Page:History of India Vol 7.djvu/175

 TOWERSON'S MISPLACED CONFIDENCE IN VAN SPEULT 135 Roe, our ambassador to the Moghul Emperor Jahangir, wrote that Towerson " is here arrived with many serv- ants, a trumpet, and more show than I use." In 1620 we find him back in England vainly soliciting the com- mand of a ship, and returning to the Archipelago along with other factors in " the great cabin of the Anne." The contemporary records show that he had not gained caution with years. Arriving at Amboyna in May, 1622, he became a close friend of the Dutch Governor Van Speult and gave him his entire confi- dence. In June of that year, as we saw, Van Speult was on the lookout for conspiracies and asking the Dutch governor-general at Batavia for leave to deal with them " suitably, unhesitatingly, and immediately." In September Towerson, on the other hand, wrote to the English president at Batavia in warm terms of Van Speult 's " courtesies " and " love." He asks our president to send Van Speult a complimentary letter, together " with some beer or a case of strong waters, which will be very acceptable to him." The president and council at Batavia saw more of the game. " In such kind of courtesy," they replied in December, 1622, " we know he is free enough, but in your main affairs you will find him a subtle man." There was to be no beer or case of strong waters for Van Speult. On the contrary, " be careful you be not circumvented in matters of importance, through his dissembling friendship." This Warning they followed up next month by commanding Towerson and his sub- ordinates to quit Amboyna. " Prepare and make your-