To enrich himself by starting a private trade of his own, was his one object, and, with this end in view, he sailed for Surat.

With him he took Mrs.Braddyll and Mrs.Wyche, with sundry chests of treasure, in spite of Phipps' remonstrances: the estates of both having been attached by the Council.

In Surat he tried to raise a large sum for a venture in the China trade; but the arbitrary conduct of the King's officers had raised so much distrust among the native merchants, that he was unsuccessful.

Within three weeks he was back again in Bombay, and was at once involved in an angry correspondence with the Council.

Not confining himself to an acrimonious exchange of letters, he affixed at the sea gate an insulting proclamation.