Volume Twelve
The Portuquese in the Sea of Oman Annals of History 1497 CE – 1757 CE Volume Twelve by: Al Qasimi Publications Author: Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi (United Arab Emirates) Publisher: Al Qasimi Publications, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Edition: First Year of publication: 2025 ©All rights reserved * ISBN: 978-9948-715-25-2 * Printing Permission: UAE Media Council No. MC 03-01-7277703, Date: 24-03-2025 Printing: AL Bony Press- Sharjah, UAE Age Classification: E The age group that matches the content of the books was classified according to the age classification issued by UAE Media Council * Al Qasimi Publications, Al Tarfa, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Zayed Road PO Box 64009 Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Tel: 0097165090000, Fax: 0097165520070 Email: info@aqp.ae
_ 5 _ Contents Introduction to Volume Twelve 7 • Episodes of the year 1571 9 • Episodes of the year 1572 41 • Episodes of the year 1573 59 • Episodes of the year 1574 65 • Episodes of the year 1575 69 • Episodes of the year 1576 79 • Episodes of the year 1577 83 • Episodes of the year 1578 85 • Episodes of the year 1579 87 • Episodes of the year 1580 125 • Episodes of the year 1581 131 • Episodes of the year 1582 151 • Episodes of the year 1583 183 • Episodes of the year 1584 201 • Episodes of the year 1585 241 • Episodes of the year 1586 325
_ 6 _ • Episodes of the year 1587 333 • Episodes of the year 1588 365 • Episodes of the year 1589 415 • Episodes of the year 1590 519 • Episodes of the year 1591 525 • Episodes of the year 1592 539 Researchers’ Guide 593 Volume Twelve Reference 613
_ 7 _ Introduction to Volume Twelve This volume spans twenty-two years of events from 1571 to 1592. At the beginning of this period, most of the Portuguese officials were urging the Portuguese King to form an alliance with the Persians and wage war against the Ottomans. All the Christian kingdoms' forces were unified against the Ottomans. In the later years, the narrative includes the story of the Portuguese shipwreck, mentioning the Gulf of Masirah, Ras al-Hadd, Sur, Qalhat, and extending to Sohar and then to Ormuz. Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi
_ 9 _ Episodes of the year 1571 A royal decree was issued not to use the house of Nakhoda Hussein in Ormuz for housing, Lisbon, on the 24th of January 1571; as Nakhoda Hussein would be in the service of the Portuguese King:(1) I the King inform you, my Viceroy and Governor in the region of India at the present time, and those who are to come, that I require and wish that as a favour to Reis Nur al-Din, Guazil of Ormuz, henceforward lodgings are not to be taken in the house owned in Ormuz by the Nacodá Husain, who came to Portugal as his ambassador. I inform you of this and command that you observe and comply with this fully, for I hold it to be in my service. This will be valid as a Letter written in my name and sealed with my seal attached and issued by my chancery, (1) Document no. and reference.
_ 10 _ although it has not been so issued notwithstanding the ordinance of Book 2, which orders the contrary. I Baltasar Ribeiro wrote this in Lisbon on 24 January 1571. I Bartolomeu Fruis ordered it to be written. The King
_ 11 _ In the same year (1571) A royal decree was issued not to take for residence the houses of twelve merchants named by Rais Nur al-Din, the judge of Ormuz, Lisbon, on the 24th of January 1571:(2) I the King inform you, my Viceroy and Governor in the parts of India at the present time, and your successors, that it is my wish that as a favour to Reis Nur al-Din, Guazil of the city and kingdom of Ormuz, henceforward lodgings are not to be taken in the houses owned in Ormuz by twelve merchants named by the said Guazil and declared on the back of this present document. It is my pleasure, since they are persons who serve me with their property when it is necessary for my service. I inform you of this and command that you observe and comply with this fully, for I hold it to be in my service. This will be valid as a Letter in my name, notwithstanding the (2) Document no. and reference.
_ 12 _ ordinance of Book 2, heading 20, to the contrary, and is thus valid although it has not been issued by my chancery, notwithstanding the ordinance of the said book Baltasar Ribeiro wrote this in Lisbon on 24 January 1571. I Bartolomeu Fruis ordered it to be written. The King
_ 13 _ In the same year (1571) A royal decree was issued prohibiting the use of houses belonging to Rais Nur al-Din and his relatives and servants as residences, or housing for the Portuguese in exchange for them, or in exchange for the houses of the relatives of the governor of Ormuz, Lisbon, on the 24th of January 1571:(3) I the King inform you, my Viceroy and Governor in the parts of India at the present time, and those who are to come, that it is my wish that as a favour to Reis Nur al-Din, Guazil of the city and kingdom of Ormuz, henceforward lodgings are not to be taken in the houses he owns in Ormuz nor in those of his kinsmen or servants. It is also my pleasure that no Portuguese resident in or visiting Ormuz may lodge opposite the house of the said Guazil nor those of the King of Ormuz there. I inform you (3) Document no. and reference.
