Purchas his pilgrimes. part 1 In fiue bookes. The first, contayning the voyages and peregrinations made by ancient kings, patriarkes, apostles, philosophers, and others, to and thorow the remoter parts of the knowne world: enquiries also of languages and religions, especially of the moderne diuersified professions of Christianitie. The second, a description of all the circum-nauigations of the globe. The third, nauigations and voyages of English-men, alongst the coasts of Africa ... The fourth, English voyages beyond the East Indies, to the ilands of Iapan, China, Cauchinchina, the Philippinæ with others ... The fifth, nauigations, voyages, traffiques, discoueries, of the English nation in the easterne parts of the world ... The first part.

§. IIII. Indian shipping at Moha; Sir Henry Middletons escape from the Turkes, and enforcing satisfaction.

APrill the first, 1611. the Darling deparred for Assab, with leaue euery ten dayes to re∣turne, to see how I did: this his vnlooked for kindnesse I hoped in God would bee a meanes to worke my freedome. The second, came into the roade another ship of Da∣bul, full of people. The Nohuda rid about the Towne in a painted coate, as the manner is. These robes are but lent them for the present, and afterward returned to the keeper of the [ 10] Ward-robe, to whom belongs a dutie for lone of them. The third, came a Iebba from Aden, which brought the Pepper-cornes Boat.

The fourth day, came an other ship of Dabul, which laded at Achin with Pepper: these three great ships belong all to the Gouernour of Dabul, who is a Persian, and a great Merchant, and hath many slaues, whereof Melick Amber is one, and is in great credit with him: he had the ma∣naging of the goods belonging to these three ships; he is a Negro, borne in Habosse, and might cost his Master fifteene or twenty royalls of eight, and now neuer goeth out of his doores, but with great troopes of followers, like some great Lord.

The sixth, I sent to the Cayha Abdela Chillarby a faire peice, and a small barrell of powder, [ 20] which I promised to send him at my comming from Zenan. The seuenth, came from India a smal ship laden with cotton. The eleuenth, came from India two small barkes Mallabars▪ of one of the Iles of Maldiuia: the chiefe of them came often to visit me, till he was forbidden by the Aga our enemie. The twelfth, there came two Barks from India: for then the wind was Westerly; which continued so for fiue dayes, and afterwards came to the South South-east againe. The four∣teenth, came in a small Barke laden with Cotten, for the Bannians. The fifteenth, came another from Bassanor: the Nohuda came to visit me at my house, which the Aga repined at. The seuen∣teenth, came into the Towne a great many Cammels, and diuers Merchants, which came from Damasco, Sues, and Mecca, to trade with the Merchants of India. The nineteenth, came in a ship and a barke of Cananor, the Captaine of the great ship came to visit mee with great troopes [ 30] following of him: which the Aga stomaking, sent for him whiles he was talking with mee, and forbad such resort vnto me. The twentieth, came in a ship of Calicut and the Darling. The three and twentieth, came in a small barke of the Kings of Zacotora, which came from Goa.

The second of May, 1611. I dispatched Letters for England of all our proceedings in those parts: one Copy to the English Consul at Aleppo, and another to the French Consul at Cayro: which letters I deliuered to a Guzerat. The tenth, came in a small barke from the coast of Swa∣hell or Magadoxo, with Slaues, Elephants teeth, Amber: there had wont to come euery yeare hi∣ther from thence foure barkes with like lading, but this yeare would come no more, for that their Countrey are in warres, and the Portugals had burned their shipping. These men buy their Ne∣groes and Amber at Cancamarra, in S. Laurence, where Captaine Rowles was taken and betrayed; [ 40] we enquired of them if they could informe vs of any thing touching him. Also this day about noone came in the Darling, and according to her wonted order shot off a peice for a Boat; the shot grazed vpon the water to the Towne-wards, whereat the Aga was displeased; but gaue leaue I might send aboord. I writ my letter, and sent one of my seruants aboord with it, commanding him to tarry aboord, and come no more ashore, and withall to tell M. Pemberton, hee should not send his Boat a land till he heard further from me.

