Page 519
An. 1690
He desires leave to return home.
stice, and fair dealings; nor are any more impla- cably revengeful than those Malayans who live in the Neighbourhood of Bencouli, which Fort hath been more than once in danger of being surpriz d by them. I speak not this out of disgust to this particular Governour; much less would I seem to reflect on any others, of whom I know nothing a- miss: But as it is not to be wondered at, if some should not know how to demean them in places of power, for which neither their Education nor their Business possibly, have sufficiently qualified them; so it will be the more necessary for the Honourable Company to have the closer eye over them, and as much as may be, to prevent or re- form any abuses they may be guilty of; and 'tis purely out of my zeal for theirs and the Nations interest, that I have given this caution, having seen too much occasion for it.
I had other motives also for my going away. I began to long after my Native Country, after so tedious a ramble from it: and I proposed no small advantage to my self from my painted Prince, whom Mr. Moody had left entirely to my disposal, only reserving to himself his right to one half share in him. For beside what might be gain'd by shewing him in England, I was in hopes that when I had got some money, I might there obtain what I had in vain sought for in the Indies, viz. A Ship from the Merchants, wherewith to carry him back to Meangis, and rein- state him there in his own Country, and by his favour and negotiation to establish a traffick for the Spice, and other products of those Islands.
Upon these projects, I went to the Governour and Council, and desired that I might have my discharge to go for England, with the next Ship that came. The Council thought it reasonable, and they consented to it; he also gave me his word that