Page 123 - Arabian Studies (I)

The Diary of a Mocha Coffee Agent 107

To Francis Dickinson Esqr.
Sir
This serves to advise you of the arrival of the Prince William
Cap’ William Beresford of which Ship we are appointed Super­
cargoes. As we arc at a Loss to know how the Mocha Government
may be disposed towards the English, or whether any Disputes
may be Subsisting which may render it necessary to come to some
particular Terms of Agreement with them before we come ashore,
we have thought proper first to dispatch this Boat to you, and
desire you’ll return her as soon as may be with any Advices you
may think proper for our notice.7 We must inform you that a very
large French Ship from Europe is come in with us, and its not
improbable that the Arrival of these two Ships may somewhat
enhance the Price of Coffee, but we must leave it to you to make
the best use of this Intelligence for the Interest of our Hon’blc
Employers. We hope however a good part of our Cargo is
provided, and as we are in very good time that we shall meet with
no very great Difficultys in getting a full loading, but be able to
dispatch the Ship for England this Season, which will be very
much for our Hon’ble Master’s Advantage, and what they have
earnestly recommended to us.
Sir,
Your most hum Ser
Edward Page
Wm Beresford

30 April
In reply, Mr. Dickinson assures Mr. Page that there are no disputes
with the Governor and that half the coffee cargo is ready for loading.
Later, Mr. Page and Captain Beresford come ashore and, after
discussing the implementation of their respective instructions from
the East India Company, arrange with Captain Frampton Lervis of
the Prince of Wales for the transfer from the Prince William to the
Prince of Wales of twenty-two European soldiers bound for service in
Bombay.
31 April to 7th May
For the next week, the purchase of coffee at Bait al-Faqlh continued
as fast as possible. Mr. Dickinson expresses his anxiety lest the
presence of the three large European ships in Mocha would raise the
price of coffee but this did not happen. By 7 May, Mr. Dickinson
estimated that 700 camel loads more were required. He exhorted Mr.
Hanys to speed up his purchasing to ensure its completion before the
‘Feast of Hajj’ on 13 May.