"Sir Thomas Roe Returned From The Embassy To Surat In The Spring Of
1618-19, When It Appears That The
Opposition in opinion between him and
the factors at that place had subsided, as the efforts of both were
united
To establish a distinct system for the trade of the English at
Surat. It has been already stated that Sir Thomas Roe had procured a
phirmaund to the English from the Mogul, for the establishment of a
general trade in his extensive dominions, but that the relaxed situation
of the government, which always, under the administration of the Moguls,
preceded an expected succession to the throne, had rendered the governor
of Surat, at this juncture, less obsequious to the orders of his
sovereign than the absolute nature of the constitution would otherwise
have prescribed. Under these circumstances, and to improve upon the
general treaty already mentioned, Sir Thomas Roe made proposals to
Sultan Churrum to enter into an alliance for resisting the pretensions
of the Portuguese. After long discussions with that prince, this treaty
was concluded, and the following are its leading articles.
"That the governor of Surat should lend ships to the English, to be
employed in the defence of that port. The English, however, to be only
allowed to land ten armed men at one time; but the resident merchants to
be allowed to wear arms. That the English should be allowed to build a
house in the city, but distant from the castle.[187] That the governor
of Surat should receive the ambassador and his suite with marks of
honour. That the English should enjoy the free exercise of their
religion, and be governed by their own laws. That in any dispute between
the English and the natives; reference was to be made to the governor
and his officers, who should decide speedily and justly; but disputes
among themselves were to be decided by their own factory. That liberty
of trade was to be allowed the English, in its fullest extent, on
payment of the usual duties on landing the goods, from which pearls,
jewels, &c. were to be exempted. That freedom of speech was to be
allowed to the English linguists and brokers, in all matters regarding
the trade of their employers. And, lastly, That all presents intended
for the court were to be opened and examined at the customhouse of
Surat, and then sealed and given back to the English, and to pass
duty-free; but, in case these presents were not made, then these
articles were to become liable to pay duty.
[Footnote 187: Though not so expressed in the Annals, this appears to
have been a fortified house; as, on an occasion, when Surat was taken
and plundered by an armed force belonging to Sevagee, the first
sovereign of the Mahrattas, the English were able to defend their
factory from injury. - E.]
"During his residence in India, Sir Thomas Roe had likewise used his
best endeavours to promote the trade of the English with the ports of
Persia, in which considerable opposition was experienced from the
Portuguese, who tried every expedient to engross the Persian trade to
themselves, and to exclude the English from any participation.
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