_ 14 _ of this and command that you observe and comply with this fully as said above, for I hold it to be in my service. This will be valid as if it were a Letter drawn up in my name and sealed with my seal attached and issued by my chancery, although it has not been issued by my chancery, notwithstanding the ordinances of Book 2 to the contrary. Baltasar Ribeiro wrote this in Lisbon on 24 January 1571. I Bartolomeu Fruis ordered it to be written. The King
_ 15 _ In the same year (1571) A royal decree was issued, allowing Nakhoda Hussein of Ormuz to repair some houses he owned in Diu, Lisbon, on the 26th of January 1571:(4) I the King inform those who see this decree that it is my wish that Nacodá Husain, ambassador of Reis Nur al-Din, Guazil of Ormuz, may take from the coast of India the timber necessary for the repair of houses he has in Ormuz, provided that the Captain of the said fortress of Ormuz certifies that it is required for this. I therefore command my Viceroy in India and the officials of those parts to whom this is presented and within whose competence it comes, that no hindrance is to be offered to what has been said, and that the contents (4) Document no. and reference.
_ 16 _ of this decree are to be observed and respected, although it has not been issued by the chancery. Baltasar Ribeiro wrote this in Lisbon on 26 January 1571. I Bartolomeu Fruis ordered it to be written. The King
_ 17 _ In the same year (1571) A royal decree was issued, allowing Nakhoda Hussein of Ormuz to take wood from India to repair some of his houses in Ormuz, Lisbon, on the 26th of January 1571:(5) I the King inform those who read this decree that it is my wish that the Nacodá Husain, Ambassador of the Guazil of Ormuz, may repair, enlarge and make improvements to the houses he says he owns in the city of Diu without any impediment whatever, provided that the improvements and the rest done there, constitute no harm to the fortress I have in the said city, and are not inconvenient for the fortress. I therefore command my Viceroy in the parts of India and the captain of the said fortress of Diu that the contents (5) Document no. and reference.
_ 18 _ of this are to be observed and respected, although it has not been issued by my chancery. Baltasar Ribeiro wrote this in Lisbon on 26 January 1571. 1 Bartolomeu Fruis ordered it to be written. The King
_ 19 _ In the same year (1571) A royal decree was issued, prohibiting the taking of goods at the Ormuz Customs House, Lisbon, on the 3rd of February 1571, and these were arrangements for the Ormuz Customs House:(6) I the King make known to whoever reads this decree that I have been informed that in the Customs House of Ormuz goods are taken from merchants who are clearing them there, and they are sold at the price at which they are valued in the said Customs House. I do not consider this to be in my interest, and in order to deal with this it is my wish that henceforward no official of the said Customs House, nor any other person of whatever standing and condition, may take for himself or for any other person any goods from the said Customs House at the price at which it is valued there, nor in any (6) Document no. and reference.
_ 20 _ other way against the will, or by the will, of the merchants or persons to whom it belongs. This is in my interest. If anyone wants the said goods they are to go and buy them in their houses. I notify the officials of the said Customs House of this, and I command them to observe and respect the contents of this decree and ensure that they are observed and respected. This is to be entered in the records of the said Customs House so that it is known to be my wish. It will be valid as if it were a Letter written in my name and issued by my chancery, although it has not been so issued notwithstanding the ordinances of Book 2 to the contrary. Baltesar Ribeiro wrote this in Lisbon on 3 February 1571. I Bartolomeu Fruis ordered it to be written. The King
_ 21 _ In the same year (1571) A royal decree was issued in Lisbon, on the 10th of February 1571, to Reis Nur al-Din, the judge of Ormuz, with special gifts regarding the properties of the royal family of Ormuz:(7) I, the King make known to those who read this mandate that on behalf of Reis Nur al-Din, Guazil of the city and kingdom of Ormuz, I was given a copy of a firman issued to him by Ferragut Shah, King of the kingdom of Ormuz, concerning certain palm groves and lands named therein. This was sent to me in a letter of corroboration signed by Lope de Aguiar, my Chief Justice in the city and fortress of Ormuz, the copy reading as follows: The Royal firman, which all must obey and duly observe: the import of the said firman is that my cousin, King Turun (7) Document no. and reference.
_ 22 _ Shah, may he be with God, and also King Mahamud Shah, my lord and father, granted certain favours. First, King Turun Shah to Reis Nur al-Din in this manner: because of his many outstanding services and loyalty and moral rectitude, with great diligence and obedience, and his solicitude for the honour and service and profit of this royal state, and for being obedient and very wise in everything relating to the honour and prosperity of the kings of Ormuz, and especially of King Turun Shah, and a pillar of this realm. A preceptor of princes, chief counsellor of the kings of Ormuz, most noble of all the noblemen and kinsmen of this royal house, Reis Nur al-Din [Eroxál, who always ventures his life and fortune for the requirements of this royal state, and has never failed to do so in any way, and in order to serve the said King Turun Shah also gave him large and fine houses that had belonged to his father, Reis Sharaf. For these reasons King Turun Shah gave him as reward and compensation for these houses the palm groves and lands in Bahrain, and ordered that they should be handed over to him; even if they were held by the Guazil of Bahrain, or by cadis or mullahs or anyone else they were to be yielded to him and to be possessed by him. Also, the revenue from the one per cent duty of the Customs House
