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.

[ 50]

§. I. Their comming to Soldania, Socatora, Swally: Disagreements betweene the Mogoll and Portugalls, and the Nabob and vs.

THe Shippes employed were the New-yeeres-gift, Admirall, of burthen sixe hun∣dred and fiftie tunnes: The Hector, Vice-Admirall, of fiue hundred tunnes: The Merchants Hope, of three hundred tunnes, and the Salomon, of two hundred tunnes. Master William Edwards was Lieutenant and Cape Merchant, and Com∣mander of the Hector: Master Nicholas Ensworth Cape Merchant and Comman∣der [ 60] of the Merchants Hope: Master Thomas Elkington Cape Merchant, and Commander of the Salomon: Master Peter Rogers Minister, Martin Pring, Arthur Spaight, Matthew Molineux and Hugh Bennet, Masters of the foure Shippes, assisted with diuers Mates.

The first of March 1613. we set saile. On Wednesday the fifteenth of Iune 1614. we anchored in the Road of Saldania, and were welcommed with a great storm. Iohn Barter by along Feuer be∣reaued of his vnderstanding, was suddenly missing, and by former speeches of his it seemed that he made himselfe away, whiles euery one was busie in mooring the ship, and none looking after him.

The sixteenth, wee got all in readinesse for erecting our Tents, which was that day effected, and a Guard placed for their reliefe.

On the seuenteenth, we landed halfe our Caske to be trimmed and seasoned. Choree the Sal∣danian presented me with a young Steere.

The eighteenth, we landed more of our Beere Caske to be washed, trimmed and seasoned, and [ 10] supplyed the wants of our men labouring about our Boates: also this day (Choree) the Saldanian departed from vs, carrying with him his Copper Armour and Iauelin, with all things belonging to him, promising to come againe to vs the third day after, but he neuer came againe.* 1.1

The nine and twentieth, I sent George Downeton on land to obserue both the latitude and varia∣tion of this place, in regard of the great difference in our variations wee had found betweene my former Voyage in the Pepper-Corne, and this present Voyage: the latitude he found was thir∣tie foure degrees, and no odde minutes, and the variation one degree and fortie fiue minutes by an Azimuth, being Westerly variation,* 1.2 whereas for the most part all formerly haue made Ea••••erly variation. This night wee dissolued our Tents and brought all our things aboord, and made readie our ship against the next day to depart, which we did accordingly.

The sixt of August, we came to an anchor in the Bay of Saint Augustine, in Saint Laurence [ 20] Iland. But on sight of our comming the Inhabitants abandoned the place, that wee could haue no speech with them: we cut straight Timber for diuers vses. And afterwards wee got some re∣freshing of them. On the twelfth, we set saile.

The ninth of September, wee anchored in the Bay of Delisa in Socotora. The next day wee went on shore to salute the King, who was readie with his troupe to giue me entertainment, and told me of the Warres at present in India, the Mogoll and Kings of Decanie ioyning to roote the Portugals out of the Countrey. The reason whereof was,* 1.3 their taking of a shippe which came from Iedda in the Red Sea, wherein was three millions of Treasure. Hee also informed mee of Captaine Bests two great fights with the Portugals, with other newes of those parts. Heere I [ 30] procured what refreshing wee could get, and bought of the King Alloes, two thousand seuen hundred twentie two pounds, and on the fourteenth departed.

The second of October, we had sight of land being on the Coast of Decany neere Dabul. Wee found great hinderance, till by obseruation we were taught to stay the ebbes and ply the flouds.

The twelfth, we againe weighed and plyed the flouds, and anchored the ebbes till the four∣teenth day in the euening, and then anchored two miles and an halfe short of the Barre, where presently came a fleet of Frigats being fourteene saile and anchored neere vs, discouering them∣selues by their lights being darke: but seeing our readinesse by the lights out of our Ports,* 1.4 durst come no neerer vnto vs, so we rid quietly all night.

