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.

CHAP. V. The Voyage of the Anne Royall from Surat to Moha, in the Red Sea, for setling an English Trade in those parts: Anno Dom. 1618. extracted out of Ma∣ster EDWARD HEYNES his Iournall, writ∣ten [ 30] thereof.

SIr Thomas Roe, Lord Embassadour for his Maiestie with the Mogoll, hauing giuen diuers Articles of instructions vnto Captaine Andrew Shilling, Master of the Anne Royall, together with Ioseph Salbanke, Edward Heynes, and Richard Barbar, Merchants; for Trade at Dabul, and after as they saw occasion in the Red Sea: it was thought meet by Captaine Martin Pring Generall, and Thomas Kerridge, and Thomas Rastell (the twelfth of March, aboord the Iames Royall, the time being too farre spent for Dabul) that the said ship should sayle directly for the Red Sea. Thus they sayled from the Road of Swally. [ 40]

* 1.1The tenth of Aprill, we had sight of Aden. The thirteenth, we past the Strait of the Bab or Babel Mandel (an Iland in the entrance or mouth of the Red Sea, which causeth the Strait) a∣bout seuen in the morning:* 1.2 and about fiue in the euening, wee had sight of Mocha fiue leagues off. Night comming on, we anchored, and a Canon came aboord vs from the Gouernour to know what we were and our intent, which we answered, and they hauing begged a few Bis∣kets departed.

The next morning wee anchored a league and halfe from the shoare, and saluted the Towne with nine Peeces. The Water-Bayly brought vs a Present from the Gouernour, a young Bul∣locke, two Goates, Mangoes, Limes, Cucumers, and Water Melons, welcommed vs, and desired to send one on shoare to acquaint the Gouernour with the cause of our comming. We answered, [ 50] we were English-men, which came to seeke Trade there, but durst not aduenture on shoare with∣out sufficient pledges. About three in the afternoone, came a Iew aboord (borne in Lisbone) together with an old Venetian turned Turke (one in good respect with the Gouernour) which from the Gouernour assured vs of all content.

The fifteenth, Allee Asgee, the Chiefe Scriuano sent a Present of Goates and Fruites to wel∣come vs, with two old men of good qualitie: sent from the Gouernour to remayne as pledges for such as went on shoare,* 1.3 with many protestations of good vsage. Hereupon Master Salbanke and I went with our two Linguists and one Attendant, with a Present for the Gouernour, viz. sixe yards of broad-cloth Stammell, sixe yards of greene, a Fowling Peece, and Looking-glasse. At our landing, a thousand people expected, and diuers Officers were readie to receiue and con∣duct [ 60] vs to the Gouernour. His house was faire and large, built of stone and bricke. At the en∣trance was a faire gate with a Porters lodge, and diuers seruants there attending. Within is a great Court,* 1.4 whence arise winding staires about thirtie steps to a square Tarris; out of which we were brought into a large roome, hauing at one end a great bay window opening to the Sea,

in which the Gouernour sate: on the sides others of like bignesse, looking vnto the Wharfe or landing place. The flore was couered with fine Mats, and neere the Gouernour, with faire Tur∣k••e Carpets and Persian Felts. That whereon himselfe sate was a partie coloured Sattin Quilt, with rich Damaske and Veluet Cushions. Hee was clothed in a Violet colour Sattin Vest, his vnd••r-coats fine India Linnen, hauing on a Sattin Cap wreathed about with a fine white Shash. He was accompanied with the Chiefe Scriuano, the Principall Customers, some Turkes of bet∣ter fashion, many Indian Merchants, and one hundred seruants. Hee is about fiftie yeeres old, and named Mahomet Aga.

When we came neere, he bowed himselfe and wee did reuerence: then bade vs sit downe, [ 10] and demanded our Nation and businesse. Wee answered, we were Englishmen, of London,* 1.5 Mer∣chants, who by command of the Ambassadour of His Maiestie of England, resident with the Great Mogoll (with whom we hold league and amitie) are comne to this Towne to treat for li∣cence of free Trade: That we were friends to the Grand Signior, and had traff••que at Constanti∣nople, Aleppo, and in other places of his Dominion, and ••oped the like here: that wee were come to desire his, and the Bashas Firman, for like liberties heere as is granted vs by the Grand Signior, both for present and future times, as intending to visit their Ports yearely with plentie of English and Indian goods: that we had likewise in command from the said Embassador (which had heard of diuers Pirats, English, Dutch, French, Portugals, Malabars, and others which in∣fested the quiet Trades of this Port, and principally the Guzerats, our friends) to take them, and free those Seas of such incombrances, protecting all honest Merchants ships and lunckes from [ 20] iniurie: and these were the true causes of our comming. Hee then rose vp and bad vs welcome;* 1.6 applaud••d our des••gne, and demanded why wee were so fearefull to come on shoare without pledge. We answered, that about sixe yeers since, some of our Countrymen were here with kind shewes and promises entised ashoare, and by the then Gouernour betrayed, emprisoned, and ma∣ny murthered: whose harmes made vs cautelous for our owne safetie. But that we were no o∣therwise then we professed, they should shortly know by the testimonie of two Guzerat Iuncks, one of which had not come this yeare, but for the passe and promise of the said Embassador that our ship should defend them home-ward bound from Men of Warre in these Seas, hauing esca∣ped rifling last yeere by men of our Nation, through our opportune comming to our rescue; who [ 30] deliuered her safe at her Port, and sent their chiefe Commanders into England to answere those wrongs to our Kings friends. Hee acknowledged our Nation good and friendly, promised that we should liue on shoare and negotiate as secure as in our owne Countrey, that hee would also procure the Basha to confirme the same, and would giue vs any content. That for the ill vsage forme••ly, the Gouernour then was an ill man, long since remoued, and now liuing in disgrace at Stambola: and sware by his Mahomet and by his Beard, that not one haire of vs should be dimini∣shed, nor any wrong offered:* 1.7 that he would therefore proclayme our liberties that none might pretend ignorance to discourtesie. Hee wished vs also to looke out a house in Towne fit for our persons and goods, commanded two of his principall Chanses to attend vs, and till wee could fit our selues better, recommended vs to the Iew-Merchant his entertainment, desiring him to assist [ 40] vs in all things.