_ 23 _ of Ormuz and that from the [ramaya] of Julfar, which was all to be handed over into his possession. Now I again have reason to reward the said Reis Nur al-Din with honours for many reasons; for the houses he gave to my cousin, King Turun Shah, may he be with God, it is my wish to award him the palm groves and lands in Bahrain which were the property of the former kings of Ormuz, even if they are held by the Guazil of Bahrain or by mullahs or cadis or any other person, and similarly the revenues of one per cent duty of the Customs House of Ormuz and those of the [ramaya] of Julfar. All these I grant to Guazil Reis Nur al-Din, and all rights and titles I have to these things, that is, the palm groves and lands of Bahrain, the one per cent duty of the Customs House of Ormuz and the [ramaya] revenue from Julfar, all these I transfer to the said Reis Nur al-Din and to his heirs, sons, grandsons and great-grandsons, his ancestors and descendants, as his property, which it is, in law and heritage. It is my wish that he owns and acquire and keep these things, he and his descendants, as I until now have owned and possessed them, and that they may possess and hold these things as the lord my father and King Turun Shah my cousin ordered by their firmans. I command the Guazil of Bahrain, the cadis and the mullahs, the lease-holders and
_ 24 _ officials of Bahrain and of Ormuz and Julfar, that they are all to allow Reis Nur al-Din to take possession of all these things as if they were his by inheritance. May any person who disputes this be cursed by the curse of God and his saints. They must act according to my firman alone, and give obedience and recognition to my royal insignia. King Ferragut Shah, who now reigns, commanded with his own mouth and tongue that this firman be drawn up and written, and I, Khwaja Mahmud Muy wrote it. Written today, the very day of the moon of Ramadan 972, which according to the Portuguese is the 8th day of the month of April of 1565. I Amador Távares, interpreter of the court of this city of Ormuz, have well and faithfully translated this firman from the Persian language into Portuguese. The said Reis Nur al-Din has requested me to grant him the favour of confirming the said firman, having regard to which it is my wish to confirm it to him, as I do by this present, and that it is to be observed and honoured in all respects; and I command my officials and those persons to whom it pertains to comply with its contents although it has not been issued by the chancery, notwithstanding the ordinance to the contrary. It will be valid and have effect as if it were a Letter written in my name and sealed with my seal attached notwithstanding the ordinance of Book 2, Title 20, which
_ 25 _ says that matters which are to be effective for more than one year should be issued as Letters and if issued as decrees they are not valid. I Bartolomeu Fruis ordered this to be written. The King
_ 26 _ In the same year (1571) A royal proclamation was issued, confirming the order of the governor, Martim Afonso de Susa, prohibiting the director of the estates of Ormuz from interfering in the properties of the Arabs and other infidels, Lisbon, on the 12th of February 1571:(8) I the King make known to those who read this proclamation that on behalf of Reis Nur al-Din, Guazil of the city and kingdom of Ormuz, I have been given a copy of a writ issued to him by Martim Afonso de Sousa when serving as Governor of India, with a letter of corroboration signed by Gaspar Pires de Matos, who is serving as Chief Treasury Officer in Ormuz. The copy of the writ reads as follows: I, Captain General and Governor of India, make known to those who read this my proclamation that I have been (8) Document no. and reference.
_ 27 _ informed that the superintendents of estates of the fortress of Ormuz, and the officials and persons concerned with them are interfering with the property of Moors who die in that city and fortress, and they seize it and make inventories as it is the custom to do for the property of Portuguese. This is not right, and so from the date of this proclamation. I forbid and prohibit the superintendent and officials from interfering either much or little in the property of foreign and native Moors who die in the city and fortress of Ormuz, although I wish that what is done according to the usage and custom of Portugal to be continued. Accordingly I notify and command the captain of Ormuz, the superintendent of estates and the officials concerned that they are to act accordingly, notwithstanding any writ or instruction to the contrary. Written in Goa on 13 October. António Teixeira wrote this in 1544. When any Moor owes something to His Highness, such as dues, then it will be collected from his estate. This is to apply to any person of any condition who does not observe our religion, since such was the command of Turun Shah, and was his command and usage. António Cardoso ordered this to be written. Martim Afonso de Sousa.
_ 28 _ Since Reis Nur al-Din requested me to grant him the favour of confirming this writ, I have duly considered it and it is my wish to confirm it, as I do by this present, to be observed and respected in the manner contained and declared in it, although it has not been issued by the chancery notwithstanding the ordinance to the contrary. Baltasar Ribeiro wrote it in Lisbon on 12 February 1571. This will be valid and have effect as if it were a Letter written in my name and sealed with my seal attached, notwithstanding the ordinance of Book 2, title 20 which lays down the contrary. I Bartolomeu Fruis ordered this to be written. The King
_ 29 _ In the same year (1571) A royal letter granting Nakhoda Hussein the position of gatekeeper and watchman of the Ormuz Customs House, Lisbon, came on the 19th of February 1571:(9) I, Dom Sebastião by the grace of God King of Portugal and the Algarves here and beyond the sea in Africa, Lord of Guinea and of the conquest, navigation and commerce of Ethiopia, Arabia, Persia and India, etc. make known to those who read this Letter that, having confidence that the Nacodá Husain, who came to this kingdom as Ambassador of Reis Nur al-Din. Guazil of the city and kingdom of Ormuz, will serve me with all the prudence that befits my service in what I charge him to do, it is my wish to grant him the favour of the office of door-keeper and guard of the Customs House of Ormuz during his lifetime. (9) Document no. and reference.