The eleuenth in the morning, at the dawning of the day, the Aga with all the chiefe men of the Towne, were rid abroad in great state to his Garden to be merrie: which I seeing, did not a little glad my heart, and gaue God thanks, which offered me so faire meanes to put that in pra∣ctise, which long before I had determined: For Hamet Aga, and others had told mee the Basha [ 50] would not performe his word, but for feare. I writ my letter to M. Pemberton, wherein I certifi∣ed him, I minded as this day to make an escape aboord, and that I would conuay my selfe into an emptie But, and so be carried downe to the Boat as an emptie Caske: and therefore willed him the Boat should be sent with all speed, manned with choice men; and withall to send me a bottle of Aquauitae, and an orher of wine, to make drunke my Keepers; which he accordingly performed: before I made M. Femel acquainted with my determination, I made him sweare vnto me to be se∣cret, and to vse no perswasions with me, to with-draw my mind from that I had resolued vpon: whereupon I shewed him what I had written to M. Pemberton; and withall, shewed him how that himselfe and others should walke out of the Towne to the water side, to such a place as hee well knew, and I appointed, where I would not faile, God sending mee into the Boat, to take [ 60] him and the rest in. Also I acquainted him, that the Carpenters and others I had appointed to embarque themselues to the South-ward of the Towne, where lay a Boat hard by the shore, with mast and sayle ready fitted for their purpose; but withall, I had giuen the Carpenters warning not to embarque themselues, till such time as they saw the shippes Boat put off from the Bridge. All things sorting out well to our purpose, the Subasha (which was our guardian, and left

in Towne onely to looke to me) fell to drinking hard at a Racky-house: and I beeing doubtfull of any good performance from my enemies the Turkes, had long bethought me of all the meanes I could deuise from time to time to make an escape, but could not light vpon any proiect, that had not apparent danger, both to my selfe, and those that should attempt to escape away with me. Onely this deuise it pleased God to put into my head, whereby I might bee secretly conueied into the boat without beeing discouered: for my Keepers and Souldiers eyes were onely vpon me, wheresoeuer I went: all the rest of my company might walke abroad any where by day time without suspition, or any great regard: I neuer went out of doores, but two or three soul∣diers attended vpon me wheresoeuer I went. The Boat being come, and Keepers all drunke, and all things fitted, about twelue a clocke at noone the Subasha returnes from the Aracke-house, and [ 10] being in one ende of our house, but a wall betweene vs, where his abiding was, the better to guard vs, I began to put my businesse in execution: and appointed the Carpenters to take others with them, and to go by two and two in the best manner they could to auoid suspition, and shift for themselues in the Boat aforesaid; but in any case not to meddle, before they saw the ships Boat vnder sayle. To M. Femel, and those that I appointed to take into Lee-ward of the Towne, I gaue order likewise, to goe two or three in company alongst the Sea side, to the place I had appointed them to take them in, and there to tarry my comming. After I had giuen these directions, I was conueied into my Tub, and safely set aboord the Boat: which beeing done, I forced out the head of the Caske, and came aboord, causing them to beare vp with the leeward point, where I tooke in Iohn Fowler, Beniamin Greene, Rowland Webbe, Ro. Mico, Ro. Conwey, William Bownes, Iohn Wright, [ 20] Arthur Atkinson, Thomas Euans, Iohn Wood, and Henry Fortune. M. Femel and other beeing too slacke in comming out of the Towne, were taken before they could come to the boat. The Towne beeing raised, partly by the vndiscreet running of some of our people, and partly by seeing the Boat beare vp to Leeward, contrary to their wonted course, M. Femel and those with him, had likewise escaped, had he come by land to the point, and not taken water, so soone as others which were both sicke and weake did, which were behind him when he tooke the water. I came to an anchor, and brought the Boat a ground in tarrying for them, to the no little danger of vs all: I caused men to leape ouer-board to reskue him, but before they could get a Pikes length from the Boat, he and those with him were all apprehended: M. Femel discharged a Pistoll in the face of one of them that hardly pursued him, and mortally wounded him before he was taken; it booted me not to stay longer, hauing all the Town in pursuit of me, and a very narrow and shoald chan∣nell [ 30] to passe betweene a small sandie Iland, and the maine: it pleased God wee lighted vpon the right channell, which quickly brought vs into deepe water, and out of danger of our enemies, for which his great mercie towards vs, his holy name bee blessed and praysed for euermore.