Thus after our Present deliuered as from our Captaine and many kind thankes,* 1.8 wee went by the Iewes perswasion to visit the Scriuano, who is likewise chiefe Customer, whose seruants (himselfe not being then at home) entertayned vs with much ciuilitie, and brought vs into a faire roome, not much inferiour in building, or furniture to that of the Gouernour, where we had left him, and whence he soone returned and welcommed vs with much courtesie, assuring vs of whatsoeuer the Gouernour had promised, and that he himselfe would see all executed, who had power also to right vs. We were informed that this mans authoritie was no lesse in the Towne then the Gouernours, who was by him directed in matters of weight: hee seemed a heartie old man. After he had made vs Drinke Coho and Sherbet, we tooke our leaue and rested that night with our Iew.

[ 50] The next morning, wee spent an houre to view the Towne and obserue the countenances of the people toward vs, whom we found gentle and courteous,* 1.9 especially the Banians and Guze∣rats, of which here liues continually great store, as Merchants, Shop-keepers, and Mechanike Trades, their shops neatly built and cleanly kept. Their Market or Bazar appeared well furnished with all necessaries, besides fruits daily brought out of the Countrey. The Towne for the most part built with bricke and stone fairely playstered ouer with Playster of Paris: the building flat-roofed some two stories high, with Tarrises on the top, whereon they build Summer hou∣ses of Canes and Mats, in which they rest in the nights and passe the first quarter of the day, ha∣uing at that time a fresh breese from the Sea; all the rest of the day so hot,* 1.10 that men cannot well endure any clothes, not so much as a shirt. It lyeth leuell alongst the Sea-side, being about two [ 60] miles from North to South. There are many faire houses and three principall Moschees; the streets kept cleane, each mans doore euery morning and euening watered and swept, seeming liker sandie bowling allies then streets; no filth suffered to be cast abroad, but carryed to a place appointed scowred by the Sea: In fine, I haue not lightly seene, a sweeter, cleaner, better go∣uerned

Towne then this of Mocha. Betwixt the Gouernours and Scriuanoes is the Wharfe, a∣bout twelue score square, neere which adioyning to the Gouernours house is a platforme raysed, built with hewen stones, with Battlements towards the Sea, about fortie paces square, in which are mounted thirteene or fourteene small Peeces of little force. Against the landing-place are two faire Brasse Peeces about fiue foot in length; on the other end is the Alfandica, and a Brasse Peece of sixe foot, which carryeth a Bullet as bigge as a Canon. This is their strength for de∣fence of the Towne. Yet at the North end is a stone house in manner of a Fort, and in it some few Peeces, but they put small trust in their Ordnance, relying most on their Souldiers, of which two hundred reside continually in the Towne, the rest (beeing in all to the number of fiue hundred) liue within a day or two dayes iourney, and are in readinesse vpon any occasion.

Hoia Nassans sonne, the principall India Merchant of the Towne, professed and promised all [ 10] kindnesse (for wee went to his house) and after a cup of Coho and Tobacco (which is vsually a∣mongst these people) we went againe to visit the Gouernour before wee went aboord, who rose and met vs, caused vs to sit by him, welcommed vs, promised as free Trade heere, as in any o∣ther place of the Grand Signiors Dominion,* 1.11 nor would denie vs any thing reasonable: said that another Gouernour should shortly succeed him, but one as his brother, honester then himselfe, who should performe all the promises which he had now made; at our request, commanded the Water-Bayliffe to furnish vs with Boats at all times to carrie vs, or water from shoare for the ship aboord. After this we visited the Scriuano, and found him very courteous, promising to come aboord to see our ship, and bid our Captaine welcome, and after a health of Coho dismis∣sed [ 20] vs to returne to the ship, where our two pledges approued their kind vsages, whose depar∣ture was honoured with fiue Peeces.

