Cope Comorin to Madras.] ORIENTAL COMMERCE. 



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NEGAPATAM. — The fort is in latitude 10°45'N. and longitude 

 79° 54' E. ; it is a regular pentagon with wet ditches, and the whole of the 

 fortifications are strong, and in good repair. The town is situated to the N. 

 of the fort, near which is a river capable of receiving small country vessels, 

 which has two entrances, one to the N. and the other to the S., the land be- 

 tween them forming an island ; the hoats use the windward entrance in pass- 

 ing out, and the leeward one in returning, according to the monsoon. On 

 the N. side of this river is a strong battery, to which boats entering, must go 

 within the length of their oars, and the landing-place is close to it. There 

 is a bar at the mouth of the river s which in bad weather breaks very much, 

 and becomes dangerous. 



The common anchorage in the fair season is abreast the fort in 

 5 fathoms, 1 { to 2 miles off-shore. In unsettled weather it is prudent to an- 

 chor further out in (S or 7 fathoms, the flagstaff bearing W« £ S., and the 

 highest of the five pagodas at Nagore N. W., which is good holding ground. 



Provision's axd Refreshments. — Tlie watering place is about half a 

 mile up the river, at a large tank entirely commanded by the fort. The 

 watering here would be both troublesome and tedious without the assistance 

 of the natives and their boats. Fresh provisions tor present use may be got 

 here, witli vegetables and fruit, sufficient for a fleet of ships, and also rice; 

 but fire-wood is a scarce commodity. 



NAGORE. — About four miles from Negapatam, in latitude 10° 49 N. 

 longitude 79 n 54' E., are the five white pagodas of Nagore ; they are excel- 

 lent sea-marks for distinguishing the river, which is close to them on the N. 

 side, where a great trade is carried on in piece-goods, rice, Sec. The river 

 has a bar, on which are eight feet at high water, spring tides. The anchor- 

 age in Nagorc Road is about 2{ miles off the entrance of the river, in .5 or 6 

 fathoms, the five pagodas bearing W. S. W., or W. by S. The coast is 

 low, and at times inundated near the mouth of the river. 



KARICAL is in latitude 10° 52' N., and longitude 80° 8' E. This 

 settlement, with the places depending on it, belonged to the French, and 

 was granted to them by the King of Tanjorein 1739; and in 1746, a num- 

 ber of villages was added to it. In the wars between the English and 

 French it frequently changed masters. It carries on a great trade in piece- 

 goods and rice. Two rivers, both navigable branches of the Cavery, run 

 through this district, and fertilize the country, which abounds in rice and 

 other provisions. The town is on the N. side of the fort, separated by an 

 esplanade, and is large, spacious, and well-built. The marks for anchoring 

 vary according to the monsoon : in the S. one bring the flagstaff to bear 

 W. S. W. in 5 or 6 fathoms ; and in the N. monsoon it is to be brought to 



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