie - - - 3000

cigpnatie - - - 30000

Tcircwcy

488 A New Jjceomt

MCD,

Teirewey

I50«

Odenadie Carrec

Coilcolong

5000*

PanaPoUic

i5«»

Martin Gallic

- ■

■SOW

Carimbalie

IJOW

Teiom Balanore Koilie

-. .

3oa«

Rcubanie Aregalie

3«w

Ctiitawa Canaar.

Tellicherry Baakie

} -

Elcpend re May Porombo

3009

Dedamaadic Peneretta

} -

Mocterte Manka Polie

15000

Perombara Cormaar

Arregatte Calgampolie

} ■

Mamalie Madonie

15000

Bambellendada.

Kilpolie Chitway

75«*

Martingalie Coer

37000

Tekellenore

37000

Doenjatte Penmaal

3009

Cottenadie

Zembaga Cherry

30000

Tefegidin Genatie

Elcrtecore

1 0000

Moutere Corec

lOOOD

Ambada Coree - -«

lOOOO

Kapolin

Elcngoly Serewan

5000

Courour Nadie.

Courour Monra Coil

15000

Billiatte Serewan

Badecancore.

Manna TeUairt

30000
Modi

oj tne Halt inaie&

2»9

Men.

la Callie

3000

Filcore

15000

lalle Core

15000

Perimba Daponadie.

tingaly Tavil

3000

ite Tavil

3000

mbe Tavil

3000

3r Tavil

3060

TavU

3009

Tclieragatta Nadie.

agalle Caymaal

1500Q

inarie ene Caymaal

8000

Pindereretol Nade.

lereretel Nambi Deri

15000

Fade

1000

Mangela Nade.

:te Tavil

10000

ta Tavil

15000

Nambouries, or Priefts.

Rnade

6000

m Ade

2000

[nade Nambouri

3000

, Nanderetti Nade.

1 Seir Caymal

30000

:s Caymal

5000

jrande Caymal

5000

la Maketts Caymal

3000

Tollapoli Nade.

icotta Nambedi

15^0

acocta Nambedi

1 5000

tte Nambedi

15000

i\ Nambedi

15000

atekin Nair

15000

O L. I. U

Namtttar

Nambiar oTy Priefts of tbefecond Order.

Relolafte Nambiar - 3000

Relo Canadarie - 30606

Erenaden Caree.

Cannal Canadrie - - 40000

Rere. Coil • - 5000

Paro Pachoil - - 3000

Ropo Choil ... 2600

Tomcra Scrinadc.

Aya Nade - - 20000

Payanade - - 15000
Iregale Nade, a Prieft of thtfirfk Order - 3000

Ckndcttc Naycr - - loooo

Omnitrie - - loooo

Palangier Naycr - - 3000

Mangalacka >- « 3000

Dana Seir Uerda •> - lOOOO

Ramenacte Corie - • 15000

Polletti Nade.

Calliftree Odirofe G)ilan - >

Palle Coilan Ziereck Coilan - S " ^3<»0

Ballanore Burgary - 30000

Tellicherry Moia Nairc - 15000

Zltrc Cayma) Mar - 30000

Alarte Tere Caymal - 30000

Alarte Nade Adovodie - 15000

ParaviaCoil - • 60000

Bayella Nade.
Mangalette Naire
Manetane Naire
Callepatte Naire
Tcyka Patte Nairc
Motrcl Naire

In all 1262000

Fit to carry Arms. Then

of the Eaft Indies. 291

There are feveral other Principalities in this
Country, that I do not find mentioned in this
Lift, as Cannanore and Tarmore^ whofe Govern-
ment are in the Hands of Mahometans or Ma-
lobar Moors. The Kingdoms of Couchin and
Parcat are not put down in the Lift, nor Paa^
roWj which are potent Principalities ^ and the
Samoririy or Empire of Calecut^ one of the moft
potent of them all, has no Place in this Lift. But

This Country, tho' large and populous, is not
fruitful in Corn, for there is Abundance of Rice
imported from Canard i but, being low and
&ndy all along the Sea-coaft, except a few ri-
fing Grounds, which are the moft fteril, yet it
fiouriflies vaft Numbers of Cocoa-nut and A-
recka Trees, whofe Fruit brings them great
Gains from other Countries. The higher
Grounds produce Pepper and Cardamums^ the
bcft in the World ; and their Woods Teak-Tim-
ber and Angelique for building. Sandal- wood,
or Saunders, white and yellow CaJJia Lignum^
or wild Cinnamon, and CaJJta Fiftula^ Nux vo^
ndca^ and Cocolus India. Eh-ugs grow plentifully
in their Woods, which are alfo well ftored
with wild Game, both for Pleafure and Ufe.
Their Mountains produce Iron and Steel, but
not fo good as we have in Europe. And their
Sea is ftored with many Species of excellent
Fifties.

When the Portugueze came firft into Indiay
the Samorin of Calecut w^as Lord Paramount of
Malabar ; and, in his Dotage, when he was

U 2 well

2g2 A Kew Account

well advanced in Years^ he would needs be a
Mahomet an J and, to (hew his Zeal^ would gci
in Pilgrimage to Mecca^ to vifit the ToniS)^
Before he took his Voyage, which was by Sea,
he made a Will, and having four NephewS|
bequeathed each of them a Part of h^ Em-
pire. To the eldeft he bequeathed Cajlijlrei^
whofe Sea- coaft reaches from Decully to Ticorie^
about 24 Leagues. To the fecond, whom he
loved beft, the Title of Samorin^ and a Sea-coaft
from Ticorie to Chitawa, about the fame Difbnce;
To the third jitiinga^ which reached from C&i-
taiva to Cape Comeriny about 50 Leagues, bc-
caufe that Part of the Country is confined be-
tween the Sea and the Mountains of Gatti^ aod
is divided by Rivers from thofe Mountains, iott)
more than 1000 Iflands between C&/r^nM and
S^oiloan. The youngeft had G?//, which reach-
ed from Cape Comerin to the River of Naja^
tam^ about 50 Leagues more.

The old Zealot dying in his Vo)rage, made
great Diflurbances in the State among the
Brothers ; and, after the long and bloody War,
they concluded on the Partitions of the fore-
going Lift. Many of the Tribes continue To-
butaries to the Provinces mentioned in the old
King's Will ; but many more are independent.
And fo ril return to Deciilly\ and proceed in
my Obfcrvations along the Shore.

Between Decully and Mount Deity there is
no Harbour, tlio' a fine deep River keeps its
Courfe to the Southward, along the Shore, kn

I about

of the ^^ Indies. ipj

boat 8 Leagues, never, in all that Trad, go-
tig above a Bow-(hot from the Sea. It difem-
lOgues itfelf by the Foot of Mount Delfy^ over
locks and Sands, in a Channel of half a League
xroad. The Inhabitants are a wild fuperftitious
incivilized People. There is alfo a fmall River
hat runs clofc by the Foot of Mount Delfy^
m the Soifth Side. And three Leagues South
torn the Mount Deify is a fpacious deep River,
ailed Balliapatam, where the Englijh Company
[iad once a Factory for Pepper ; and the afore-
mentioned Mr. Boucher was the laft Chief for
iheir Affairs there.

Cannanore was formerly a Town belonging
to the Crown of Portugal^ with a very ftrong
Fort to guard it, built on a Point of Land fo
tommodioufly, that the Sea fortified above four
Fifths of it, and had the Conveniency of a
finall Bay for an Harbour, that could (belter
finall Ships from the Fury of the South- weft
Monfoons. The Dutch came with a Fleet a-
bout the Year 1 660. and landed a fmall Army,
atid were joined by a great Number of the Na-
tives, who were weary of the Tyranny of the
Portugueze. The very firft Day that they o-
pened their Trenches a Portugueze Pidalgo was
killed on a Baftion, by a Shot from the Dutcb^
tvhich fo frightncd the Governor of the Fort,
that, in the Night, he made his Efcape, and
left the Garifon to capitulate for themfelves,
which they did next Day, to fave the Effufion
cf Obriftian Kood by heretical Cannon.

U 3 The

294 -^ ^^^ Account

The Dufcb continue fiill Mailers c£ the Fort,
and added a large Curtain, with. two royal Baf-
tions fronting the Land Avenues. They de-
molxfhed the Town, and, with its Stones, bu3t
thofe Defences. Their Trade is very fmall, ib
that their Garifon confifts of about forty SoUh
crs and a Captain, who is Governor of tbc
Fort : But there is a pretty large Town built in
the Bottom of the Bay, that is independent of
the Dutch J and that Town, with foncie cir-
cumiacent Country, is under the GoveranieDt
of Jidda Rajab^ a Mahometan Malabar Priooe,
who, upon Occafion, can brii^ near 20000
Men into the Field. His Government is not
abfolute, nor is it hereditary; and, inflead of
giving him the Trofl of the Treafury which
comes by Taxes and Merchandize, they have
Chefts DTiade on Purpofe, with Holes made in
their Lids, and their Coin being all Gold, what-
ever is received by the Treafurer, is put into
thofe Chefts by thefe Holes ; and each Cbeft
has four Locks, and their Keys are put in the
Hands of the Rajab^ the Commiflioner of
Trade, the chief Judge, and the Treafurer ; ai)4
when there is Occafion for Money, none can
be taken out without all thefe four be prefent,
or their Deputies.

In Amio 1668. the Prince came into d)c
Dutch Fort to pay a Compliment to the Cap-
tain. He had brought about 50 Attendants
with him. While the Prince was compliment-
ing the Captain^ the Malabars took the Oppor-
tunity

of the Eaft Indies. 295

tunity of the Dutch Security, and killed the
Centinel at the Gate ; but the Dutch Soldiers
being all in their Barracks, and their Arms
feady, made a feafonable Sally, and drove the
Malabar s out, with the Lofs of twenty of their
Number ; and the Dutch (hut their Gate. The
Fort is lai^, and the Governor's Lodgings at a
good Diftance from the Gate, fo that the Fray
was over before either the Prince or the Dutch
Captain knew any Thing of the Matter ; and
an Officer bringing the News, the Prince order-
ed a Search to be made for the Ringleader, and
being found, he fentenced him to be fmeared
over with Honey, and made fad to a Cocoa-nut
Tree in the Sun till he died. Next Morning
the Sentence was put in Execution. Thofe Co*
eoa-nut Trees producing a fweet Liquor called
Toddy ^ bring vaft Numbers of Wafps and large
red Ants to drink the Liquor. Thofe Ants
bite as painfully as the Stinging of Wafps. When
the Sun begins to be hot, they leave the Top
of the Tree, and burrow in Holes about the
Root. In their Paflage downward they fixed on
the Carcafs befmeared with the Honey, and
foon burrowed in the Flefti. The poor Mifcre-
ant was three Days in that fenfible Torment be-
fore he expired. The Dutch Captain begged
every Day for a Pardon, or at leaft for a milder
or quicker Death ; but the Prince was inexorable.
In Anno 1702. I hired a Ship called the Al-*
hemarle^ in Service of the new eftablifhed Eaji^
India Company, to ferve me three Months and

U 4 an

^()6 A 'New \Aeco9inl^

an half on a Voyage from &irat to the Mabb&
Coaft, and back ; and having Occafion to oH
at Onrnamortj I accompanied the Captain of die
Fort and an Englijh Fader frotn TeUicbenj to
the Cburt of Omnitree^ SocceiTor to the eldeft
Son of the 5i7;970r/;^ before mentioned^ who dkd
in his Voyage towards Mecca. i

Captain Beawes^ who commanded the jMfi^
marie J accompanied us alfo, carrying a Drum
and two Trumpets with us^ to make our Comr^
pliment the more folemn. This was a Vifit
paid him by ail his Tributaries and Friends, ^
wiHi him many happy Years, it being his Birthi*
day. We travelled eight or ten Miles before
we came to his Palace, which was built widi
Twigs, and covered with Cadjans or Cocoa->nut
Tree Leaves woven together. Wc were ad-
mitted to his Prefence aflbon as we arrived, in
an open Green jufl by his Palace Window,
which looked into it, where fat his Majefty,
with his Queen, and three or four of his Chil-
dren, pretty well grown up, Wc paid our
Compliment each with a Zequeen in Gold, and
a few Grains of Rice laid on it, and fo, by an
Interpreter we had fome frivolous Difconrfe.
lie treated us with ^oddy, fomc Plcntnini,
and young Cocoa-nuts-; and then, after an
Hour's Stay, we had Audience of Leave, and
fo departed.

Omviiree himfelf was a Man of a good Af-
peifl, about 40 Years of Age, of an Olive Co-
lour. His Drefs was only a Silk Lungie or

Scarf

of she Eaft Indies. a 9/

Scarf imde faft hy a Girdle o£ Gold Plate^' a«-
bout his Middle, that reached to his Knees, with
great Jewels of mafly Gold, fet with Rubies,
Efneraids * and Pearl, hanging at his Ears, biit
DO Ornament on his Head, btit a very beautiful
Head of Hair banging over his Shoulder^;.
His Queen and Ehughters were in the fame
Habit, only their Hair was tied up behind.
They were ail naked above the Navel , and were
bttre*footed. The Queen had a cheerful Coun-*
tenance, and very afiable to us and others, who
had the Honour to fland near heh, diflributing
Bettle and Arecka with her own royal Hands,
to Strangers, who came, as we did, to Gompli-
ment the Prince her Hufband.
^ About the Year i68o, there were three
Princes of the royal Blood, who confpired to cut
him and his Family off, to poflels themfdves
of the Government of Callifiree ; but being de«
tested, they were beheaded on Altars built of
Stonb. About two Miles from Cantmnore the
Akars were ftanding when I was there. They
Were only fquare Piles of hewn Stone, about
three Yards high, and four Yards each Side.

Jidda Rajab's Dominions reach but ten Miles
to the Southward of Cannamre^ to TeOicberry
RivcTi near which he has aa Harbour called
Dtn-mepatam. Its Paflage inward is deep enough,
but embarafled with Rocks in its Entrance. It
has an liland again ft its Mouth, called Caeca
Diva^ about half a League from the Shore, in-
Tironed with Rocks.

Jdda

spS ^ New AccouHt

Adda 'Rajah has alfo the Dominion over the
Jjuca Diva Iflands, which lie about 40 Leagues
off the Malabar Cbaft, between the Latitudes
of eight Degrees and an half and twelve and aa
half. I have feen eighteen of them. Tbey are
all very low, and have many dangerous Shoab
among them^ and to the Northward of them.
The Channel between them and the Mal^va
lilands, is called the eight Degree ChanneL
There are no Dangers in it, and fometimes we
pafs through without feeing either the Maidiva$^
or them. There is another Channel through
them in 1 1 Degrees Latitude.

Their Produd is only Cocoa-nuts and Fiilu
Of the Cocoa-nut Kernels they expreis OO,
which is fine and clear, fitting for Lamps ; and,
when it is new, ferves their Kitchins. Of the
Rind of the Nut they make CayoTy which are
the Fibres of the Ca(k that environs the Nat
fpun fit to make Cordage and Cables for Ship-
ping, and for feveral other Ufes. Their Fiih
they dry, and export to the Continent. Some-
times in the Southweft Monfoons they find Am-
ber-greafc floating on the Sea. I faw a Piece in
Adda Rajab'sPoffcffion^ as big as a Bufhel, and
he valued it at 1 0000 Rupees, or 1250 X,. SterL
What Religion they have is Mahometan^ for no
other Reafon but becaufe their Prince is fo,
which Complaifance may teach- others a Leffon
of Conformity.

The next Province to Adda Rajab^s Domini-
ons is Tellicherry^ where th- Englijh Eaft-b^a

I Company

of the Eaft Indies. 299

Company has a Factory, pretty well fortified
with Stone Walls and Cannon. The Place
where the Fadtory now ftands belonged to the
French^ who left the Mud- walls of a Fort built
by them, to ferve the Englijh when they firft
fi^tled there, and for many Years they continu-
ed fo, but of late no fmall Pains and Charge
have been beftowed on its Buildings ; but fc^
what Reafon I know not, for it has no River
near it that can want its Protection, nor can it
defend the Road from the Infults of the Ene-
mies, unlefs it be for fmall VeiTels that can come
within fome Rocks that lie half a Mile off, or
to protedt the Company's Ware-houfe, and a
Punch-houie that ftands on the Sea*{hore a (hort
Piftol-fhot from the Garifon.

The Town ftands at the Back of the Fort,
within Land, with a Stone Wall round it, to
keep out Enemies of the Chiefs making, for ia
1703. he began a War that ftill continues, at
I«ft there were Folks killed in 1723. when I
was there ; and I was informed by a Gentleman
of Judgment there, that the War and Fortifica-
tions had taken Double the Mpney to maintain
them that the Company's Inveftments came to.

The Occafion of the War, as I was inform*
cd, began about a Trifle. The Nayer^ that
was Lord of the Mannor, had a Royalty, for
every Veflel that unladed at Tellicberryy paid
two Bales of Rice Duty to him. There was
another Royalty of every tenth Fifh that came
to the Market there, and both together did not

amount

30O ji New Account

zmaaai tQ 20 L. per Antmm. The Chief eidm
appropciftted thefe Realties to his own, or the
Company's Ufc, and the Nayer complained of
the iDJuHiice, but had no Redrefs. Thefe little
Duties were the beft Part of the poor Ha^i
Subfiftence, which made it the harder to bear,
fo his Friends advifed him to repei Force by
Force, and di/lurb the Factory what he could,
which he accordingly did ( by the fecret Ailift-
, ance of his Friends ) for above 20 Years. The
Company are the beft Judges whether the War
is like to bring any Profit to their Ai&in
there, or no.

The eftabliflied Religion of this Country it
Paganijm ; but there arc a few black Chrijtiatis
that live under the ProteiUon of the Faflory,
and fomc of them ferve for Soldiers iii thcQi*
rifon. They have a litde Church Handing with-
in the outward Wall of the Fadlory, fervedbf
a Portugueze Prieft or two, who get their Sub-
£ftence by the Alms of the PariHi. And the
Englijh Irave Punch-houfts, where the Eurvpm
Soldiers make Oblations to Bacchus^ and if Uwy
want Devotion, which their Accounts can ctr-
tify at Pay-day, they are forced to comnwtt
with their Oflicer, or undergo fome wholfooi
Difcipline or Chaltifement.

About four Miles 10 the South\vnrd of 'tiB-
cJxrry, isafmall French VAdory bttly fctttotae
the Mouth of a fmail River, but for wh|t "
I know not ; but I bcltcw ro«* W
little Stock i. 1 ilic

of the Eafl; Indies 301

toil's AcxxDont, than for the French Company^*
'.^ Aod eight, or ten Miles farther to the South*
ward, is Burgara^ a Sear-port in the I>ominion8
of B^dlanore Burgarie^ a S^rmidabk Prince.
(lis Country produces Pepper, and the htH Car-i
4amums m the World. I once called at his
Port, and bought 40 Tuns of Cardamums for
the Surat Market. My Ship was large, and of
good Focce, fo he fent me a Prefent of Poultry
and Fruits^ and ient me Word, that he had a
Mind to fee me on board my Ship. I returned
Anfwer, that his Vifit would do me great Ho-
nour, and I fent my Barge to wait on him.
He came on board in her, and brought about
100 Attendants in other Boats, along with him.
I carried him to the great Cabbin, and would
have treated him with CoflFce, Tea and Wine,
pr Spirits, but he would tafte none, telling me
that my Water was polluted by our Touch, but
be thanked me. He deiired to fee the Ship eve*
ry where ; fo I ordered he (hould have free
I^iberty, and he went for an Hour to and again,
making his Obfervations ; and, when he had
feen what he thought fit, he told mie, that he
woukl build a Ship of the fame Dimenfions,
but there wanted Water enough in his Rivers to
float her.