_ 30 _ He will serve when the office is vacated by those who have been appointed by writ previous to this present, for as long as I think good and do not order the contrary, and for the length of time he will serve he will have the salary laid down in the instructions. I accordingly notify my Viceroy in India and the Chief Officers of my Treasury in those parts, and command them that when it is time for Nacodá Husain to take up the said office they are to give him possession of it, to serve in the said manner and to receive the said salary and the advantages and perquisites which directly pertain to him, without any hesitation, hindrance or dissent whatsoever being offered to him, because I hold this to be in my service. The oath will be administered to him in my chancery according to his religion, that he will serve well and faithfully in the said office, considering his rights and his qualities in my service. In confirmation of what has been said above I command that this Letter be given him, signed by myself and sealed with my seal attached. Baltasar Ribeiro wrote this in Lisbon on 19 February in the year of Our Lord 1571. I Bartolomeu Fruis ordered it to be written. The King.
_ 31 _ In the same year (1571) A directive came from the king to grant Joao de Cardus the position of commander of the Strait of Gombron Port in Ormuz, on the 22nd of February 1571:(10) Summary Letter from the King granting to João de Quadros the post of Captain of the Strait of the Port of Gombroon in Ormuz on the Moghistan side, for life. He is to begin service after the provisions made before the present one applying to other persons in such posts have been fulfilled. This favour is granted having regard also to the reasons why D Luís de Ataide member of the King’s Council, now his Viceroy in those parts, granted him this post in his name. Lisbon, 22 February 1571 Viceroy D Antão has issued a Letter of Patent to Álvaro (10) Document no. and reference.
_ 32 _ Paes de Soto as dowry on the occasion of his marriage to Da Guiomar de Noronha, daughter of D. Paio de Noronha of the tax district of Panjim.
_ 33 _ In the same year (1571) A decree was issued by the king that a payment of five leques to be collected annually at the Ormuz Customs House from Rais Nur al-Din; as duties due on his goods cleared at the customs house of Ormuz, Lisbon, on the 10th of March 1571:(11) I the King make known to those who see this decree that in consideration of the services rendered to me by Reis Nur al-Din, Guazil of Ormuz, it is my wish that five leques in payment be taken from him on account of the duties payable on goods of his cleared in the Customs House at Ormuz. I grant him the favour of these duties each year in this way, for such is my pleasure and I do not order the contrary. I also notify my Viceroy and Governor of (11) Document no. and reference.
_ 34 _ India and the Chief Officer of my Treasury there, commanding them that this decree be observed and caused to be observed; and the present factor of that factory and those who come hereafter to receive the revenues of the factory of that city, that of the dues payable by Reis Nur al-Din on his goods cleared each year, they should take five leques, as I have said above. A copy of this is to be registered by the clerk in the books of expenditure of the said Customs House by the said factor, and his acknowledgement of the said five leques will be entered in the accounts when he or the official who collected them has received that sum. This decree is valid as a Letter even though its effect is to last longer than a year, notwithstanding the ordinance of Book 2 to the contrary. André Vidal wrote it in Lisbon on 10 March 1571 It will be complied with as written although it is not issued by the chancery, notwithstanding the said ordinance to the contrary. I Bartolomeu Fruis ordered this to be written. The King
_ 35 _ In the same year (1571) An order was received from the Viceroy Dom Antonio de Noronha authorizing the applications submitted by Bartholomew Quelho, the Superintendent and Executor of the debts due to His Highness' Treasury, Goa, on the 5th of November 1571:(12) I, D. António de Noronha, of the King’s Council and his Viceroy of India, etc., make known to those who read this my proclamation that in the service of His Highness and for the prompt collection of the dues of his Treasury, I have now appointed Bartolomeu Coelho. A citizen and resident in this city, in whom I have confidence, to the office of superintendent and executor general in India of all the dues owed to the said lord’s Treasury, whether they arise from His Highness’s Accounts Office in this city of Goa, the factory, the treasurer, the (12) Document no. and reference.
_ 36 _ warehouses, the general register and all other offices of the said city and of the other cities and fortresses of India, so that all are to be collected to the satisfaction of the service of His Highness. By an instruction I have ordered and desired the Chief Justice, the Judge of Crown Suits, the chief judge of this city and all other judges and magistrates, officials and personnel of the said fortresses and towns of India, that if they receive demands made by the said superintendent and executor that they should collect and cause to be collected the said dues owed to His Highness’s Treasury by any of their officials and personnel, or that they should take steps and measures to this effect, they are to comply and do everything they are asked to do fully as quickly and as completely as possible. These demands will be written by the clerk accompanying the said superintendent and executor, and signed by him. If it is proved that these were presented to them and they failed to observe and carry them out, the penalty is that they themselves will suffer the loss and hurt that His Highness’s Treasury would suffer through those judges, justices and officials who do not comply or order that it be complied with. In addition they will receive from me such punishment as I think fit, in view of the importance to His Highness’s service and the good of his Treasury.
_ 37 _ In the same way His Highness’s Chief Treasury Officers in the fortresses of Ormuz, Cochin and Malacca, when the demands are received in those parts, will observe and satisfy the said demands and take the necessary steps in order to collect the said debts. In order to issue these demands as quickly as possible, the superintendent will make copies of this my proclamation so that its force is known and it will be sent to those places mentioned above. I therefore notify the Chief Justice, the Judge of Crown Suits, the judges, magistrates and other officials whom it may concern, and order them to comply and obey them, and to ensure that they are complied with and obeyed as this requires, without hesitation or impediment. This has the effect of a Letter written by His Highness, signed with his seal attached, notwithstanding the ordinance in Book 2 heading 20 to the contrary, and although it has not been issued by the chancery, notwithstanding the said ordinance. Written by Gaspar Ribeiro in Goa on 5 November 1571. The Viceroy
_ 38 _ In the same year (1571) Pope Pius V sent a letter to Don Sebastian asking the King to write in request for support from the Shah of Persia against the Turks, Rome, on the 17th of November 1571:(13) Brief of Pope Pius V. to the King 1571 November 17 To our most dear son in Christ, greetings and papal blessings. We believe that the great and glorious victory over the Turks, granted to us by the benevolence of Almighty God (of which we have informed Your Majesty in recent days through our letters) will be of such assistance to the universal Christian Republic, that truly nothing greater of that kind can ever be conceived; if only henceforth the Christian princes, and other kings whose (13) Document no. and reference.
