_ 206 _ (21) Document no. and reference. In the same year (1514) King Dom Manuel I sent a letter from Almeirim (the coasts) to Afonso de Albuquerque, the Governor of India, on 2nd of March 1514. In this letter, the Portuguese king asked for many inquiries about Mecca, including the presence of troops and the distance from Jeddah, as well as about Suez and Cairo, as if a serious matter was being prepared for the occupation of Mecca:(21) Afonso de Albuquerque, friend: We, the King, send you greetings. Further to our previous letter following the good report you gave us about Joao Serrao and considering he served us well in the matters entrusted to him we have thought it right to send him to you to serve you in all that you entrust him with. We hope he will serve you well.
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