_ 558 _ where we filled the ships with water, and as soon as we had taken it on we left(A) and made for Suakin(B), which we found deserted and the town all burned and sacked as we had left it. This town of Suakin and the entrance to it could be made so strong that it would be impregnable, and I am sure the Turk will order it to be strengthened, for it brings him seventy thousand venezianos, and he has agents and Turks who collect these revenues. The place is very wealthy, and a great deal of trade comes here and many ships from all parts. The port is the most unusual harbour I have ever seen. The ships arrive beam on to the houses and so unload their cargoes(C), and they do the same when they are to leave. Apart from this, the harbour is so good that once the ships are inside no wind can harm them. The Governor spent an afternoon and evening here, and in the morning we left. (A) On 4 May (Ibid.). (B) On 16 May we entered..... At this point D.João de Castro's letter breaks off, no other folios continue the narrative, of which only a few lines survive, describing the end of the voyage. We know from the Roteiro (p.242) that the harbour entered on 16 May was Suakin. (C) D.João de Castro writes about Suakin in the Roteiro, p.96): 'For the expedience and facility of loading and unloading vessels, I do not believe I have ever seen anything like it, or so greatly to the pleasure and convenience of seamen and merchants'.
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