Note 61 — Memoir (continued 2)

It is in compliance with our orders that close regard should be paid to all that passes at Manaar. This has been confirmed again by our letter of June 1, especially with a view to collect the duty from the vessels carrying cloth, areca-nut, &c., as was always done by the Portuguese, and formerly also by the Company during the time of the free trade. Further orders with regard to this matter must be awaited from Batavia. Meantime our provisional orders must be observed, and in case these are approved, it will have to be considered whether it would not be better to lease the Customs duty. Personally I think that this would be decidedly more profitable to the Company.