This Prince, and his Predeceflbrs, have been
Lords of the Seas, Time out of Mind ; and all
trading VefTels between Cape Comerin and D^-
maan^ were obliged to carry his Pafles. Thofe
of one Maft paid for their Paflfes about eight

Shillings

301 A New Account

Shillings yearly^ and thole with three paid ahoat
fixteen; but when the Portugueze fettled in
Itidiay then they pretended to the Sovere^nty
of the Seas, wnich occafioned a War between
him and them, that has lafted ever iince. He
keeps fome light Gallies, that row and iail very
well, which cruize along the Coafl, from CX?a-
Ber to May, to make Prize of all who have not
his Pais. In our Difcourfe, I afked him if he
was not afraid to venture his Peribn on board of
a Merchant Ship, fince he himfelf was an E-
nemy to all Merchants that traded on thefe
CoaAs. He anfwered, that he had heard of
my Character, and that made him fearlefs, and
that he was no Enemy to Trade, but only
vindicated his Sovereignty of thofe Seas before
mentioned, and that our own King was inveft-
ed with the like Sovereignty, not only on his
own Coafts, but on thofe of France^ Holland^
and Denmark^ and could have no greater Right
than he had, only he was in a better Conditioo
to oblige the TranfgrejQTors of his Laws to Obe-
dience than he was : However, he would main-
tain his Claim and Right the beft Way he could,
and whoever loft their Ships or Veflels for Con-
tempt of his Authority, might blame their own
Obftinacy or Folly, and not him.

He flayed about three Hours on board, and,
at his going away, I prefented him with five
Yards of fcarlet Cloth, a fmall Carpet, a Fowl-
ing-piece, and a Pair of Piftols finely gilt, which
Trclcnt he fcemed highly pleafed with 3 and be

took

oj theV^^ Indies. 3 o j

tpok a Manila^ or Wrift-jewel, ofF from his
left Arm, on which was engraven fomething of
their Language, in their own Charadcrs, and
putting it on my left Arm, declared me a free
benizon in all his Territories ; and all his Atten-
dants paid their Compliments to me with pro-
found Refpe6t. At his going over the Side, he
gave the Boatfwain ten Zequeem for waiting on
nim while he viewed the Ship, and ten more for
the Seamen to make aFeaft; and when my Barge
landed him, he gave the Cockfwain five Ze^
queens^ and loaded her back with Poultry and
Fruit. He was a very well-(hap*d Man, about
40 Years of Age, of a very dark Colour, but
not quite black, his Eyes very lively and fpark-
ling, and fomething of a majeflic Air in his
Deportmentt,

Next Day I waited on him afliore, and he
carried me to his Palace, which was very mean-
ly built of Reeds, and covered with Cocoa-nut
Leaves, but very neat and clean. He had two
Rows of Bettle Trees, which are very tall and
ilraight, fet in Order about 50 Yards from the
Door of his Palace, for it was not large enough
to be called a Gate, and there he treated me
with Rice, Fowl and frefh Fifli after their Way;
and, after Dinner he (hewed me, feveral Ware-
houfes like Barns, full of black Pepper and Car-
damums i and he told me, he wondered why
the Englijh did not fettle a Fa<9:ory in his Do-
minbns rather than at Calecut or Tellicherry^
for he fupplied both thefe Countries with his

Commodities ;

J04 ^ -^^ Account

Gxnmodities ; and, oonfidering the Coftomi
pftjd to him were but 5 per Cent, and what was
carried into tbdr Cbuntries muft pay other Cii£-
toms to the PrinceSy the Company would find
Pepper and Cardanoims much cheaper in his Do-
nunioDS than they poffiUy could find them at
their Fadories where they were iettled. I told
him that ibxling his Vefleb to cruize on Mer-
chant Ships had Uafled the Rq>utation of 1»
Country. He anfwered, that if the Company
would make a Trial of a few Years in fndiif
with him, they would be convinced of his £ur
Dealings ; or, if I would come and flay in \m
Country, he would build a good Stone Houic at
his own Charge, and make a Fortification roand
it, in any Pla^ that I (hould choofe in his Do-
minions, and that I (hould be Superintendent of
all the Cbnunerce and Trade in his Country. I
told him, that I could not accept of his Fa-
vours without the Approbation of our Compa-
ny, and that would require Time to be got.
This happened in January I703.

In 1707. he buDt a new Ship, which I had
a Mind to buy. I was then at Qmcbin^ and
fcnt him Word, that I defigned him a Vifit
He returned an Anfwer, that I was a Freeman
in his Country, and might be afTured of a hearty
Welcome. About ten Days after I came in a
fmall Boat, to a Place belonging to him, callec^
Mealie. When News of my Arrival were car-
ried to him, he fent a Perfon of Diftindion,
with twenty armed Men^ to receive me, and

ordered

of the Eaft Indies. 505

ordered me to be lodged in a Stone Houfe, the
common Place for AmbafTadors to lodge in^
when any had Bufinefs to come to him. The
Bedding was only fome Mats Ipread on a Couch >/
but it is the common Bedding of the Country,
alid his Highnefs has no better. Before I was
conduced to my Lodgings, there was a Pre-
lent of Rice, Butter, Hens, Fruit and Roots
put into a Pantry for me, and my Retinue and
Guard, fcv Supper. Next Morning he lent a
Compliment, that he defired to fee me at his
Palace. I went accordingly, and he received
me very gracioufly, with many Proteftations of
his Friendihip, and told me, he would make
good all that he had promifed before, if I
would continue in his Cbuntry. I returned his
Compliment in the propereft Terms I could,
aiid told him, I came to kifs his Hand, and to
buy his new Ship, if he and I could agree. He
told me,^hat I fliould have her at a very rea-
fonable Price, but that his Religion forbad him
to fell any Ship that he cither built or bought,
^ill he had firft employed her in one Voyage
hlmfelf. I ftayed feven Days in his Country,
and he treated me after the fame Manner as if
I had been an Ambaflador, in defraying all my
Charges, and allowing his own Servants to at*
^ tend me.

When I went to his PaLice the firft Time,
I was innocently guilty of ill Manners j for,
walking with him near his Lodgings, I chanced
to tOHdi the Thatch with my fiUt, which poU

V x> L. I. X luted

3o6 A Ne^ Amount

luted it fo much, that, aflbon as I went away^
he (Iripp'd it of its Covering, becaufe Re^oa
forbad him to deep under it when it was thus
polluted; but it was foon re-lan<3ified by a
new Thatching. If any of his own Sutjeds
had been guilty of the fame Fault, diey oolig^
have run in Danger of lofii^ their Lives £)r
the Oflfence.

I daily received for my Table fix Hens, two
Pounds cf Butter, five and twenty Pound We^
of Rice, a Quarter of a Pound of Pepper, and
fome Salt, fome Bettle Leaves, and green ^-
recka^ with twenty young, and ten old Cocoa-
nuts, but noFi(h, which was a favourite IMx
of mine. I fent my own Servants to the Ftfli-
ing-boats, when they came from fifhing, to
buy fome ; but the poor Fellows durfi: not take
a Peny of Money, yet fupplied me with what
Fifh I wanted, and my Servants took their Op-
portunity to pay for them, when none of the
Prince's Servants were prefent.

When I took leave to depart, he feemed to
be forry that I flayed fo (hort a Time with him,
and ordered two Days Provifions to be put in-
to my Boat, and I prefented the Officer that
waited on me to the Sea Side with five Zequem
for a Feaft of Bettle to him and his Compani-
ons. I do not certainly know how far foutberly
this Prince's Dominions reach along the Sca-
coaft, but I believe to Tecorie^ about twelve
Miles from Mealie^ and in the half Way is Grf-
tica^ which was famous for privateering on all

2 Ships

of /i&f Eaft Indies. 507

Shif^ and Veflels that traded without their
Lord's Pafs:

There is a Rock lies ofF Cottica about eight
Miles in the Sea, which bears the Name of Sa^
crifice Rock. There are no Diangers near it for
Ships to be afraid of. How it came by its Name
is uncertain ; but common Tradition tells us,
that when the Portugueze fettled firft at Calecut^
which lies about feven Leagues South-eaft of
iStm Rock, the Cottica Cruizers furprifed a For-'
tugueze Veffel, and facrificed all their Prifoners
en that Rock, which gave Name to it. It is
obfervable, that tho' the Portugueze got Foot-
ing in all the Dominions of the Princes whofe
Lands reach to the Sea-fhore of Malabar y yet
they never could get a Foot of Ground in the
Balanores Country y tho' many Trials hayebeen
made, and fair Means ufed to effedl it.

CHAP. XXV.

Objervations on the Samorin and his
Country y their Religion^ Laws and
CullomSy ProduSi of the Country and
its Commerce ; an Account of their
H^ar with the Dutch, begun m Anno
1708; and the Confequences of it.

H E Samoriris G)untry reaches along the
Sea-coaft from TCicori to Cbitwa, about

X 2 twenty

5o8 'A New Accmtnt

twenty two Leagues. Hk duef Gty ( if k
may be called one ) is Cakcut^ where he geoe*
rally refides* His Palace is built of Scon^
and there is ibme &int RefemMancr of Gian*
deortobe ieen about his Court £k is reck-
oned the moft powerful King on the Sca-coaft
€i Malabar y and nas the beft Trade in his Coon-
try, which makes both himielf and
richer than their Ne^bours. The Em^
had a Fadory there many Years, but now
Cliief and the Fadlors are rcmovol to TeXdfer'
ry, and what Quantities of Pepper they pro-
cure there by their black Servants, is knt bv
Sea to ^eUicberry. The French have alfi> a (hnu
Fadory, fettlea in Anno 1698* but they aie
not in a Condition to carry on a Trade for want
X)f Money and Credit : And the Portugutu
have a Cnurch, but poorly decorated, and pi-
tifully endowed, for Cbri/iian Charity is much
decayed there as well as in other Places;
and the PrieAs Perquiiites are but imall by
Converts.

The Produd of the Samorin^s Country is Pep-
per in Abundance, Bettle-nxxl and Cocoa-nut,
and that Tree produccth Jaggerv^ a Kind (rf
Sugar, and Copera, or the KerneU of the Not
dried, and out of thofe Kernels there is a very
clear Oil cxprcft ; alfo Sandel-wood, Iron, Caf^
Jia lignum and Timber for building, all which
Commodities they export to the great Benefit of
the Inhabitants.

Maoy

£^ /^ Eaft Indies* 509

Msmy (faange Cuftoms were obferved in this
Country in former Times, and fome very odd
ones are fiill continued. It was an antient Cuf-
tom for the Samorin to reign but twelve Years,
and no longer. If he died before his Term was
expired, it (aved him a troubleibm Ceremony of
cutting his own Throat, on a public Sca^ld
erefled for thatPurpofe. Hefirft made a Feaft
for all his Nobility and Gentry, who are very
numerous. After the Feaft, he faluted hk
Guefts, and went on the Scaffi)ld, and very de-
cendy cut his own Throat in the View of the
Affonbly, and his Body was, a little While af-
ter, burned with great Pcxnp and Ceremony,
tad the Grandees deded a new Samorin. Whe-
ther that Cuftom was a religious or a dvil Ce-
lemony I know not, but it is now laid aiide.

And a new Cuftom is followed by the mo-
dem SamorinSj that a Jubilee is proclaimed
throughout his Dominions, at the End of twelve
Years, and a Tent is jntched for him in a
fpadous Plain, and a great Feaft is celdxated for
ten or twdve Days with Mirth and Jolity, Guns
firing Ni^t and Day, fo at the End of the
Feaft any four o£ the Guefts that have a Mind to
gain a Crown by a defperate Action, in fighing
their Way through 30 or 40000 of Ms Guards,
and kill the Samorin in his Tent, he that kills
him, fucceeds him in his Empire.

hi Amo 1 695. one of thofe Jubilees happened,
and the Tent pitched near Feunany^ a Sea-port
of his, about fifteen Leagues to the Southward

X 3 of

5IO A New j4ccoMit

of Cakcut. There were "but three Men that
would venture on that defperate Adlioo, who
fell in, with Sword and Target, amoi^ the
Guards, and, after they had killed and woond*
ed many, were themfelves killed. One of the
Tkjperados had a Nephew of fifteen or fixteen
Years of Age, that kept clofe by his Uncle in
the Attack on the Guards, and, when he &w
him fall, the Youth gpt through the Guards in*
to the Tent, and make a Stroke at his Majef*
ty's Head, and had certainly difpatched him, if
a large Brafs Lamp which was burning over his
Head, had not marred the Blow ; but, before
he could make another, he was killed by the
Guards s and, I believe, the fame Samoriti
reigns yet. I chanced to come tliat Time along
the Coafl, and heard the Guns for two or tbite
Days and Nights fucceilively.

When the Samorin marries, he mufl not co-
habit with his Bride till the Nambourie or chief
Prieft has enjoyed her, and, if he pleafes, may
have three Nights of her Company, becaufe
the firft Fruits of her Nuptials muft be an holy
Oblation to the God (lie worfhips : And feme
of the Nobles are fo complaifant as to allow
the Clergy the fame Tribute ; but the common
People cannot have that Compliment paid to
them, but are forced to fupply the Priefls Places
themfelves. Any Women, except the firft
Quality, may marry twelve Hufbands if they
pleafe, but cannot have more at one Time, and
they muft all be of their own Caji^ or Tribe,

under

of the Eafl: Indies. 311

tinder Pain of Excommunication and Degradati-
on of Honour, if (he marries into a lower
Tribe ; and the Men are under the fame Penal-
ty if they tranfgre^ that Law, but they are not
confined to a fet Number of Wives, as the
Women are to Hufhands.

When a Woman is married to the firft of
her HufbandSy {he has an Houfe built for her
own Conveniency, and that Hufband cohabits
with her till ihe ukes a fecond, or fo many as
(he is prefcpbed by Law, and the Hufbands a-
grec very well, for they cohabit with her in
their Turns, according to their Priority of Mar-
riage, ten Days, more or lefs, according as they
can fix a Term among themfelves, and he that
cohabits with her, maintains her in all Things
Bcceflary, for his Time, fo that (he is plentifully
provided for by a conflant Circulation.

When the Man that cohabits with her goes
into her Houfe; he leaves his Arms at the Etoor,
and none dare remove them, or enter the Houfe,
on Pain of Death 5 but, if there are no Arms
to guard the Door, any Acquaintance may free-
ly vifit her. And all the Time of Cohabitation
flie ferves her Hufband as Purveyor and Cook,
and keeps his Clothes and Arms clean.

When fhe proves with Child, (he nominates
its Father, who takes Care of its Education, af-
ter ftie has fuckled it, and brought it to walk or
ipeak ; but the Children are never Heirs to
their Fathers Eftates, but the Father's Sifter's
Children are, and if there are none, then to the

X 4 neareft

311 jd Nevo Account '

jieareft in Con(anguinity from his Grandmother*
And this Cuftom is alio pra£tifed among the
Mahometan Malabars.

There are many Degrees or Dignities in the
Church as well as in the State. The Namhu*
ries are the firfl: in both Capacities of Church
and State, and fome of them are Popes, being
fovereign Princes in both. The Brabmam or
Bramanies are the fecond in the Church only.
The Buts or Magicians are next to them, ami
are in great Veneration. Tht Nitfers or Gen-
tlemen are next, and are very numerous. The
Teyvees are the Farmers of Cocoa-nut Trees,
and are next to the Gentry. Merchants are of
all Orders, except Nambouries^ and are in fome
Efleeni. The Poidias produce the Labourers
and Mechanics. They may marry into lower
Tribes without Danger of Excommunication,
and fo may the Muckwas or Fifliers, who, I
think, are a higher Tribe than the Poulsas^ but
the Poulicbees ars the loweft Order of human
Creatures, and are excluded from the Benefit of
human and divine Laws.

If a Poulia or Teyvee meet a Nayer on the
Road, he muft go afide to let his Wor(hip pals
by, left the Air (hould be tainted, on Pain of
a fevcre Chaftifemcnt, if not of Death ; but
the Poulicbees are in a much worfe State, for
by the Law, they are not permitted to convcrfe
with any other Tribe, nor can they wear any
Sort of Cloth, but only a little Straw made faft
before their Privities, with a Line round their

Middle.

of the Eaft Indies. 315

Middle. They are not permitted to build

Houfes or Huts on the Ground, nor to inhabit

the Plains where there is Corn Ground, but

mufl dwell in Woods, and build on the Boughs

of Trees, like Birds, with Grafe and Straw. If

accidentally they fee any Body coming towards

them, they will howl like Dogs, and run a-

way, left thoie of Quality fhould take Offence

at dieir breathing in the fame Air that they do.

They are not permitted to till and fow the

Ground, only in obfcure Places of the Woods

they pknt Fruits and Roots, whofe Seeds they

ileal from their neighbouring Gardens in the

Plains, in the Night ; and if they are caught

ilealing. Death is their Punifhment, on the

Spot where they are taken, without any Form

or Procefs of Law. When they want Food,

they come to the Skirts of their Woods, and

howl like Foxes, and the charitable PouUas and

Teyvees relieve them with Rice boiled or raw,

and fome Cocoa-nuts and other Fruits, which

they lay down in a convenient Place; and

when dieir Benefadors come within twenty

Paces of them vnxh their Alms, they walk off,

and let the Poulicbees come to their Food, which

they forthwith carry into the Woods. They are

very fwift in running, and cunning in catching

wild Beafls and Fowl ; but they have few or no

Fifh among the Mountains.

The inferior Tribes have Liberty of Confci-
ence in fencying their Deities, and worfliip-
ping them. I have fccn, at many Muckwa^

Houfes

314 A New jiccouttt .

HooieSy a fquare Stake of Wood/ with a few
Notches cut about it, and that Stake drove into
the Ground, about two Foot of it being left a-
bove, and Htvax is covered with Cadjans or Cocoa-
nut Tree Leaves, and is a Temple and a God
to that Family. Some worihip the firft Animal
they fee in the Morning, let it be Cat, Ddg or
Serpent, and^they pay their Adorations to it the
whole Day. Others choofe a Tree of their Fa-
ther's or fome dear Friend's planting, and that
he gets confecrated, and it then becomes his
God ; bat they all believe the immortality of
the Soul and Tranfmigration, and the Adorati-
on of the great God, of whcnn they have many
wild Opinions.

The great God's Image they neither can fim-
cy nor make, but believe, that he fent an hage
large Fowl fi'om Heaven, that laid a fwinging
Egg in the Sea, and, in Procefs of Time, it
was hatch'd by the Sun, and forth came the
World, with all Animals, Vetcgables, Gf^.that
inhabit it now ; and that poor jidam was fet a-
lone on the Top of an high Mountain in Zeabh
ariy which is ^led, to this Day, Baba Adam^
from that Tradition, but, being tired of fo
lonerom a Life, he defcended into the Plain,
and there he met with Hevab^ whom he prc-
fently knew to be his Kinfwoman, and they
ftruck Hands, and were there married.

The great Men of the Clergy build Temples,
but they are neither large nor beautiful. Their
Images are all black, and deformed^ accordii^

oj the Eaft Indies. 315

as diey fancy the infernal Gods to be (haped,
who, they believe, have fome Hand in govern^
ii^ the World, particularly about benign or
malignant Seafons tliat happen in the Produ<^i«
ons or Sterility of the Earth, for which Reafbn
they pay a lateral Adoration to them. Their
Images are all placed in dark Temples, and are
never feen but by Lamp-light^ that burns con-
tinually before them.

When criminal Cafes are brought before the
Magiftrate, that vjrant the Evidence of Witnef-
ies to fupport them, the Trial of Troth is by
Ordeal. The accufed Perfon is obliged to put
his bare Head into a Pot of boiling Oil, and if
any BliAer appears, the Party is found guilty ;
and I have been credibly informed, both by
'Bnglijh and Dutch Gentlemen, as well as Na-
tives, that had feen the Trial, that the innocent
Ferfon has not been in the lead affected with
the fcalding Oil, and then the Punifhment due
to the Crime, is inflicted on the Accufer.

The Samorin entered into a War with the
Vutcb Eafi'lndia Company in Anno 1714. and
the Chief of the Englijb Fa^ry, wno was a
privy Couniellor to the Samorin had a great
Hand in promoting it. The Quarrel began a-
bout a foiall Fort that the Dutch were building
at Cbitwa. The Ground whereon it flood was
a defert M orafs by the River's Side, and was
claimed both by the King of Coucbin and the
Samorin. The King of Couchin made over his
Qlaim to the Dutch, who nude fmall Account

who

3 16 ji New jiccount

who had the beft Ude, but carried on thdr
Work with Dil^ncc. The Samorin, with,
and by the Advice of his Council, got feme of
his Soldiers to be entred into the Dutch Service,
under the Diiguife of daily Labourers to cany
Stones, Mortar, &c, for building the Fort, and
to take their Opportunity to lie in Ambufcade
in a Morais overgrown with Reeds near the Fort
Two Dutch Lieutenants, who had the overfee*
ing of the Work, were one Evening diverting
themfelves with a Game at Tables in a Guard
Room about half a Mile from the Fort. Tbey
had let fome of their Dutch Soldiers go draggling
alm)ad, and the Sentinels were carelefs under
the Security of Friendfliip, which gave the dif-
gttifed Workmen an (^portunity to kill the
Sentinels^ and make their Signal for the Am-
bufcade, who^ in a few Minutes, took the half-
built Fort. The Lieutenants came prcfently af-
ter, with what Forces they had, to retake it,
bur one being killed dead in advancing, the o-
ther thought it impradlicable to attack greater
Forces within than he had without, and fo em-
barked, with his Men, on board fmall Boots
for Couchirij about ten Leagues from Chitwa.

