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 The Expansion of England 333 the provision of victuals, which was to be made according to the time and length of the voyage. And whereas they afore determined to have the east part of the world sailed unto, and yet that the sea towards the same was not open, except they kept the northern track, where as yet it was doubtful whether there were any passage, yea or no, they resolved to victual the ships for eighteen months, which they did for this reason : for our men being to pass that huge and cold part of the world, they, wisely foreseeing it, allow them six months' victual to sail to the place, so much more to remain there, if the extremity of the winter hindered their return, and so much more also for the time of their coming home. II. How the English got a Foothold in India Toward fifty years after the English had discovered Russia they began to turn their attention to India, and in 1 60 1 the East India Company was chartered. In 16 14 Sir Thomas Roe was instructed by James I to visit the court of Jehangir, the Mongol emperor of Hindustan. Sir Thomas was to arrange a commercial treaty and to secure for the East India Company sites for commercial agencies, — " factories," as they were called. Sir Thomas was successful, and Jehangir sent the following remark- ably polite letter to James I. When your Majesty shall open this letter let your royal 366. Letter heart be as fresh as a sweet garden. Let all people make of the Great 1 1 1 iii-i Mogul to reverence at your gate ; let your throne be advanced higher; j ames 1 amongst the greatness of the kings of the prophet Jesus, let welcoming your Majesty be the greatest, and all monarchies derive t n | ls their counsel and wisdom from your breast as from a foun- tain, that the law of the majesty of Jesus may revive and flourish under your protection. The letter of love and friendship which you sent and the presents, tokens of your good affection toward me, I have