It is true that I have done so, in return for one you English took from me, so now we are even and have ship for ship; for this one I will not surrender.

If you wish to be friends, I am willing to be so; if not, I will fight you and take all the ships I can." One pirate ship was reported to have chased two Cong ships, capturing one and forcing the other ashore, where it became a total wreck.

"What influence this may have on the Rt.Hon.

Company's affairs, God alone knows," wrote the Surat President, mournfully.

Soon he was in better spirits.