Page 213 - Gulf Precis (I-A)_Neat

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Tlio French had on shore, when they took possession of the Factory
according to the best accounts we oou’d take, about four hundred and fifty
Europeans and one hundred and fifty Co (Trees, they had brought Bamboes
with them and made soalling ladders, and were determined to have scaled the
House, on the 13th at night.
On the 12th wo had Intelligence of the French, having been at Muscat,
and woro bound further up the Gulpli, upon which Lieutenant I3embou was
ordered to carry the Speedwell to loft, but before ho oou’d get under weigh, the
French appeared, and prevented his complying with orders, which being
perceived, he was told to run the ship ashore, but being pursued very close by
the Twenty two gun ship, and the Tide flowing and having two sails set, she
floated, and the French sent People, and took possession of her so they have
now Five ships.
On the 12th while the French ships were standing into the Road, Moolah
Ally Shaw came to the Factory and gave the Agent all imaginable assur­
ances, of his a If oi ding us assistance and that if the Fronch attempted to
land he would do what in power to prevent it but on his being sent to in
the morning and acquainted that they were approaching the shore in order to
land instead of performing his Promise he remained quiet in his Fort, and
tho* about ten o’clock the Agent requested he would send a few men to our
assistance, yet not a man cou’d bo got, the reason he assigned for not doing it,
was that one of his ships which was at anchor in the anchor was in their Power,
and that if he alforded us assistance of men, they would certainly carry her
away; tho’ to bo brief, he was really afraid of the French, and not long after
their landing, sent them such refreshments of greens and fruits, as tho season
afforded, telling them he would supply them, with whatever in his Power and
the Place afforded.
Out of the few number of Europeans we had, we beg leave to acquaint
your Honour elc., that Ensign Johnston, and Serjeant Ranscommon, were
so much indisposed as to be able to do no duty, the day we were attacked.
The Freuch have sent the Europeans and Topasses on board tbeir ships
and have given liberty to the seepoys to go where they like.
According to the best Intelligence, we can get the French have positive
orders to demolish the Factory saying the English demolished tbeir Settlement at
Chardanagore, tbo* for the present to keep thing smoothed with Moola Ali
Shaw they tell him a they will make him present thereof, at the same time
they tell our gentlemen, they have no suoh design, and that its only done to
amuse him for the present, being in waut of his assistance Messrs. Bembou
Evans, Johnston and Maiuwaring, now repair, at their own particular request
to Bombay.
The Two French Ships were fitted out from the Islands, and as they
say, on purpose for this place, aud had been just five weeks from theuce, when
they arrived here.
So soon as tno Frenoh are gone, wo shall endevour to get down this year’s
investment of wool, and endevour to procure money, to send the linguist for
to pay for the same, aud should any Guard Ship have left Bombay with woolen
goods, for this place o’er this roaches your Honour etc., we shall take those
ashore for market, aud afterwards send the vessel to Bussorah; at preseut
Wooleus ave iu doinaud in the iuland Parts, according to the information we
have received.
2/68 F.D