_ 64 _ The viceroy has determined to send to Bisnaga Alvaro Mendez, the goldsmith whom they say has knowledge of precious stones and who came from there last year, to sell some of the jewelry obtained in Ceylon because it was not worth sending to the queen. My lady, as everyone agreed, and because it could be sold for much more in Bisnaga being the kind to which they are accustomed and esteem, such as topazes and cats-eyes and also to obtain for the money they fetch some diamonds for Your Highness. And Alvaro Mendez undertakes to render good service in this regard and asks you to appoint him factor of precious stones. It can be ascertained there whether he is the man for this and, if anyone is to go there, it is better that he be a Portugal rather than a foreigner, but a good and reliable man shall go with him as clerk. The viceroy and Dom Antão will write in detail to Your Highness of the affairs of Bassora, as men who saw them. I have not much doubt that the Turk will help in the capture of Catyfa and seek vengeance for Ormuz. To provide for this the viceroy sent a man who was once a Jew to the Straits to gather news and who will be here in September, with the help of Our Lord.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTg0NzAy