* 1.12On the seuenteenth, the Scriuano, our pledges, the Iew, and twentie persons attending came aboord, brought a Bullocke, Bread, Quinces, and other Fruites, and a Cake of great roundnesse and thicknesse like puffe-past, wherein were baked Hennes and Chickens very well dressed, and pleasing enough to a daintie palate; we also with a Quince Pye, Crabs, Sacke and Strong-water, added our best welcome. He would needs bee sworne brother to the Captaine, which was so∣lemnized with a Cup of Sacke, and after much mirth and view of our ship, hee departed with great content.

We had water brought by poore people at reasonable rates. We also had giuen good reason to [ 30] the Gouernour and Scriuano (who approoued it) to make euery Iuncke that should arriue to an∣chor by vs, and there to ride till they had discharged their goods. The Gouernour was willing, we should examine and compell them hereto, because some Iunckes passed by their Towne to o∣ther Ports for Trade, to the losse of this.

* 1.13The one and twentieth, sixe at night, we had a storme of wind off the shoare with Thunder and Lightning very vehement, but no raine, which continued halfe an houre, the rest of the night extreame hot. This storme brought sand and dust aboord in abundance, notwithstanding, we roade a good league from shoare. The fiue and twentieth, we had a message from the Scriua∣no, that the Gouernour and himselfe had receiued Letters from the Basha of Sinan, commanding them to receiue and entertaine vs with all kindnesse, to permit vs to liue and Trade amongst [ 40] them freely and quietly.

* 1.14Ignorance of a new Gouernour must excuse vs of the charge of a new Present to him. His arriuall was on the seuen and twentieth, the Ordnance of the Towne, and Iunkes, and of our ship welcomming him. Hee sent our former Pledges aboord with thankes, and a Present of Plantans, Limes, Mangos, Melons, Bread, and one Bullocke, promising in the Bashas name like trade here, as at Constantinople. The two Pledges remained aboord all night, and went with vs on shoare the next day, where we found the new Gouernour, and the old sitting at the end of a large roome, adorned much what as at our first arriuall, or better. He is about foure yeares old, named Raiab Aga, was accompanied with diuers principall Turkes, and all chiefe Merchants now in trade of Surat, Diu, Dabul, Sindu, Calicut, and Cananor. At our approch he onely mo∣ued, [ 50] so did the Turkes: the Merchants rose, and saluted vs. He caused vs to sit downe by him, told vs that the Basha, the Vizier of the Prouince, informed of vs, had commanded to giue vs content: and besides his Lords command, he knew vs to be friends of the Grand Signior, and to haue. Trade at Constantinople, Aleppo, and other places of his Dominion, a Nation of friendly and honest disposition, and therefore we should find him our good friend, and readie to doe vs any courtesie, and giue vs as free Trade, as wee any where had vnder the Grand Signior, or Great Mogoll.* 1.15 We told him we were Merchants, and our ship Vice-admirall to a Fleet of fiue ships, one of which, was departed from Surat homewards, three from Bantam and other places to the South, and our ship by his Maiesties Embassador employed hither (with such circumstan∣ces as before are deliuered) that if our iust requests of free Trade be granted, wee purposed at [ 60] our next comming to settle a Factorie here, and yeerely to frequent this Port with shipping with English and Indian goods: signified our intents against Rouers, and what alreadie we had done in that case against our owne Countrymen:* 1.16 intimating that it was needlesse to presse with the inconueniences which might arise from denying vs Trade, who were able to force it, and

hinder others from comming; the feare of which had caused some alreadie to passe by this Towne to Gudda, the Port of Mecca, one hundred and fifty leagues farther vp, a Towne of great Trade, and others to other places. He replied, we should be as welcome as to any place in our owne Countrey, and vowed by GOD, Mahomet his head and beard, we should liue as secure from hurt as in our owne Land. We asked what securitie he would giue vs; besides his oath (he answered) his Firman vnder his Chop, and procure the like from the Basha. With this wee seemed content, and gaue him thankes: nor did euer people seeme more willing to giue content then they: which, I thinke, ariseth not from conscience, or loue, but feare, seeing vs able to in∣teruert their Trade. After some questions of our Embassador, now residing at Constantinople, [ 10] and touching the Portugals, and Spaniards, (which he said were proud and vnfaithfull Nations) some speech happened of Sir H. Middleton: we demanded the cause of that treacherie towards him: hee answered, the Vizier at that time was a bloudie, cruell,* 1.17 and ill-minded man of himselfe, and made worse by the instigation of others, Turkes, and Arabs of this Towne, who obseruing the vnciuill behauiour of our people, as pissing at the gates of their Churches; forcing into mens houses to their women; and being daily drunke in the streets, would fight and quarrell with the people; things hatefull in these parts: these things were in part, but the Gouernours coue∣tousnesse (hoping to get their ship and goods) was the maine cause of that ill dealing, for which and many other bad actions, he was not long after sent to Constantinople to answere it, and is either dead, or liues in disgrace to this day. Wee dined with the Scriuano, and hired a house of Hassana Ga, one of our Pledges, at seuentie Rials of eight the Monson, (which is all one with [ 20] the yeerely Rent.) The Scriuano would needs sweare himselfe our friend on his Alchoran: yet denied this Gouernour to be the man which captiued Sir H. Middleton, which was after found Turkish faith. We agreed for Custome three by the hundred, both inwards and outwards (which hee vowed all others paid fiue) and for siluer, and gold, and money, to pay none. Wee supped with him also, and gaue him a Present.