The fifteenth, early in the morning we weighed with the land-turne, and approching some∣what [ 40] neere them, they also weighed and stood to the South-wards, and wee held on our course by the Barre towards South Swally,* 1.5 where soone after we arriued after much striuing against con∣trary winds. Assoone as I anchored I sent Master Molineux in his Pinnasse, and Master Spooner, and Samuell Squire in my Gellywatte to sound the depths within the sands. Master Molineux tooke a Channel in which in our former Voyage we had but fiue foot at low water, but now found three fathomes water, and Master Spooner found that where our Boats could not passe formerly by rea∣son of shoalds, he had now seuen and eight foot water. In the after-noone, I seeing people ashoare sent my Pinnasse to them, supposing some of our Merchants had beene come from Surat: but found otherwise to be some people of Cogenozan sent downe to discouer what Nation we were;* 1.6 two of which came aboord to me, by whom I vnderstood further of their Warres with the Por∣tugals; they besieged Damon and Diu, and that Mocrib Can was Generall of the Mogols for∣ces [ 50] against Damon, and also to my griefe, I vnderstood that he was Gouernour, and as Vice-roy not onely ouer Surat, but also ouer all the Countrey neere about it; I esteeming him to bee the greatest Aduersary to our Nation, and one that most fauoured the Portugals. This was my set∣led conceit by former experience. I vnderstood of the health of Master Aldworth and the rest, to whom I writ to hasten his presence, and sent it away by Baly Ball, together with the other Seruants of Cogenozan.

The sixteenth, in the morning early I sent my Purser and Pinnasse on land to buy such Com∣modities as I supposed might be brought, who about ten a clocke without buying any thing for our turne, returned with Master Aldworth our chiefe Merchant at Surat, and in his company one Richard Steele who came by land from Aleppo to Surat.* 1.7 Master Aldworth striued to perswade [ 60] me that Mocrib Can the Nabob was our friend, and that now was the best time by reason of their Warres (with the Portugals) for vs to obtaine good trade and all Priuiledges that in reason wee could demand; and for that both he and all the Countrey people did so much reioyce at our com∣ming, therefore of necessitie could not but giue vs Royall entertainment. I liking all their hope∣full

words, yet euer wishing some other in his place, and that Mocrib Can had beene further a∣way, of whom I rested still in doubt, that we should haue no free trade but according to his ac∣customed manner; and to see and to be priuie to all that euer past, and restraine all others, which then I tooke to bee an iniurie forced by him to crosse vs, and not by the direction of the King, which in time, though too late, we were better aduised. And notwithstanding the remembrance of his name giuen him by the King, Mocrib, which is as much as his owne bowels, and Chan which is as much as great Lord:* 1.8 Yet I was too much deluded by being perswaded that his state in fauor of the King stood tottering, and might easily be made subiect to any disgrace, by any complaint of things done contrary to the will or humour of the King, which made vs somewhat too bold and thereby preiudice to our businesse when we found him opposite to our w••ls, and as wee thought [ 10] contrary to reason. I inquiring of the state of our businesse, and the health of our people, Master Aldworth informed that Paul Canning and diuers others were long since dead,* 1.9 and that Thomas Kerridge had long since resided at Court in his roome, and that there was no more Factors but onely himselfe and William Bedulph at Surat.

The seuenteenth, in the morning I called a Councell to aduise of all things heere to bee effe∣cted, and who fittest to send to Agra to remayne as Liedger there, and then entring into the sixe Interrogatory Articles included in the second Article of our Commission, requiring Master Ald∣worths direct answere to euery question should be demanded.

The first, in what fauour Paul Canning was with the Emperour and his Councell, and how he carried himselfe in the businesse at Court that was committed vnto him. Hee answered, that at [ 20] his first comming to Court,* 1.10 hee was well respected by the Emperour, vntill such time as the Ie∣suites made knowne he was a Merchant, and not sent immediately from the King: but after∣wards he was neglected as himselfe complained, and for his carriage there, Master Aldworth saith that for any thing he knoweth, it was sufficient and well.

The third, then demanding whether needfull to maintaine one as Liedger at Court, his an∣swere was, not onely necessarie, but also by the King required, that one of our Nation doe reside there, and therefore fitting to be a man of good respect for preuenting and righting any wrongs that may be offered by the Iesuites our Aduersaries, as also by his direction may stand in great stead for the buying or selling of Commodities.

The sixth, concerning the charge of him that should reside at Court, hee saith to bee about [ 30] three hundred pounds per annum, by Paul Cannings estimate, but some-while after when his Wri∣tings came to be searched, his estimate is found to be fiue, sixe or seuen hundred pounds per annum.

Question being made whether it were fit Master Edwards should proceed vnder the title of a Merchant, according to the strictnesse of the Companies Commission, his opinion was by Master Cannings experience, that then he would not be respected by the King.

