The East India Company is one of the most powerful and wealthy
associations in Europe; and their house in Leadenhall Street is a very
elegant building. The Company was originally formed by Queen Elizabeth,
in 1600, principally for the purpose of procuring spices at a cheap rate,
which were advanced in price by the Dutch. From traders they became
conquerors of the natives, and having obtained a footing in the country,
usurped the sovereignty over considerable districts; and war, with
oppression, have too often befallen the harmless natives. The India
ships bring home tea, coffee, silks both raw and manufactured, cottons,
muslins, calicoes, drugs, China-ware, rice, sago, saltpetre, pepper,
indigo, &c &c.