I fortuned to be at Coucbin when he and his
Men arrived, and, by a Court Martial, he was
fentenced to be (hot to Death, which Sentence
I faw executed. The Samorin*$ People next
Day ereded a Flag-flafF, and hoifted tfie Eng'-
UJh Flag, which the Englijh Chief had lent bjr
the Ambufcade, and immediately after fet about

2 dcmoliflung

of the Eaft Indies. 3 17

demolUhing the Walls^ that were built, of the
Fort, and carried off feme great Guns beloi^-
ing to the Dutch. And this was the Prelude of
the War,

I knew pretty well the Strength of the Anta-
gonifls, what Power the Samorin had, and what
Powers the Kings of Coucbin^ Paaru and Por-^
cat could aflift the Dutch with, and I wrote to
the Chief the Refolutions of the Dutch, and
advifed him not to embark himfelf or his Ma«
fiers in that Afiair, becaufe War was a diffe-
rent Province from his. He todc my Advice
£> ill, that he wrote to Bombay^ that I was in
the Dutch Intereft, oppoiite to the Right Ho-
nourable Company, and alfb to his Mafters in
England^ as if the Dutch Company could need
my Intereft, Advice or Affiftance ; but, as I
|iad forewarned him, he found the Samorin was
forced, after three Years War, to conclude a
difhonourable and difadvantageous Peace, where-
in he was oblig^ to build up the Fort he had
demolifhed, to pay the Dutch Company 7 per
Cent, on all the Pepper exported out of his Do-
minions for ever, and to pay a largp Sum to-
wards the Charges of the War. Some Part of
the Money, I believe, he borrowed.

Whether our Eaft-India Company got or loil
by that War, I know not, nor will I pretend
to pais Judgment on their Afiairs ; but this I
know, that the Chief loft a good Milk Cow.
for the Chie& of Cakcut, for many Years, had
vended between 500 and 1000 Chefts of Bengal

Opbiwn

3 18 A New Account

Ophium yearly up in the inland Countries, ^Tvhoe
it is very much ufed. The Water Carriage up
the River being cheap and fecure, the Vtkt ci
Ophium high, and the Price of Pepper lovir, fo
fo that their Profits were great both Ways ; for,
if I miftake not, the Company paid tne h^-
eft Prices for their Pepper, and the Mrjwi m
the Company's Pay, were employed about
the Chiefs Afiairs i and by the nnexpedcd
Turn of Affairs caufed by the War, that Trade
is Men intirely into tne Dutch Company's
Hands, and it will be a very difficult Tafk to
get it out again.

The Englijh Company were formerly fo
much re(pe£ted at Calecut^ that if any Debtor
went into their Factory for Protcdlion, none
durff prefume to go there to diff:urb them ; but
that Indulgence has been fometimes made an iQ
Ufe of, to the Detriment of Englijh private
Traders,

They have a good Way of arrefting Peopk
for Debt, viz. There is a proper Perfon fcnt
with a fniall Stick from the Judge, who is ge-
nerally a Brahman^ and when that Perfon finds
the Debitor, he draws a Circle round him widi
that Stick, and charges him, in the King and
Judge's Name, not to ftir out of it till the Cre-
ditor is fatisfied either by Payment or Surety ;
and it is wo lefs than Death for the Debtor to
break Prifon by going out of the Circle.

They make ufe of no Pens, Ink and Paper,
but write on Leaves of Flags or Reeds that grow

of the Eaft Indies* 319

in Morafles by the Sides of the Rivers. They
are generally about 1 8 Inches long, and one and
an half broad, tapering at both Ends, and a fhiall
Hole at one End for a String to pafs through.
It is thicker than our royal Paper, and very
tough. They write with the Point of a Bod-
kin niade for that Purpofe, holding the Leaf a-
thwart their left Thumb End over the foremoft
Finger, and what they have to write is indent-
edy or rather engraven into the Leaf, but is does
not pierce the Leaf above half Way through.
And on two or three of thele Leaves they'll
write as much as we can on a Sheet of fmall
Paper. All thdr Records are written fo on
Leaves, and they are Arung and rolled up in a
Scroll, and hung fbme Time in Smoke, and
then lock'd up in their Cabinets. And I have
ieen fome fuch leaves Smoke-dried, that, they
told me, were above 1 000 Years old.

In Amo 1703. about the Middle of Febru^
ary^ I called at Calecut in my Way to Surat,
and flanding into the Road, I chanced to flrike
on fbme of the Ruins of die funken Town
built by the Portugueze in former Times.
Whether that Town was fwallowed up by an
Earthquake, as fbme affirm, or whether it was
ondermined by the Sea, I wiX not determine ;
but (o it was, that in fix Fathoms at the main
Mafl, my Ship, which drew 2 1 Foot of Wa-
ter, fet fafl a-fore the Chefs-tree. The Sea
was fmooth, and, in a fhort Time, we got off
without Damage.

The

3 20 A New Account

The unfcMtunate Captain Green^ who was

afterwards hanged in 5r9/JU«^, came on board of
my Ship at San-(et^ very much overtaken with
Drinky and feveral of his Men in the fame
Condition. He told me, that he had fome
fmall Arms, Powder, Shot and Glafs- ware to dif-

Eofe of, and aiked me if I would take them off
is Hands at a very reaibnable Rate. I told
him, that next Morning I would fee them, and
perhaps be a Merhcant for them. He told me,
that the Arms and Ammunition were what was
left of a large Quantity that he had brought
from England^ but had been at Don Mafcbere^
nas and Madagajcar^ and had di(pofed of the
refl to good Advantage, among the Pirates, and
had carried fome Pirates from Don Mafcbere^
nas to St. Marfs.

I told him, that, in Prudence, he ought to
keep thefe as Secrets, left he might be brought in-
to Trouble about them. He made but litUe Ac-
count of my Advice, and fo departed.

About ten in the Night his chief Mate Mr.
Mather came on board of my Ship, and feemcd
to be very melancholy. He afked me, if I
thought one of my Mates would be induced to
go with Captain Green^ that he might be clear-
ed of his Ship, and he would give that Mate
that would accept of his Poft, a very confickr-
able Gratuity. I told him, that fuch a good
Port as he had on board the Worcejler was not
calily procured in India ^ for we feldom preferred
Strangers before we had a Trial of them.

of the EaO* Indies. ^ 321

. He burft out in Tears, and told me, he was
afraid that he was undone. I afked his Reafon
for his melancholy Conjecture. He anfwered,
that they had afted fuch Things in their Voy-
age, that would certainly bring them to Shame
and Punilhment, if they (hould come to Light j
and he was aflured, that fuch a Company of
Drunkards as their Crew was compofed of,
could keep no Secret, tho' the Difcovery (hould
prove their own Ruin. I told him, I was for-
ry for his Condition, and that I had heard at
Coiloatij that they had not adled prudently nor
honeftly in relation to fome Moors Ships they
had vifited and plundered, and in finking a Sloop,
with ten or twelve Europeans in her, off Coiloan.
He afked me if that was known at Coiloan. I
told him, that the People there made no Secret
of it, but as long as you did them no Harm,
you are welcome to their Trade. Next Day I
went aftiore, and met Captain Green and his
Supercargo Mr. Gallant ^ who had failed a Voy-
age from Sural to Sindy with me. Before Din-
ner-time they were both drunk, and Gallant
told me, that he did not doubt of making the
greateft Voyage that ever was made from Eng^
land on fo fmall a Stock as 500 Pounds. I wiih-
cd him Joy and Succefs, but told him, that we
Indians underftood none of thofe profitable Voy-
ages, but were well <:ontent with 30 or 40
per Gent.

In the Evening their Surgeon accofted me in
my Walk along the Sea Side, and afked if I

V o L. I. Y wanted

^22 A New Account

wanted a Surgeon. I told him I had two, and
both very good ingenious Men. He faidy he
wanted to ftay in hdia^ for his Life was uneafy
on board of his Ship ; that tho* the Captain was
civil enough, yet Mr. Mather was un^nd, and
had treated him with Blows for afkii^ a perti*
nent Quefiion at fome wounded Men, who
were hurt in the Engagement they had widi the
aforementioned Sloop. I heard too much to be
contented with their Condud, and fo I fhunn'd
their Converfation for the little Hme I fbid at
Calecut. Whether Captain Green and Mr. Mar
tber had Juftice impartially allowed them in
their Procefs and Sentence, I know not. I have
heard of as great Innocents condemned to Death
as they were.

About two Leagues to the Southward of Gf-
lecut^ is a fine River called Baypore^ capable lo
receive Ships of 3 or 400 Tuns. It has a fmall
ifland oft its Mouth, about half a Mile firom
the Shore, that keeps it £ife from the great Seas
brought on that Coaft by the South-weft Mon-
foons. Four Leagues more foutherly is Tatmn^
a Town of fmall Trade, inhabited by Mabme-
tans. They are a little free State, but pay an
Acknowledgement to the Samorin. Five Leagues
to the Southward of Tannore^ is Pennary^ men-
tioned before. It has the Benefit of a River,
and was formerly a Place of Trade. The French
and Knglijh had their Factories there, but woe
removed about the Year 1670. And about four

Leagues

of the Eaft Indies. 325.

Leagues more to the Southward, is Chitwa
J^ver^ which bounds the Samorm's Dominions
th^e South.

CHAP. XXVI.

Gwes an Account of Couchin Its Go^
vernment and Strength^ its ancient
and prefent State^ its ProduSi a7id
Commerce^ nsoithfome Account of the
Jews inhahitifig there.

THE King of Couchirii Doniinions are
next in Courfe along the Sea-coaft, and
reach from Chitwa about 24 Leagues to the
Southward. There are fo many Rivulets that
run off the Mountains of Gam\ that they reck-
on above 1 000 Ifl^s made by their Streams.
The Mountains come within eight Leagues of
the Sea, and the Rivulets join their Stores at
£ranganore^ and make one great Outlet to the
Sea, and ancdier great Outlet is at Couchin City.
Cranganore is about five Leagues to the South
of Chitwa. The Dutch have here a fmall Fort,
which retains the Name of Cranganore. It lies
about a League up the River from the Sea. In
Times of old it bore the Name of a King-
dom, and was a Republic of Jeivs^ who were
once fo numerous, that they could reckon ^-
bout Scooo Families, bur, at prefent, are re-

Y 2 duced

324 -^ N^fw Account

duced to 4000. Thcy'^have a Synagogue at Cb«-
chin^ not far from the King*s Palace, about two
Miles from the City, in which are carefully kq*
their Records, engraven on Copper-plates in He*
brew Charadlers ; and when any of the Charac-
ters decay, they are new cut, fo that they can
(hew their own Hiftory from the Reign of iV^-
buchadnezzar to this prefent Time.

MynHeer Van Reede before mentioned, about
the Year 1695. had an Abftradt of their Hiftory
tranflatcd from the Hebrew into low Dutch.
They declare themfelves to be of the Tribe of
Manafjeh^ a Part whereof was, by order of that
haughty Conqueror 'Nebuchadnezzar^ carried to
the eaftermoft Province of his large Empire,
which, it feems, reached as far as Cape Comerin^
which Journey 20000 of them travelled id
three Years from their fctting out of Baiybm.

When they arrived in the Malabar Country
they foand the Inhabitants very civil and hofpi-
table to Strangers, giving them Liberty of Gon^
fcience in religious Matters, and the free Ufc of
Reafon and Indiiftry in Oeconomy. There they
increafed, both in Numbers and Riches, till in
•Procefs of Time, either by Policy or Wealth,
or both, they came to purchafe the little King-
dom of Craiiganore. And there being one Fa-
mily among them much efteemed for Wifdoro,
Power and Riches, two of tlie Sons of that Fa-
*mi!y were clK)ren by their Elders and Senators,
to govern the Common- wealth, and reign joint-
ly over them. Concord, the ftrongcft Bond of

Societv,

of /^^ Eaft Indies. 525

Society, was in a fhort Time broken, and Am-
bition took Place ; for one of the Brothers invi-
ting his Colleague to a Feafl:, and picking a
Quarrel with his Gueft, bafely killed him, think-
ing, by that Means, to reign alone ^ but the
Defunft leaving a Son of a bold Spirit behind
him, revenged his Father's Death, by killing the
Fratricide, and fo the State fell again into a De-
mocracy, which ftill continues among the Jews
here ; but the Lands have, for many Ages, re-
curred back into the Hands of the Malabar s.
and Poverty and Oppreflion have made many
apoftatize.

Between Cranganore and Couching there is an
Ifland called Baypin^ that occupies the Sea-coaft.
It is four Leagues long, but no Part of it is two
Miles broad. The Dutch forbid all Veffels or
Boats to enter at Cranganore : And at Coucbin
the Channel is about a Quarter of a Mile broad,
but very deep, tho* the Bar has not above four- .
teen Foot Water at Spring Tides,

The lirft Europeans that fettled in Coucbin
were the Portugueze^ and there they built a fine
City on the River's Side, about three Leagues
from the Sea ; but the Sea gaining on the Land
yearly, it is not now above 100 Paces from it. It
ftands fo pleafantly, that the Portugueze had a
common Saying, tbat China was a Country ta
get Money in^ and Cbuchin was a Place tofpend
it in ; for the great Numbers of Canals made by
the Riveraand Iflands, make Fifhing and Fowl-

Y 3 ing

526 ^ New j4c count

ing very diverting. And the Mountains are
well ftored with wild Game.

On the Infide of Baypin Ifland, there is an
old Fort built by the Portugueze^ called Pallia^
pore^ to infpeft all Boats that go between Cran-
ganore and Coiichin. And five Leagues up the
Rivulets is a Romifh Church, called Verapoli^
ferved by French and Italian Priefts % and when
a Bifliop comes into thofe Parts, it is the
Place of his Refidence. The Padre Superior of
Verapoli^ can raife, upon Occafion, 4000 Men,
all Chrijiians of the Church of Rome ; but there
are many more St. Thomas's Chriftian$ that do
not communicate with thofe of Rome^ and fomc
Portugueze, called Topafes^ that communicate
with neither, for they will be ferved by none
but Portugueze Priefts, becaufe they indulge
them more in their Villany, and Abfolutions
from Crimes are eafier purchaled from the Por-
tugneze than from the French or Italians, who
are generally much more polite and learned than
the Portugueze, who are permitted to take the
Ilsbit of fome Order, without being examined
whether the Novice has the common Qualifi-
cations of School-learning.

About two Leagues farther up towards the
Mountains, on the Side of a fmall, but deep
River, is a Place called Firdalgo, where the In-
h..bitants of 0^ri^/« generally aflcmblc torefrefli
thcmfelves in the troublefom hot Months of A-
tril and May. The Banks and Bottom of the
River is clean Sand, and the Water fo clear,

that

of the Eaft Indies. 327

that a fmall Pebble Stonfe may be feen at the
Bottom m three Fathoms Water. Every Coith-
pany makes Choice of a Place by the River's
Side, and pitch their Tents, and drive feme
fmall Stakes before their Tents, in the River,
on which they hang up Clothes for Blinds, to
hide the Ladies when they bath ; but moft of
them fwim dextroufly, and fwim under Water
through the Stakes, into the open River, where
the Men are diverting themfelves, and there they
dive, and play many comical mad Tricks, till
Breakfaft c^ Supper call them a(hore, for it is
in Mornings and Evenings that they bath and
fwim ; for in the Heat of the Day the Sun
fcorches. Very often the Ladies lay Wagers of
Treats with the Gentlemen, about their Swift*
nefs and Dexterity in fwimming, but generally
the Ladies win the Wagers, tho*, I believe, if
the Men would ufe their Art and Strength, they
might win the Prize. The Heat of the Day
they pafs with a Game at Cards or TaWes for
Treats, by which Means they fare fumptuouf-
ly every E)ay, fometimes in one Tent, and fome-
times in another ; and, at Night, every Family
ileeps in their own Tent, onthefoft clean Sand,
Males and Females promifcuoufly.

There is a Place on the Side of that River,
called HelH Mmth. It is a fubterraneous Cave
about four Yards broad, and three high, hewn
out of a fpungy Iron-coloured Rock. I went
into it with a Lantern, and paffed ftraight for-
ward about 200 Yards, but faw no End to it.

. Y 4 It

328 A New Account

It is an Habitation for Snakes and Bats, who
were frightned by the Light of our Candle and
Noife. As we were tired with their Company,
fo we returned back. They have no Tradition
why it was made, or by whom.

The Water of this Country, near the Sea-
coaft, from Cranganore to St. Andreas^ which
is about twelve Leagues, has a bad Quality of
jnaking the conftant Drinkers of it have fwcU'd
-Legs. Some it afieds in one Leg, and fome in
both. I have feen Legs above a Yard about at
the Ancle, it caufes no Pain, but itching; nor
does the thick Leg feem heavier than the fmali
one tothofe who have them : But the Dutch at
CoucbWy to prevent that Malady, fend Boats
daily to Verapoli^ to lade with fmall portable
Cafks of I o or 12 Englijh Gallons, to fervc the
City. The Company's Servants have their Wa-
ter free of Charges, but private Perfons pay
Sixpence per Cafk, if it is brought to their
Hou fes ; and yet, for all that Precaution, I
have feen both Dutch Men and Women trou-
bled with that Malady. And no Cure has been
yet found to heal or prevent it.

The old Romijh Legendaries impute the Caufe
of thofe great fwell'd Legs to a Curfe St. 7b(h
mas laid upon his Murderers and their Pofterity,
and that was the odious Mark they (hould be
diftinguifhed by ; but St. Thomas was killed by
the TUllnigue Priefts at Malliapore on Chormandel^
above 400 Miles diftant from this Coaft, and
the Natives there know none of that Malady.

J Coucbin

of the Eaft Indies* 3 29

Coucbin is wafli'd by the greateft Outlet on
this Coaft, and being fo near the Sea, makes it
flrong by Nature ; but Art has not been want-
ing to ftrengthen it. The City built by the
Portugueze was about a Mile and an half long,
and a Mile broad. The Dutch took it from the
Portugueze about the Year 1 66o* when Heitloff
Van Ghtmz was General of the Dutch Forces by
Land, and Commodore of a Fleet by Sea. The
Infolence of the Portugueze had made feveral
neighbouring Princes become their Enemies,
who joined with the Dutch to drive them out of
their Neighbourhood, and the King of Couchin
particularly affifted with 20000 Men. The
Dutch had not inverted the Town long before
Van Gbonz received Advice of a Peace concluded
between Portugal znd Holland; but that he kept
a Secret to himfelf. He therefore made a
Breach in the weakeft Part in the Wall, and
made a furious Aflault for three Days and Nights,
without Intermiflion, and relieved his Aflail-
ants ' every three Hours ; but the Portugueze
keeping their Men continually fatigued in Duty
all the While, and finding Danger of being
taken by Storm, capitulated, and delivered up
their City. In the Town there were 400 To-
pa/esy who had done the Portugueze good Ser-
vice in defending the City, but were not com-
prehended in the Treaty. Aflbon as they knew
of that Omiffion, and the Cruelty and Licenti-
oufnefs of the Dutch Soldiery in India^ they
drew up in a Parade, within the Port that the

Portugueze

330 A New jiccount

Tertuffuze weie to go cot at, and the Dotfc^
to enter in^ and fwore, that if they had not
the fame Favours and Indulgence that were
granted to the Portugueze^ diey would maflkre
them all, and let Fire to the Town, The
Dutch General knew his own Intereft too well
to deny fo jufl a Demand, fo he granted what
they defired, and moreover to take thofe who
had a Mind to ferve in the Dutch Service, into
Pay, which many of them did.

