[Footnote 37:  Cochin is in lat. 9 deg. 56’ 30” N. 8 deg. 40’, the lat. in the text falls very near Anjengo; to the south of Coulan.—­E.]

The 13th June we saw the coast of Sumatra, in lat. 5 deg. 40’ N. at its most northerly extremity; and when stopping at an island near the shore to take in water, on the 16th, we spoke with some of the people.  The 21st, we anchored in the bay of Acheen in twelve fathoms, on which the king sent off his officers to measure the length and breadth of our vessels, and to take the number of our ordnance and men, which they did.  Our baas sent two of his people on shore along with these officers, with a present to the king, consisting of a looking glass, a drinking glass, and a coral bracelet.  Next day our people returned on board, being apparelled by the king after the country fashion, in dresses of white calico, and brought a friendly message of peace, welcome, and plenty of spices.  We found, three barks belonging to Arabia and one of Pegu riding in the bay, which had come to lade pepper.  There was here also a Portuguese officer, Don Alfonso Vincente, with four barks from Malacca, who had come expressly to endeavour to prevent our trade, as was shewn in the sequel.

On the 23d June, the king sent at midnight for our baas to come to wait upon him, sending a noble as his hostage.  He went immediately on shore, and was kindly used by the king, who promised him a free trade, and cloathed him after the fashion of the country, giving him likewise a criss of honour.  This criss is a dagger, having a haft or handle of a kind of metal of fine lustre esteemed far beyond gold, and set with rubies.  It is death to wear a criss of this kind, except it has been given by the king; and he who possesses it is at absolute freedom to take victuals without money, and to command all the rest as slaves.  Our baas, or captain, came on board the 26th with a boat-load of pepper, making incredible boasts of his mighty good fortune, and the wonderful trade he had procured, with no small rejoicing in his pride.  He said likewise that the king had often asked if he were from England, which he strongly denied, using many unhandsome speeches of our nation; and after coming on board, he said he would have given a thousand pounds to have had no English with him, thus thrusting us poor souls into a corner.

The 27th of June, our merchants went on shore with their goods, having a house appointed for their residence by the king.  On the 20th July, our captain being with the king, was well entertained by him, and on this occasion the king was very importunate to know if he were English.  “Tell me truly,” said he, “for I love the English; and I must farther tell you that Alfonso Vincente has been earnest with me to betray you, but it shall not be, for I am your friend.”  With that he gave him a purse of gold.  The captain gave him thanks for the present and his friendly disposition, declaring