The nine and twentieth, wee had thought to haue had our Firman read before all the Mer∣chants, and proclaimed to the people;* 1.18 but the most part of the day was spent in a ceremonie by the Gouernour and Chiefe at their high Church for the death of the Grand Signior, and the establishing his brother in his roome. They came riding afront our house, we sitting in our win∣dow [ 30] open to the street: they seeing vs, bowed themselues, and we did reuerence: their horses were accommodated with rich furniture. At foure of the clocke, wee were sent for, but our Linguist had got to a Iewes house that sold Racke, and was drunken, and wee pretending Master Salbankes present in disposition, promised attendance the next day. On the one and thirtieth, the Gouernour sent for vs, and made knowne to all the Merchants our welcome, causing his Scriuano to draw a Firman as large as we could require, which he would signe with his Chop, and at his principall Scriuanoes, in the afternoone we should haue it. The Copie whereof is as fol∣loweth, translated out of the Arabicke.

[ 40] A Faithfull and perfect Firman giuen by the grace of GOD to the worthie Captaine of the English, Andrew Shilling, to the Merchants, and to all such as are come with him at this present; and to all the Nation of the English, which shall come to this Port hereafter: For their good vsage, and friendly entertainment by the grace of GOD, and by the Faith we haue in our holy Prophet Mahomet: with the licence of our Great Lord and King, to whom the Great GOD of the World giue long life: by the fidelitie, trueth, and authoritie of the great Vizier of Sinan, Mahomet Ba••ha;* 2.1 whom the Great GOD giue strength, and power in his Kingdome: and by the faithfulnesse, and true meaning, and com∣mand of me Raiab Aga, now Gouernour of the Towne of Mocha; to be giuen to the Great Nation of the English, with all faithfulnesse.

I The Gouernour Raiab Aga, doe giue libertie and licence to the English Nation, to come hither to [ 50] this Port, to receiue friendly entertainment, to bring ashoare their goods, to buy and sell with all free∣dome; to carrie such goods as they buy aboord, without let or hinderance: and haue made contract with them, that for all goods they land, they shall pay three by the hundred, not in readie money, but in goods; and for what they carrie away aboord so it be Merchandise, and not prouision for their ship, as Victuals, or such like, that they shall pay readie money at three by the hundred likewise, neither more nor lesse, but as it is contracted by our agreement. That no Inhabitants of this Towne, nor People of the Countrey, neither Turke nor Arab, shall iniure them; but they shall haue their libertie to their contents. And that this my Firman and Contract is giuen them with a good heart, and true meaning to see it perfor∣med, I witnesse the trueth before the most high GOD, and our holy Prophet. Signed with my Chop, the fourteenth * 2.2 day of May, in the yeare of our Prophet Mahomet 1027.

[ 60]

I haue thought good to adde the Basha of Sinan his Firman, translated as before.

IN the name of God. This Letter written with the word of trueth of the most high GOD: To all Nations, Gouernours and Officers ouer the people vnder my gouernment: GOD keepe you all.

Know yee, that we haue giuen our faithfull Firman vnto the hands of Signior Andrew Shilling Captaine of the English, Ioseph Salbanke his Companion, and to their friend Edward Heynes Mer∣chant, which are come to the Port of Mocha, for them to goe and come with their ships to the said Port, and there to buy and sell all manner of Merchandise freely, and with all content. And wee doe further giue them by vertue of this our Firman in the Faith of the Great GOD, and our holy Prophet Maho∣met; [ 10] in the Faith of our Great Lord, whom GOD preserue; and in the Faith of Our selfe, Gouernour of the Prouince and Citie of Sinan; free licence for to sell and buy there, heere, and in all other of our Ports, and Townes of Trade within our Gouernment, as freely and quietly, without iniurie, let, or mole∣station, as any of the Traders and Merchants which come to that Port of Mocha, or any other, of what Nation soeuer. And doe consent and agree with them, to pay for Custome of such goods as they bring, three by the hundred, and for what they buy and carrie forth, three by the hundred likewise. And doe promise and sweare, in the true way of an Oath, to keepe our word with them in this Agreement; and giue you all hereby to know that they shall pay neither more nor lesse. And further, that they shall receiue neither iniurie, hurt nor danger, nor any discontent giuen them, either to their persons or goods, but they and their Nation shall haue, as from their first ship that came to this Kingdome, now this, so euer to the [ 20] last ship that shall arriue hereafter, the like friendly entertainment, and good vsage, as we haue comman∣ded to be giuen them at this present. And that this is my faithfull meaning, This our Firman which comes to your hnnds shall be a witnesse of the trueth. Written and signed with my Royall Chop, from our Court of Sinan this eighteenth day of Iulie, in the yeere of our Prophet Mahomet 1027.