The very next Day after the Dutch had F6f»
fefHon, came a Frigat from Goa^ wirh the Ar-
ticles of the Peace made with Holland^ and the
Portugueze complained loudly of the General's
unfair Dealings, but were anfwered, that the
Portugueze had adted the fame Farce on the
Dutcbj at their taking of Pbamabuke in Brafi^
a few Years before. The Englijh had then a
Faftory in the City of Couchin^ but the Dutch
ordered them to remove with their Eflfeds,
which accordingly they did to their FaiSlory at
Pennany.

Aflbon as the Dutch became Mafters of the
City, they thought it was too large, and fo con-
tradled it to what it now is, being hardly one
Tenth of what it was in the Portugueze Time.
It is about 600 Paces long, and 200 broad, for-
tified with feven large Baftions, and Curtains lb
thick, that two Rows of large Trees are planted
on them, for Shades in the hot Times. Some
Streets built by the Portugueze^ are ftill (landing,
with a Church for the Dutch Service, and a

Cathedral

of the Eaft Indies. 551

Cathedral for a Ware-houfc. The Commo-
dore or Governor's Houfe, which is a ftatcly
Strufture, is the only Houfe built after the
Dutch Mode, and the River wafties fome Part
of its Walls, and a Canal cut from the River up
to the Middle of the City, that paffes clofe by
the Governor's Houfe.

Their Flag-ftafF is placed on the Steeple of
the old Cathedral, on a Maft of 75 Foot high,
and a Staff a-top of it about 60 Foot, which is
the higheft I ever faw ; and the Flag may be
feen above feven Leagues off. The Garifon ge-
nerally confifts of 300 effedtive Men : And from
Cape Qmerin upwards they are allowed, in all
their Forts and Fadories, 500 Soldiers, and 100
Seamen all Europeans^ befidcs fome Topafes^ and
the Militia. They have their Scores of Rice
from Barfalore^ becaufe the Malabar Rice will
not keep above three Months out of the Hufk,
but in the Hufk it will keep a Year.

The Country produces great Quantities of
Pepper, but lighter than that which grows
more northerly. Their Woods afford good
Teak for building, and Angelique and Pawbeet
for making large Chefts and Cabinets, which arc
carried all over the Weft Coafts of India. They
have alfo Iron and Steel in Plenty, and Bees-Wijc
for exporting. Their Seas afford them Abun-
dance of good Fifh of feveral Kinds, which,
with thofe that are caught in their Rivers, make
them very cheap.

The

35* -^ ^^^ Account

The King of Couchin, who, at bcft, is but
a Vaflal to the Dutch, has a Palace built of
Stone about half a League from the Dutch CitV}
and there is a ftraggling Village not far from tne
Palace, that bears the Name of old Couchin. It
has a Bazaar or Market in it, where all Com-
modities of the Country's Produ£t are fold; but
there are no Curiofities to be found in it Hie
King's ordinary Refidenc& is at another Palace
fix Leagues to the Southward of Couchin, and
two from St. Andrea -, but he keeps but a very
fmall Court.

Mudbay is a Place, that, I believe, few can
Parallel in the World. It lies on the Shore of St
Andrea, about half a League out in the Sea,
and is open to the wide Ocean, and has neither
Ifland nor Bank to break off the Force of the
Billows, which come rolling with great Violence,
on all other Parts of the Coaft, in the South-
weft Monfoons, but, on this Bank of Mud,
lofe themfelvcs in a Moment, and Ships lie on
it, as fccure as in the beft Harbour, wthout
Motion or Difturbance. It reaches about a Mile
along Shore, and has fhifted from the North-
ward, in 30 Years, about three Miles. St. Jn*
drea is only a Village, with a Church in it de-
dicated to St. Andrew, and is fcrved by St. TAo-
iwtfj's Pricfts, who generally arc both poor and
illiterate. About two Leagues to the South-
ward of St. Andrea begin the Dominions of
Porcat, or

Porkab.

of the Eaft Indies. ^n

Porkah. It is of fmall Extent, reaching not
above four Leagues along the Sea-coaft. The
Prince is poor, having but little Trade in his
Country, tho' it was a free Port for Pirates
when Evory and Kid robbed on the Coaft
of InSa ; but, fince that Time, the Pirates in-
fed the northern Coafts, finding the richeft Pri-
zes among the Mocha and Perfia Traders. The
Dutch keep a Fadory at Porkah^ but of fmall
Confequence.

Coilcoiloan is another little Principality conti-
guous to Porkahy where the Dutch keep alfo a
Fadory. And next to it is

Coihan another fmall Principality. It has the
Benefit of a River, which is the fouthermofl
Outlet of the Couchin Iflands ; and the Dutch
have a fmall Fort within a Mile of it, on the
Sca-(hore, which they took from the Portw-
gueze when they took Couchin. It keeps a Gari-
ion of 30 Men, and its Trade is inconfiderable.

Enva lies two Leagues to the Southward of
Coiloan^ where the Danes have a fmall Fa<ftory
Aanding on the Sea Side. It is a thatch'd Houfe
of a very mean Afped, and their Trade anfwers,
every Way, to the Figure their Fadory makes.

Aujengo lies two Leagues to the Southward of
Erwa, a Fort belonging to the Englijk^ built,
at the Company's Charge, in jinno 1695. ^^
{lands on a fandy Foundation, and is naturally
fortified by the Sea on one Side, and a little Ri-
ver on the other. It is in the Dominions of the
Queen of Attifiga^ to whom it pays Ground

Rent.

334 -^ ^^^ jiccounP

Rent. Before it was built» the EngHJh had two
imall Fadories in her Country to the South of
jiujengo. One was called Brinjan^ the odxr
Ruttera ; but, being naked Places, were fub-
jedt to die lofults of Courtiers^ whofe Ava-
rice is ieldom oc never fatisfied ; But I woodcr
why the Englijb built their Fort in that Eace,
for there is not a Drop of good Water fix dcinlb-
ii^ within a League of it ; and the Road has a
foul Bottom for anchoring, and continually a
great Surf on the Shore, when they mi^ as
well have built it near the Red Cliffs to the
Northward, from whence they have their Wa-
ter for drinking, and where there is good An*
chor-ground, and a tolerable good landing Piaoe
for Boats in the North-eaft Monfcons. The
Country produces good Quantities of Pepper
and long Cloth, as fine as any made in India.

When our Fadories were at Ruttera and
Brinja??, they fcnt a yearly Prefent to the Queen
of Attinga^ whole Court is about four Leagues
within land from Aujengo. In Anno 1685,
when the Preftnt was fent, a young beautiful
Ejiglijh Gentleman had the Honour to prefcnt
it to her black Majeily , and aflbon as the Queen
law him, fhe fell in Love with him, and next
Day made Propofals of Marriage to him, but
he modeftly refufcd fo great an Honour : How-
ever, to pleale hv;r Majefty, he ftaid at Court a
Month or two, and, it is reported, treated her
with the fame Civility as Solomon did the Queen
of Ethiopia^ or Alexander the Great did the J-
I mazonian

of the Eaft Indies^ 335

matcman Queen, and latisfied her {o well, that
when he left her Coort, ihe made him fame
Preicnts,

Aboat the Year 1720. there was ibme civil
Broils in this Country, and the annual Preibit
being demanded, the Engtijb Chief refufed to
|iay it to any but to the Queen herfelf, tho'
thofe that demanded it, afliired him, that they
came to demand it by the Queen's Order, and
offered their Receipt of it in her Name ; but
he, being more pofitive than wife, continued
obfiinate in his RdTufal, uipoti which the Queen
gave him an Invitatbn to Court ; and he, to
appear great there, carried two of his Council,
and (bme odiers of the Faftory, with moft Part
of the Military belonging to the Garifon, and,
by Stratagem, they were all cut oflF, except a
few black Servants, whc^ Heels and Language
laved them from the Maflacre, and they brou^t
the fad News of the Tragedy.

Tegnapatamy where the Dutch have a Fado-
ry, lies about 1 2 Leagues to the Southward of
Aujengo. That Country produces Pepper, and
coarfe Cloth called Gtfri^^zi : But Chlicba^ which
lies between the Middle and Wefl Point of
Cape Gmeriny affords the befl Cloth of that
Sort, befides tamarinds in Abundance ; but the
Road is fouK It alfo produces Salt ; but nei-
ther the Englijh nor Dutch have any Commerce
or Traffick there. And clofe l^ Colichay at
the faid middle Point, there is a fmall Cave or
Harbour that can fecurc fmall Veflels from all

Winds

33^ A New Account

Winds and Weather. It has a cleanrfandy Bot-
torn, and three Fathoms in it at low Water.
Four Leagues off the Cape, in the Sea ^ there tk
a fmall fmooth Rock hire at low Water, and
ihews itfelf like the Back of a Whale. A-
bout loo Paces from it, on all Sides^ there is
2 8 Fathom Water ; and the Sea feldom breaks
on it, which makes it the more dangerous. I
knew a Ship that rubbed her Side on it, before
thofe on board could difcover it, tho' they
look'd out for it.

Manapaar lies to the North-eaft ward of Cape
Comerin^ about eight Leagues diftant, and the
Dutch have a FaAory there, flanding on an h^
Ground about a Mile from the Sea. And a-
bout ten Leagues more northerly is Tuff careen a
Dutcb Colony, tho' but fmalL

Tutecareen has a good fafe Harbour, by the
Benefit of fome fmall Iflands that lie off it.
That Country produces much Cotton«clotb,
tho* none fine ; but they both ftain and die it
for Exportation. This Colony fuperinteiids a
Pearl Fifhery, that lies a little to the North-
ward of them, which brings the Dutch Com-
pany 20C00 L. yearly Tribute, according to
common Report. There arc fevetal Villages on
the Sea-{horc between Tutecareen and O?//, bni
none in any Account for Traffick. This Coil
is a Promontory that fends over a Reef of Rocks
to the Ifland of Zeloan commonly called A-

danis Bridge.

That

of the Eaft Indies. ny

That Reef of Rocks has fo little Water on
them, that the fmalleil Boats cannot pafs but at
4n Ifland called Manaar^ which lies almofl Mid-
way between Zeloan and Coil^ and that Paflige
Jb^ not above fix Foot Water on it, fo that none
l)Ut fmall VefTels can pafs that Way ; and they
i^^uft unlade, and pay Cufloms to the Dutch
who refide at Manaar^ and, after the Vcflel is
i)aled over the Bridge, they take in their Car-
goagain.

The Dutch have fortified Manaar^ and make
ufe of it for a Prifon for Indian Princes, whom
^ey can overpower or circumvene, when they
are fufpedled of making Treaties contrary to
their Intered, or to fuch as would willingly re-
affume their loft Freedom, by breaking tlie un-
juil Yoke of the Company's Tyranny, perhaps
drawn on themfelves by too much Faith and
^credulity ^ .for that honeft Company has al-
yrays had a Maxip, tiril to foment Quarrels
between Indian Kings ^nd Princes, and then pi-
puily pretend to be Mediators, or Arbitrators of
. their L)i0erences, and always caft in fomething
}ntQ the Scale of Juftice to thpfe whofe Coun-
tries produce the heft Commodities for the Com-
' pany's Ufe, and lend the Afliflance of ihcir
'i^ms to him whoib fo qualified by the Produ£t
above mentioned^ and, at the Conclufion of the
War, made the poor conquered Prince pay their
Charges for aflifting the Conqueror ; and, when
all is made up, and Treaties of Peace ready to
be figned, then th^ Conqueror, their dear Al-

V o L. I. Z ly

538 A Neio Account

ly and Friend, muft fuller them to poiTefs the
bed Sea-ports, and fortify the mod; proper and
convenient Places of his Country, and muft
forbid all Nations TrafHck but their dear Dutch
Friends, under Pain of having the Company's
Arms turned againd: them, in CbnjunAion widi
fome other potent Enemy tothe deluded Con-
queror.

The King of Cbarta Sours, on the Ifland of
yavay is a frefh Inflance of the Truth of what
1 relate. Jn jinno 1704. I faw him at Sam^
rang^ a Sea-port on the faid Ifland, in great Splen-
dor, and in high Efteem with the Dutch Com-
modore ; but in jint^o 1707. he fell under tbe
Difpleafure of the General and Council of j^*
tavia, and in 1708. falling into their HandS| he
was brought their Prifoner to Manaar^ aod
cooped up on that fmall Ifland, there to fpend
the Remainder of his Days in Contempladon
or Comments on the Deceit of worldly Gran-
deur, and of die Power and Pleafure of Sow-
reignty, or in humble Thoughts on Confine-
ment, Exile and Poverty. And here I leave
him, and pafs over the reft of jidatjfs Bridgt^
( called by the Natives Ramena Coil ) and pay a
£hort Vifit to Zeloan, beginning at the Bridge,
and travelling to the Southward, Eaft and North-
ward, till I reach back again to the Northfidc
of the Bridge.

CHAP.

of the Eaft Indies. 539

CHAP. XXVII.

Treats of the IJland of Ceylon or Ze-
loan /// ProduSi and Commerce^ Re^
Ugion and Cufloms^ the Portugucze
Pride and Folly the Cauje of itsjfllU
ing into the Dutch Company s Hands ;
with other hijlorical Remarks and
ObfervationSy both ancient and modern.

ZELOAN IS an Illand famous in many
Hiftories for its Fertility, particularly in
proaucing the Cinnamon Tree, whofc Bark is
^10 much eftecmed all over -^^£j and Europe, be-
/ fides the precious Stones that grow in it, wz.
the Emerald, Sapphire and Catf-cye being all va-
luable Stones, tho' foft.

The fir ft Place, in Courfe, to the Southward
of the Bridge, is a long Ifland that lies clofc to
the Shore, and reaches about twelve Leagues
fimthcrly, called Calpetine. It produces only
Timber for building: But Negombo, that lies
near the South End of it, has a fmall Forr, and
a Dutch Garifon to forbid all Trade to Stiingers
on that Part of the Coaft. And fcvcn Leagues
from NegombOy to the South, ftands the City of
Colombo, which was at tirft built by the i V-
tuguezCy about the Year 1638. but, by their
Pride and Infolence, had made the King of Can-

Z 2 did

340 ^^ New Account

did ( who was, at firft, Sovereign of the whole
liland ) their Enemy. The Dutch taking that
Opportunity, made a League with the King
ofFeniive and defenfive, and firft attacked and
carried Galk^ or Ponto de Galle^ in Anm 1658.
which is a Fort and Harbour on the South-weft
Point of the Ifland, about twenty Leagues £ix)m
Colombo. When they had fettled Affairs at GaSk^
they embarked, to the Number of 3000 Sol-
diers, and failed to Pantera^ a fmaU River a-
bout four Leagues South of CobmbOy and woe
joined by 2 or 3000 of the King of Qau£^
Men. The Portugueze having Information of
the Dutch landing, and the fmall Affiftanceof
the Natives, contemned their Forces, and raif-
ed an Army of loooo Men to chaftifc their Fd-
ly in coming with fo few Forces. The PorA^
giieze Army was commanded by a Fido^^
called A?itonio de Figuera^ a Frefli- water SdA-
cr, but a great Braggadocio, and promifed to
bring all the Dutch that did not fall by his Sword,
into Colombo in Chains; and the Porti^mt
Ladies were fo fure of his Performances, ■ that
they fent to compliment him, and beg the Fa-
vour that he would pick them out fbme lofly
Dutch Men to carry their Palenqueens and &-
filer eras ox Umbrellas, which he promifed to do
on Honour, and fo went to meet his Enemies.
The Dutch advancing towards the City, met
the Portugueze xxvi^x^Qu^d^y^ and there beings
little lliallow River between them, the Portu^
gueze pretended to ftop the Dutch there, and

began

of the Eaft Indies. 341

beagn to fire very brifkly, tho* at too great a
Difiance^ but did not advance tov^ards their E-
Bemy. Upon which the Dutch pafled the Ri-
fcr, and advanced till they came within Piftol-
(hot, and then fired on the Portugueze with fo
good Succefs, that they prefently broke, and
Octook them to their Heels, and the Dutch kept
a running March after them, and being nimbler
than the Portugueze^ entred the City with them 9
ajid made themfelves Mafters of it, wherein
they found immenfe Treafures : But the poor
iPortuguezelj'aidiQs were ftrangely difappointed to
6nd the Dutch were become their Bed-fellows
tnftead of their Slaves.

The Dutch had one Game more to play be-
fore they had done with that Expedition. They
knew that Reinforcements were fent fi-om Goa^
who came in Sight two or three Days after the
City was taken, and the Dutch Fleet, which
then lay in the Road, pretended Fear, weighed
their Anchors on Sight of the Portugueze Fleet,
md feigned a Flight, while the Dutcb^ in the
City, hoifted Portugueze Colours, and fired
[bme Guns towards the Sea, to make thofe in
the Portugueze Fleet believe, that the Firing
i¥as at the Dutch Fleet. The Stratagem took,
ind the Portugueze came and anchored in the
doad about a Mile from the City, and fent
:hcir Boats afhore, where they were detained ;
md the Dutch Fleet being in the Offing, came
n with the Sea Winds, and fell on the Portu-

Z 3 gueze

^^1 A New Account

gueze Fleet, which foon yielded to tbcnii for
which Piece of Civility they had good Quarter.

Upon the Conqueft of Colonwo^ followed all
the other Forts on the Ifland, viz. Calkijfie and
Barbarin^ between Colombo and GaUe ; and, oa
the South End, Valta and Matura\ on the
Eafl: Side Batacola and Trankamalaya ; and, oa
the North End, Jdfnapatam^ with a Fort four
Leagues from Galle^ within Land, called Biik*
gam I and Tufecareen and Nagapatam on the
main Continent, yielded.

The Dutch were no fooner Mafters of the
Sea-coafts of Ceyloan^ but they began to'^vc
Laws to their Ally the King of Candia^ forbid-
ding him to trade with any foreign Nation but
theirs, which Ufage the King cpuld not well di-
geft, whereupon a War broke out, that conti-
nued many Years, but, in the pnd, the Dutch
made a Peace upon very advantagious Condid-
ons. And Colombo being too large to be defended
with a few Forces, they have contradlcd it into
one Quarter of its ancient Bounds^ and have
fortified it ftrongly with a Wall and BaflioDS.
It is now about a Mile in Length, and three
Quarters of a Mile in Breadth ; and the Cbrifti-
am and other Natives inhabit a Part of the old
Town, without the Walls of the New. The
Streets of the new Town are wide and fpacious,
and the Buildings after the new Mode. The
Governor's Houfe is a noble Fabric, and feveral
other Konfes are beautiful. It wants the Bene-
fit of a River, but has a fmall deep Bay capable

of the Eaft Indies. 345

to receive fmall Ships, and (belter them in the
South-weft Monfoons.

Ponto de Galky I have mentioned before, is a
Bay with a dangerous Entrance for Shipping,
but is capable to receive Ships of the greateft
Burden. About the Year 1670. I^ewis the XIV.
of France had a great Mind for a Settlement oh
Zeloan^ and equipped feven or eight Sail of Ships
for that Enterprize ; and when they came to
Sea, and opened their Orders, they found Galk
was the Place they were to take and fortify, and
the Management of that Affair intrufted to one
Mr. de t Haye ; but one Mr. Jean Martin^
who had ferved the Dutch many Years in good
Pofts in India^ and who had laid down that Pro-
je(ft, was fo chagrin'd with the Di(appointment
of another having the firft Poft in that Affair,
that when they came to G(dle they had but bad
Succefs. They expedted the Portugueze there
before them to afUft, but none came; but loon
after Hitlof Van Gouze was with them, whom
the French not caring to engage with, being e-
qual in Number of Ships, and fuperior in Force,
the French fled, and left their Prqeft on Galle
unattempted.

They went then to Trankamalaya, and an-
chored in that Bay, defigning to force that fmall
Garifon to a Surrender ; but that vigilant Dutch
Man was foon after them with his Fleet, and
forced them to fight difadvantageoufly in Tran^
kamalaya Bay, wherein the French loft one half
of their Fleet, being either funk or burnt.

Z4 With

344 ^ '^^^ Account

With the reft they fled to St. ^hdihaSy 6n tiie
Coaf): of Cormandely defigning to {ettte there ;
but Van Gouze was foon there alfo, and feiml
their Ships, many of their Guns beine difinoontF*
ed and carried a(hore : But they nndihg they
could do no good againft fo powerful ana vid'*
lant an Enemy, treated and capitulated, wi& me
Duichy to leave India^ if they might be allow*
ed Shipping to carry them away, which the
Dutch agreed to, and allowed them thdu: Adini*
miral's Ship, called the Grand Briton^ and two
more, to tranfport themfelves whither they
pleafcd i but Mr* Martin was carried to Bai^
via J and there confined for his Life-time^ with
a Pcnfion of a Rix Dollar per Day.

