_ 491 _ Besides, it is made of earth and sun-dried bricks, so a small amount of artillery is sufficient to demolish it. It would be possible to attend to this business right now, but I do not know if it could be done after they had become the lords of Basra. Your Lordship should hold discussions about this matter there, so that the decision you take will be the best and will serve His Highness' interests. This business cannot be allowed to deteriorate until the arrival of Dom Manuel de Silveira so, meanwhile, your decision should be made known. If Your Lordship wishes to make use of me in this way, I am very ready with my person and property to go and serve our Lord the King, his interests being so important and a universal benefit for the whole of this land. The moment I hand over this fortress to Dom Manuel is the right opportunity for Basra and for you to send four or five hundred fighting men. As I state above, it will not be a great expense for His Highness, although, as well as having to pay these people their wages and upkeep, some payment will be made for the equipping of the ships. However, this is a matter which is so important that no payment or expense should cause anxiety.
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