LETTER OF JOAO DA SILEIRA, THE PORTUGUESE AMBASSADOR OF FRANCE, TO
KING DOM JOAO III.
Translated from the original at Lisbon, in Archivo de Torre de
Tambo, Corp. Chron. Part I. Ma. 29. Doc. 54.
Sire:
I received a letter from Your Highness on the 19th of this month,
through Joao Francisco, wherein I am directed what is to be done
respecting the galleon and caravel, taken at the deira Islands,
[Footnote: Probably Madeira Islands. TRANSLATOR.] by the galleys of
France. As soon as I received the instruction, which was about the
beginning of Christmas, I spoke on the subject in a manner befitting
the nature of the case. At once they were released,--the caravel
with her artillery and the brocades and silks. [Footnote: That is to
say, the hangings, tapestry, and awnings of the vessel. TRANSLATOR.]
By this time they must have arrived at Lisbon. As respects the
merchandise, I had the promise that if it was found to be the
property of Your Highness or of your subjects it should not be sold.
After a few days, discovering that it belonged to Joao Francisco, an
ample order was given to his agents for its entire restitution,
which orders set forth that as he lives in the kingdoms of Your
Highness, and there is an old friendship existing with the King of
France which he was no less desirous of preserving, in this he would
favor that king. After this order was promulgated another came from
the chief official, in consequence of which nothing was delivered,
and the goods moreover were sold. From that time to the present,
nothing has been accomplished. I will strive the best I can for
despatch, in the manner that Your Highness points out, and will give
account of what I do.
When the matter of the galleon occurred, the Licentiate Pero Gomez
had already embarked at Anaflor. I advised the Doctor, Maestro
Diogo, who was about going to Reuao [Footnote: i.e. Rouen.
TRANSLATOR.] that he ought not to leave before writing, and to give
Your Highness a statement of the facts in that regard; as he at once
wrote that he would do so, I have said nothing further in my
letters.
By what I hear, Maestro Joao Verazano, who is going on the discovery
of Cathay, has not left up to this date, for want of opportunity and
because of differences, I understand, between himself and men; and
on this topic, though knowing nothing positively, I have written my
doubts in accompanying letters. I shall continue to doubt unless he
take his departure.
The Doctor Maestro Diogo de Gouvea is now going to Ruao [Footnote:
i.e. Rouen. TRANSLATOR.] where he is going to find out everything
with the greatest exactness possible, and, as I have requested,
report at great length. May our Lord prolong the life of Your
Highness many days and prosper the royal estate.
From Poessi the xxv of April 1523.