_ 457 _ Turks have built on the island of Massawa and in the port of Ankiko and in that way, we can get into the country. There is no other way unless we go and entrust ourselves to the Turks who keep constant watch on the ports. 4. Besides these favours, with which Our Lord encourages us to great endeavours, we hope that this year, a large fleet will come and enter the ports of the Strait, where there is much to do, such as to defeat a notable pirate who sails from Mocha every year and does great harm to the State, and also to capture the fortresses mentioned. Above all, it should lie in wait for a Turkish fleet which it is greatly feared may come this year. Last year, it was known that forty galleys had been built in Suez, and more will be made this year, and it is known for certain that in the port of Basra, ten have been made and more are under construction. We also know from letters from one of our brethren who was sent last year to seek news of the Father Bishop who had been captured by the Turks, that the Turk is preparing a large fleet to send against this City of Goa. Men who are experienced in warfare in this country say that the best thing to do is for the Viceroy to go out and seek them. For this reason, we are hoping to go with him, trusting in
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