Page 196 - Early English Adventurers in the Middle East_Neat

196 EARLY ENGLISH ADVENTURERS
IN THE EAST

monopoly. Courthope was not named in this; nor was
there any specific mention of the English Company, The
reference was in general terms to “ French, Scotch, and
other foreigners ” and “ even men of our own nation ”
who sought to make the Dutch Company’s charter illusory
by their illicit trading. Dutch commanders were every­
where directed “ to attack with arms vehemently ” all
who were found trading in the islands and to capture and
confiscate their ships.
The day following the issue of the proclamation a com­
munication was sent to the English factory at Jakatra
demanding the evacuation of Poolo Roon, and warning
the English against sending ships to the Moluccas. “If
you refuse,” said Reaal, “ we shall have to help ourselves
with'all means time and opportunity will give us, believing
ourselves to be guiltless before God and the world.”
An indignant protest was lodged by Ball, the English
chief, against this virtual declaration of war. They were
not, he said, to be deterred by any such action from what
was just and honest, “ Neither is the custom of ill strife
in us as in yourselves who, contrary to the bonds of amity
betwixt his Majesty of England and States of the United
Provinces have most unjustly and in hostile manner
robbed our employers of their ships and goods, and mur-
dered and imprisoned their people.” As for the demand
for the evacuation of Poolo Roon that island belonged to
the Crown of England and would in all reason be “defended
and made good against all unjust demands and actions
whatsoever.” The writer charged Reaal by the bonds of
amity between the two nations and on the faith of a Chris­
tian to persist not in his course to the effusion of blood.
Hitherto,” he concluded, “ I have shed no blood, and