Zelo,7n is fruitful in Rice, Pulfe, Fruits, Ifa-
bage and Roots. And Jafnatatam export great
Quantities of Tobacco, and fbmc Elephants.
Tliofc of this Ifland's Brood are reckoned the
moft docil of any in the World, but they are
not large, few of them exceeding three Yards
in Height. They catch them wild by Strata-
gem, and foon make them tame after they arc
caught.

The Way they catch them, as they told me,
is, they drive large Stakes into the Ground for
2 or 300 Paces, in a Plain, and, about 100 Pa-
ces diftant* they begin another Row of Stakes,
that almoft meets one of the Ends of the firft
Row, only leaving fevcn or eight Foot open be-
tween them, for a Door, and farther out from
the Door-place^ are fbme Stakes driven thicker

than

. of the Eaft Iftdics. 345

fhtoi in the Rows like a fquare Chamber. In
the Door-place is a wooden Poftxrullicc or Trap-
cJoor, fitted to pull lip or let down at Pleafurc,
When all is ready, th^ bring a female Elephant
trained up for a Decoy, and {he is put into the
Chamber, and the Trap-door kept open. There
arei Men placed in a little clofe Place buitt on the
Top of the Stakes at the Trap-c(oor, and the
female Elephant makes a loud doleful Moan.
If a niale Elephant is near, he prefently ap-
proaches the Chamber, on the Outfide ; but
finding no Entrance there, he wdks along the
Outfide, tin he finds the End, then walking
b&ck on the Infide of the Stakes, he finds the
Door and enters. Aflbon as he is in, the Watch-
men let fall the Trap-door, arid go and bring two
tame Elephants to acompany him that is decoy-
ed to their Stables. When they come near the'
Trap-door, it is pulled u{), and they enter, and
place themfelves one on each Side. If he proves
furly, they bang him heartily with their Trunks,
and the Female beftows fome Blows on him too.
Whsn he is tired with their Treatment, and
finds no other Remedy but Patience, he even
grows tame, and walks very orderly between
his two Guards, whithcrfoevcr they pleafe to
conduit him, and continues very Ibciable ever
^ter, except when Rutting Time comes, and
then, if he be young, he becomes very rude and
troublefom. That Time is known by a great
Sweating in his Head, fo they have ftrong Fet-
ters ready to put on bis Legs^ and faflned to a

great

34^ A New uiccounf

great Tree for the eight or ten Days his that
Madnefs Continoes.

There are ieveral Dangers, and Rocks above
Water, on all the Coafts of Zcloan. The great
Baxias are above Water on its Eaft Side, not
far from the South End of the Ifland s and die
finall Baxias are under Water about three Leagues
to the North of the other, and dangerous Banks
of Sand within them. To the Nprthward of
Traniamalaya there are fome Rocks high above
Water, and fome alfo under Water ; and feveral
Spits of Sand jetting a pretty Way into the Sea
from Points of I^ands. I knew a Gentleman
that run his Ship on one Spit near Point Pe^,
by too much Confidence of his own Know-
loige of that Coaft, for his Mate told him, that,
in his Opinion, they kept too near the Shore.
His Captain anfwered, that his Knowledge of
that Coaft was fo good, that if a fingle Shovel-
ful of Sand was carried off the Sea-fhore, he
would infallibly miis it -, but a few Minutes af-
ter^ his Ship was fad on a Bank, and he and his
Crew deferted her, and went aftiore, and the
Ship found the Way oflf again of her own Ac-
cord, which when the Captain heard of, he,
with fome of the Crew, returned, and took Pof-
feflion of her again.

Point Pedro has the moft dangerous Banks off
it, for they lie above four Leagues from the
Shore, and the Land being very low, makes
thofe Banks the more dangerous. I have known
feveral Ships loil here j and in Anno 1723. one

mUiam

of the Eaft Indies. 347 ^

WilKams loft hk Ship dxre^ and he and all his
Ciew were fazed by die Natives^ and carried
to the KmgztGmdia, and, I am afiraid, will be
forced to end dieir Days there.

The Rel^^ of Zehan is Paganifm^ and^
for want of a better liSKXgt or Rdick to adore,
they worihip a Monkey's Tooth. When the
Partugueze were fetded there, the Priefts loft
their adorable Tooth, and a ily Fellow who had
accompanied a Porft^ueze Amhaflador there
fiom Colombo^ pretended he had found it throe
Years after it was nuffine. He had, it feems,
ieen it, and got one as lu;e it as was poflible.
The Priefts were fb oveijoycd that it was found
again, diat they parcha&d it (^ the Fellow for
a roond Sam, reported to be above loooo
Founds SterL

All the Natives of diis Ifland believe, that
Jidam was created on this Spot, and diere is the
Shape of a Man's Foot cut oot of a Rock on
the Top of the high HiU ( called jldam'% Peak
by the Englijb ) about five or fix ordinary Foot
long. T& Opinkm is alfo foread over many
Provinces on the Continent, which brings many
Pilgrims to vifit die Footftep. And they alio
believe, that, on AdanC% Tran%reflion, the
Bridge, before fpoken of, was made by Angels
to carry him over to the main Land, whither I
am obliged to fdlow him, having no mwe cH
Zehan to treat you with, but ibme of the beft
jirecka in the World that grows there.

CHAP.

i^jfi A New ActouMt

CHAP, xxvni.

Treats of the Countries on the Sea^^oaft^
from AdamV Bridge at Zeloan, to
Fort St. George j nmth an Account of
St. ThomasV Martyrdom^ according
to the PortBguczc Legend.

TH E firft Place of Note, to the North-
ward of Adani% Bridge, on the Conti-
nent, is Nagapatam a Dutch Colony and For-
trefs taken from the Portuguese. It has the
Benefit of a River, which formerly bounded the
Dominions of Malabar^ tho' their Language
was, and is ufed farther Northward. The lU-
ver wafhes the Fort Walls, and its Waters are
reckoned very unhealthful ; but about the Year
1693. by the Ingenuity and Care of M^n Heer
Van Reede^ whom I have formerly mentioned,
that Caufe of a mortal Malady was removed,
for he built fome Water Boats, and fcnt them
four Leagues off to another River, whofe Wa-
ters were reckoned very healthful, and, by thcfe
Boats, furniftied the Garifon with good Water.
In a fhort Time there was a vifible Alteration
for the better in the State of the Inhabitants
Health, and making an Eftimate of the Charges
of thofe Water Boats, and the ufual Charges of

I the

of the Eaft Indies. 549

the Hofpital, the Company found that they gain-
ed by the Water Boats* This Colony produces
very little befides Tobacco and long Qoth. The
Natives are Heathens.

Having thus run along the Sea*coaft of Ma^
kd>ar^ from Decully to Nagapatam^ I muft viiit
the Maldiva Idands, which lie off this Coaft and
that of Zehan, about 60 Leagues diftant from
theneareft Part of them.

This Clufler of Iflands^ whieh reaches from

L Degrees 20 Mmutes North Latitude into one
egree Souths are all bw, fandy and fteril,
bearing no Sort of Corn, and their only Pro-
dud is Cocoa-nut. Their Trees are not fo high
nor grofe bodied as rthoie which .grow on the
Continent, or on Zehan^ but their Fruit is plea-
£mter. Of that Tree they build VefTels of 20
or 30 Tuns. Their Hull^, IV&fts, Sails, Rig-
ging, Anchors, Cables, Provifions and Firing
are all from tbds ufefiil Tree. It alfb afibrds
them Oil for their Kitchin and Lanqtps, Sugar
and candied Sweet-meatp, aqd pretty (Irong
Cloth. Their Seas produce Abundance of Fiih,
but their Trade is chiefly from a fhiall ShdOi-
fifh called Courie and the Bmetta.

The Couries are caught by putting Branches of
Cocoa-nut Trees with their Leaves on, into the
Sea, and, in five or fix Months, the little Shell-
£fh flicks to thofe Leaves in Clufters, which
they take off, and digging Pits in the Sand, put
them in, and cover them up, and leave them
two or three Years in the Pit, .that the Fifli may

putrify,

3 50 A New Account

Patrify, and then they take them cut of Ae
ity and barter therii for Rice, Butter and Clodi,
which Shipping bring fronni Ballafire in Orim
near Bengal^ in which Countries Couries pafk for
Money fiom 2500 to 3000 for a Rupee, or
half a Crown EngHJh.

The Bonetta is caught with Hook and Line, ^
or with Nets. They come among thofe Iflands
in the Months of April and May^ in Shoals, as
our Herrings do. They cut the Fifli from the
Back^bone on each Side, and lay them in a
Shade to dry, fprinkling them fometimes with
Sea Water. When they are dry enough to pnt
in the Sand, they wrap them up in Leaves of
Cocoa-nut Trees, and put them a Foot or two
under the Surface of the Sand, and^ with die
Heat of the Sun, they become baked as hard
as Stock-fifh, and Ships come from Atcbeen 00
the Ifland of Sumatra^ and purchafe them widi
Gold Dud. I have feen Omelamajh ( for that
is their Name after they are dried 3 fell at At*
cheen^ for 8 X. Sterl.per 1000.

Their Religions are Paganifm and Mabome'
tifm^ and their Language Chinguley^ or the Ze^
loan Language. The King refides on an Ifland
in the Latitude of 4 Degrees North, and his
Ifland, which bears the Name of the A/Wg's
Ifland^ is fortified with a Stone Wall, without
Lime or Mortar, and has a gredt many fmall
Cannon for its Defence. And his Reign is arbitrary.

The Iflands are fo many, and, in moft Places,
fo near to one another, that tliey could never

I yet

of the Ea& Indies. 351

yet be Dumbered. They are mod Part inhabi-
ted 5 but the Inhabitants very poor. None of
iJiem dare wear any Clothing above their Gir-
^^ but a Turband on their Head» without a
ipecial Warrant from the King. He fets Go-
vernors of Provinces over fuch a Number of
Iflands^ and they lord it over the poor Subjects
as much as a Dragoon does over an Hugmot in
France. They give Burial to their D^d, and
not Burning. And^ at the Ifland of Ham^
niandow^ which lies in 7 D^ees, I faw Carving
OQ fome Tomb-ftoneSy as ingenioufly cut with
Variety of Figures as ever I faw in Europe or jl/ia.
Their Wells fumifli them with all the Fre(h-
water ^ey ufe, and they dig tham near the
Depth of high Water Mark, which is about
five or fix Foot ; and if they go deeper, it be-
comes brackifh, becaufe there being no Sub-
fiance of folid Earth under the Surtece of the
Sand, the Sea Water percolates thro' the Sand,
and mixes with the Rain-water that fupplies
the Springs. So having ^ven the heft Account
I can of a Parcel of Iflands that cannot be count-
ed, I return back to Nagapatam^ from whence
I took my Departure, and flretch along the
Coaft of CbormondeL

I begin at the River of Nagapatam^ becaufe
it is the fbuthefmofl Bounds of Gokondah^ and

p coaft along Shore to Trincumbar a Fortrefe and
Colony belonging to the Ddfies. The Fort is
ftrong, the Sea wafhing one half of its Walls ;

" but the Colony is miferably poor. In Amo

1684.

^S'^' u4 New jifcowit

1 684* they were fbdifb-eQedwidi. Poverty, ^
they pawned three Baflicms of their Fort to the
Dutcby for Money to buy Prpvifions, which
then were very icarce and dear in that Country \
but next Y^ar they redeemed all a^in, .paying
their Debts by an unknovirn Fiind» which .ftill
remains a Secret : But that the ^gUJh hjud a
Ship called the Formofiy which, in hier Pa0agc
Home to Surat^ called at Calecut ibr Water,
Wood and other Stores. The Danes ^ at tl^t
Time, had two Ships cruizing between Sur/t
and Cape Comeririy upon what Account none
cou Id tellbut themfelves. The Fomwfa left Cn-
kcut at Mid-night, and flood to Sea, in order to
proceed on her Voyage, and being out of §igl}t
of Land, about eleven in the Forenoon, thofe
afhore heard a great firing of Gannon from the
Sea, and the For mo fa ^ nor none of her* Crew
were ever heard of ilince that Time. They fUll
keep their Fort, but drive an inconfideraUc
Trade either to and from Europe^ or in Lidia^
for what they have to live by, is the Hire that
they freight their Ships for to Atcheen^ Malacca
znAJohore^ and fometimes, but rarely, toP^-
fia^ by which they keep up the Name of a
Company, but refemble one no more than that
of the MiJJiJJipi does in France.

They have a Set of Clergy there lately come
as MiiFionaries from Denmark^ to teach the Na-
tives Cbrijlianity ^ which deferves both Commen-
dation and Encouragement; but what Profclytci

they make, I cannot tell, tho' I faw fome of

the

_ of the Eaft Indies. ^Si

the pocmr S(xt become I^fidples. The Product
of tbe Country is Cloth, white and dyed.

The next Place of Commerce is Porto
N(9W, fo called by the Portugueze^ when the
Scarcoafts of India belonged to them ; but
When Aurengzeb fubdued Golconiaby and the
Portugueze Afiairs declined, the Mogul fet
a Fouzdaar in it, and gave it the Name of Ma^
bomet Bander. The Europeans generally call it
by its firft Name, and the Natives by the laft.
The Country is fertil, healthful and plea(ant,
and produceth good Cotton Cloth of ieveral
Qualities and Denon>inations, which they fell at
Home, or export to Pfg-zi, ^anafareen^ ^uedab^
y^bore^ and Atcbeen on Sumatra. The Bulk
erf* the People are Pagans.

Fort St. David is next, a Colony and For-
trefs belonging to the Englijh. About the Year
1686. a Moratta PHnce fold it to Mr. Fiibu
Tale^ for 90000 Pagadoes^ for the Uie and Be-
hoof of the Englijh Eafl-lndta Company. The
Fort is pretty fhrong, and ftands clofe to a Ri*
ver ; and the Territories annexed to the Fort by
Agreement, were as far as any Gun the Eng^
hlb had, could fling a Shot, every Way round
the Fort ; but whether the Buyer or Gunner
were Conjurers or no, I cannot tell, but I am
fare that the Englijh Bounds reach above eight
Miles along the Sea-fhore, and four Miles with-
in Land. The Country is pleafant, healthful
and fruitful, watered with feveral Rivers, that
are as good as fo many Walls to fortify the Eng--

Vol. I. Aa tiJJj

3 54 ^ ^^'^ Account

lijh Colony. And ever fincc tbc Time that Am^
rengzeb conquered Vi/apare ind Golcmdab^ there
ate great Numbers of Malcontents and Free-
booters that keep on the Mountains, and often
fall down into the open Country, and commit
Depradations, by ravaging and plundc^-ing the
Villages ; and all the Moguts Forces cannot fup*
prefs them.

When the Engli/h bought Fort St. Dami,
the Dutch had a little Fadlory there, about a
Mile from the Fort, and the ^xxl-natored fi^-
Kfi (wStv them ilill to continue a few Servants
in it. Our Company did not find fo much
Grace from the Dutch at Couching nor the Gen-
tlemen of Bantam and Indrapouray when dw
Dutch fcized thofe Places. It is true, the DutA
can drive no open Trade there, but what tbcy
muft pay the Rnglijh Company Cuftomsfor.

About the Year 1698. the Freebooters afore*
mentioned had almoft made themfelves Maftcrs
of the Fort "by Stratagem and Surprize. Thcjr
pretended, that they had been fent from thi
Mogul's Vice- Roy at VifaforCy to take Chai]gc
of the Revenue colleded at Porto NovOy and to
carry it to the Treafury at Vifaporey and defined
Leave to put their feigned Treafure into the Fort
for a few Days, to fecure it from the Moratta
Freebooters aforementioned, who, they /aid,
were plundering the open Country, which Fa-
vour Mr. Frazer^ Governor at that Time,
granted, fo they brought into the Fort ten or
twelve Oxen loaded with Stones, and each Ox

bad

of the Eafi* Indies. 355

had two or three Attendants, and about 200
more of that Qang, who came along with the
Carriage Beails as a Guard, lodged themfelves
in a Grove near the Fort Gate, to be ready, on
a Signal given, to enter the Fort. The Free-
booters within took an Opportunity the very
next Morning, and killed the Sentinel and a few
more that were afleep in the Gate- way next to
the Grove ; but, before they could break the
Gate open, the Garifpn was alarmed, and killed
all their treacherous Guefts, and the Ambufh
without being come into the Parade before the
Gate, met with fo warm a Reception, that they
retreated in Confufion, and the Englijh purfu-
ing them, killed feverals, but loft fome of their
own Men.

Mr. Frazer ordered diredly the Grove to be
cut down, for fear of future Dangdt from it,
but Fort St. David being fubordinate to Fort St,
George^ the Governor and Council there called
Mr. Frazer to their Court, and fined him for
Prefumption, in cutting down fo fine a Grove
for Enemies to fkulk in, without Leave afk-
ed and given in due Form ; but their Right Ho-
nourable Mafters adjufted all that Matter, and
ordered the Fine to be refunded, with the Inte-
reft s but Governors of different Views and Hu-
mours feldom agree.

This Colony produces good long Clothes in
large Quantities, either brown, white, or blue
dyed, alio Sallampores, Morees, DemitieSy Ging-
hams^ Succatoons^ and Steel. And, without the

Aa 2 AfTiftance

35^ ^ ^^^ -Account

Afliftance of this Colony, that of Fort St. Geargt
would make but a fmall Figure in Trade to what
it now does.

Tht River is but fmall, tho' very convenient
for the Import and Export of Merchandize. And
Cuddebre^ that lies about a Mile to the South-
ward, is capable to receive Ships of 200 Tuns
in the Months of September and OSlober. V^t
Rivers have both of them Bars, . but arc very
fmooth, whereas Fort St. George is always dan-
gerous in going afhore and coming off.

The Company has a pretty good Garden and
Summer-houfe, where generally the Govemoc
refides ; and the Town extending itfelf pretty
wide, has Garden? to moft of their Houfes.
Their black Cattle are very fmall, but plentiful
and cheap. And their Seas and Rivers abound
in good Fiflies.

Punticherry is the next Place of Note on this
Coaft, a Colony fettled by the French. It lies
about five Leagues to the Northward of FortSL
Dan:id. The Fortifications are fine, regular
and ftrong, but its Trade is very fmall, tho' the
Country produces the fame Cbmmodities that
caufe the Trade circulate in Fort St. David.
About the Year 1 690. the Dutch brought Forc-
es from Batavla^ and befieged it ; and being
then very karcein Men, Magazines and Money,
the French were forced to capitulate, and fur-
render on pretty honourable Terms ; but, in
the Conclufion of King William\ War, the
Dutch were obliged to return it by the Articles

of the Eaft Indies* T^^y

of Peace, which verified the Fable of the Cuc-
kow in feizing of other Birds Nefts weaker than
herfelf, in the Spring, and quitted them again
in Autumn.

' Connymere or Conjemeer is the next Place,
where the Englijh had a Fadory many Years,
but, on their purchafing Fort St. DaviJ, it was
broken up, and transferred thither. At prefent
its Name is hardly feen in the Map of Trade.

Near Connymere are the feven Pagods, one of
which, whofe Name I have now forgot, is ce-
lebrated among the Pagans for Sandity, and is
famous for the yearly Pilgrimages made there.
The God was very obfcene, if his Image right-
ly reprefents him, and his Nymphs as lewd as
any in Drury-lane^ if their Port u res were really
figured and carved as they are to be {ccn on the
Outfide of the Temple. Here it. was that St.
Tbomas's perfecution firft began, becaufe he
could draw a ftiort Tree to a great Length, as
Wire-drawers do Metals, and the Pagan Priefts
being ignorant of fuch Pieces of Art, made
them cry out, that St. Tbomas was an arrant
Conjurer ; for, as the Romijh Story goes, the
FreOies coming down in Rivulets, had made
fome of them pretty deep to what they ufed to
be, and a Lady going to Church, could not get
over one of them, becaufe a Tre^, that was laid
for a common Bridge, was two (hort at that
Time, and St. Tbomas, who preached in the
Country Villages, a Dodlrine oppofite to the efta-
bliflied Church, accidentally being there, drew

Aa 3 the

358 A Ncfti) Account

the Tree to fuch a Length, that the Lady could
pafs without wetting her Foot» upon which (he
became a Convert, to the great DiiTatisfatStion of
the eflabliQied Clergy^ who lofl: a devout and
charitable B^nefadtre^ by that Trick of St.

