_ 222 _ Summary of p. 196 In order that they may buy 1200 quintals of cloves and 300 of nutmeg and 200 of mace one would need 70,000 pardaos. This is the total amount of cloves, nutmeg and mace that is sold in this city, because all the rest is consumed and Your Highness has a third share and the freight, which is paid in kind, which each one pays to you. A capital of 30,000 pardaos would cost Your Highness each year 3000 pardaos and with 30,000 pardaos they would buy the above cloves, nutmeg and mace and sell it to you, receiving a third or a half of the money and the rest remaining outstanding. Thus with 30,000 pardoas you may capture the market of cloves, nutmeg and mace, worth 70,000 pardaos, with which you earn much and sell it at any price you want. For Your Highness to procure these 30,000 pardaos and as much more as he may want it is not necessary to do more than entrust the matter to any person known to the office of contracts in spices. When they see that Your Highness is collecting all the spices each one will lend the money at 10% and as much as is wanted. May God increase the royal estate of Your Highness, with repose and many years of life. From Goa, 26 December 1553. Francisco Palha
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTg0NzAy