It was afterwards known that some few escaped with life
and poverty.
A more particular account of this fight will be found in
the subsequent journal of Alexander Child. - Purch.]
The 14th October I waited on the emperor, to whom I imparted his
majesty's salutations, which were courteously received, but he
immediately began to enquire what presents had been sent to him. I
mentioned our late fight and victory, at which he seemed to rejoice, and
applauded the valour of our nation; but he immediately shifted the
discourse, asking what our king had sent him. I answered, that he had
sent many tokens of his love and affection; but knowing that his majesty
was lord of the best portion of Asia, and the richest monarch of the
East, my sovereign was satisfied the sending of rich gifts to his
majesty were to cast pearls into the sea, their common mother and
storehouse; but that my master, together with the warmest assurance of
his love, had sent him many curiosities, which I hoped would give him
entire satisfaction. He urged me to mention particulars, some of which I
named. He asked me for French muffe or velvet, to which I answered,
that all my letters were not arrived. He then enquired if there were any
dogs. To which I answered, that some had been slain in the battle at
sea, but that two were preserved for him, at which he seemed much
rejoiced. He then said, if I could procure him one of our great horses,
such as I had described, being a roan or Dutch horse, he would value
it more than an additional kingdom. I answered, that I should use my
best endeavours to satisfy his majesty, but much feared it could not be
effected, owing to the length of the voyage. He said he would willingly
give a lack of rupees for such a horse. I then desired he would be
pleased to give an order for the transmission of the presents without
being searched, and for the good usage of our people. He answered, that
the port belonged to his son, but sent for him, and publicly gave orders
for what I required; that the presents should not be searched, nor pay
any custom, but should be sent up safe to me with all expedition, that I
might distribute them at my discretion. He likewise commanded the prince
to give orders for the good usage of our people, and that I should be
satisfied in all my demands. This order did not extend to the grant of a
fort, as Asaph Khan had absolutely refused to deliver in that clause.
This charge was very round and hearty on the part of the king, and a
great grace to me. The prince called Asaph Khan forwards in my presence,
and promised, before his father and the whole court, to give me all
reasonable satisfaction. All this was on the strength of the new
presents.
That same day I sent for the Portuguese jesuit who resided at court, and
gave him an account of the engagement between our ships and the carrack,
offering to make peace between our nation and the Portuguese upon equal
terms.
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