The Copie of the Gouernour of Moha his Firman, giuen to Master Salbank for good vsage in his way to Sinan, is this.

IN the Name of the great GOD. This Letter of commandment in the name of our great Lord (whom [ 30] GOD keep) to all people, Gouernors of Townes and Cities. Know yee that it is our will and comman∣dement, that when the Bearer hereof Ioseph Salbank, or any of his people, or any of the Nation of the English, come to your places of Gouernment, you vse them, him, and all whomsoeuer, friendly and with all courtesies: that you make them pay for victuall, or other necessaries, no more then ordinarie; but ra∣ther make prouision for them, and assist them. And for what goods they shall carrie away, or bring vp into the Citie of Sinan, you shall take no duites of them, as it the custome to other men, but let them passe free, doing them neither wrong nor iniurie. Wherefore, all you to whom this Letter or Command shall come, which I haue giuen into his hand, I command you all, in the name of the Basha, (whom GOD blesse) to see this performed with all diligence. Giuen at Mocha, the twentieth of Iune, A. 1027. of our Prophet Mahomet.

[ 40]

It was agreed betwixt vs, that Master Salbanke and I should follow the businesse on land, and M^r Barber should remaine aboord to prepare such things as should be sent for. The fift of May, wee went to the Scriuano to get leaue for Racke to be made for our sicke men:* 4.1 for by reason that our Linguist, and others of our companie had beene drunke in a Iewes house, we complai∣ned and desired the Iew might be prohibited to sell them any: whereupon the Gouernour for∣bade the Iewes and Turkes the selling of Wine or Racke in the Towne. The Gouernour, at our and the Scriuano's request, gaue leaue onely that a Iew by his appointment, should brew it in our house; but to preuent disorders, would permit none elsewhere. On the eight in the after∣noone, vnderstanding the Gouernour and principall men were set in the Custome house, ••••pe∣cting [ 50] the Surat Captaine then comming ashoare, he went also to see the manner of his enter∣tainment. At our comming, we found the Gouernour sitting at the vpper end of a long roome vpon a Bench of stone, on a Carpet: by him in a row, on the same Bench couered with fine mattes diuers Merchants, and men of qualitie about twentie; on the other side against him, were about as many set in Chaires: betweene them was made a lane reaching downe to a square place, three steps high from the floore railed in and matted, in which the Scriuano and Officers of the Custome house sate on Carpets. The Gouernour bade vs welcome, told vs hee had giuen the chiefe Broker order to come see our goods, and procure their sale; caused vs to sit downe,* 4.2 two Merchants offering vs their places, and called for Cohoh and Tobacco. After halfe an houre thus spent, the Captaine came ashoare, in his owne boat curiously painted, rowed by [ 60] twentie of his own seruants, all in white linnen, with a Tilt of red silke, many silk Streamers, his Saile of fine Callico, with diuers Drummes, Waits, and ill Trumpets, his owne Iunke, and the Towne-Chambers adding their reports to make vp the musicke (if such confused sounds may be so called) Attended by a few slaues trimmed vp with Silkes, and course Sattins, hee entred

the place where we sate, where the Gouernour rose and saluted him, and placed him next him: and many complements of welcome passed from him, and from the rest of the Merchants: only he in the height of his pride, neglected vs, and wee accordingly him, though wee thought, the Captaines courtesie to him, sending his long-boat and men to free his Iunke (being foure or fiue hundred tunnes, and aground) with his kind entertainment aboord our ship, had deserued bet∣ter respect. After a little time in complements, Cohoh was againe brought to all the company, and after it six Vests, two giuen to the Captaine, and foure to his foure Merchants, which being put on, and Salams giuen, they againe tooke their seats, sitting like so many painted Images, their Coats being of course Gold and Siluer Veluet. One thing wee obserued as the vsuall cu∣stome [ 10] of this Towne, at the arriuall of any Iunke, and the landing of the Captaine, there is free libertie to all the Mariners and Passengers of the same Iunke, to bring ashore as much of their goods as each man can carrie on his backe, free from paying any Custome: in which manner passed by at this present, three hundred persons of that Iunke, with their luggage, to their habi∣tation without molestation. On the ninth, our Landlord and the Scriuano told vs of three Iunkes of Diu, and foure Malabars that stayed at Aden, hearing of our ship,* 4.3 and would not come without our Passe, which they intreated vs to grant. The forme of our Passe subscribed by the Cap••aine and three Merchants, was this.

WHereas the Gouernour of the Towne of Mocha, vnderstanding that there are diuers Iunkes now riding before Aden, fearing to come to this Port, as doubting good vsage from vs the [ 20] English; hath intreated vs to giue vnto him, our Certificate or Passe, for the said Iunkes, or for any other that vsually trade to this Port, to come in freely, without any iniurie done vnto them, either in bodie or goods by vs, and to haue good and friendly quarter, as louing friends and Merchants amongst vs: Wee finding good vsage by the Gouernour himselfe, and forwardnesse by all men to giue vs free Trade and commerce, and as well out of our good disposition, and inclination to peace, as for the satis∣faction of the Gouernour, in his request; Wee, by these presents, doe promise and giue them all freedome to passe quietly, and assure them friendly vsage, to their content: so as they be not enemies to our dread Soueraigne, the Kings Maiestie of England, or his Subiects. In witnesse whereof, wee haue put to our Firmes, &c.

