_ 432 _ he will be capable of serving in accordance with the orders given to him. I answered telling him what seemed necessary for the present, and henceforth, until something occurs which makes it advisable to change his instructions, a copy of which I am also, sending Your Highness herewith. As the letter is somewhat lengthy, it should be read to you, so that Your Highness can issue orders as may seem necessary to you, adding accordingly what I should write back and tell him. I have gained extensive information from Antonio Pinto, who came from Cairo, about the life, the conversation, the ways and behavour of Bicudo in that city, so that you can discover what renovations are carried out in the fleet; and so that you may advise India and your ambassador here. And having investigated everything in detail and with great diligence, I find that the said Matias Bicudo has the necessary qualifications and many ways of finding out what is being done, and maybe instructed where to perform his duties. For this reason it seems to me that we can and must employ this man as a foundation of our policy. We should instruct him, as I have already indicated in a letter, to reside in Cairo so that he can keep India Informed of every incident and new development by the channels and in
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