_ 230 _ The Viceroy made his way to the fleet shipyard and gave orders to equip all the ships, both oared and ocean-going, that were there, with great dispatch, and to gather provisions, munitions and all the other things necessary for the expedition. Then the first thing that he did was to dispatch two light ships. In one he sent letters to the cities and fortresses of the north, and to some private individuals, asking their help with men and ships for that emergency; and the other, whose captain was a certain Fernão Farto, a very fine knight and very experienced in matters of the sea, he sent to Ormuz with letters to the captain, in which he informed him that he was already at sea on his way to help him. Because there was a shortage of money in the State at that time, he decided to have recourse to the city, as former governors and Viceroys had done on like occasions, and so he went to the Council accompanied by the captains and ancient nobles. All the town councilors were present, and he earnestly pleaded with them, that for the common good of the entire State they should agree to help with the money that each could manage, since this would also result in particular benefit to each one, because they would thereby ensure the safety of their property, even their houses, their persons, wives and children against the great power and
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