_ 496 _ of his official duties and his enjoyment of Albuquerque's confidence, Pero de Alpoim was in a privileged position to know and appreciate the options open to the founder of the Portuguese State of India towards the end of his life. For these reasons and because of the date on which he wrote his letter, it is of great interest for the story of the taking of Ormuz. It explains in summary form the principal events, relations with the Ormuz leaders, political and administrative measures, the construction of the fortress and contacts with neighbouring kings and personalities of Arabia and Persia. Albuquerque's determination to conquer Ormuz was formed long before this fleet left in February 1515. He had submitted his plans to the consideration of his collaborators, as Pero de Alpoim notes: The Commander left India for this city of Ormuz, where he now is, with the advice of all the captains of the fleet, although he was already determined to come to Ormuz, as he had written to Your Highness(A). Later he describes their arrival at Muscat, the news from Ormuz of the revolt of Rais Hamid, with the assistance of his brothers and kinsmen, against the authority of the king (A) See below, doc. II, fo. 1.
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