_ 60 _ Help me in this by providing necessities, so that the people I have will not earn their wages in return for doing nothing. I consider all the spice cargoes and wealth that are sent from here as mere loans until such time as I may see you strongly implanted in India, not only on the sea, but also on land, in places where your wishes may be opposed. Ever since India was discovered you have always had a large and powerful fleet here but this has not improved the trading position, or succeeded in reducing expenses; nor has it enhanced your credibility and reputation. Try what I am suggesting now and things will improve for you, which I understand from your letters, is what you desire. Send us the people and ships we need in time to achieve your objectives because delay in such matters always seems to magnify problems and make them more difficult to resolve. Written on “Santo Antonio”, en route to India, 30 October 1511 Your servant, Afonso de Albuquerque.
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