July 12.
Acheen. |
647. Captain T. Best, Wm. More and H. Gyttins, [merchants of the Dragon and Osiander], to Thos. Aldworthe, at Surat, Set sail from Swally 20th January last, and passed by the [Portugal] galleons without any warlike greeting; met with certain Malabar junks, from which they took powder and munition, and passed along the coast of India, in sight of most of the Portugal towns, and of the Portugal armada of about sixty frigates, and took one of their small ships. Passed Cape Comorin 19th February, fell in with Ceylon 25th February, and arrived at Acheen 12th April. Had access to the king, who, with the people are very griping, base, and covetous, and "our brokers” very untrusty. Any ships going to Acheen should be furnished with a person that can speak Malay. Their goods, bought in Surat, generally improper for Acheen. The place glutted ; all trade upon the island prohibited by the king to the Guzerat, save only at Acheen. Arrival of their trusty friend Malym Ghany. The Shabundar's ship, scared from Perak by the Portugals, instantly confiscated by the king, and the people all made slaves for going to Perak, the king's enemies. Are rejoiced at the ample firman received from Agra, but sorry for the indiscreet demeanour of Paul Canninge. Took a Portugal bark 12th May, wherein came an ambassador from Malacca, but released her at the earnest solicitation of the king, who gave the general the title of “Orancaya pute, which is white or clear-hearted lord.” Arrival of the king's armada of frigates from Jhor, with Dutch prisoners, most of them from the factory there. News of the Globe, Sir Henry Middleton, Captain Saris' fleet, and the Solomon and Pearl, but no news of the James. Captain Hippon and [Robt.] Browne, master of the Globe, dead. The Solomon, Peppercorn, and Thomas gone for England, the Hector for Banda, Captain Saris for Japan, and Sir Henry Middleton, with the Trades Increase, at Bantam, most of his men being dead. Have received letters from ambassadors of Siam, in the name of their kings, “ for the safe trade of our nation in his kingdoms,” and a letter to the King of England to move him to send ships thither, with assurances of good entertainment. Account of goods bought and sold. Encouragement to trade at Passaman, Tecoe, Baros, and Priaman ; have engaged a Guzerat, captain to the king, to serve them as broker. Two men [in the Dragon] dead, and the surgeon of the Osiander, Ralph Standish. Have received this king's letter and present for King James, also his letter for trade at Priaman. Unsuccessful efforts of the general to redeem Abdela Cadir, and certain other prisoners, “ but the tyrant in this would not be moved.” Mr. Oliver absent when this letter was sealed. [One page and a half. O. C., Vol. I., No. 107.] |
