Before me:
_Jhoan de Cuellar_
_Testimony_: On this said day an oath was received for the further
investigation of the aforesaid, from Fernan Caravallo, at present
in this city. He, having sworn in due legal form, promised under
this charge to tell the truth regarding everything he knew. When
questioned concerning the subject aforementioned, this witness said
that he is a citizen of Macan, and that there he has heard it said by
many persons, sailing on trading-ships from Macan to Malaca, Canboja,
China, and other countries, that the king of Chanpan is a very great
pirate, usually cruising about with a large fleet, assaulting the
merchants whom he meets and robbing them of their ships, imprisoning
their crews, and stealing their property; and that he does them great
violence and injury. About five years or so ago, Sebastian de Araujo,
an inhabitant of Macan, sent some men to Chanpan to build a junk
there. When it was almost finished, the king of Chanpan seized it,
and imprisoned the said men who were building it. Two or three of
them were killed; and for those who remained in captivity, the said
Sebastian de Araujo procured ransoms. Some fled with the said ship,
when opportunity offered. Witness has also heard it said that the king
has seized many other Portuguese ships that have gone ashore there
in storms, and others that he deceitfully causes to enter his ports
by offering them a safe harbor, but whom he afterward imprisons,
robs of their goods, and treats with great cruelty. All the above
this witness has heard said by certain persons who have been in
captivity there. It seems to this witness that it will be a matter of
the greatest importance to attack the said king of Chanpan and crush
him, because he is in the route of the vessels where he does a great
deal of harm, because all the trading-vessels from Malaca, Canboja,
Çian, Patan, China, and other neighboring countries have to pass by
that place. It will be a great service to God our Lord, and to his
Majesty, to remove so great a pirate from the vicinity. Everything
that this witness has said is the truth, and what he has heard said
concerning the things asked him. His information goes no farther. His
age is about thirty-seven years or so.