* 1.11The foure and twentieth in the morning, Cogenozan came downe to the water-side with a great traine as their manner is, resting himselfe in my Tent till my landing: vnto whom I repai∣red a••h••are accompanyed with all the Merchants and a good guard of Halberts, Shot, and Pike; I hauing a Coach to carrie me vp from the Boat to a place neere the Tent; and at the instant when I alighted from the Coach, he came forth of the Tent, addressing himselfe to meete mee, and af∣ter salutations returned into the Tent and sate downe. And before any other conference began [ 40] he was let to know, that there was a Present to be deliuered him for the Nabob, which was pre∣sently brought in, Viz. One Case with sixe Kniues, two paire of Kniues, sixe Sword Blades, sixe Spanish Pikes,* 1.12 one Combe-case, one Looking Glasse, one Picture of Mars and Venus, one Picture of Paris in iudgement, two Muscouie Hides, and one great gilded Case of Bottles full of rich and strong Waters. Then for himselfe I caused a Present to bee deliuered him, which was six Kniues in single sheathes, foure Sword Blades, two Pikes, one Combe-case, one Looking-glasse, one Picture of Moses, one Case of Bottles, in regard of the promise of the Nabob to our people that what Cogenozan should do, he would performe. I therefore moued for the inlarging of our Priuiledges; for the lessening of our Custom, especially at Baroch to haue a Bazar or Market by [ 50] the waterside, that we might buy Beef for the peoples eating (in regard that other flesh was not good for them) according to the Kings Firma giuen. His answere was, that if I would ••ssist them against the Portugals, the Nabob would do vs all the fauour that in his power lyeth; but for the Custome of Baroch it was out of his power, for the King had let it to another by rent, and could not be helpen. A Bazar we should haue, but for Bullocks and Kine, the King had granted his Firma to the Banians for a mightie summe yeerely to saue their liues.* 1.13 In summe, wee found nothing that he had power to grant vs: yet willing to leaue mee in content, wishing that I would send some of my Merchants along with him to the Nabob, that our businesse on both sides might bee considered on, and receiue answeres accordingly from each other. I sent along with him Master Aldworth, Master Ensworth (who desired to goe vp because he was not well) Master Dodsworth, [ 60] Master Mitford and others; which when they had accesse to the Nabob, two or three dayes af∣ter he wo••ld know againe their demand, which was as aforesaid. Then he desired to know if we would goe with our ships to fight against Damon for him, and then he would doe vs any fauour; but that was answered, that we could in no wise auouch the doing thereof, for that there was 〈2 pages missing〉〈2 pages missing〉

betweene our King and the King of Spaine. Then he demanded if we would goe to the Barre and ride there and fight with them that should come to preiudice them. That we could neither coue∣nant to doe, for it was a breach of the peace betweene our two Kings as aforesaid. Then he an∣swered, that if we would doe nothing for him, he would doe nothing for vs. Diuers of the prin∣cipall Merchants of the Towne came to moue our Merchants that I might giue way to the Na∣bob his reasonable request, and though I did grant for satisfying his minde, yet I might doe what I list: and that they all knew the Frigats might for all my riding at the Barre come in and out on each side me. Answere was returned it was vnfit for me to halt, but whatsoeuer I promised, I must maintaine, though it were to the losse of my life, and all vnder my command: and that I [ 10] would not be hired to fight with the Portugals, which is contrary to my Kings Commission (vn∣lesse they gaue me first cause) not for the World; neither would I bee withheld from fighting with them if they prouoked me, not for his wealth, which difference it seemes he tooke small notice of; but that we refused to fulfill his desire, he was much moued, and in all things crost our proceedings all that he might: insomuch that he had almost queld all former conceiued hopes of happie Commerce in this place. Continually deuising what to doe, or what course to take, this meanes failing vs, as I see no likelihood to the contrary, I made inquision of Gengomar and Ca∣stelletta, also of Gogo, but could heare small incouragent for transportation to seeke better dea∣ling; so with doubts wee rested perplexed a long while, yet returning to our businesse at the shippes.

The seuen and twentieth, in the morning Nicholas Vfflet going ashoare found all the people of [ 20] Swally departed thence in the night: he demanding the reason, they told him that the Nabob had expresly commanded them so to doe, as also the people from the Tents. Whereupon hee in∣quiring further thereof, was certified that our Merchants were stayed at Surat, and that atemp∣ting to passe ouer the bridge, they were perforce with-held, and receiued some store of b••owes by the guard thereto appointed by the Nabob, with whom in company to attend vpon them, the Gunners Boy and his companion formerly supposed to haue beene runne away, were also well beaten and withheld as the rest.