_ 39 _ territories neighbour these same enemies, by no means neglect or throw away such an opportunity for effective action, but rather seize that opportunity, for which both speed and courage are required, and vigorously pursue it. We for our part shall leave no service undone which we can perform. We have therefore decided to write without delay to the kings of Ethiopia and Persia and other princes of those nations to express the thoughts which you will find set out in the examples of letters which we are enclosing with this. We also beg that (if you think it proper) you add to these communications of ours your own letters, written with great persuasiveness, to those same kings and princes, and take most diligent care that they are conveyed by men sent only to further the affair, who by their excellence and eloquence may have the power to accomplish their mission, and who can be trusted to deliver them to each of the kings and princes, one by one. Indeed, we have no doubt that Your Majesty will do this willingly and eagerly, both for the sake of the Christian Republic and for your own benefit and that of your kingdoms. Given at Rome at St. Peter’s under the Papal seal, on the 15th of December 1571, in the sixth year of our Pontificate.
_ 41 _ Episodes of the year 1572 D. Sebastiao letter to Cardinal Alexandrino Almireim, on the 31st of January 1572, claiming for war against the Turks, and the alliance with the Persians:(14) Most Reverend Father in Christ, whom I dearly love as a brother. I, Dom Sebastião, by the grace of God, King of Portugal and of the Algarves on this shore and beyond the seas in Africa, Lord of Guinea and of the Conquest, Navigation and Commerce of Ethiopia, Arabia, Persia and India, etc., send you many greetings. I received the letter you wrote to me from Vitoria and took particular satisfaction in everything you said in it, especially concerning the health of His Holiness as well as your own good health, about which I was delighted, etc. Your reminder that efforts should be made to curb (14) Document no. and reference.
_ 42 _ trade with the Turks in India, seemed to me worthy of the person you are, and so essential to maintaining the resolve and determination to wage war against them in every way, that I instructed it to be attended to immediately. Thus, in no way, is there to be trade with the Turks in Ormuz, Basra, or any other place in that area. When the ambassador, whom the Republic of Venice has just sent, gave me another reminder, I decided to dispatch an ambassador of my own immediately to the Sophy, the King of Persia, to convince him - especially in his own interests, and out of the friendship that I shall be pleased if my viceroys and captains always have with him. I would also be gratified if he continued the war against his enemy the Turk with all the means at his disposal and took advantage of a splendid opportunity like the one he now has with the alliance, which will likewise wage war on European territory. He should also wage war throughout Asia with the forces of the Sophy together with those I have in the kingdom of India (according to what I agreed in this matter and communicated to you). I believe I should communicate these matters to you for your general satisfaction because I am aware that you should be acquainted with them so as to understand them and be able to write to His Holiness. I am doing so by this letter.
_ 43 _ I earnestly implore you, wherever you are, to inform me about your health. I trust that it may always be as you desire, Most Reverend Father in Christ, whom I dearly love like a brother. May Our Lord keep you ever under His protection. Written in Almeirim on the last day of January 1572. The King(A) On the outside: To the Most Reverend Father in Christ, Cardinal Alexandrino: Papal Nuncio etc., dearly beloved just like a brother. (A) Copy in the Biblioteca de Ajuda Sym., tomo 39 page 62v.
_ 44 _ In the same year (1572) A statement was issued on the victories of the Portuguese in India, a Minutes of the embassy of Portugal, Lisbon, on the 26th of February 1572, and that the Christian kingdoms united their forces against the Turks:(15) Most noble and honoured Shah Tamhasp, Shah of Persia. I, Dom Sebastião, by the grace of God King of Portugal and the Algarves here and beyond the sea in Africa, Lord of Guinea and of the conquest, navigation and commerce of Ethiopia, Arabia, Persia, India, etc., inform you that the Holy Father Pius V, at present Head of the Church of God, summoned the Christian Princes to join him and the Venetians in a League against the Turk. (15) Document no. and reference.
_ 45 _ This was established, and last year, 1571, a great fleet was assembled under the general ship of Don Juan of Austria, the brother of my uncle the King of Spain. This fleet fought a battle with that of the Turk, and Our Lord gave victory to the fleet of the League, which defeated the Turkish fleet on 7 October of that year, capturing over one hundred and eighty of his galleys and burning and sinking as many again. Over twenty thousand men were killed in them, including the Turk’s principal pashas and officers. Then others of his ships were wrecked at sea in a storm, with ten or twelve thousand janissaries and soldiers. The fleet of the League is ready with more ships and great numbers of men and artillery to exploit this victory, and in this certainty all Christian kings and princes intend to make war on the Turk wherever any of their lands lies next to his territory, in the first place the Emperor of Germany in Hungary. As this is for the universal good of all, I am bound to assist and to play my part in the League, both for the sake of Christianity and for the State of India, and I am ordering my captains to make war and sending a fleet to the Red Sea Strait and to the kingdom of Ormuz. They are to fight whenever possible, and I have written to command my Viceroy in India to do this at once.
