ROBERT KNOX. 145 



Swers to the lOtli year of Knox's captivity. This Minute 

 is as follows: 



" By the Englishmen who, some years ago, came on 

 an embassy to Cottiar, and were carried captive by Rajah 

 Singha, and have to the present time been forcibly detained, 

 an ola, inscribed in English, and secretly despatched in the 

 hands of a Malabar named Perga, for the purpose of being 

 conveyed to Madras, having been handed by the said 

 bearer to His Excellency the Governor, it is translated 

 and reads as follows : 



" Honored Sir Edward, 



"In the year 1664, we received a packet marked 61, 

 and particularly addressed to us, which is all that we have 

 received, although Mr. Vassal* has received some, but con- 

 cealed the fact from us, and money too, which we have not 

 once received, though our neediness is so great. Our com- 

 rades are all still alive and in health. Only Arthur Emery, 

 the Captain, and John Gregory are dead. There are 

 twenty-three of us alive at present, who would be glad to 

 regain their liberty. As for news, we dare not write any, 

 fearing that our note may be intercepted or miscarried ; 

 and we refer you to the bearer, Perga, who can inform you 

 of all that has passed better than we can write. He has 

 hazarded his life in carrying this. We intreat you to 



* This man, Mr. William Vassal, was one of the crew of the 

 ship " Persia," wrecked upon the Maldives in the year 1658. 

 They made their way in boats to Ceylon, but upon landing to 

 recruit and buy provisions, were set upon and captured by the 

 natives. Knox gives particulars about him and his companions in 

 <eh. 4, part IV, of his account of his captivity. 



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