The Priefts, as is ufual in fuch Cafes, cried
out, that the Church was in Danger, and fo
inflamed the Minds of the Populace, that Sc
^homaSy finding himfelf in greater Danger than
the Church, tliought it befl to get out of Harm's
Way, and fo marched to the Northwardj whi-
ther I muft follow him to

SaderafSy or Saderafs Patam^ a fmall Faflory
belonging to the Dutch to buy up long Cloth.
The Country is healthful, and the Ground fo-
ti], which makes them capable of afliding their
Neighbours at Fort St. George with Saladingand
Pot Herbs, the Ground there being very flcril.

Cabelon is next, where the OJienders have fet-
tled a Fadory. There is nothing rcmarkabk
there, but a Point of Rocks that runs about
half a Mile into the Sea, and thofe make a
fmooth Landing-place in the Southweft Mon-
foons.

St. Thomas is next, which lies about dircc
Miles to the Southward of Fort St. George.
Tlic City was built by the PortuguezCj and tliey
made the Apoflle its Godfatner ; but, before
that, it was called Malliapore. There is a lialc
dry Rock on the Land, within it, called the
Little Mount y where the Apollle defigned to

have

of the Eaft Indies. 359

have hid himfelf, till the Fury of the 'Pagan
Priefts his Pcrfecutors had blown over. There
was a convenient Cave in that Rock for his Pur^
pofe, but not on« Drop of Water to drink, fo
St. Thomas cleft the Rock with his Hand, and
commanded Water to come into the Clift,
which Command it readily obeyed ; and,^ ever
fmce, there is Water in that Clift, both fweet
and clear* When I law it, there was not above
three Gallons in it. He ftaid there a few Days,
but his Enemies had an Account of his Place of
Refuge, and were refolved to iacrifice him, and,
in great Numbers, were approaching the Mount.
When he faw them coming, he left his Cave,
ffiid came down in order to feek Shelter fome-
•where clfe ; and at the Foot of the Mount,
as a Teftimony that he had been there, he
• ftamped with his bare Foot, on a very hard
Stone, and left the Print of it, which remains
there to this Day, a Witncfs againft thofe per-
ibcuting Priefts. The Print of his Foot is about
fixteen Inches long, and, in Proportion, nar-
rower at the Heel and broader at the Toes than
the Feet now in Ufe among us. He fleeing for
his Life, to another larger Mount, about two
Miles from the little one, was overtaken on the
Top of it, before he was (heltercd, and there
they run him through with a Lance ; and, in the
fame Place where he was killed, he lies buried.
When the Portugueze firft fettled there, they
built a Church over the Cave and Well on the
little Mount, and alfo one over his Grave on the

Aa 4 great

560 ^New jiccount

great one, where the Lance that killed the A-
poftle is ftill kept there as a Relick ; but how
the Portugueze came by that Laoce is a Quefti-
on not yet well reiblvra. In that Church there
is a Stone tindured with the Apoflle's Blood,
that cannot be wafli'd out* I have often been at
both Mounts, and have ieen thofe wcHidcrfd
Pieces of Antiquity,

At the Foot of the great Mount, the Com-
pany has a Garden, and fo have the Gentlemen
of Figure at Fort St. George^ with fome Sum-
tner-houfes where Ladies and Gentlemen re*
tire to in the Summer, to recreate themfelve%
when the Bu(ine(s of the Town is over, and to
be out of the Ncnfe of Spung^rs and imperti-
nent Vifitants, whom the City is often mokft-
ed with.

The City of St. Thomas was formerly the
beftMart Town on the Chormondel Coaft, but at
prefcnt has but very little Trade, and the Inha*
bitants, who are but few, are reduced to great
Poverty. The Englijh fettling at Fort St.
George were the Caufe of its Ruin, and there is
little Pfofpedl of its Recovery.

CHAR

of the Eaft Indies. ^6 1

CHAP. XXIX.

Gives a Jhort Defcription of Fort St.
George ftrjirjl Settlement and Rije^
its Situation and Sterility ^ and Jo me
Remarks on its Government ^ and the
Atlions of fome of its Governors.

FORT St. George or Maderafs, or, as
the Natives call it, China Patam^ is a Co-
lony and City belon^g to the Englijh Eajl-In-'
dia Company, fitnated in one of the moft in-
commodious Places I ever &w. It fronts the
Sea, which continually rolls impetuoufly on
its Shore^ more here than in any other Place on
the Coail of Chormmdel. The Foundation is
in Sand, v^ith a Salt-v^ater River on its back
Side, which obftruds all Springs of Frefli-water
from coming near the Town, fo that they have
no drinkable Water within a Mile of them, the
Sea often threatning Deftrudion on one Side,
and the River in the rainy Seafon Inundations
on the other, the Sun from April to September
fcorching hot ; and if the Sea-breefes did not
moiften and cool the Air when they blow, the
Place could not poffibly be inhabited. The
Reafon why a Fort was built in that Place is
not well accounted for ; but Tradition fays,
that the Gendeman^ who received his Orders to

buUd

^6z A New Account

build a Fort on that Coaft, about the Beginning
of King Charles IFs Reign after his Reftoration,
for protefting the Company*s Trade, chofe that
Place to ruin the Portugueze Trade at St. TAo^
nuis\ Others again alledge, and with mwc
Probability, that the Gentleman afore&id, which
I take to be Sir fTilham Langhom^ had a Mif-
trefs at St. Tbomds he was fo enamoured of, that
made him build there, that their Interviews
might be the more frequent and uninterrupted ;
but whatever his Reafons were, it is very ill fi-
tuated. The Soil about the City is fo dry and
fandy, that it bears no Com, and what Fruiti,
Roots and Herbage they have, are brought to
Maturity by great Pains and much TrouUe. If
it be true, diat the Company gave him Power to
fettle a Colony in any Part on that Coaft that
pleafed him beft, I wonder that he choofed not
Cabehny about fix Leagues to the Southward,
where the Ground is fertil, and the Water good,
with the Conveniency of a Point of Rocks to fa*
cilitate Boats landing, or why he did not go nine
Leagues farther northerly, and fettle at Policat
on the Banks of a good River, as the Dutch
have done fmce, where the Road for Shipping
is made eafy by feme Sand Banks, that reach
three Leagues off Shore, and make the high
turbulent Billows that come rolling from the S«i,
fpend their Force on thofc Banks before they
can reach the Shore. The Soil is good, and the
River commodious, and convenient in all Sea-
fons. Now whether one of thole Places had

not

of the Eaft Indies. 363

not been more eli^ble, I leave to the ingenious
and tbofe concerned to comment on.

However, the War carrycd on at Bengal and
Bombay^ by the Englijh again ft the Mogufs Sub-
jcdls, from 1685 to 1689. made Fort St. G^c^rg-^
put on a better Drefs than he wore before ; for
the peaceable Indian Merchants, who hate Con-
tention and War, came flocking thither, becaufe
it lay far from tbofe Incumberers of Trade, and
near the Diamond Mines of Golcondab^ where
there are, many Times, good Bargains to be
made, and Money got by our Governors. The
black Merchants reforting to our Colony, to fc-
cure their Fortunes, and bring their Gpods to a
lafe Market, made it populous and rich, not-
withftanding its natural Inconveniences. The
Town is divided into two Parts. One where
the Europeans dwell is called the white Town.
It is walled quite round, and has feveral Baftions
and Bulwarks to defend its Walls, which can
only be attacked at its Ends, the Sea and River
fortifying its Sides. It is about 400 Paces long,
and 150 broad, divided into Streets pretty regu-
lar, and Fort St. George ftood near its Center.
There are two Churches in it, one for the £//§•-
lijh^ and another for the Romijl: Service. The
Governor fuperintends both, and, in filling up
Vacancies in the Romip Church, he is the
Pope's Legate a latere in Spiritualities. There
is a very good Hofpital in the Town, and tlie
Company's Horfe- {tables are neat , but the old

I College,

364 -^ ^^^ j4€count

College, where a great many Gentlemen Fac-
tors are obliged to lodge, is ill kept in Repair.
They have a Town-hall, and underneath it
are Prifons for Debtors. They are, or were a
Corporation, and had a Mayor and Aldermen
to be chofen by the free Burgers of the Town ;
but that fcurvy Way is grown obfolete, and the
Governor and his Council or Party fix the Choice.
The Qty had Laws and Ordinances for its own
Preiervation, and a Cburt kept in Form, the
Mayor and Aldcnuen in their Gowns, with
Maces on the Table, a Clerk to keep a Regifter
of Tranfadiions and Cafes, and Attomies and
SoUicitors to plead in Form, before the Mayor
and Aldermen ; but, after all, it is but a Farce,
for, by Experience, I found, that a few Paga-^
does rightly placed, could turn the Scales of Juf-^
tice to which Side the Governor pleaied, with-
out Refpedl to Equity or Reputation.

In fmaller Matters, where the Cafe, on both
Sides, is but weakly fupported by Money, then
the Court adls judicioufly, according to their
Confciences and Knowledge; but often againft
Law and Reafon, for the Court is but a Court
of Confcience, and its Decifions are very irre-
gular 3 and the Governor's difpenfing Power of
nulling all that the Court tranfadts, puzzles the
moft celebrated Lawyers there to find Rules in
the ftatute Laws.

They have no martial Law, fo they cannot
inflid the Pains of Death any other Ways than

of the Eaft Indies* ^6$

by whipping or ibrvii:^) only for Piracy they
can hang ; and j(bme of them have been io
fond of that Privilege, that Mr. Tale hanged his
Groom ( Crofi ) for riding two or three Days
Journey off to take the Air 5 but, in England^
he paid pretty well for his arbitrary Sentence.
And one of a latter Date, viz. the orthodox
Mr. CoUet^ hang'd a Youth who was an Appren-
tice to an Officer on board of a Ship,' and his
Mafter going a pirating, carried his Servant a-
long with him ; but the Youth ran from them
the firft Opportunity he met with, on the Illand
of Jonkceyhan^ and informed the Mafter of a
Sloop, which ky in a River there, that the K-
rates had a Defign on his Sloop and Cargo, and
went armed, in Company with the Mafter, to
hinder the Approach of the Pirates, and was
the firft that fired on them, yet that merciful
Man was inexorable, and the Youth was hang*d.

That Power of executing Pirates is {o ftrange-
ly ftretched, that if any private Trader is in-
jured by the Tricks of a Governor, and can
find no Redrefs, if the injured Perfon is fo bold
as to talk oiLex taUonis^ he is infallibly declared
a Pirate.

In Anno 17 19. 1 went on a trading Voyage
to &iam^ on the Foundation of a Treaty of Com-
merce eftablifhed in Anno 1684. between King
Charles and the King of Siam's AmbafTador at
London-, but, in Anno 1718. Mr. Collet fent
one Fc^w;^ his Ambafiador to Siam^ with full
Power to annul the old Treaty, and to make a

new

^66 u4 AW Account

new one detrimental to all Britijh Subjedts, ex«
ccpt thofe employed by Collet himfclf. It was
Aipulated, that all Britijh Subjcdls that had not
Collet*s Letter, (hould be oWiged to pay eight
per Cent, new Cuftoms, and Mcaiuragc for
their Ship, which come to about 500 L. for
a Ship of 300 Tuns, to fell their Cargoes to
whom they pleafed, but the Money tobc paid in-
to the King*s Ca(h, that he might deliver Goods
for it at his own Pricx's, whether proper for their
homeward Markets, or no, I cx)ming to Siam^
font myfecond Supercargo up to the City, with
Orders to try the Market, and hire a Houfe for
the Ule of the Cargo and ourfclves. He could
not get a Boat to bring him back, before the
Ship arrived at Beftcvck^ a Caftlc about half-way
up, where it is cuftomary for all Ships to put
their Guns a(hore, fo then being obliged to pro-
ceed with the Ship to the City, I undcrftood
the Conditions of the new Treaty of Com-
merce, which I would, by no Means, adhere
to, but dclired Leave to be gone again, 'I'hcy
ulbd many Perfiialions to make me ftay, but to
no Purpole, unlclii I might trade on the old and
lawful Treaty. Tlicy kept me from the Begin-
ning!; of yliigtijl to the Litter End of December^
before they would let me go, and then I was
obliged to pny Meafurnge before they parted
with inc.

I wrote my Grievance to Mr. Collet, com-
plaining of Poiniry^ villanous Tranfadtions, not
Iccming to know that tli^ry were done by OAhfs

Order,

of the Eaft Indies* 367

Order, and let fome Hints fall of L^x talionis^
if I met with Powney conveniently, which fo
vexed Mr. Collet^ that he formally went to the
Town-hall, and declared me a rank Pirate, tho*
I and my Friends came off with above 3000
jL. Lois.

I (hould not have been fo particular, but that
I faw fome printed Papers at London, in Anna,
1725. that extolled his Piety, Charity and Juf-
tice in very high Encomiums 5 but it muft have
been done by fome mercenary Scribler that did
not know him ; but now he is dead Til iay no
more of him.

The black Town is inhabited by Gent(Kvs, Ma^
hometans and Indian ChriJiianSy viz. Armenians^
and Portugueze^ where there are Temples and
Churches for each Religion, every one being
tolerated ; and every one follows his proper Em- .
ployment. It was walled in towards the Land,
when Governor Pit ruled it. He had fome
Apprehenfion, that the Moghl's Generals in Gol^
condah might, fome Time or other, plunder it,
fo laying the Hazard and Danger before the In-
habitants, they were either perfuaded or obliged
toraife Subfidies to wall their Town, except
towards the Sea and the white Town.

The two Towns are abfolutely governed by
the Governor Sola^ in whofe Hands the Com-
mand of the military is lodged ; but all other
Affairs belonging to the Company, are managed
by him and his Council, moft Part of whom
are generally his Creatures. And I have been

and

368 A New Accouttf

and am acquainted with fome Gcnticmen, who
have been in that Poll, as well as fome pcmte
Gentlemen, who rdided at Fort St. George^
Men of great Candour and Honour, but mcj
feldom continued long Favourites at Court.

One of the Gates of the white Town locks
towards the Sea, and it is, for that Reaibn, callod
the Sea-^te. The Gate- way being pretty fpa*
dous, was formerly the common Exchange
where Merchants of all Nations refbrted a-
bout eleven a Clock, to treat of Bufinefs in
Merchandize -, but that Cuftom is out of Fa-
Hiion, and the Confultation Chamber, or the
Governor's Apartment, ferves for that Ufe now,
which made one Captain Hart, a very merry
Man, (ay, that be could never have believed that
the Sea-gate could have been carried into tbe Cm-
fu/tation Room, if be bad not feen it.

The Company has their Mint here for coin-
ing Bullion that comes from Europe and other
Countries, into Rupees, which brings them in
good Revenues. The Rupee is ftamp'd with
Perjian Chara<fters, declaring the MoguFs Name,
Year of his Reign, and fome of his Epithets.
They alfo coin Gold into Pagadoei of feveral
Denominations and Value. There arc alfo
Schools for the Education of Children, the
EngliJIj for Reading and Writing Ejiglijh, the
Portugueze for their Language and Latin, and
the Mahometans^ Gentows, and Armenians for
their particular Languages, And the Englifb
Church is v^'ell endowed, and maintains poor

I Gentle-

of the Eaft Indies. 369

Gentlewomen In good HouC^wifery^ good
Clothes and Palankines.

The Diamond Mines being but a Week's
Journey from Fort St. George^ make them pret-
ty plentiful there ; but few gre^it Stones are now
brought to Market there, fmce that great Dia-
mond which Governor Pit fentto England.
How he purchaied it Mr. Glyver^ by who!c
Means it was brought to the Governor, cou'd
give the beft Account, for he declared to ir.e,
that he loft 3000 Pagodoei by introducing the
Seller to Mr. P//, having l^fr (o much Money
in Arcat as Security, that if the Scone \vi? ::o:
£urly bought at Fort St. Gecrg^^ the Owner
fluHjld have free Liberty to carry it where he
pleaied for a Market; but neither the Owner
nor Mr. Glover were pleafed with the Gover-
nor's TraniaAions in that Affair.

Some Cuftoms and I^aws at the Mines are,
when a Pcrfon goes thitlier on that Affair, he
cfaoofes a Piece of Ground, and acquaints on::
of the King's Officers, who flay there for thit
Service, that he wants fo many Covets of
Ground (o dig in •, but whether they agree for lb
much, or if the Price be certain, I know not :
However, when the Money is paid, the Space
of Ground is inclofed, and fome Sentinels plac-
ed round it. The King challengers all Stones
that arc found above a certain Weight, I thlnlc
it is about 60 Grains ; and if any Stones be car-
ried clandeftinely away above tliC ftipalatcd
Weight, the Pcrlbn guilty of the Theft, is pu-

VoL. I. Bb nifhci

^^e> A New Account

iiHhed with Death. Some are fortunate^ add
get Eflates by digging, while odiers lofe bodi
their Mooey and Labour.

The current Trade of Fort St. George runs
gradually flower, the Trader meeting with Dif»
appointments, and fometimes with Op^xeffioDS,
aiQcl ibmedmes the Liberty of bupng and {A*
ling is denied them ; and I have feen, when tbb
Governor's Servants have bid for Goods at a pob*
lick Sale, fome who had a Mind to bid more,
durfl not ; others who had more Coun^ and
duril bid, were brow-beaten . and threatned.
And I was Witnefs to a Bargain of Sura
Wheat taken out of a Gentleman's Hands, after
he had fairly bought it by Audlion, fo that
many trading People are removed to other Parts,
where there is greater Liberty and lels Oppreffioa,

The Colony produces very litde of its own
Growth or Manufacture for foreign Markets.
They had formerly a Trade to Pegu^ where
many private Traders got pretty good Bread by
their Traffick and Induftry ; but the Trade is
now removed into the Armenians^ Moors and
Gentows Hands, and the Englijh are employed
in building and repairing of Shipping. The
Trade they have to China^ is divided be-
tween them and Surat ; for the Gold, and fome
Copper, are for their own Markets, and the
Grolsof their own Cargo, which confifts in Su-
gar, Sugar-candy, Allom, China Ware and fome

Drugs,

of the Eaft Indies. %J\

Drugs, as China Root, GaUing-gd^ &c. are all
for the Surat Market.

Their Trade to Ferjia muft firft come down
the famous Ganges^ before it can come'^ into Fort
St. George'% Channels to be conveyed to Perjia.
They never had any Trade to Mocha in the? Pro-
dudt and Manufadories of Cbormondel before the
Year 17 13. and Fort St. David fupplies the
Goods for that Port, fo that Fort St. George is
an Emblem of Holland in fupplying foreign
Markets with foreign Goods.

The Colony is well peopled, for there is com-
puted to be Sccoo Inhabitants in the Towns
and Villages ; and there are generally about 4
or 500 Europeans refiding there, reckoning the
Gentlemen, Merchants, Seamen and Soldiery.
Their Rice is brought by Sea, from Ganiam and
Orixa, their Wheat from Suraf and Bengal, and
theif Fire- wood from the Illandsof £)///, a low
Point of I^and that lies near Matcbulipatam^ f )
that any Enemy that is fuperior to them in
Sea Forces, may eaiily diftrcfs them.

Bb 2 CHAP.

lyz A New jdccomn

CHAR XXX.

Gives an Account of the Coaji of Chor-
mondiQl Jrom Fort St. George to Gan-
jam, the e after moji To^n i?i the an^
ctent Kingdom of Golcondah ; nxiith
Objervations on their Pagan fVorJhip^
and jome Occurrences that happened
to the Englifh FaSiory at Vizagap-
tam ^hile I^as therL

Pt) Lie AT IS the next Place of Note to
the City and Colony of Fort St. Gec^ge^
and, as I obferved before, is a Town belonging
to the Dutch. It is ftrengthned with two Forts,

one cGiit<-iijs a few DiUcb Soldiers for a Ganlbn,
the other is rorniiiandv^d by an Officer belongs:;
to the Mogul. I'he Country affords the fame
Con iinoJi tics thrr Fort St. George doth; and
tiic People are employed moftly in knittins; Cot-
ton Stockings, \.hich they export for the Ule of
all the Efiropear? Facftcries in India.