They in the Darling kept good watch in the tops, which so soone as they saw the Boat vnder sayle, let flip and set saile, bearing vp to Lee-ward, to haue releiued vs if need had bin: being come aboord, we espied the Boat wherein the Carpenters were comming towards vs: I sent the ship Boat to bring them and their Boat aboord of vs. In this Boat escaped George Collinson, Robert Pi∣nis, Nathaniel Symonds, and Iohn Taylor; but Walter Talbot, who was appointed to come with them, tarried so long before he came, that the Boat was put off, he thought to swim aboord, and [ 40] was drowned. About two houres after our comming aboord, came two poore Arabs in a Canoa, but so fearefull, they durst not come nigh the ship till they were wonne by faire words, and so with much adoe, one of them entered, and deliuered me a letter from M. Femel, shewing that they were in great danger of beeing slaine or spoyled by those that apprehended them, but some of the souldiers, through former acquaintance, bearing them good will, saued them, and brought them to the Agaes, where they tarried his comming. At the first sight of them, he looked as pale as a∣shes, telling them they should all loose their heads, asking them how they durst attempt such a thing? They answered, they came out of England vnder my command, and did nothing but what I had commanded, which in no wise they durst disobey. He againe threatned them with losse of their heads, and presently caused them all to be chained by the necks, from which chaine they [ 50] were quickly released, at the intreaty of Nohuda Melicke Amber, & Nohuda Mahomet of Cananor, and others, and permitted to remaine in our former house, but with a stronger guard then before. This their kindnes proceeded not of loue, but for feare of their ships in the road, which were then vnder my command. I returned answer of the letter, and sent the Aga word, that if he did not send me all my people, with those prouisions of the ships which he detained contrary to the Bashaes order (for I minded not to be put off with Farriga) I would fire the ships in the road, and do my best to batter the Towne about his eares: likewise I sent word to the Nohudas, that they should not send any Boat aboord the ships, without first comming aboord of me, and to acquaint mee with their businesse, nor to carry any thing out of them aland, without my leaue and order.

After my departure, there was no small disturbance in the Towne: the Aga not knowing [ 60] how to answer the Basha, feared it would cost him his head, the Subbasha which was my keeper at his wits end, and knew not whether he might stay or flee for his life. The Emeryor bahar (or Lord of the Sea as they terme him) in little better taking, beeing accused of consenting to my e∣scape; one of our Porters tooke Sanctuary in one of their Churches, and would not be gotten out

from thence till hee had his pardon, and the Nohudas and Merchants in great feare of losse of their ship and goods, most of them sending Presents of victuals, and refreshing to Master Femell and the rest, which before tooke scorne to speake to them. At night I sent the Boat well man∣ned to carrie the newes to our ships, with order for their comming ouer with all speed. I plyed to wind-ward in the Darling, when the Tyde serued, and rid a little without the great ship, so that I had her and all the rest vnder the command of our Ordnance.

The twelfth, came aboord Nohuda Mahomet of Cananor with Letters, telling me the Aga was sorrie I was so departed (which I knew to be true) for that he was determined within few dayes to haue set mee at libertie, and all my people, to my owne content: and for the prouisions [ 10] belonging to our ships which were ashore, hee would deliuer them, but for my people hee could not deliuer them without order from the Basha, intreating fifteene dayes respite: in which time if I had not all my men in safetie sent aboord, they desired no fauour. I told him likewise, I must haue my Pinnasse surrendred me, for that I would not depart the Road without her; he sayd hee would acquaint the Aga with my demand of the Pinnasse, and doubted not but that I should haue her at the time limited. I yeelded to his request, vpon his promise that I should haue both men and Pinnasse within the time prefixed, I durst not as yet demand restitution or satisfaction for my goods, till such time as I had all our men from the shore. At his comming ashore hee ac∣quainted the Aga, that he had concluded a peace for fifteene dayes, vpon his promise that I should haue my men and Pinnasse restored within the same time. The Aga was very angry that I demanded the Pinnasse, and sent for Master Femell and Iohn Williams, and asked what I minded [ 20] in demanding the Pinnasse, which was the Bashas by agreement with mee, saying, I might as well demand the goods as the Pinnasse, both which were put to the account of the Gran Signior: they said I could not well proceed on my Voyage without the Pinnasse, but for the goods they assured him I would neuer demand them; In the meane time, the Darlings Cables, Anchors, Pitch, Tarre, and other things being ashore, were brought aboord: And few dayes escaped that I had not one present or other of refreshing from the Aga, Dabbullian, and other, which would scarce take knowledge of me whilest I was ashore, but now glad to flater me. This morning early came a Boat from shore aboord the innermost ship: I caused the Gunner to make two shot at her, which caused them to come aboord mee. I threatned them if they did so any more to hang them, and burne their ships; so that afterward they durst not attempt the like.

