Page 138 - Arabiab Studies (IV)

128 Arabian Studies IV
1930, 207. He fortifies Muscat and constructs a platform or
battery beyond the fort at the entrance of the haven and
mounts some very heavy guns. He also strengthens batteries
at Quilbu and gardens near Cabaco where he erects block­
houses on the tops of the hills, placing guards to stop an
enemy from climbing. In the next year he took 320 of the best
veterans from Muscat. In September 1633 he was buried
there.
Factories, iv, 100. Freyro reported to have 3 galleons and 20
‘frigotts’.
1633 FyS, iii, 404. Viceroy de Linares repaired the fortifications.
1635 Factories, v, 120. Captain John White of Blessing ordered to
call at Muscat if winds do not delay his voyage. He should
present a letter to the Governor of the Castle. He should find
out if he could sell his goods (sugar, rice, cotton, wool,
tobacco, etc.) at not less than 50% profit, and sell if he can.
Factories, v, 132. Complaints not merely about amount of
Muscat Customs but long delays—often a month.
1636 Factories, v, 185. Captain Drake of Michael ordered to tell
Captain Major of Muscat ‘who hath charge of those straights’,
that the British are not trying to defraud Muscat revenue. If
not full on return he may call and offer to take horses to Goa.
1639 Factories, vi, 135. Best sugar being exported from Lahore to
Muscat.
1640 Factories, vi, 252. Basra Agent reports that fleet from Muscat
sets out in June for Congo (Kung) and arrives here in July. It
brought a great store of Cambaya and Sinda goods such as
cloaths, indigo, conserves etc. with pepper, cardumon, ginger,
cinnamon and some deccan cloth. Muscat cargoes mostly
belong to Moors and Banians while Portuguese themselves
bring so little that they scarce earn ‘the tittle of merchants’.
They are afraid of the future and of the Dutch.
1646 Factories, viii, 28. The Wazeer writes to India to say that he
hopes that on the next monsoon, the British will trade at
Seepp which is near the royal capital, Emaun (sic).
1647 Factories, viii, 171. Rumours of a French ship at Muscat.
1648 Factories, viii, 223. Account of first siege by Arabs.
1650 Factories, viii, 311. The Emam, a petty Arabian prince, hath
taken Muscat.’
1651 Factories, ix, 73. British ship called at Muscat where they
tried to release some Portugall women but could not. ‘Wee
were profered with much importunity the best house in the
town for a factory* (trading-post).
1653 Factories, ix, 167. Rumour that the Portuguese had 40-50
ships off Muscat and that the Imam was ready to surrender as
end of the date trade has brought poverty.
Factories, ix, 203. Imam has offered Muscat to the Dutch.
1659 Factories, xi, 23. Mathew Arnold, President of Surat