I find Mr Steel high in his conceits, insomuch that he seems to have forgotten the respect due to me.  He and Mr Kerridge are at variance, which I use every endeavour to assuage.  As for his wife, I have told Steel that she cannot remain in this country without much inconvenience to us, and injury to his masters, as she could not be allowed her expences of travelling and living at the charges of the Company; that he must live frugally and like a merchant, as others do, and must therefore send home his wife.  If he did so, he was welcome to remain in the Company’s service; but otherwise, I should have to take measures with them both, much against my inclination.  Having thus persuaded him, I likewise endeavoured to deal in the same manner about Captain Towerson’s wife.  You know not the danger, the trouble, and the inconvenience, of granting these liberties.  For this purpose, I persuaded Abraham, his father-in-law, to hold fast; stating the gripings of this court, and the small hope of any relief by this alliance, from which he expected great matters, and endeavoured to persuade him to return quietly.  To further this, I wrote to your chief factor, that such things as he had brought and were vendible, should be bought for your use by bill of exchange, and at such profit to him as might answer both parties; but I utterly prohibited the taking of his trash, to remain a dead stock on your hands, on any conditions.  Such inconveniences do you bring upon your hands by these unreasonable liberties.

By the strict commands in your letter respecting private trade, as well respecting your own servants as others, I find you do not mean him to have that liberty he expects; for he is furnished to the value of above L1000, first cost here, and Steel to at least L200.  This, as he proposes sending home his wife, and his merit is so good towards you, I shall send home; as I presume you will admit of this to get rid of such cattle.  I will not buy these goods however, but order them to be marked and consigned to you, by which you will have the measure in your own hands.  By these liberties, you discourage all your old servants.  Some may do all things for fair words, and some will do nothing for good actions.  I could instance some, gone home two years since, who only employed themselves in managing their own stock, and did no other business, who now live at home in pleasure; and others that raised their fortunes on your monies, trading therewith from port to port, and are now returned rich and unquestioned.  Last year a mariner had twenty-six churles of indigo, others many fardles; another had to the value of 7000 mahmudies in bastas, chosen at Baroach and purchased with your monies, and he would not probably chuse the worst for himself; a fourth did the same to the value of above L150.  I do not mention these things out of spite or ill will, but to induce you to equality of proceeding with your servants, that an impartial restraint be imposed upon all, and that by such instances your profits may not be all swallowed up.