[ 30] The thirteenth, the Increase and Pepper-Corne toward night came to anchor in the sight of the Roade: for they could not fetch in that night, the Lee-ward tyde beeing come against them.

The fourteenth, they got into the Roade and I went aboord the Increase, where I was recei∣ued with great ioy of all my Company.

The eighteenth, there came into the Roade, a ship of Diu, belonging to Shermall the Shabander, laden with India Commodities, which I did imbarque both people and goods, and caused her to ride hard by me. The next day being the nineteenth, at the intreatie of Shermall, I licensed all the people (saue some few to looke to the ship) to goe ashore. This day being the twentieth day, [ 40] I heard nothing from the shore. The one and twentieth, Master Femell writ to me they had bin all chained by the neckes.

The fiue and twentieth, came aboord Nohuda Mahomet and certified me, that the Basha had gi∣uen order for release of my people and Pinnasse, and promised to bring them aboord on the mor∣row. I shot off three Peeces at his departure. This day all our people ashore were chained by the neckes, and the next day released. The cause they were so vsed they could not learne.

The six and twentieth, Nohuda Mahomet returned, saying, the Pinnasse was lanched, but the Aga would neither deliuer her nor the men, till I had giuen him a writing firmed by my selfe, and foure or fiue more of the principall in our ships with oathes to performe the same, to con∣tayne in effect a perfect peace with the Turkes his Subiects and Indians, and not to meddle in this Sea or elsewhere in reuenge of any thing that had passed, nor to demand restitution or sa∣tisfaction [ 50] for any goods taken from me: I told him, I maruelled hee came euery day with new matters, he had the day before promised, as this day to bring me all my men and Pinnasse aboord, which I looked to haue had performed, and for better securitie he and those with him should re∣mayne Hostages aboord till I had them, and therefore willed him to aduise the Aga: he alledged that he being imployed of his owne voluntary motion in this businesse, should reape much dis∣credit and be laught at for his forwardnesse, if he should write to that purpose, and therefore hee told me plaine he would not write whatsoeuer betyde him, but promised, if I would giue him such a Writing as he demanded and send him ashore, he would bring me all my people aboord be∣fore night: I seeing I could get him by constraint to yeeld to nothing, thought best to giue him some content, though it were somewhat that might but carrie the name of what hee desired. I [ 60] thereupon caused a Writing to be made in English, firmed by my selfe and fiue more, contayning a briefe Relation of the treacherous vsage of vs in this Countrey and nothing else, wee setting to our hands as Witnesses of truth of the same Writing: withall I sent aduice to Master Femell,

how he should interpret it vnto them. I deliuered him the Writing he desired, but sweare I would not, saying, my word should be cruer then a Turkes oath at all times. Ashore hee went, leauing some of the better sort of his Company for Pledges, whom he bad hang if he brought me not all my Company aboord that night: comming ashore he handled the matter so, that a little before night he returned with Master Femell, Iohn Williams, Christopher Cuningham, Water Woodward, Iohn Clarke, Henry Bauldin, Edmund Glouer, Tobie Birch, Alexander Iames, and Merciline Long∣field. Three of them were vested, to wit, Master Femell, Iohn Williams, and Cuningham, with pal∣try Vests of little worth. Another was sent to me, which they said came from the Basha, the Nohuda would haue put it vpon my backe, desiring mee to weare it as a fauour Tent me from the Basha: I refused it, telling him, I scorned to weare any thing that should come from so vnconscio∣nable [ 10] a Dogge and my Enemie, by whose order I had receiued so much wrong; he seeing I would not take it, left it with my man and so departed, carrying with him the Turke taken in the Dar∣ling, which had remayned aboord the Increase, till that present: hee promised to returne in the morning with our Pinnasse.

