He withdrew in the face of “superior” forces. At the Battle of Pulo Aura (1804), the ambiguous appearance and aggressive handling of a squadron of British Indiamen completely humbugged the French admiral, Charles-Alexandre Linois. Historically, East Indiamen resembled ships of the line, both in their general configuration and paintwork. However, a defendable trade ship is always more profitable than stolen goods or kidnapped passengers. Carrying a cargo does not help its speed either, and the added guns mean the upkeep has an impact on any profit made. The Indiaman’s 9- and 18-pounders are sufficient to fight off smaller attackers, but it is vulnerable to boarding. Intended to sail from Europe to the other side of the world and back carrying valuable, even priceless, cargoes, these ships have to be able to defend themselves. Unusually for a merchant ship, an Indiaman carries cargo, passengers, and a good number of guns. The Indiaman is an armed merchant ship, built for trade between Europe and the East.

The Indiaman is a type of trade ship in Napoleon: Total War.

Empire total war indiaman