_ 46 _ I have decided that I should inform you of these matters and the present situation so that you can take advantage of this opportunity against the Turk, your ancient enemy, and make war on him in whatever ways you can, so that by attacking him from so many directions that his total destruction can be achieved, I hope in Our Lord that this will very soon by brought about. I am sending with this letter a person who will give it to you so that he can convey to you on my behalf the aim and intention by which I am inspired, and can out before you in greater detail the many reasons why you should be glad to seize this occasion. For my part I very much hope that you will so that not only will you make your state secure but also that it will be a means of increasing and expanding it further. You may be fully confident of the person who will give you this letter (whom I am sending for this purpose alone) as you would of myself in person. In this matter you will be doing what is to your advantage and what all Christian kings and princes can reasonably expect of you and your state - since the destruction of our common enemy will result in the good of all. I have undertaken to give you this informtion, and I trust that on these rounds and because I ask it, you will
_ 47 _ gladly acquiesce. I have a greater obligation than any to be grateful to you for ever and to observe everything you require of my kingdoms and states. Written in the city of Lisbon on 26 February 1572. The King
_ 48 _ In the same year (1572) A statement was issued on the victories of the Portuguese in India, a minutes of the Embassy of Portugal, Madrid, on the 28th of February 1572, and about the Christian alliance against the Turks:(16) Don Juan de Borja, member of our Council and our ambassador [in Portugal]. The Venetian ambassador resent here has told me that the ambassador from that Republic there [in Portugal] has informed him that my nephew the Serene King [Sebastião] intends to send an ambassador to the Sophy, the King of Persia, buy the fleet which is leaving for India on 25 March. He will inform him of the League that has been formed against the Turk, the common enemy of Christendom, and of the great victory which Our Lord granted the League’s (16) Document no. and reference.
_ 49 _ fleet against him. He invites him to join with them to defeat the Turk in those parts and not to let slip so good an opportunity to harm his enemy and benefit himself. Both these Venetian ambassadors think that as the King is sending such a person, it would be advisable if he were to take at the same time a message and letter from each of the sovereigns of the alliance to the King of Persia. The Venetian ambassador wishes me to answer him on this matter as I think fit so that he can write to his Republic to send him the appropriate despatches. I have ordered a reply to be sent to him saying that I think this suggestion a very good one, and that I shall be pleased to do this by means of the person suggested and that he is to tell his government this. I have decided to effect this action by means of the person my nephew is sending and I would be glad if he does not go without this commission and those from the other allies, who will have been told of the proposal so that they will send their despatches as soon as possible. The better to determine and compose the message to be sent on my behalf and for the information of the person concerned and the King of Persia, it is necessary to know who is the person to be sent by the King my nephew and what orders he is giving him on this matter. Also when he
_ 50 _ will be leaving, how the king my nephew usually addresses that King and in what language and terms. My order is that when you receive his letter you are to find out about all these things as fully and methodically as you usually do and let me know what you deduce from everything, and anything else that occurs to you. It would be well that you give the King my nephew an account of this. I am writing a letter to him expressing my conviction about the decision I have taken on this matter, telling him how obliged I shall be is he would order the person concerned to carry out this commission on my behalf, and on that of the other allies together with what he is to do in his name. Although I am assuming that the letters and despatches on this matter from His Holiness and the Republic of Venice will arrive before the time of the fleet’s departure, as they will have been told that it is necessary that they should be there to the end of March, nevertheless in case they are not, I should be obliged if the person concerned does not leave without my despatches. It would be well that you should tell me as soon as possible about everything you have been asked in this
_ 51 _ letter, and that the courier should leave and return in time to bring the despatches written from the Pardo [Palace] by the last day of February 1572. It does not seem to me that a letter for the King is necessary as he will believe you without it, although you can report to him what the Venetian ambassador said to me and the answer he has been given. you will give the Queen an account of everything that is being discussed here. The King’s ambassador here also told me what he was sending to the Sophy and what his complaints were. You can tell him what I say. I think that the letters from the Pope cannot arrive in time, and so they should not be waited for if they have not come, but those from me should go without fail as quickly as possible. You will tell me at one how the King writes, in what language, and the rest you think is important so that my letters can be sent to the Sophy in good time. The King Portugal negotiations with Persia on eastern matters To Don Juan de Borja.
_ 52 _ In the same year (1572) Philip II sent a letter to Miguel de Abrio, the Portuguese envoy to Persia, Madrid, on the 10th of March 1572, to arrange the war against the King of Persia:(17) You will give the King of Persia His Majesty’s letter, conveying to him His Majesty’s great wish for his friendship, and tell him that a confederation and league should be made for our common advantage, to punish and take vengeance on Selim, tyrant of the Turks, a wicked and cruel enemy to all, so that everyone may possess their territories in the peace and tranquillity they desire. If he accepts, or shows any sign of being willing to accept, this amity and alliance, you will describe the great happiness that His Majesty will receive and how much he himself should value and delight in his friendship. I (17) Document no. and reference.
