Indian Antiquary Vol 60

SR No.: 032552
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Richard Carnac Temple, Charles E A W Oldham, S Krishnaswami Aiyangar, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarka
Publisher: Swati Publications
Publication Year: 1986
Total Pages: 394
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 19 MB

Page 295

MAY, 1031]
THE SCATTERGOODS AND THE EAST INDIA COMPANY
[25. 8 OCTOBER 1712.] Dear Sir,
On the 5th of this month past arrived the Malborough. Meeting with 3 French ships off Point Palmerie, she made a running fight for 2 or 3 days, and by her sayling well upon the wind, escaped them. I sent severall letters to you by her and other ships, which may never reach your hands, so shall write all the heads in this by the patamarr.
[Here follows a summary of the directions previously given regarding money due from Messrs. Foulkes, Stibs, Browne, &c. and the bill of exchange for Thomas Dixon.]
Captain Greenhaugh disputed with me to have more comission then I and to goe head. I allowed him half, but he was not satisfied, so we had a tryall before our owners, and I gained my point to goe head, and he was laughed at by most people. I find that I shall have but a troublesome companion of him, but I am resolved not to bate him an inch.
We were just ready to goe, but a storm happening on the 4 and 5 of this month, made our ship (after all his expences in fitting) so leakey that we had 5 foot 4 inches water in the hold, and if the storm had not bated, should have sunk or come ashoare. We have damaged a great many of the freight bales. We are now stopping our leakes and shall goe, if please God, in 2 or 3 days more.
This day I received two of your oblidging letters per Chenapatnam and Recovery, wherein you tell me that you put my business with Messrs. Russell and I'cake to arbitration, and bopo that I will abide by what you doc. You may assure yourself that whatever you doe with my affairs I shall think well done.
As for my goeing to China and Surratt the next year, I beleive that nothing will come of it, for I hear that Mr. Phips goes from Bombay, and weither I shall gett any subscriptions or noe tis very doubtfull. No news of the Heriot, but hope to find her on the Mallabar coast. I am very glad to hear of the Houlands safety, but not a little concerned at Mr. Jones staying hebinil; hope he may loc well and gett lis gold a great deal cheaper, for I hope he made a new contract with the China merchants. Mr. Bennett is in hopes of gocing to China with you the next year. He pretends to have a great interest with the Government. I hope you may goe, so it be to your satisfaction, be with who it will.
I have sold my garrien house to Mannutche, designing to send my wife home the next year to live with my mother and so to follow in a few yeares myself, if I can gett a little more money, for I find maintaining a family here is very chargeable.
(iive my service to Mr. Starkes and tell him that I received his oblidging letter and that he need not fear Mr. Legg for a rivall, tho' his mistrisses eyes getts him some every day; but young girles are generallly) very constant to their first lover, so that, let him but gett a little noney, he need not fear a wife; they will hop to his armes as sparrows to a hatt. I beleive now I have tired you so will conclude, clear Sir
Your most oblidged humble servant
J. S. Please to give my servise to all freinds, especially your family. Madrass the 8th October 1712.
[NOTES ON DOCUMENT No. 25.] This month past. Really, the present " month. The Diary and Consultation Book of Fort St. George, 1712, records the incident described by Scattergood as follows:
" 5th October. Ship Marlbro Captain Mathew Martin Commander returned into this road.
“At a Consultation. Present: Edward Harrison Esqr. Governor and President fand seven members of Council).
"Captain Mathew Martin of the Marlbro delivers in a Journall of his being chae'd by three French ships off Point Palmeras the 4th, 5th and 6th ulto. as also of his being engaged with the biggest and the least for severall hours." The "Journall” however does not