Tixre arc fcv^ial Places along the Coaft to
the Noithvvani, which, in former Times-, h^d
Commerce abroad, but now are negleSed and
Vi \ :i Vc :] :: : v. ted . j^rjiioj^un is one, and Kifnipatam
is ir//:hcr, that i^roiir-Jit eood Store of Cloth,
of fwvcral Sorts, to tiic Englifh Factories. Kif-

2 nipatm

of the Eaft Indies. ^Ji

nipatam has the Benefit of a good large River,
that has a Bar of 1 5 Foot W*Ucr on it. Car-
rera has the Benefit of a large l^ivcr, that reaches
a great Way into the Country, Pettipoly had
once Englijh and Dutch Factories fettled in it,
but were withdrawn many Years ago, bccaufe
the inland Rajahs diftiirbed Commerce by their
Impofitions and Exactions.

Matchulipatanjy being the next PLice of Fi-
gure, lies in the Way al6ng theSea-coaft, It
flands on the North-eaft Side of D/u Point, about
five Leagues diftant fro.m it. In the latter Part of
the lad Century this Town was one 6f themoft
flourirtiing in all India, and the Englijh Compa-
ny found it to be the mofl profitable Fadtoiy
that they had. They had a large Fadlory built
of Teak Timber j but now there arc no Eng-^
lijh there, tho' the Dutch continue their Fadtory
ftill, and keep about a Dozen of Uolianders
there to carry on the Chint Trade, for i!vat
Commodity is not, as yet, forbi<l to appear ia
Holland.

The Town is but fmall, built on a little
Ifland, and is much ftrongcr by Naiure tliaa
Art. Towards the Cf^ntinent Side, ilicrc is a
deep Morafs, over which is a v/cjo;i.ii Bridge
about half a League long, and on b;x .king a
Part of that liridge, the Tov/n is fwcured from
Enemies on the Lund Side.

The Moml has his Cuflom-hcnf.: h.erc/nnd
the Commiiiioner of the Culloin-l.oufc is Go-
vernor of the Town, The Country and adja-

Bb 3 ten*

574' jd'New u^c count

cent Iflands arc fruitful in Grain, Timber for
building, and Tobacco the bcft in India. The
Jflahds of Diu produce the famous Dye called
Shaii. It is a Shrub growing in Grounds that
arc overflown with the Spring-tides. It ftains
their' Callicoes in the moft beautiful and lively
Coldurs in the World ; and I have fecn Butter
from thence of as good a Colour and Tafte as
ever I few in Europe.

A few Years ago, the Uaboh or Vice-Roy of
Cbormondel^ who refides at Cbickacui, and who
fuperintends that Country for the Moguls for
fome Difguft he had received from the Inhabi-
tants of Diu Iflimds, would have made a Pre-
fcntof them to the Colony of Fort St. George^
and the Inhabitants were very willing to change
their Maftcrs j but certain Reafons, that I am
unacquainted with, made the Governor and his
Council rejedt the Prelcnt, and the Vicc-roy
and the Jflandcrs became Friends again ; bar,
after a Year or two, the Englijh liaving confi-
dcrcd better of the Matter, would accept of
the Vice-roy's Proffer, and font fome Ship«,
with Men and Ammunition, to fortify a Fac-
tory, but the Inhabitants took Arms, and for-
bad them to land, fo they returned as they went
abroad.

Next to Matchulipatam is Narjipore^ where
the EngliJJo had a Fadtory for long Cloth, for
the Ulc of their Faftory of Matcbulipalam,
when they manufadlured Cbints there. It alio
affords good Teak Timber for building, and has

I a

of the Eaft Indies. i^$

a fine deep River, but a dangerous Bar, which
makes it little firequented. And pailing round
Carrango Point, a little Way up in Cdrrango
Bay, is ^gerang^ that has the Benefit of a
large deep River, that penetrates far \ip into the
Continent. It has a Bar foft at the Bottom^
and three and an half Fathoms on it at high
Water. Here the beft and fined long Qoih is
made that India affords, and is fold cheap ; but
the inland Countries lying near the River, are
in the Hands of different Rajabs^ and each be-
ing Sovereign in his own fmall Dominions,
makes fuch Impofitions and Exadions on the
Cloth that comes down the River, that they
ruin that beneficial Trade of Angerang^ and
make it little frequented.

In Amo 1708. the EngUJb from Vlzagapa-
tarn fettled there ; but whether the Fadtory was
ftarved for Want of Money, or whether the
Conftituent and conflituted Chiefs of the Fac-
tories difagreed about dividing the Bear's Skin, I
know not, but the Fa<5iory was foon withdrawn,
and the Projed lofL

Coafling along Shore, there are ieveral little
Ports between Matcbidipatam and Vizagapntam^
.befides Narjipore and jingarang^ but JVatraiv is
the mofl noted, for it produces Rice for Expor-
tation, befides fome long Qoth, but it is not fre-
quented by Europeans^ and therefore I proceed to

Vizagapatam^ a fortified Fadory belonging
to the EngUJh. It is regularly fortified with four
little Baftions, and has about 1 8 Guns mounted

Bb 4 in

^^6 A N(yu) j4ccottHt

in it. It bas the Advantage of a River, but a
dai^rous Bar to pafs over before we get bto
it. The Country about affords Cotton Cloths^
both coarfe and fine, and the bed Xkireas, or
ilript Muilins^ in India ; but the Fadtory is ge-
nerally heart-lick for want of Money to refirefti it.
In Anno 1709. the Fadory drew a War on
themfelves from the Nabob of Cbickacul^ for
one Mr. Simeon HoJcomb, who bad been Chief
at Vizagapatam^ had borrowed confiderable
Sums of the Nab^b, and affixt the Company's
Seal to the Bonds he gave for them. Mr. flc/-
ctmb dying, the Nabob demanded bis Money
from the fucceeding Chief, who would not pay
him, alledging, that Holcomb had borrowed it
for his own private Ufe, and not for the Com^
pany's, and that he muft get Payment out of
Holcomb\ private Eftate, if there was enough
found to pay the Debt, otherwife he might
get his Money from fome inland Rajahs, who
Itood indebted to Holcomb, by his Books of Ac-
counts, in a greater Sum than would pay his
Principal and inteieil ; and that he being the
MoguH General, could compel thofe Rajahs to
pay their juft Debts, which they would make
over to him : But the Nabob, not caring to en-
ter into a War with his Country-men on fuch a
Foundation, fent Agents to acquaint the Gover-
nor and Council of Fort St. George^ with his
Affairs at Vizagapatam. They proved deaf to
all the Agcnfs Propofitions and Arguments,
and hardly treated liim civilly, fo he went back

of the Eaft Indies* 577

to his Maftcr, with the Account of his ill Suc-
cds. Upon which the l>Jaboh came to a Gar-
den about half a League from Vixagopatam^
accompanied with 500 Horfe, and 3500 Foot,
to demand his Money. I being accidentally
there in a fmall Dutcb-huWt Ship, that I had
bought from the French^ on ray Credit, at Fort
St. George f and the Faftory being but ill man-
ned, Mr, Uaftings^ who was then Chief, and
my Friend, defired the Afliftance of my Arms
and Counfel in that Jundture of Affairs, which
I very freely gave him \ and my Opinion being
afk'd in Council, what I thought about the Af-
fair, I advifed him and his Council to compound
the Matter as well as they could, and fpin out
Time, that we might better fortify the Ave-
nues to the Factory. My Advice of com-
pounding the Matter was rejeded, but the other
Fart we followed ; fo, with feven Europeans that
belonged to the Faftory, and twelve that were
with me, and twenty Topafes^ and 280 Natives,
moft of them Fifliers, that lived under the Com-
pany's Protedtion, we fortified fome Rocks that
the Enemy was obliged to pafs within Piftol-
fhot of, if they had a Mind to attack us. We
threw up Breaft-works between the Rocks, and
moored my Ship within Hftol-fhot of the Shore,
and had ei^t minion Guns to fcour the Sands,
if they had attempted to come that Way, and,
for fix Weeks we continued on our Guard, and
were often alarmed in the Night s but finding

35r5 A New Account

us always ready to receive them, they did noc>
think it proper to force an Entry into tlie Town.
I had the Honour to command all the Out-
guards, and the Chief, with tight Europeans mi
twenty Blacks, kept the Fort, Thus we con-
dnued in perpetual Watchings and Alarms, till
Reinforcements arrived from Fort St, George^
and then I left tliem, and proceeded on a Voy^-
age to Pegu. Both Parties being very bufy, one
flriving to get his Money by Compulfion, and
the other, to fave the Company's Money on any
Terms, right or wrong. The War being drawn
to a greater Length than was imagined at firft,
and Charges rifmg higher than was expcded^
inclined them to make ail up amicably, which
was at lafl eifeded by the Company's pying
near the Sum that was at firft demanded.

The Nabobs whofe Name was Fakirly Cawn^
would hear of no Peace, without the Compa-
ny's Merchant, who was a Gentow called Aga-
pa^ and a Subjedt of the Moguls, ( who was very
aftive in the War, in encouraging the Town's
People to defend themfelves, and the Company's
Intereft, and who alfo had wrote to fbme neigh-
bouring Rajabs, to embroil the Nabob's Aflfairs
in his Abfence, in order to divert him from pur-
fuing his Demands on Vizagapatam^ ) fhould be
delivered up to him, which, at laft, he vsras,
and was put to a very cruel Death. He was fet
in the hot fcorching Sun three Days, with bis
Hands faftned to a Stake over his Head, and one
of his Legs tied up till his Heel touched his But-
tock,

of the Eaft Indies. 3^9

tock, and, in the Night, put into a Dungeon,
with fome venomous Snakes to bear him Com-
pany, and this was repeated till the third Night
he ended his miferable Life ; but the Company's
Merchants, for the future, will be cautious how
they efpoufe the Company's Intereft again.

There was one Baily^ a Recruit from Fort
St. George^ on fome Difcontent, deferted the
Company's Service, apd entered into \htlNabob's\
but falling into an Ambufh, was taken Prifoner
by our Men, and was fent to Fort St, George^
where, for his Defertion, he was defervedly
whip'd out of this World into the next^ and
there I leave him.

After the War was ended, and all quiet, the
Nabob returned to Chickacul, but could neither
forget nor forgive his Treatment at Fort St. George
and Vizagapatam^ but finding by Force he could
not get the Fadory into his Hands, without
great Lofs of Men and Money, he had Recourle
to Stratagem, by furprifing it. He came into
the Town one Day with i oo Horfe, and fome
Foot, without advertifing of his coming, as was
ufual, at the Town-gate, and before the Chief
could iiave Notice, he was got into the Factory,
with twenty or thirty of his Attendants. The
Alarm being given, a refolute bold young Gen-
tleman, a Fador in the Company's Service, call-
ed Mr. Richard Hor den, came running down
Stairs, with his Fuzee in his Hand, and his
Bayonet fcrewed on its Muzzle, and, pi-efent-
ing it to the Nabob's Breaft, told him in the Gen^

380 A Ne'w Account

tow Language, ( which he was M after of ) that
the Nabob was welcome, but if any of his At-
tendants offered the leaft Incivility, his Life
ihoald anfwer for it. The Nabob was furpri-
fingly aftonifhed at the Refolution and Bravery
rf the young Gentleman, and fat down to coo*
fider a little, Mr. Horden keeping the Muzzle
of his Piece ftill at his Breaft, and one of the
Nabob'% Servants ftanding all the while behind
Mr. Horden y v^rith a Dagger's Point clofe to his
Back, fo they had a Conference of half an Hour
long, in thofe above mentioned Poftures, and
dicn the Nabob thought fit to be gone again,
.foil of Wonder and Admiration of fo daring a
Courage.

There are many ancient Pagods or Temples
in this Country, but there is one very partkrular
that flands upon a litde Mountain near Vizaga^
patam^ where they worlhip living Monkies ; and
by Report, many hundreds breed there, which
are nouriflied by the zealous Prieft^, whofe De-
votion confifts moflly in boyling Rice and o:her
Food for their comical little Gods, which, at
Meal-times, aflemble at the Pagod, and eat what
15 prepared for them, and retire again in good
Order ; but it is lefs dangerous to kill a Man near
that Temple than a Monkey. I won't venture
to be a Judge, to determine whether the Prieil
or the God is the moft ridiculous Brute, and yet
I think the Prieft has fome Advantage of thofe
on Zeloan^ who worfhip a Monkey's Tooth only.

Bimlipatoin

of the Eaft Indies. 381

Blmlipatam lies about four Leagues to the
North-eaft of Vizagapatam. The Dutch keep
a fmall Fadtory there, confifting of four EMro*
peans. The Country People manufadure Cloth^
both coarfe and fine, which the Dutch buy up
for Batavia. About four Miles off Shore, at
Bimlipatamy there are fome Rocks that appear
above Water, called San£ia Pilla. A Sliip may
pafs between them and the Shore without Dan-
ger. And that is all worth Obfervation there.

There are no European Fadories to the Eaft-
ward on the Cbaft of Chormondel^ but Ganjam.
It is kept for the Chief of Vi%agapatatn\ Ufe>
tho' a Company might find their Account there
better than in many Places they keep Faftories
in. It lies about 5 5 Leagues to the North-eaft-
ward of Vizagapatam ; but there are feveral o-
ther Places between them on the Coaft, that
drive a fmall Trade in Corn. Pondee^ Callinga^
patam and Sunapore are the moft noted, but arc
not frequented by Europeans.

The Country about Ganjam is fruitful in Rice
and Sugar-cane, and they make pretty good Su-
gars, both white and brown. It has the Bene-
fit of a River, but not navigable, nor the Bar
paflable for Ships, till the Month of September^
that the Freflies from the Mountains open it,
and then there is three Fathoms on it, but it
(huts again about the Beginning of November^
and, in the other Months, there are not above
feven or eight Foot at High- water.

The

38 z ^ ^fw yiccount

The Town (lands about a Mile within the
Bar, on a rifing Ground, and is governed by a
Ctawdrie^ an Officer deputed by the NaM.
And there is a Pagod in it, dedicated to an ob-
fcene God, called Gopalfami. He is carried
fometimes in Proccffion tfarongh the Streets, and
ibmetimes into the Fields near the Town. They
allow him a Coach, becaufe he cannot walk,
and he has always above a Dozen of Clergymen
to accompany him in his Coach. Around his
Temple, and on the Coach, are carved Figures
of Gods and Goddefles, in fuch obfcenc Pof-
tures, that it would puzzle the Covent Garden
Nymphs to imitate. One of his Company in
the Coach has a Stick about two Foot in Length,
and one End is carved in Shape of a Priapa.
The Stick is placed between his L-egs, and the
End flicking out before him, and all Virgins ai^
married Women that never had Children, conic
and worfliip the Stick, and the Priefts bcftow
Bleffings on them to make them fruitful. The
Woods produce Timber for building. It is very
heavy, but the ftrongeft Wood I ever faw, tho'
not lafting. They aifo produce Bees-wax and
Sticklack^ and pretty good Iron ) and the inland
Countries manufafturc Cotton into feveral Sorts
of Cloth, both fine and coarfe, all fit for Ex-
portation. The Seas produce many Sorts of ex-
pcllent Fiflies, and the Rivers the beft Mullets
I ever faw. In Isiovember and December they
have great Plenty of Seer-fifli, which is as fa-
voury as any Salmon or Trout in Europe. I

havt

of the Eaft Indies* 5 83

have fcen them bought for three Half-pence per
Piece, each above 20 lb. Weight. Wild Geefe
and Duck are plentiful and good here, and An-
tilopes are fold for fifteen Vtnce per Piece.

CH A P. XXXI.

Treats of the Sea^coaji and fame inland
Countries in the ancient Kingdom of
Orixa, hy the Natives called Oria ;
^ith an Account of the famous Tem^
pie of Jagarynat.

IN the Year 1708. 1 had Occafion to travel
from Ganjam to Ballajore, by Land, which
gave me an Opportunity to fee more of the
Countries thro' which I travelled, than moft
others could have who travelled by Sea. About
three Miles to the Eaft ward of Ganjam is Illure^
at the End of the Ridge of Mountains, that di-
vide the ancient Kingdom of Golcondah from 0-
rixa. Its End runs within Piftol-fhot of the
Sea, and there were three or four Sentinels to de-
mand a Tax on every Head that paft out of,
or into Orixa. I had feventecn Servants to car-
ry my Palanqueen and Baggage, and all the Tax
amounted to about three Shillings. Proceeding
farther, I came to Manikapatam^ where there
is a great Inlet from the Sea ; but, about a Mile
from its. Mouth, it divided itfelf into many

Channels,

3 84 -^ ^^'^ Account

Channels, which made many fmall Iflands. The
Mogul had an Officer there, who examined
from whence we came, and whither wc were
bound. Our Anfwers were fatisfadtory, and he
prefented us with fome Poultry, Rice and But-
ter, and gave us a Place to lodge in. And, al-
tho' we faw Plenty of Fi(h in the Rivers, yet
Money could not purchafe one of them, bc-
caufe there is a Pagod on a little Hill built of
Iron-coloured Stone, where all the Animals of
the watry Element are worftiipped. And Wa-
ter- fowls are fo facred, that they muft not be
killed. Our^ext Stage was at the famous Tem-
ple of

Jagarynat^ which, in clear Weather, may
be feen from Manikapatam. In our Way w
fa^y great Numbers of Deer and Antilopes, fo
tame, that they would not move out of our
Way, till we approached within five or fix Yards
of them. Water wild Fowl were alfo nume-
rous and fearlefs, for none dares kill them under
Pain of Excommunication, which cannot be re-
moved but by round Sums to the Church.
Poultry there is plentiful, but cannot be killed
by the Pagans^ becaufe they worfhip them ; nor
can Strangers purchafe them, only the Mabome*
ta?2Sy who make no Account of their Canon
Laws, make bold to facrifice them, and Fiih
too, as we do in Great Britain,

In all this Tradt between Ganjam and Jaga*
rynaty the vifible God in moft Efleem is Go-
paljamiy whofe Temples, as I faid before, arc

decorated

of the Eafl- Indies. 385

decorated with obfcene Reprefentations of Men
and Women in indecent Poftures, alfo of De-
mons and Caco-demons, whofe Genitals are of
a prodigious Size in Proportion to their Bodies.
The filthy Image is worfliipped by all the Hea--
tbens of both Sexes, but barren Women are his
. greateft Devotees, and bring him the bed Ob-
lations.

yagarynat has vaft Crouds of Pilgrims to vi-
iit him from all Parts of India. His Temple
flands in a Plain about a Mile from the Sea, and
no Mountains nor Outlets of Rivers near it. It
18 built of a free hard Stone, . the Pedeftal of
large fquare Stone, and clofe by it is a Ciftern
built about with large oblong fquare Stones of
difierent Colours, njiz. Brick-colour, light blue,
gray and white. The Ciftern has Steps that run
the whole Length. of the Ciftern, which is a-
bout 40 or 50 Yards, and, at the End oppofitc
to the Pagod, Steps of the whole Breadth of it,
which is about 25 or 30 Yards, each Step about
a Foot deep, defcending, by Gradation, under
the Surface of the Water, which did not feem
to be clear, but, they fay, is three Fathoms
deep in the Middle. This Ciftern or Tank is
walled round with a Stone Wall about five Foot
high, with two Iron Gates to let in Pilgrims, and
keep out unfandified Perfons, as Cbrifiians, Ma^
bometans, 8cc. for all Pilgrims are obliged to
wafti in that Tank before they go into /the Tem-
ple to worfhip. The Temple is built in the Shape
of a Canary Pipe fet on End, about 40 or 50
You I. C c Yards

^S6 j^ New Account

Yards high ; about the Middle is the Image d
an Ox cut in one intire Stone, bigger than a live
one. He looks towards the South-eaft, and his
hinder Parts are fix'din the Wall. The Fal»ic
is crowned with a Top about the fame Diame-
ter that it is in the Middle, and the Temple be*
ing exa&ly round, makes no contemptible Fi-
gure in Architedure. On the Weft Side of the
Pagod, there is a large Chapel that joms it,
wherein Sermons are daily preached ^ and there
are fome Convents at a little Diftance for the
Priefts to lodge in, who daily officiate. There
are, in all, about 500 of them that belong to
the Pagod, who daily boil Rice and Pulfc for
the Ufe of the God. They report, that there
are five Candies daily dreft, each Candy con-
taining 1600 lb. Weight. When fome Part
has been carried before the Idol, and the Smoke
had faluted his Mouth and Nofe, then the Re-
mainder is fold out, in fmall Parcels, to thofe
who will buy it, at very reafonable Rates, and
the Surplus is ferved out to the Poor, who arc
ever attending the Pagod out of a pretended De-
votion : And this Food, that is dreiled for the
Pagod, has a particular Privilege above other
Eatables, that the puriEed Heathen is not conta-
minated by eating out of the fame Difh with
polluted Chrifiians or Mahometans^ tho, in a-
rother Place, it would be reckoned a mortal Sin.
I ftaid there one Day and two Nights, and
my Lodgings were in an Houfe very near the Pa-
god. T he Nights were fpent in beating on Ta-
I bors

of the Eaft Indies. 387

bors and Brafs Cymbals, with Songs of Praifes
on Jagarynat^ who is only a Stone God, not
carved into a Figure, but an irregular pyramidal
black Stone of about 4 or 500 U). Weight, with
two rich Diamonds placed near the Top, to re-
prefent Eyes, and a Nofe and a Mouth painted
with Vermilion, to fhew his Devotees that he
can both fmell and tafte. There are no Win-
dows in the Temple to give Light, fo that he
has Ufefor about 100 Lamps continually burn-
ing before him. He is railed about, that none
may approach near him but his Priefts ; and on-
ly thofe of the firft Quality dare enter into the
SanStum fanSiorum.

