HAVING received a full account of you from the verbal report of Meer Mahommed Rizâ,* as well as from the representation of Mahommed Mukrum, we, in consequence, write to desire, that you will, imme­diately on receipt of this our bounteous mandate, set out with the utmost confidence of mind for our Presence, accompanied by your family, and such other persons as may be disposed to come with you. On your arrival here, you shall in all things experience our care and protection, agreeably to your wishes, and be appointed to the charge of the mercantile concerns, &c.* A proper place shall be assigned you for a factory; and such advances of money be made you, as may be requisite for enabling you to carry on your trade [advantageously], all the profits of which shall rest with you for the term of two years: during which time, also, we promise to grant you an exemption from all duties on your merchandize. Repair, therefore, to our Presence, without fear or distrust. All remaining particulars will be explained to you by the letter of Mahommed Mukrum, and the verbal communications of Meer Ali Rizâ.*

The encouragement here held out to Shaikh Ahmed, seems to have been abundantly liberal, and shows how much the Sultan had it at heart to open a trade with those countries, of which he had no jealousy. It does not appear at what place Shaikh Ahmed was a resident, or whether he accepted the offers of the Sultan.