[ 30] A larger Passe at the Gouernours request, and more generall, for the quiet departure of all Iunkes, &c. was after made, which I forbeare to transcribe.

The tenth, the Captaine of the Dabull Iuncke inuited vs to his house to a Banquet, where we found the Gouernour with fiftie principall persons, besides Attendants;* 5.1 All rose and bade vs welcome: wee sate not long but Coho and Sherbet were brought, Tobacco, and diuersitie of Fruits, as Plummes, Apricockes and Mangos, we thinking these to bee our Feast, and readie soone after to depart. But the Gouernour and Captaine desired vs to stay, and eate Bread and Salt with them, which we did; at last, though late, our greatest cheere comming, being about sixtie Dishes of sundry sorts of meats, baked, rosted, boyled, stewed, and sodde, but all mingled with Rice, with diuers sorts of Sallets, in manner as in India.

[ 40] Our Cargason was of bad wares for the most part, which had lien in India, till they were neere spoyled, and so hang on our hands; wee therefore importuned the Gouernour,* 5.2 and hee charged the Broker to procure our sale with great earnestnesse: we obtayned leaue also, contrary to the common custome, to come and goe aboord and ashoare at our pleasure without deman∣ding any leaue, and charged the Water-Bayliffe not to molest vs. On the twentieth, it was obserued in generall that the Monson changed.

The foure and twentieth, The Scriuano told me that he vnderstood that our men of the Ship,* 5.3 at their comming ashoare, sold in the Bazar, Baftas and Sword blades: he said, the Gouernour had promised for the poore mens goods to demand no custome, and therefore they should not feare to bring it ashoare, but to sell it at the house; for at the Bazar, was a disgrace to vs and our Nation. On the one and thirtieth, the ship was in danger to haue beene burnt, one taking [ 50] Tobacco in the sprit-saile yard arme, and the cole falling in a fold of the saile,* 5.4 which there bur∣ned two or three breadths, and was long smelt before it could be found: and Tobacco taking was prohibited, except in the Cook-roome or Captaines Cabin. In regard of recouering our sicke men, discouering the cost, and procuring ballast in stead of Lead, taken out of the ship, it was concluded, that the ship should goe ouer to Assab on the Coast of Africa:* 5.5 and Master Baffen Ma∣sters Mate, was sent to sound and discouer before.

The tenth of Iune, we had speech with the Gouernour, and in other discourse learned of him, that hee was Gouernour of Aden when the Ascension came thither, where hee imprisoned the Captaine and Ios. Salbanke two dayes; as he said, doubting they were not Merchants, but a man of Warre: that he was Gouernour here at Sir H. Middletons apprehension, which he excused by [ 60] the ill rule of our people, and bad disposition of the Basha; that he was blamed for the fact; but the Basha, whose seruant he then was, commanded that and a great deale more. God knew his vnwillingnesse to it, and sorrow for it: but these things are past, feare you nothing. Here wee saw how farre he and the Scriuano were to be trusted.

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

On the thirteenth, the Gouernour sent for vs, told vs that he had acquainted the Basha with our purpose, to send vp one to him for his Firman, who had promised his welcome whether wee came or sent; he thought it our best course that one should goe, and we should haue Horse, Ca∣mels and Seruants of his to attend vs; and he would write in our behalfe.

* 5.6The nineteenth, arriued a Iunke expected from Gudda, which brought Chamlets, bad Cor∣rall, Amber beads, much Siluer to invest in Spices and Indian Linnen, many passengers from Mecca. Shee brought newes of a Ship laden hence the last yeere for Grand Cairo, by losse of her Monson through contrarie windes, forced to stay a little aboue Gudda till next yeere. By this Iunke the Gouernour receiued letters, that the Gran Signior had sent diuers ornaments of State to the Basha of Synan, and had confirmed to him his gouernment for seuen yeeres longer, [ 10] and himselfe in this Towne of Mocha vnder him for the like time, whereof hee seemed not a little proud. In regard of my continuall indisposition, it was thought fit Master Salbank should goe, and a Present for the Basha to be prepared, with some merchandise also to carry with him. The Scriuano offered Master Salbank his Mule to ride vpon,* 5.7 which he accepted with thanks. He was furnished with two Camels, one Cooke, one Horse-keeper, three Seruants of the Gouer∣nours, whose wages he had compounded to pay, with Alberto a Linguist, and taking leaue and letters of the Gouernour. On the three and twentieth, he departed about sixe in the euening, the nights being the accustomed time of trauell. That morning wee receiued a Letter from our Captaine of his safe arriuall at Assab; of their good health, and finding ballast and other prouisions. [ 20]