_ 53 _ need not tell you that you should give him to understand the power and extent of His Majesty’s states which is well known and you will know how to convey, meriting as you do the confidence placed in you. He must be told of the many and far-reaching preparations, the large numbers of soldiers and the great quantities of munitions of war that are being made ready by land and sea by the Holy Father and almost all the Christian princes, in order to follow up the victory which Our Lord has begun to give us against him, which you will describe in terms which convey their scale and importance, which you well understand. But whether he accepts or not, you will find out whether he is at war or peace or has a truce with the Turk. And whether the Turk has given an account of the loss of his fleet, or has asked for aid in recovery, or has asked for any in order to harass Christians through India. Whether he has been fighting against the Turk, and when he did, whether he won or lost. How many men, infantry and cavalry, he has in the field against the Turk or other enemies, and if he wanted to reinforce his army, how many soldiers could he raise. Endeavour to acquire information as to the strength of his forces, the morale of the soldiers and the use of horses.
_ 54 _ What offensive and defensive weapons they have, and what battle order they observe. Whether he has artillery, of what kind and in what numbers, whether they use harquebuses and muskets, and if they manufacture these in the country, or where they come from. Whether the soldiers are all native or if there are some foreigners, and whether any of these are captains, from what nations, and whether any of them are Christians or renegades. In how many directions, and where, do his territories border those of the Turk. Whether there are any neighbouring kings or rulers who are his confederates of whom he does or could obtain help. Whether he has any other wars which could occupy and distract him. Endeavour to discover the extent of his territories and their wealth. The observances, service and guard of his person and household. Where he resides, and how far it is from India How letters addressed to him are interpreted, and observe what should be done here if he is written to again. Copy of the notes given by Don Juan Borja to the ambassador who is going to the Sophy.
_ 55 _ In the same year (1572) A letter was sent from Philip II to the King of Persia, Madrid, on the 15th of March 1572, inviting him to join the Christian gathering to attack the Turks:(18) Don Felipe. The same heading and arrangement as for the King of Ethiopia, and then: To you Shah Tamhasp, King of Persia, honoured and praised among the Moors, to whom we desire all good and honour, our dear and beloved friend. Last year, 1571, a league and defensive and offensive confederation was formed against the Grand Turk, common enemy of all, between Pope Pius V, the Vicar of Christ in the Catholic Church, ourselves, and the illustrious Republic of Venice. We collected in that year a large army of galleys, carracks and men at arms of all (18) Document no. and reference.
_ 56 _ members of the League to set out on a war to damage and destroy, and we decided to send with it the illustrious Don Juan of Austria, my dear and beloved brother, whom the members of the League had appointed General of the League, to seek out the enemy fleet, which is the principal defence and strength of all his territories and lordships. It pleased our Lord God to give the fleet of the League a greater victory than has ever been before, because although the enemy fleet was larger in the number of ships and fighting men, with God’s help it was defeated, and a great number of Turks were killed, the best and most valorous men of his armies, many captains and important persons, among them his Pasha and Captain General, and almost two hundred galleys were captured with many prisoners. Many other galleys and other vessels were destroyed and sunk as they fled, and the few that remained of his whole fleet were left in fear and danger. What is most significant is the small amount of loss and damage we suffered. Having received such an advantage from the hand of God, and having broken to such an extent the forces and might of the enemy, we of the League are determined to follow up the victory and to inflict on him as much harm as possible in his territories and kingdoms, and after such a beginning to continue to diminish and destroy his power
_ 57 _ and tyranny. In order to do this better, we sought to join with us my uncle the Emperor and my nephew the King of Portugal and the other Christian rulers, so that with so many forces combined the greatness of that tyrant may be humbled and shattered. As we are aware of the continual enmity and conflict of the Turk towards you, and the destruction and devastation he has sought, and continues to seek, to inflict in your territories so that if it were not for the great valour and energy with which you have resisted and opposed him he would have achieved some part of his cruel objectives I wanted to give you an account of all this, as a person for whom I feel a strong and especial affection, whose personal valour and the great and noble qualities which constitute it I have always known. I understand that it is of importance to you, and that you greatly desire to make war and crush the Turk, so that you can make use of this opportunity to take vengeance on your enemy and widen the boundaries of your territories. To do this, you should arm strongly by land and make war on him because if we all close on him at the same time, aiding each other mutually, not only will we prevent him from leaving his country to make war on anyone, but it may come about that he will cease to be safe on
_ 58 _ his own ground and we may depose him from his power and despotism. So, I ask you again to make use of this opportunity, and to be confident that you will have and find everything that you can expect from my great friendship and good will. The person who gives you this letter will confirm this. To the King of Persia from Madrid, 15 March 1572. The same to the King of Arabia Felix and of the Arabia which borders Syria. Make sure that the Moors are not included among the others.
_ 59 _ (19) Document no. and reference. Episodes of the year 1573 A report was issued on the Christians of the Monastery of Ormuz, on the activities of the sons of the Augustinian monastic order, dated 1573, and added a description of Ormuz:(19) fol. 110 Report on the Christians of the convent of Ormuz. For the foundation of our convent in the city of Ormuz Father António da Paixão, first Provincial of this congregation, chose [Augustian] Father Simão de Morais or da Conceição from among those in his company, and sent him, and as his companion Father Anselmo do Paraiso. These religious founded a convent in the year 1573 on the day of the Annunciation of Our Lady, taking as tutelary saint Our Lady of Grace, the special patron of this order and also of the whole Order of Hermits, at royal expense.
