_ 468 _ repair them properly, and to make buildings that will last and withstand guns being placed on top of them I think more than two hundred long, stout planks are needed. Your Lordship may learn from Simão Botelho how essential it is for this work to be done. I assure Your Lordship that it is very necessary, for the soldiers who have to live in this fortress in the future, for the lightning of the Turks, from whom God protect Your Lordship and place them beneath your feet, flashes on all sides. Sir, I began to write this to Your Lordship today, November 30, at twelve o'clock, because Bastião Alvares is ready to depart any day now. The lumes have just come from Basra, there are five hundred and nineteen of them. He bought them and will bring them, and if Your Lordship is not satisfied with them I can do no more than give him the money because they are not to be had in this country. He was responsible for the negotiation and for taking possession of them. I think that if better ones are found for you, he should have them for serving Your Lordship. They cost one hundred pardaus, which is one tanga a pinnace. They are not dear, because here they are worth much more. I am sending Your Lordship a box of fresh fruit in António Mendes's foist. Half of them are apples and the other of very good pears which I am afraid may not arrive
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