On the sixe and twentieth, the Gouernour sent me a Horse by one of his Seruants, desiring mee to ride with him in companie of other Merchants to his banketting house, some halfe mile out of Towne, there to spend the day in mirth. About halfe an houre after came the chiefe Scri∣uano to call me, with whom I rid and met the Gouernour in the way, whom we accompanied to the place. It was in the midst of a groue of Date Trees, in which was a faire house, and with∣in it a large Tanke, and other roomes of pleasure to sit in. After a little while, He with diuers others went into the Tanke, and sported therein halfe an houre. Then was Cohoh brought and giuen the companie;* 5.8 after that, Grapes, Peaches, Muske, and water Melons, Almonds blan∣ched with others, Raisins in great abundance (for he had at least fiftie or sixtie Ghests, besides at∣tendants) and alwayes betweene whiles Coho and Tobacco. Thus with Musicke, indifferent [ 30] good, he spent the forenoone. After prayers he went againe into the Tanke with others, where∣in hee spent an houre in sport with his companie: after which, the rest of the time was spent, some at Cards, some at Chesse, himselfe beholding juggling tricks vntill foure at euening. Then were brought in at least a hundred dishes of diuers sorts,* 5.9 good meat, but cold and ill dressed. E∣uery dish might well haue serued foure men with good stomacks. Hee vsed me well, and was earnest to haue me into the Tanke, which I excused by my late sicknesse. He answered, if at any time I had a desire to wash, he would haue me come hither and take my pleasure, and the Keeper should permit me and vse me well.

The twelfth of Iuly, at euening was a great shew made by the Surat Captaine before the Go∣uernour, being the time of the New Moone: Many figures artificially made in fire-works, rare [ 40] and excellent.* 5.10 The Gouernour sent for me to see them, placed me in a Chaire by him, told mee of Letters that day receiued from Sinan of the Basha's Firman, granted before Master Salbanke came, who hearing of his comming staid it and made another, as he gaue instructions, and deliue∣red it him with his owne hand.

* 5.11On the thirteenth, passed by the Road of Gudda a Iunke of foure or fiue hundred tunnes, bound for Kitchine, a dayes saile within the entrance of the Red Sea; I suppose it not farre from Cape Guardefui on the Coast of Afrike. Shee is reported to be rich in gold, Royalls of plate, and many sorts of Merchandise: yeerly comes to Mocha, brings Myrrhe, Trunkes for Coho seeds, at the first beginning of the westerly Monson,* 5.12 and dispatching here, goes vp to Gudda or Aliam∣bo, and there sells her Coho and Indian goods which shee taketh in at Kitchine, brought thither by [ 50] Portugall Frigats from Diu,* 5.13 and other places. Her lading outward is Indico's, all manner of In∣dian Linnen, Gumme, Lac and Myrrhe; shee is fraighted by the Portugalls, and the Gouernour wished we might meet with her, which it is likely we had done, had not our ship beene absent, which returned into the Road on the one and twentieth. I went aboord, and was told, that the King of Assab with his brother and brothers sonne,* 5.14 had beene aboord and receiued good enter∣tainment, in requitall whereof, the King promised to send for store of Beeues and Goats: but in the euening, by signe of a light giuen, fled with all his people vp into the Mountaynes, pre∣tending a pursuit of his enemies, and neuer returned so much as thanks.

The seuen and twentieth, before day, Master Salbanke returned in perfect health and content with his Firmans.* 5.15 He related to me of his hard iourney, good respect giuen him by the way in [ 60] all places; being alway met before he entred any Towne of note, with Horse and Foot, to guard him to the Gouernours, and of them receiued with good welcome; his prouisions prouided by their Officers (but at his owne charge) the Gouernour of Moha•• seruant in the name of the Ba∣sha,* 5.16 procuring his good vsage. Before he came into Sinan he was met a mile without the Citie

by fortie or fiftie braue Turks well horsed, sent by the Basha to bring him in; which conueyed him to a house readie and richly furnished against his comming. He receiued friendly entertain∣ment of the principall Xeriffe and the Basha's chiefe Treasurer, which were both appointed to welcome him. And two dayes after, the Basha himselfe gaue him hearing, of whom he receiued courteous entertainment and two Firmans, both of one Tenor, but one written in a fairer Cha∣racter then the other, to shew to the Grand Signior, if occasion required.

I find, by his report, that the Citie of Sinan with the Countrey adioyning, will vent yeerly some quantitie of English cloth, those parts for three quarters of the yeere being cold; yea,* 5.17 in this Summer time a man might well haue endured a furred Gowne. Besides, there is a Court [ 10] kept, to which belong fortie or fiftie thousand gallant Turks, most of which wore garments of Venetian cloth of great prices. Also not farre from thence lyeth a Leskar of Souldiers, to the number of thirtie thousand,* 5.18 that continually are in the field against an Arab King not yet con∣quered, which liueth in the Mountaynes adioyning, all which, he saith, are reported to weare Coats quilted of Cotton made of India Pintado's, which is deare and little seruiceable, for want of cloth to keepe them from cold, which there is extreme. To this I may adde the Citie of Tyeis, and the Leskar of thirtie or fortie thousand Souldiers, gouerned by an Almaine turned Moore, subiect to the Basha of Sinan, where is much cloth worne, not aboue fiue dayes iourney from Mocha, yet very cold.

