The Company was forced to rely on its own exertions, as there was not a single King's ship in Indian waters.

The few armed vessels belonging to Bombay convoyed the more valuable vessels along the coast.

The larger ships, that made the ocean voyage between India and Europe, sailed in company for mutual protection.
[1] Yule's "Marco Polo." [2] The 'Kempason' and 'King Kemshew' of Downing.
[3] From the Arabic _ghorab_, 'a raven.' [4] Known in the English annals of the time as the Sow Rajah, and the South Rajah.
[5] The principal forts were Kennery, Colaba, Severndroog, Viziadroog or Gheriah, Jyeghur, Deoghur, Manikdroog, Futtehghur, Oochitghur; and Yeswuntdroog.
[6] See page 264.
[7] The name of this pirate is also given as Congdon and Condent..