I would fain have gone into the Temple, but
could not be admitted, tho' I profered the Value
of three Guineas for Admittance, but I fent
one of my Servants, who was a Gentow^ to ob-
fcrve what he could, and he brought me the
foregoing Account.

He is never removed out of the Temple, but

his Effigy is often carried abroad in Proceflion,*

mounted on a Coach four Stories high. It runs

on eight or ten Wheels, and is capable to contai.i

■ near 200 Perfons. It is drawn through a large

\ Street about 50 Yards wide, and half a League

\ long, by a Cable of fourteen Inches Circumfe-

\ rence, and, at convenient Diftances, they fafteii

\ fmall Ropes to the Cable, two or three Fathoms

i" long, fo that upwards of 2000 People have

\ Room enough to draw the Coach, and fome old

\ Zealots, as it pafles through the Street, fall fla:

J Cc 2 on

^SS A Seto Account

on the Ground, to have the Honour to be crafli"
ei to Pieces by the Coach Wheels, and, if they
meet with that good Fortune to be killed out*
right, the Vi'tcSHs make the Mob believe that
the tkSnnCCi Soul is much in Favour with the
Idol, but if oolyaLeg, a Thigbor an Armare
cru{h*d, then the l>votee is not iandificd e-
'Hough to be taken Notice of, however, if they
die of their firuifes, their Bodies are burned as
well as the others, and their Souls go into P^-
dife, or a Place very neaJ it, without flopping
at the half-way Houfe to be purged from tbdr
Sins, as others lefs pure are obliged to do.

They have a Tradition, that this famous Idol

was not ori^nally of the Country he now ftays

in, but, 3 or 4000 Years ago, he fwimm'd 0*

ver the Sea, ' and ibme Filhers feeing him lie at

High- water Mark, went near him, and, to

their great Aftonifhment, heard him ^y in their

own vernacular Language, that became out of pure

Charity to refide among tbem^ and defired that he

might have a good hedging built for bim^ on that

fame Spot of Ground that be now dwells on. The

Fifliers told this Story to their ghofUy Fathers,

who came in Troops to fee the Stone that could

talk fo prettily, and would have excufed them-

felves of the Trouble of building an Houfe fit

to entertain his Godftiip, but he would not be

denied ; and, . tho' there are no Stone- quarries

nor Mountains to be feen within Reach of the

Eye, he promifed to fumifli them with good

Stone and Lime to build his Houfe, if they

would

of the Eaft Indies. 389

would but take the Trouble; and fo, every
Night, Materials were brought as there was
Need, and, in a ftiQrt Time, his Houfe was
built, as it now is. And there are reckoned, in
the fame Town, nolefs than 400 Temples built
in Honour to "Jagarynat and his Relations.

Hzdyagarynat ftaid but twenty or thirty Cen-
turies, and fwimm'd to the Shore of fome Cbri--
Jitan Catholic Country, he would have found an
hearty welcome, and would not have been ob-
liged to confine himfelf to one Houfe without
Windows, but would have had an hundred Pa-
laces built for him, with fwinging great Win-
dows to give him Day-light, and hundreds of
good Wax-candles burning before him Night and
Day, inftead of Lamps, whofe Charge is much
lefs than Virgin Wax, and their Light much
dimmer.

Whether this Story of Jagarymtj or thofe of
the miraculous Adventurers of Xavier^ and the
Ship that run from Cape Bona Ejperanza to Goa
in one Night, are moft to be credited, I leave
to the Determination of the unprejudiced Judges
of Controvcrfy in Points polemical.

The Prince of this Country is an Heathen^ and
pays a Tribute to the Mogul of a Lack of Ru-
pees yearly, or 12500 L. Sterl. which is paid
into the Exchequer at Cattack. And the Prince
exa<5ts a Tax of half a Grown />^r Head on eve-
ry Pilgrim that comes to the Pagod to wor(hip,
which generally amounts to j ^000 L. per Annum.

Cc 3 This

390. A New Account

This Country abounds in Corn, Clotb^ Cat-
tle, Deer and Antelopes. Bears and Monkeys
are very numerous and fearlefs. Thcr^ is aUb
Plenty of Water^fowl, Partridge and Pheafant,
all tame^ becaufe none dares kill them but the
Prince, except thofe whom he gives written Li-
cences to, and they are but feldom obtained.
The Country is watered with many fmall Rivers,
vhofe Outlets to the Sea are at Manikapatam and
ArfiporCj and there are many Bridges of Stone
over thofe little Rivers, and great Numbers of
Beggars near thofe Bridges, ajQcing Aims in the
Name of Jagarynat.

The Prince, who reigned in Anno 1708. had
a peculiar Efteem for Europeans in general ; for,
one Day as he was hunting, his Horfe fell, and
the Prince broke his Thigh-bone, and accident-
ally an European Surgeon being in the Town,
fet the Bone, and made a perfed: Cure, and was
rewarded with 45 Z,. Sterl. for it.

When I was there, he was abroad a hunting,
and he fent me a Compliment, that he defired
to fee me i but I excufed myfelf on Account of
my having a Fit of the Gout, and he was fatif-
lied with the Excufe, and fent me a good fat
Buck for my Supper ; and feveral of the bcft
Gentlemen in Town came with their Com-
pliments, next Morning, to invite me to ftay a
few Days till his Highnefs returned from hunt-
ing ; but my Bufmefs being preffing, I returned
their Civilities in the propereft Terms I could,
and took Leave to proceed on mv Journey.

When

of the Eaft Indies. 391

When I had travelled three or four Leagues
fit)m yagarynaty I left the Sca-fliore, and took
my Way towards Cattack^ on a very fine Road,
where 1 few many Droves of Cattle and wild
Game^ and ieveral Monuments of 2«alous Pil-
grims, who had fignalized themfelves by fevere
Penances; and one particularly, that, about
three Months before I was there, had, out of
2^1, built a Tomb for himfelf, and, when it
was finiihed, took his Leave of his Friends in
Form, and entred into his new Cell, and ftaid
till he died for want of Suflenance. I chal-
knge any Chrifiian Penitents to do more, in Ads
of Supererogation, than this blind Heathen did.

CHAP. XXXIL

Is an Account of the maritime Towns on
the Coaji of Orixa, njohich terminates
at BallaK)rc 5 aljo of fome inland
Places through which I travelled.

R O M the Dombions of Jagarymt^ I
came into thofe of Arfipore. The Town,
I the Kajah refided, is named after the
Province, and there is a fine River that invites
Strangers to frequent it for Cotton, Cloth and
Rice, that this Country affords in great Plenty.
And, in fixfcore Miles that I travelled between
yagarynat and Cattack^ I found little elfe worth

Cc 4 noticing

39X ^ ^^ Account

mrngflsg^but Ntimbcrs of Vill^es inter^)ers'd in
tfafph^ CQuntnea;' and, at every ten or twdve
Milcg: End, aJBcliov to demand ytmkaunoc
PoUf^oncy for me aod my Servants^ wliicb g^
Ikerally came to a Peny or three half Pence a
Pieoe^ : fo that, in the Whole, it cod me about
rX. SterL for Paffig^-gilt.

The next Place to AJiporCy oo the Sea-coaft,
is Baypore^ that ilands on the Banks of the Ri-
ver of Cattack^ v^here it di&mbogucs ioto
the: Sea,, about mid- way between Pdnt Fidfo
and. Point Pahmra^ It has a fine Barafibrd-
ilDg' /even Fathoms Water on it in Spring-tides.
It 1$ not ff equented by Europeans^ tho\ no Doubt,
it was before Aurmgzeb conquered the Coantry;
for it prcduccth - Corn, Cloth very fine. Butter
and, Oil in great Abundance. The City of Cat-
tack ilands on an Ifland of this River, about 25
Leagues from the Sea.

AVhen I came to the River of Cattack^ I ef-
picd a fmali Pagod, built in Form of a Cupola.
The Out-fide had Holes in it, like the Holes of
a Pigeon-houfc, placed in Order, and in each
Hole was a IVIan's Scull. Enquiring the Rea-
fon why fuch a Number of Sculls were put
there, I was informed, that when AurengziB^
Army came to befiege Cattack, there was a Con-
fpiracy in the Town to betray it, but being de-
ttdcd, above 500 that were concerned in it,
were, by Order of the King of Orixa^ who
was then in the City, condemned to be beheaded,

and

of the Eafl Indies. 395

and their Heads ta be placed in thofe Hdes, and
there they have ccxitbued crer finoe. Gbfe bjr
that Temple, we took Boat to cany us to the
City, the Rivera on that Side, being about a
Mile broad, ai^ ibuodiiigit in die Middle, I
found fix Fathoms. The River Wafer is very
clear, and wholfome to drink, and deibenc^
with a flow Stream.

The Sprii^ of the River are from the Moun«
tains of Gatti^ within 40 Leagues of Gm, and,
in its Fsifla^, waihes Part of the Kingdoms of
Talinga^ Vtfapore^ Gokmdab and Orixa^ Ue^
fing ail the Countries that it paffes throi^^
with Fertility of Com, even to die Place where
it Ipfes itfelf, and there it b alfo beneficent, in
affording a convenient Ebrbour for Shippii^
tho* it is not much firequented by Strangers,
and not at all by Europeam. I believe the Rea--
fon is, that many Ra/ahs, of difieient Interefls^
have their Countries on the Sidesof the River,
and they load the Trade with {o many Taxes
and Impofidons, that the induftrious Merchant
cannot get any Profit by his Labour ; and the
Reins of the Moguh Government being (o flack
in thofe Parts, the Nabob of Orixa is not ca-
pable to keep the contentious Rajabs in better
Order.

Cattack is flill a large Gty, walled round, and
a good many Cannon planted on its Walls, but
neither the Wall nor Artillery are kept in good
Order. The Town is not one Qwrtcr Rirt in-
habited;

habitol ; but the Ruim ci many hfge Baild-
ings ihew fufiicieDtly itsancieiit Gcandcofy when
Kings kq>t ibar Courts there. h» Figure is an
OUong for a League IcMig, and a Mile broad.
It is gariibned with 5000 Foot, and 500 Horie.
The Erfglijh Company had once a fine Fac-
tory in Cattaci. Moil of its Walls were land-
ing in Armo 1708. and a Garden that belonged
to the FaAoryy was then in good Repair, kept
by a Perfon of Quality in the Town. The
Country abont abounds in Com and Catde^ and
tame and wild Fowl are very plentiful and good
Their Manufaidlory is in Cotton Cloths, coarfe
and fine of all Sorts, and very cheap, and fo are
Butter and Oil. I bought a few Seer bands and
Sarmoes there, to know the Difference of the
Prices between (attack and Ballafore Markets,
and I found Cattack fold them about 60 per Cent.
cheaper than BaUafore -, but, on the Road,
which is about 3 5 Leagues long, we paid fcven
or eight Times Toll for our Heads and Goods,
which made them come out about 28 per Cent.
better than Ballafore Market.
. That Part of the River, on the North Side
of Cattack^ is very (hallow. When I paflcd it,
there were not above three Foot Water in it.
I'hey liave a Cuftom in this Town, that, when
any Stranger travels through it, he muftfind
Surety, that he'll carry none of the Inhabitants
off with him, without the Nabob'% Permiflion,
and if the Stranger can find no Security, the

Nabob'%

of the Eaft Indies. 395

Nabob* ^ Secretary becomes brand for paying him
ten Rupees for the Danger he fans. Two
Dtdcb Renagodoes^ who were in the Nabob's Ser^
vice as Gunners^ came to wait on me, with a
Prefent of Mutton, Fowl and Fifti, and profcr*
cd to be my Sureties. I rewarded them with
the ufual Perquifite due to the Secretary, and
gave them a Bottle of French Brandy, which
they fet a great Value on.

When I left Cattack^ I travelled about 50
Miles in two Days, and came to Badruck, which
flands on the Side of a River, that runs into the
Sea at Cunnaca^ about twenty Miles below j8^-
druck. There are about 1 000 Houfes in it, and a
fmall Mud- wall Fort, but never a Gun in it. The
Inhabitants are mofUy employed in Hufbandry,
Spinning, Weaving and Churning, and Butter
here is pretty cheap, being accounted dear at a
Peny fer Pound Weight. In two Days I tra-
velled ixQvciBadruck to BaUaforSy and fa w no-
thing in the Way, but Things common and in-
different ; the Produdl of the Cbuntry being
Corn and Qoth, Iron, Annife and Cummins-
feeds, Oil and Bees-wax. Iron is fo plentiful^
that they cad: Anchors for Ships in Moulds, but
they are not fo good as thofe made in Europe.

I muft now return back to Raypore^ and tra«-
vel along the Sea-coaft. Four Leagues from
Raypore is the Ifland of Palmeira^ which lies a-
bout a Mile from the Shore, and has a Channel

of two Fathoms deep between them. The

Country

396 A New Account

Country is here very low, but the lilaod lower,
and it fends off a very dajigerous Sand Bank fo
far mto the Sea, that the luind can icarcely be
feen till a Ship is a-ground. Within 50 Paces of
the Bank are fixteen Fathoms Water, vehich
fudden Shaliowings make it the more dangerous.

Three Leagues to the Northward of the Point
Palmeira^ is Cunnaca^ which River is capable to
receive a Ship of 200 Tuns. It has a Bar, but
not dangerous, becaufe the Sea is fmooth, and
the Bottom foft. The Nabob of Cattack com-
mands the North Side of the River, and a iSa-
jab the other, which makes them both court
the Merchant that comes to trade there, for he
pays Cuftom only to the Sovereign, whofc Side
of the River his Ship lies on. The Produce and
Manu&dtories of the Country, I mentioned
already.

About twelve Leagues to the Northward of
Cunnaca, is the River's Mouth of Ballajore^
where there is a very dangerous Bar, fufficiently
well known by the many Wrecks and Loffes
made by it. Between Cunnaca and Ballafore Ri-
vers there is one continued fandy Bay, where
prodigious Numbers of Sea Tortoifes refort to lay
their Eggs ^ and a very delicious Fifh called the
Pampleey come in Sholes, and are fold for two
Pence f^r Hundred. Two of them arc fuffici-
cnt to dine a moderate Man.

The Town is but four Miles from the Sea by
Land, but, by the River, twenty. The Coun-

I try

oj the Eaft Indies* 397

try is fruitful to Admiration, producing Rice,
Wheat, Gram^ DoU Callavancesy lever^ Sorts
of Pulfe, Annife, Cummin Coriander, and Cara-
way Seeds ; Tobacco, Butter, Oil and Bees-wax.
Their Manu&Aories are of Cottoh in Sanms^
Caffas^ DemetieSy Mulmuh^ Silk, and Silk and
Cotton RomalSy Gurrabs and Lungies ; and of
Herba ( a Sort of tough Graft ) they make
Ginghams y Pinafios^ and feverai other Goods for
Exportation.

The Englijhy French and Dutch have their
refpedlive Fadlories here, but, at prefent, ^ of
little Confideration, tho, in former Times, be-
fore the Navigation of Hughly River was culti-
vated, they were the head Fadories in the Bay
or Gulf of Bengal.

The Town of Ballafore drives apretty good
Trade to the Iflands of Maldiva. Tnofe Iflands,
as I obferved before, have no Rice or other Grain
of their own Product, fo that Ballafore fupplies
them with what Neceflaries they want, and, in
Return, bring Cowries and Ctr^ar for the Service
of Shipping. The Sea-(hore of Ballafore being
very low, and the Depths of the Water very
gradual from the Strand, make Ships, in Balla^
fore Road, keep at a good Diftance from the
Shore ; for, in four or five Fathoms, they ride
three I-icagues off.

From jkpril to OStober is the Seafon for Ship-
ping to come into the Bay of Bengal. Pilots
lie ready at Ballafore to carry them up the River

Hugkly^

^pS A New Account

Hugbfy^ which is a ftnall Branch of the hmooA
Ganges. The European Companies, before men*
tioneid, keep theirs always in Pay % but, when
none of their own Shipfnng is there, dieirPi-
lots have the Liberty to ferve other Ships, which
is no fmall Advantage to them.

The People about Ballaft^e have one particu-
lar Cuftom that I never heard of in any other
Country, viz. they take a Piece of foft Clay,
and make it in the Form of a large Suppofitory,
and they harden it in the Sun, till it comes to
the Confiftence of foft Wax, and, when they
think It fit for Ufe, they put it into the right In-
tefline, immediately after Exoneratbn. This,
they alledge, keeps them cool, tho* after it has
been in Ufe a Day and a Night, it becomes hard,
but every Morning they have a new one ready
for Ufe.

There is a Report current among the Englifl)
in hidiay that the old Eaji-India Company dc-
fired one Captain Goodlad^ who was going in
their Service Commander of a Ship to Bengal ^
that he would bring them Home fome Indian
Rarity that had never been feen in England be-
fore. And being lodged in the Factory at Bal-
lafore^ looking out of his Window one Morn-
ing, he faw fome People making Ufe of their
Suppofitories, and leaving the old hard bak'd
ones behind them. He immediately bethought
himfclf of the Commiflion he had from his Mal-
tcrs, and judged that they might be Rarities ne-
ver

of the EaO: Indies, J99

ver (een m Europe befoiTy aiul ordcf ed a fmall
Keg to be filled with them« When he brought
them to JS^glaad^ they proved tofae fuch as the/
hadqeveri^. Soine Gentlemen, more curi-
ous than the reft, £:xap*d fone of them to try
the Tafte, but they ftiU contbued in the Dark,
till the comical Captain gave them an Account
of their Uie and Virtue.

The Sides of the River are over-grown with
Bufbes, which ^ve flielter to many fierce and
troublefbme Tygers, who do much Mifchief«
I kocw sj:i Englijb Man that was in a Ship's Boat
laden with frefh Water, lying in the River,
waiting the Tide to carry her over the Bar, and
this Mjm had the Curiofity to ftep afhore, and
being a litde Way firom the Boat, had a Call to
exonerate, and had no (boner put himfelf in a
Pofture near the Bufhes, but out leaps a Tyger,
and caught both his Buttocks in his Mouth, and
was for carrying him away, but one of the Sea-
men in the Boat feeing tl^ Tragedy, took up a
M ufket, and placed a Bullet in the Tiger's Head,
while the Man was in his Mouth helplefs. The
Tyger immediately let him fall, and (kulk'd ia
among the BuOies, and the wounded Man was
carried on board of his Ship, and the Surgeon
made a perfed Cure of the Wounds. 1 faw
the Marks of the Wounds three or four Years
after the Accident happened to him.

And now having led you as far Eaflward as
Alexander the Great led his Army, even to the

famous

40O ^ Nnv ^count ^c,
fimous Rivor Gat^es^ which put a Stop to his
Tiavek, 111 veature &rthef , and vifit both tbs
fi^nks of that River, wpwaids and downwards,
and then march as ht Baft as our Eurepean Na-
vigation has as yet dilbovened. The iecond Vo-
lunie wilt difcover whether I keep my Promife
or not, and fo I proceed.

77jf Endoftke Ftrjl Volume.

jOl 'd '■ '^•♦''