The one and thirtieth, we began to take in fresh water, because our stay heere was so vncer∣taine, not knowing how suddenly our departure might bee. This day Thomas Smith the Masters [ 30] Boy being swimming about the ship,* 1.14 had most of the out-side of his thigh bitten away by a great Fish which pulled him vnder the water, yet he comming vp againe swamme to the shippe side, and got vp to the bend, where as soone as he was come vp, he presently sounded. Then the Chi∣rurgion brought him into the Gunners Roome to see what might be done for his recouerie: but the issue of bloud had beene so great that they could not reuiue him, but presently dyed, and to∣wards night was buried ashoare.

The second of Nouember towards night Master Aldworth and Master Elkinton came downe from Surat, where they had left Master Ensworth very sicke: they declared vnto me their procee∣dings with the Nabob as formerly, and of their reconciliation, with large promises of future good respect, with free Trade throughout all their Countries. This hard measure hitherto offe∣red [ 40] vs by the Nabob, I cannot attribute vnto any hatred or ill will borne to our Nation, but his owne doubt and feare of vs, least I should ioyne with the Portugals against him: which feare was the more increased in him, in that I would not agree to fight against Damon. And his suspition and doubt was the more increased by a Knauish deuice in the subtile and lying Iesuites▪ who tooke occasion by my denyall, voluntarily without cause,* 1.15 to fight against the Portugals at Da∣mon, or otherwise. They pretended a Letter from the Vice-Roy, to giue notice to the Nabob, that vnlesse he made peace with them, that both he and the English his friends should ioyne toge∣ther and come against Surat; which Deuilish deuice did vs much hinderance in our businesse, by the Nabobs continuall doubt, which he made of our friendship towards them. And besides vn∣fortunately by their extreame vnkind vsage Master Aldworth in the middest of his haste, and thinking to qualifie their rigorous courses, and yet altogether ignorant of the practice of the Ie∣suites, [ 50] in threatning-wise wisht them to take heed, that by their ill vsage of vs, they doe not force vs to ioyne with the Portugals against them; which proued a kind of confirming the Iesuits former report from the Vice-Roy, as altogether making against vs. Likewise, hee forbade all Trade with our people aboord, which at first wee likewise thought had proceeded out of his troublesome humour to crosse vs; but afterwards we were aduised the contrary by Thomas Ker∣ridge his Letter, who declared that he and all Sea-port Gouernours, had expresse Commande∣ment from the Mogoll, not to suffer any Trade with vs, till they had made choise of all strange things that we bring, and they to buy them for the Kings vse, and to send it vnto him.

The third, I called a Councell concerning our businesse, viz. how farre wee might proceed in their aide against the Portugals, and examined our Commission in that point; also we appoin∣ted [ 60] the Merchants for the seuerall places of imployment, aswell those that were to stay heere, as those also that were to proceed on the Voyage. The goods that were at Surat of the twelfth Voy∣age came aboord, which was of Indico sixtie Bales, and Cotton Yarne eleuen Packes.

The sixteenth, whereas my desire was to haue beene ashoare amongst our Merchants, to haue

borne some stroke in the ordering of our businesse at Surat, and the rather considering the turbu∣lent head-strong and haughtie spirit of () euer striuing to sway all things ac∣cording to his owne will, and distastfull to others which without priuate respect aymed at the common good, whose better discretion hath beene inured to more humilitie. But the estate of our businesse so vncertaine, partly by the vncertainty of the Nabob and people here, and partly in regard of the Portugals (which we daily doe heare are arming vs) besides I vnderstand the Na∣bob makes question of restitution of the goods taken by Sir Henrie Middleton in the Red Sea, at vnder rates as they say, though I know they had goods for goods to a halfe pennie: yet not knowing what might come of it, I thought best to keepe my selfe neerest my charge, and refer∣red all things ashoare to the care of such Merchants in generall as were of my Councell, and [ 10] in whom for most part I had constant affiance.

The two and twentieth, I finished my Letters for Persia, viz. one for the Company, one for Sir Robert Sherley, and another for aduice to Richard Steele.

The three and twentieth, Lacandas the Banian came downe with newes of some discontent or hard speeches that had past betweene the Nabob and the Merchants,* 1.16 but now that they were reconciled and friends; the cause was, for that Master Edwards would not let him see the Pre∣sents, which at last he was driuen to yeeld to. All the chiefe Merchants wrote vnto me seuerally that there was a certaine report that the Vice-Roy was arming against vs. It pleased God to call to his mercie Master Ensworth and Timothy Wood, both in an houre. Iohn Orwicke, Robert Young, and Esay But set forwards to prouide such Clothes and Cotton Yarne, as wee formerly a∣greed [ 20] on.

