_ 199 _ We remained in our house all the time, because the captain told the Father that if it became necessary he would send to fetch us to the fortress. Meanwhile we had processions at night around the church with our boys and those whom we were teaching, and we all scourged ourselves. Then a message came that our fleet had met the Turkish galleys, and that there were fifteen of them and one nao and one galleon. 17. The first to fight them all was one of our galleons which was some distance from the fleet, from which there could be no help because our vessels were large, and the wind fell, and they could do nothing to assist; but Our Lady helped it in such a way that they could not overcome it. Father António is the confessor of her captain, who had confessed before leaving to go in search of the Turks, and he is certainly a virtuous man. So, Our Lady did a great miracle for him when our fleet had given him up for lost. So, because our fleet lacked wind, and their galleys were oared, they withdrew towards Basra, it is said. But one ship was captured, which was carrying munitions. I give you no more news because there is no time. Father António commends himself to your prayers and those of all the Fathers and Brothers, and hopes to write when he has time.
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