Page 502
An.1688
His Arrival, and Examination at Achin.
It was the beginning of June 1688, when we left Passange Jonca. We had 4 men to row, one to steer, and a Gentleman of the Country, that went purposely to give an information to the Govern- ment of our arrival. We were but 3 days and nights in our passage, having Sea Breezes by day, and Land Winds by night, and very fair Wea- ther.
When we arrived at Achin, I was carry'd before the Shabander, the chief Magistrate in the City. One Mr. Dennis Driscoll, an Irish man, and a Resi- dent there, in the Factory which our East-India Company had there then, was Interpreter. I be- ing weak, was suffer'd to stand in the Shabander's presence : for it is their custom to make men sit on the floor, as they do, cross-legg'd like Taylors: but I had not strength then to pluck up my heels in that manner. The Shabander asked of me seve- ral questions, especially how we durst adventure to come in a Canoa from the Nicobar Island to Su- matra. I told him, that I had been accustomed to hardships and hazards, therefore I did with much freedom undertake it. He inquired also concern- ing our Ship, whence she came, &c. I told him from the South Seas; that she had ranged about the Philippine Islands, &c. and was now gone to- wards Arabia, and the Red Sea. The Malayans also and Portuguese were afterward examined, and con- firmed what I declared, and in less than half an hour, I was dismiss't with Mr. Driscoll, who then lived in the English East India Companies Factory. He provided a Room for us to lye in, and some Victuals.
Three days after our arrival here our Portuguese died of a Fever. What became of our Malayans I know not. Ambrose lived not long after. Mr. Hall also was so weak, that I did not think he would re-