Attended
By A Few Slaves, Decked Out In Silks And Coarse Sattins, He Entered The
Lone Room Where We Were, When The Governor Rose And Saluted Him, And
Placed Him Next Himself On The Stone Bench.
Many compliments of welcome
passed between the nokhada and the other merchants; but in the height of
his pride he overlooked us, and we him accordingly.
Yet we thought he
might have shewn us more respect, considering that Captain Shilling had
sent his long-boat and men to free his junk of 400 or 500 tons, when
aground, and had entertained him with much civility aboard our ship.
After some time spent in compliments, coffee was again brought in for
all the company; after which six vests were produced, two of which were
given to the Surat captain, and one each to his four principal
merchants. When these were put on, and mutual salams or reverences
given, they again sat down, like so many painted images, dressed up in
coats of coarse gold and silver velvet. We here observed one usual
custom of this town, at the arrival of any junk, and the landing of her
nokhada or captain, that free liberty is given to all the mariners and
passengers to bring ashore as much goods as each man can carry on his
back, without payment of any duty; accordingly, at this time, about 300
persons belonging to this junk passed with their luggage to the
captain's residence, unmolested.
On the 9th, our landlord and the scrivano told us that three junks from
Diu, and four Malabar vessels, were at Aden, whence they were afraid to
proceed without our pass or licence.
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