_ 60 _ As many as twenty religious were maintained, and never more, because this was a house under a sub-prior. They were few in number, but great in virtue, yet they always responded to the many and various duties of that spiritual army until the kingdom changed hands in the year 1622, when it returned to the Moors to whom it had belonged in accordance with the mystic judgments of God. There were only ourselves there, converting many, including some from the royal house of Ormuz; and we established a seminary where we taught good behaviour, f0l. 111 reading and writing to the young sons of the residents of the place. In the hospital there we cared for all the Portuguese and we were the constant companions of soldiers at sea and on the land, and many religious died in these actions in the service of God and His Majesty. Ormuz lies 60 leagues from Muscat at latitude 27 degrees north. The King of Ormuz had a small island called Jarun, which is at the entrance to the Strait of the Persian Sea. This is only one league in length and a quarter of a league wide, and almost three in circumference. The city was very populous, inhabited by Moors and Christians, who must have numbered eight thousand souls. It was much frequented by merchants, Persians,
_ 61 _ Turks, Arabs, subjects of the Mogul, Armenians, Hindus and Jews. It was one of the best fortresses in the State of India, built in the year 1515 during the governorship of Afonso de Albuquerque; it had two gunpowder factories and a shipyard for foists and galliots; there was a cathedral church, a house of the Holy Misericord and a convent of our holy father St Augustine, with 20 religious. Within the island there is only salt, sulphur. f0l. 112 rainwater cisterns and a spring, discovered by the King of Ormuz at [Turumbaque], at the end of the island, which is very salty; but in spite of all this it was very well supplied and had an abundance of all necessities to a greater extent than any other city in this part of the Orient. Brother Antão de Jesús of the Convent of Thana The said Father Provincial, Brother António da Paixão, attempted to spread the faith throughout the cities and towns of India, selecting from the small flock he had with him some of the most trustworthy and able persons. He had already sent some to Ormuz, and the others stayed in Goa. The Father Provincial left for the north with the intention of founding a convent wherever he found a suitable site and town.
_ 62 _ He went to Thana in the region of the city of Bassein; Thana is situated a few leagues into the interior. The residents of the town welcomed him warmly, and when they knew that he came to found a convent, they gave him the site where we are now. The Father Provincial found the place in harmony with his spirit, as it was green, healthy and abundantly provided with the necessities of human life. f0l. 113 secluded and suitable for spiritual contemplation. About the year 1574 he founded a convent dedicated to Our Lady of Grace on the site where we now are, near a pond or tank. Time passed and the priors who came later did building works. The convent is four-cornered, square, and one of the best in the town. The church is by no means small and has four altars, the largest one dedicated to our father, St Augustine; the second to Our Lady of Grace; the third to St Nicholas; and the fourth to Our Lady of Good Success. It was the residence of a sub-prior, and there was a noviciate and study of Latin and philosophy. The settlement of Thana is a small town on the island of Salette, four leagues up-river from Bassein, without a wall or any form of fortification other than a bastion, which stands opposite in the middle of the river. In the town
_ 63 _ there is a cathedral, a parish church dedicated to St John the Baptist, a House of Misericord, a convent of St Dominic belonging to the Dominicans, and that of Our Lady of Grace belonging to the Augustinian Hermits; the convent of the Society of Jesus; and the convent of the Capuchins. Outside the town there are two hermitages, one dedicated to Our Lady of the Remedies [...].
_ 65 _ Episodes of the year 1574 Father George de Castro sent a letter to Father Antonio de Pacivino, the Secretary General of the Society of Jesus, Rome, the Fall of 1574, in which he mentioned Christianity in Ormuz:(20) Paras. 3, 4 3. Moving southwards from the north coast along the shore (omitting the fortresses of Sofala and Mozambique which are in Ethiopia,(A) or rather Cafraria, where there are many Christians, and our Fathers(B) came with the new Governor(C) of that conquered possession), the first city is Ormuz, near the Straits, very populous and rich. In past (A) Ethiopia in its widest sense is the region inhabited by black people: for this reason Santos called his work Ethiopia Oriental. (B) Fathers Monclaro and Stephen Lopes. (C) Francisco Barreto, who had in fact already died in July 1573 in the town of Sena. (20) Document no. and reference.
_ 66 _ years the Jesuits(A)were there, and had much success, but since there were other religious(B) there and the country was not well disposed towards conversion, and since there were many Moors and foreign merchants (although many of its inhabitants had been baptised), it seemed to be of more service to Our Lord God to go to other places which were more disposed to conversion, and therefore had a more urgent demand. After Ormuz there is the fortress and city of Diu in the kingdom of Cambay,(C) where although there are no Fathers or people who particularly attend to conversion, nevertheless there is no lack of souls who, moved by the Holy Spirit and for other reasons besides, come to request holy baptism. And although those who chiefly govern the country are Saracens,(D) its real inhabitants, and those who cultivate the land, are all heathens called Banians,(E)who believe neither (A) From 1549 (when Father Barzeu was sent there) to 1568 (when Father Pedro de Tovar returned to Goa; cf. Documenta Indica VII 605). (B) Dominicans (Documenta Indica Vol VII 577). (C) Of Gujarat. (D) i.e Muslims. (E) Bani ans: “Strictly speaking the term denotes, especially in India, the Jains of Gujarat or Cambay who engage in trade...in Sanskrit, vanij is ‘merchant’ and vanigjana ‘businessman’; in Gujarati
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