The seuen and twentieth, according to promise the Nohuda came aboord and brought my Pinnasse, and demanded of me if all he had promised were performed. I told hm no, for that I had not all my company, they keeping from me the Boy at Tayes, which they had forced to turne Turke, and him would I haue before I would release the ships: he told me he would tell the Aga, and returne me his answere, and so departed. This morning early I called a Councell, wherein I propounded whether I should release the ships according to promise, or detayne them till resti∣tution [ 20] were made me. It was concluded that I should release all the ships which were of India, and our friends; and set our hopes vpon the ship that was to come from Sues. Likewise I deman∣ded what course were best to take for recouery of the youth at Tayes; by some it was thought bootlesse to demand him, but to hope of taking some Prisoners of worth, which might procure his libertie. I was of a contrarie opinion, and thought it fittest to demand him, now when wee should haue many to sollicite for him, rather then depend vpon hopes of taking of Prisoners, which we might faile of, and so it was concluded to demand the Boy presently, and no speech at all to be made of our goods restoring.

The eight and twentieth, there was a Writing sent me from the Aga, wherein he, Nohuda Mahomet, and Shermall Shebander bound themselues ships and goods, that I should haue within [ 30] twelue dayes the Boy from Tayes, so that I would release the ships; I gaue them leaue to vnlade the ship of Diu, and goe and come to the other ships at their pleasure. This night Master Fe∣mell dyed of a Callentura, or rather poysoned by the Turkes, as the opinions of our Chirur∣gions are.

The first of Iune, were discharged out of the ship, three Boats lading of Cotton. This euening we had a gust with much wind, which came from the shore, which brake our Land Cable. The wind was so hot we could hardly indure it. I was faine to flye to my Cabbin, not being able for heate to stay aloft. I writ a Letter to the Basha in Italian for restitution of my goods, and satis∣faction for damages; I was answered afterwards, the Letter was not vnderstood for lacke of an Interpreter. I againe imbarqued the ship of Diu, and would not permit them to vnlade any more goods out of her, till the Basha had satisfied me to the value of seuentie thousand Rials of [ 40] eight, which I had lost and was damnified by him: I considered with my selfe, that this was the surest way to attayne to somewhat in liew of our losse, and not soly to relye vpon the taking of the ship of Sues, which the Turkes might easily preuent me of, by giuing aduice by land.

The second, came Ally Haskins, my Interpreter at Zenan, aboord, and brought mee commen∣dations from the Basha, saying, he was sorrie I was gone after that sort away, for he was minded to send me away better content, and that he had prepared a rich Vest to be sent me and a Horse: and likewise the Cayha had him commended heartily, and desired mee not to take any violent courses here, but seeke for Iustice at Stambola, for if I did any thing which might be displeasing to the Basha, it would cost him his head, that was the chiefe cause of my sending backe to Moha; [ 50] and told me he had brought the English youth with him from Tayes, by order from the Basha, which the next day he said should be sent aboord, conditionally I would permit the ship of Diu, and the rest to discharge. I answered him I would in no wise release the ships, till I had restituti∣on or satisfaction for my goods and damages to the value aboue-said.

The third, the Aga desired peace for twelue dayes till the Basha had knowledge of my de∣mands. The next day Ally Haskins, Tocoursie a Bannian, and others came aboord, and withall desires I would draw out the particulars of my losses, that they might consider thereof ashore. I fulfilled their desire, and by writing set downe my losse and hinderances to bee seuentie thou∣sand Rials of eight, and withall sending the Aga word, whereas at first I was receiued by him, and came aland at his intreatie, and vpon his word a•••• promise of kind enter••aynment and free [ 60] and peaceable Trade, he like a treacherous Dogge, without any cause or offence giuen, had cruel∣ly slaine diuers of my people, and villanously imprisoned my selfe and others, and robbed and spoiled all he could sease vpon to the value of seuentie thousand Pessos, beside great charges and

losse of time, if therefore he did not presently make mee restitution or satisfaction for the same, I would doe my best to batter the Towne about his cares, take all the goods out of the Diu ship into mine owne, and burne all the ships in the Roade, and not depart thence till I were sufficient∣ly reuenged, all which I could doe without breach of promise, the time of Truce being out, and they not hauing performed Couenants with me.

