_ 528 _ The hermitage was outside the city so was unsuitable for carrying out the proper work of the society and it caused all sorts of trouble. We also learned from experience that the Fathers contracted fetal illnesses in the place, because infected air infiltrated between the hillock and the mountain from which many Brothers became sick and died(A). One of them died in the hospital and Father Superior Gaspar himself(B) and later Father Gonçalo Rodrigues(C) with other Brothers fell ill. After being sent to Ormuz and having gone to live in the hermitage, I myself suffered from an infection from which two of my brothers(D) died, so I decided to move to the city(E). I did this not only for that reason but also to comply with the entreaties of the inhabitants who pleaded with me to do so, and because Captain Dom Antonio de Noronha, who was then captain to Ormuz, had thus decided. (A) This corresponded entirely with the facts. Five died in fact (see Frois 1st December 1552: Documenta Indica Vol II 456). (B) Concerning the grave illness that Barzeu suffered in Ormuz, see also the letter of 16th December 1551, written by Ignatius (Documenta Indica Vol II 258-9; Cf Documenta Indica Vol III 102). (C) Because of this sickness he was forced to leave Ormuz (Cf Documents Indica Vol III 100-102; Polanco, Chron. III 480). (D) Their names are not known (Cf also Documenta Indica Vol II 102-03). (E) Cf Documenta Indica Vol II 103.
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