* 1.17The fiue and twentieth, Master Edwards wrote me of the comming of three great men with seuen Firmanes from the Mogore, in whose presence the Nabob bestowed on him eight hundred & fifty Mamudies: ten fine Bastas, thirtie Topseeles, and thirtie Allizaes: he further gaue to Master Elkington and Master Dodsworth ten Topseeles, and a Cloke to Master Aldworth, & another to Ma∣ster Elkington, Master Dodsworth hauing had one before: he promised free Trade in all places vn∣der his command, and good refreshing for our people aboord.

The seuen and twentieth, Iohn Crowther came from Surat, who aduised mee that the chiefe Merchants had chosen him to accompany Richard Steele into Persia,* 1.18 and therefore came to take his leaue of me, and to fetch his things from aboord. This day Master Edwards wrote to mee by Edmond Aspinol for fiftie Elephants teeth, and indifferently chosen in their size and bignesse, for [ 30] there was a Banian Merchant in price for them all, if they could agree, which Teeth the same day were sent vp to him.

The sixth of December, the Nabob Mocrib Chan seemed now to be ashamed, for that he had not since my arriuall heere shewed me the least taste of courtesie;* 1.19 and therefore beeing desirous to excuse himselfe, intreated Master Elkington to accompany aboord the great Banian that brought our Teeth, and Lacandas the Banian Merchant of the Iuncke of the King of Cushan, whom he made choice of, and entertayned (by reason of his former familiaritie with our peo∣ple) to buy among them such Commodities as they had to sell, viz. Sword Blades, Kniues, Loo∣king-glasses. By them he sent me a Present of two Corge of course Bastas, ten fine Bastas, tenne [ 40] Topseeles, ten Cuttonies and three Quilts, certifying mee that the Nabob was minded to come downe to see me within two or three dayes at the most. At their going ashoare I gaue them fiue great shot.* 1.20 They told me that the Nabob heard from Goa, that for certaine, the Vice-Roy was preparing to come against vs, with all the force hee could make to fight with vs: likewise that the Nabob requested me that I would waft a ship or two of his off the Coast for two or three dayes, being bound for the Red Sea. But I answered, that hauing once put off from the Coast, the wind being aduerse, I could not recouer it againe: but if he would further our dispatch that we might be readie in conuenient time, then would I doe any thing reasonable.

The ninth, the Nabobs sonne came to the water-side, but would not come aboord; whereupon I went ashoare to him, who against my landing sent a Horse to fetch mee, hee willed mee to sit [ 50] downe vpon the Mount with him, which I did. Then hee commanded part of his Horsemen to shew me some pleasure vpon the sands, by warlike chasing each other, after the manner of Deca∣nie, from whence they were: then he desired to heare some Ordnance goe off, and I gaue him e∣leuen shot.* 1.21 Hee at present would drinke no wine, but being departed, hee sent for it, and for a Fowling Peece which he found in the hands of one of our people, both which I sent him with a Bowle to drinke his wine.

[ 60]

Notes

• * 1.1

  Choree and his Copper Ar∣mour.
• * 1.2

  Note for the variation at the Bay.
• * 1.3

  This ship was the Hassanie.
• * 1.4

  Portugall Fri∣gats.
• * 1.5

  South Swally.
• * 1.6

  Cagenozan.
• * 1.7

  M. A••dworth and Steele.
• * 1.8

  The significa∣tion of Mocrib Chan.
• * 1.9

  Paul Canning & Thomas Ker∣ridge Agents at the Mogols Court.
• * 1.10

  Iesuits cour∣tesie.
• * 1.11

  The Mogol lit∣tle respects Merchants.
• * 1.12

  Present for the Nabob, or Go∣uernour.
• * 1.13

  Banian Super∣stition.
• * 1.14

  Rauenous fish.
• * 1.15

  Iesuites tricks.
• * 1.16

  Rude dealing.
• * 1.17

  Nabobs gifts.
• * 1.18

  Crowther and Steele goe to Persia.
• * 1.19

  Presents to the Generall.
• * 1.20

  Newes of the Vice-Royes preparation a∣gainst the Eng∣lish.
• * 1.21

  Military sports on horse-back.