A History of England from the Defeat of the Armada to the Death of Elizabeth (Volume 1); With an Account of English Institutions During the Later Sixteenth and Early Seventeenth Centuries (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1914. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVIII TRADE WITH MOROCCO AND THE GUINEA COAST IF in sailing from England the Strait of Gibraltar is passed instead of entered, a region and group of seaports is reached whose trade and political control were already then, as they have been almost constantly since, the object of desire and dispute on the part of European nations. This is the country then called indiscriminately Morocco and Barbary, with its ports Asafi and Agadir or Santa Cruz. It will be remembered that one group of London merchants was looking toward this region for trade at the same time that another group was organizing the voyage to the north-east that opened up the Muscovy trade. This expedition, under Thomas Windham, arrived in Morocco in 1551. Even before this time there must have been some sort of connection between the two countries for on these vessels two Moors of rank were carried back from England to their native country. A second voyage was made in 1552. Messengers who were sent inland to the capital obtained privileges of trade from the sultan, the goods which they had brought from England were successfully disposed of, and a lading of sugar, molasses, dates and almonds obtained in return. Merchants continued to visit the Barbary coast, and a profitable trading connection gradually became established. During the two years 1574 and 1575, imports amounting to 28,639 were brought to London from Barbary. In 1577, London merchants are spoken of as trading regularly every year to Morocco. The ambassadors who were sent in 1577 and 1585 found English merchants established at Asafi and Morocco, and several English vessels besides their own at anchor in the port. In 1582 two hundred and thirty-seven packs of goods were loaded in the Mary Martin for Barbary at the wharf at Blac...