_ 36 _ which could be done with very small expense, there would only be needed that from thence a good master stone mason be sent out with a few others; for all the rest can be round among the natives who are well able to do all the work that is demanded of them: it seems to me that there is great need of this fortress and this I discussed with the Governor Martim Affonso, and the same was his opinion, because whether rightly or wrongly if these five ships were not going to Moçambique which had wintered here, and the men, without doubt they would be lost and likewise others which at other times had wintered here, hence. Let Your Highness see to this; and you will perceive that there would be no harm, rather to the contrary very necessary that there should be here a small fortress and approaches, and made very strong as it can well be done without it being necessary to have more men to defend it than what was always told off to these fortresses; if it should meet the approval of Your Highness, order that whomsoever should arrange the first fleet that has to come out here. To remember to send out the said stone masons among which let there be some very good officer and the said fortress will be made with small cost and any Captain who may be here, on Your Highness so ordering it, will
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