Sec.3Supplies received by the Portuguese, who vainly endeavour to use
Fire-boats.
They seek Peace, which is refused, and depart. Interview
between the Nabob and Captain Downton, and Departure of the English.
On the 3d February, 1615, there arrived at the waterside twenty-four
bales of indigo, seven packs of white, seven of black, and four of blue
bastas, six packs of cotton yarn, three of candikens, and one pack
of crecany, all of which were brought immediately on board. This day
also the supplies for the viceroy came in sight, being two ships of
burden, two junks, and eight or ten of the country boats. The nabob sent
me a message by Lacandas, that these were not for the purpose of
fighting, but were full of combustibles, meant to be set on fire, and
allowed to drift with the tide upon our ships in the night. I was glad
of this information, and took immediate measures to prevent the
consequences of such an attempt, as well as to defend ourselves from the
smaller vessels. The spring-tides were now near the highest, and were
consequently fittest for their attacks, so that I expected them every
tide; and to let them see I was ready for their reception, and how
little I cared for them, I directed the setting and clearing our watch,
mornings and evenings, to be announced by a volley of shot from every
ship, pointing the best piece in my ship at the prow of the viceroy's
ship, to try his temper, and to daunt the courage of his people.
Enter page number
PreviousNext
Page 303 of 910
Words from 82370 to 82640
of 247546