This day being the sixt, the Aga sent mee a peremptory answere, demanding who gaue mee leaue to come into those Seas, saying, sith I came without leaue I was iustly dealt withall; and touching the goods, and whatsoeuer else, he had done nothing but what he had order from the Basha, who himselfe told me so much: and if I were not pleased with what was past, the best [ 10] way were to referre it to the hearing of our Betters at Stambola. And if I shot at the Towne, he would shoot againe at my ships; and for the ships and goods in the Road they were none of his, but if I did either hurt the Towne or ships in the Road, it would not be pleasing to the Sul∣tan, who would be sure to be recompenced for any harme I should doe them. To which I an∣swered, to come into this Sea, I needed no lea••e but Gods and my Kings, but for my comming ashore, the Aga had not onely giuen mee leaue, but much intreated mee. And for my goods I knew nothing I ought the Basha, neither was I his Factor, neither had I at any time receiued a∣ny thing of his or any the least curtesie, neither had I done him or his any wrong, and therefore no way his Debtor wherby he might challenge any of those goods which by his order I was rob∣bed of; wherefore I must and would be paid for them, not at Stambola (where neither the Basha [ 20] and Aga durst shew their faces to answere such shamefull wrongs, which they had falsly charged the Sultan to haue commanded them to doe) but euen there where I had beene wronged, would I be righted: and if they found themselues agrieued, they might goe to the Court of England to seeke their remedie: for to Stambola I minded not to goe.

The eight, I sent Master Pemberton to Assab to buy fresh victuals, we hauing very many men sicke in our ships: I was afraid to haue my prouision from Moha, doubting poysoning, which by friends I was warned to take heed of.

The nineteenth, came aboord Shermall Sabander, Ally Tocorsie, and many others of the chiefe of the Bannians, to make agreement with me, and brought with them Master Pember∣tons youth decently apparelled in new clothes after the Christian fashion, which the Sabander [ 30] bestowed vpon him. After some kind gratulations passed on either side, the Sabander began to tell me, that he had alwayes loued and fauoured me and my people, and was alwayes readie to doe me what kindnesse he was able, and for the iniuries done mee by the Turkes, it did as much grieue him as if it had beene done to his owne people, for which his loue and pittying of me in my miseries, he was like to pay at too deare a rate, without I would now shew my selfe fauou∣rable vnto him, For that the Basha had enioyned him to giue me satisfaction, or had sent order to cut his throat, and sease vpon his goods: and this he protested was not fained, but the verie truth. I answered, it was the Turkes that had robbed me, and done me many iniuries, and from them would I looke for satisfaction, and not from any other: he willed me to leaue those talkes, and come to my demands. I told him he knew what I demanded, for that I had sent it ashore in [ 40] the Arabick Tongue in writing; he said, if my demands were answerable to that Writing, it were but labour lost to haue further conference there abouts. We spent most part of the day in beating the prizes of our lost Commodities: and in conclusion, with much adoe, we came to agreement that all the Lead and Iron should be surrendered, and eighteene thousand Rials of eight in mo∣ney, within fifteene dayes for satisfaction of all our goods and losses sustayned, and thereupon a peace concluded betweene vs and them for two yeares, from the Port of Moha to Cannanor, vpon the Coast of India, conditionally, that the Basha giue mee a Writing vnder his hand and Seale, for confirmation of this peace betweene our Nation and theirs, for the time before spe∣cified. In this moneth, and about this time beganne a generall and most grieuous sicknesse in our ships, few or none escaping, it beganne with a great paine in the head and stomacke, bereauing [ 50] them of sleepe: the best remedie for it was vomiting and bleeding, but some were taken with Feuers withall, who were long before they recouered their healths: the rest that escaped the Feuer quickly recouered, and God be praysed, few died thereof.