The second of August, the Gouernour sent our Captaine a vest, a rich one, by his chiefe Sha∣bander [ 20] with Drummes and Trumpets,* 5.19 his Boat bedecked with Flags and Streamers in great brauerie, which was deliuered with great reuerence, and receiued accordingly.

The eleuenth, the Captaine of Dabul Melic Maruet, and Nakada Rooswan the Chaul Cap∣taine, sent vs their Letters of recommendations to their Kings, according to our desire, certify∣ing of our friendly vsage here, and promise to defend them homewards bound from Pyrates, and therefore beseeching, in our behalfe, freedome of Trade and friendly vsage in their Kingdomes. The fourteenth, we gaue our Passes (as at other times to others) vnto two Captaines of the Ma∣labarres, Amet Ben Mahomet of Cannanor vnder Sultan Ala Raia, and to Abu Buker of Calicut vnder the Samorine.

This day came into the Road a small Galley from Cairo, with many passengers, Turks and [ 30] Iewes, rich in Royals, Chekines, Corall, Damaskes, Sattins, Chamlet, Opium, Veluets and Taffata's. Shee had beene in her voyage but thirtie dayes. I had conference with the Iewes, one of which had beene of my acquaintance in Barbarie. They report, that the Grand Signiors bro∣ther, being made Emperor, had imprisoned his two Nephewes, done to death some Grandes, and otherwise discontented the great Ones, and that he was deposed, imprisoned, and the el∣dest of his Nephewes created. That there were two hundred thousand Souldiers sent against the Persian, for the conquest of Gurgistan, with other things; whereof some proued true, others false, according to the fate of Merchants newes.* 5.20 Some Iewes and Turks desired passage for them and their goods in our ship to Surat; and it is likely when they know vs better, much profit may be made this way, their Iunkes being so pestered vsually with vnciuill people.

[ 40] Thus hauing sold and bartered our goods as well as we might, hope of such a Cargason, and dispatched our businesse, wee visited the Gouernour and desired his Letter testimoniall to the Lord Embassador, which he gaue vs; we tooke our leaue the nineteenth of him, the Scriuano and principall men of the Towne, from whom wee receiued protestations of much kindnesse al∣wayes, came aboord, intending the next day to set saile for India, in companie of the Surat Iunke, according to our instructions.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Aden▪
• * 1.2

  Mocha,
• * 1.3

  They goe on shoare.
• * 1.4

  The Gouer∣nors house and state.
• * 1.5

  Their confe∣rence.
• * 1.6

  They still su∣spected our ship a man of Warre, by rea∣son of some excesses of som of our Coun∣trey-men in those Seas.
• * 1.7

  Constantinople.
• * 1.8

  The visit the Scriuano.
• * 1.9

  They view the Towne.

  The descripti∣on thereof.
• * 1.10

  Heat at Mocha. Their neatnes.
• * 1.11

  Another Go∣uernour expe∣cted.
• * 1.12

  Feast on ship∣boord.
• * 1.13

  Storme and heate.
• * 1.14

  New Gouer∣nour arriued.
• * 1.15

  English fleet of fiue ships.
• * 1.16

  Factory inten∣ded at Mocha.
• * 1.17

  Cause of Tur∣kish treacherie to Sir H. Mid∣dleton.

  Let English Christians read, blush, and amend.
• * 1.18

  Death of the Grand-Signior Achmet.
• * 2.1

  Mahomet Basha▪ Raiab Aga.
• * 2.2

  Either the difference is from their dif∣ferent compu∣tation, or that the Seale was deferred to this day.
• * 4.1

  Racke is a wine or strong drinke made of Rice.
• * 4.2

  Entertain∣ment of the Su∣rat Captaine.
• * 4.3

  Feare of the English.
• * 5.1

  Dabul Captain his feast.
• * 5.2

  Freedome of egresse and regresse.
• * 5.3

  Pedling of some.
• * 5.4

  Danger by Tobacco.
• * 5.5

  The ship goes ouer to Assab.
• * 5.6

  Losse of a Monson▪ how dangerous.
• * 5.7

  M. Salbanks iourney to Sinan.
• * 5.8

  The Gouer∣nours feast.
• * 5.9

  Cards, chesses, iugglers.
• * 5.10

  Good fire-worke, figures.
• * 5.11

  Gudda of great Trade. Kitchine.
• * 5.12

  Aliambo.
• * 5.13

  Portugall Iunk.
• * 5.14

  Returne of the ship.
• * 5.15

  M. Salbanke his returne.
• * 5.16

  Relation of his voyage and entertainment
• * 5.17

  Sale of English cloth likely.
• * 5.18

  Arabia, not wholly subiect to the Turke.
• * 5.19

  The Captaine vested.
• * 5.20

  Many passen∣gers both for Merchandize and Pilgri∣mage to Mec∣ca.