1 t> > ORIENTAL COMMERCE. [ Ctarf ofCtmcan. 



aft, have square topsails and toj)-gallant sails, and are rigged mostly ifter 

 the European fashion. The shebar is also of two masts, the after-mast and 

 bowsprit very short; they have no topmasts and very little rigging, and arc 

 not decked ; their largest sail is extended on a yard of very great length, 

 running up to a point, many feet higher than the mast; they sail well, and 

 are fine vessels in fair weather and smooth water ; many of them are of 

 more than 150 tons burthen. The grab is distinguished from other vessels 

 by having, instead of bows, a projecting prow ; they are decked, and have 

 either two or three masts, and are rigged in the European manner. Each of 

 the Rajah's vessels, of all of these descriptions, carries eight or ten small 

 carriage guns, and about 100 men. Their general rendezvous is Pigeon 

 Island. On leaving port, each pirate-tascar receives two rupees, the serang 

 eight, and on their return they get corn, according to their success, and 8 or 

 4 rupees, and more, corresponding with their rank and good fortune. Their 

 cruise seldom exceeds fifteen days. All prizes are the property of the Rajah, 

 who is at the sole expence of the outfit. The vessels taken are seldom re- 

 tained, unless peculiarly adapted to the service ; the cargo becomes the 

 Rajah's property, and the vessel is released. 



They sail without any written commission, and with instructions, it is 

 understood, to take all vessels that they can master, except those having 

 English colours and passes. Sometimes, however, they are regardless of 

 the English protection, which they thus contrive to evade. One pirate-boat 

 boards the intended prey, and demands her pass ; and while some person 

 pretends to read it, others pick a quarrel with some of the crew, and com- 

 mence a scuffle, in which the pass is removed or destroyed ; however, they 

 take but little, perhaps nothing, and depart. Soon after another pirate boards 

 her, and finding no pass, pretends that the reasons offered for its absence, 

 are lies, and takes all. In these cases complaint is of course made by the 

 plundered owner to the Bombay Government, and restitution is demanded, 

 and generally made without much demur. 



Between Melundy and the entrance to Gpa River are the forts of 

 Newtee. Raree, Chiracole, and Chapra ; the two latter belong to the 

 Portuguese, hut seldom shew their colours to ships passing. 



GOA is the capital of the Portuguese possessions in the East Indies, the 

 seat of the Viceroy, the see of an Archbishop, who is primate of the East, 

 and the supreme court of judicature for all the Portuguese in Asia, and to 

 which all others are subordinate. Algoada Point, in latitude 15° 29' N., and 

 longitude 73° 53' E., forms the N. extremity of Goa Bay ; it has a light- 

 house and small fort on it, but the principal fort is situated close to the sea, 

 on the S. E. side of the headland, where there b a well of excellent water. 