And the second of Iuly, we receiued the last payment, the Sabander being there himselfe, I cleered all reckonings with him, as well for money borrowed of him whiles I was Prisoner, as for money disbursed afterwards by him. He demanded of me the money I promised the Bashas Cayha, which was a thousand Vonetianos: which I would in no wise pay, although hee much vrged me with my word and promise, and that he should be forced to pay, for that he had pas∣sed his word for the same. I told him the Cayha had not performed what hee promised mee, in setting me and my people at libertie. How the Cayha and he will agree, I know not, but I doubt [ 60] the Cayha will constraine him to pay it. Drawing towards night, the Sabander and the rest tooke their haue of me to goe a-land: and for his farewell, I caused three Peeces of Ordnance to be discharged.

The third, came againe Tacaroy and Ally, and bought some Vermillion of mee, for which I gaue them credit: they promising to come ouer to the other side within fourteene dayes, and

make me payment, also to bring me some prouisions of Graine, as I had giuen them order to buy me at Moha, and a Writing from the Basha for confirmation of peace concluded. In the after∣noone we warped out of the Road, and that night set saile toward Assab, but could not get thi∣ther till the fift day in the morning.

The sixth, I went a-land and caused all the Wels to be emptyed and clensed for feare of poy∣soning, for it was often told mee at Moha, the Turkes practised with the people of Assab, to poyson the Wels. From this day till the thirteenth day wee spent in watering and buying re∣freshing, not any thing in that time happening worth writing.

The thirteenth, the King of this Countrey hearing of my escape at Moha, and my arriuall in his Countrey, sent three of his chiefe Seruants, being attended with thirtie Souldiers, with a [ 10] Letter, and a Present of refreshing to me. The effect of his Letter was to bid me welcome in∣to his Countrey, with offer of any thing I stood in need of, and that his Countrey did affoord: as also not a little reioycing of my escape from my Enemies, with many other Complements. I feasted and rewarded the Messengers, and returned them with a Present to the King their Ma∣ster: which was a Vest of broad-cloth, and a faire looking Glasse.

The seuenteenth, came Afelba from Moha, wherein was Tocorcie the Sabanders man, and another Bannia••. They brought with them diuers prouisions, which I left order with them to prouide me; as also the money they ought me, but the Writing from the Basha, for confirmation of peace on his behalfe they could not get, but made excuse the Basha was so busie in the Warres, he could not intend it, so that it was manifest he intended to keepe no quarter with our Nation. [ 20]

The foure & twentieth, we all set sayle out of Assab Road, to put that in practice which long before I had determined, which was to ply to wind-ward as high as Camaran, & there to abide the comming of a great ship, which yearely commeth about this time richly laden from Sues to Moha: hoping to bee sufficiently reuenged for all my losses and disgraces offered mee by the Turkes: and the rather did I desire to meete with her, for that I vnderstood the Traytor Ieffor Basha, and his Disciple Regib-Aga, had great aduentures in her. From this day till the last of this moneth, wee plyed it to wind-ward, the wind still opposite to vs, wee sayled by day, and commonly anchored by night: we past many and sundry dangers for lacke of a Pilot, and many times were like to haue come a-ground, to the hazard and losse of all, had not God preserued vs. And yet she escaped vs in the night, as we found in our returne. [ 30]

Notes

• Aprill 1▪ 1611.
• Another ship of Dabul.
• The third ship of Dabul.
• Another small Indian ship.
• Merchants of Damasco, Sues, and Mecca.
• May 2▪ 1611.
• Cancamarra in S. Laurence, where Captain Rowles Capt. of the Vnion was betraied.
• The Indian ships were come in▪ and the Turkes promises were not performed, but many ap∣parant euiden∣ces that they neuer should caused S. Hen. Middleton to shift for his best escape.
• Sir H. Midleton escapeth a∣boord.
• A letter from M. Femel.
• A stout mes∣sage to the Aga.
• A ship of Diu.
• The rest of our men set at li∣bertie.
• The Pinnasse restored.
• M. Femell dyed.
• Iune 1. 1611.
• Exceeding heat in the Red Sea.
• About my de∣mands and the Agas alligati∣ons and an∣sweres, messa∣ges, and Let∣ters passed be∣tweene vs day by day, and at his intreatie I granted Truce for twelue dayes: in which time he certi∣fied his Master of my de∣mands.
• Feare of poy∣soning by the Turkes.
• Great sicknes.
• Iuly 2. 16••1.
• Assab.
• The Turkes practice to poyson the Wels of Assab. A Letter from the K. of Assab.