With This View The Zamorin Had Entered Into
Treaties With All The Rajahs And Leading Nayres Or Nobles Of Malabar, And
It Was Even Rumoured That Those Of Cananor And Coulan Had Secretly Entered
Into Terms With Him Against The Portuguese And The Rajah Of Cochin[11].
He
said farther that the Moorish merchants had promised large assistance for
carrying on the war, as they were exceedingly desirous to exclude the
Christians from trading to India.
About the same time a letter came from
Rodrigo Reynel to the same effect, saying that the zamorin was levying
troops, and had caused a great number of cannon to be prepared for the war:
Reynel likewise said that the Moors of Cochin were decidedly in the
interest of the zamorin, and were therefore to be looked to with much
jealousy. The rajah likewise informed Albuquerque, that from certain
bramins who had come from Calicut he was informed of the intentions and
preparations of the zamorin for reducing Cochin; and as he had little
reliance on his own subjects, he requested some Portuguese troops might be
left for his defence. Francisco gave the rajah assurance of protection,
and even that the Portuguese would add to his dominions at a future period,
in reward for his fidelity and friendship to their nation, and as a
compensation for the injuries he had suffered in their cause.
The rajah was much pleased with this assurance; and as Francisco found he
could have no more pepper at Cochin, he determined upon returning to
Portugal, when he had appointed a fit person to remain as captain-general
in India. He found this matter difficult, as none of his captains were
willing to remain with the small force which he was able to leave behind.
At length Duarte Pacheco willingly accepted the charge, and the rajah was
much pleased with his appointment, having already sufficient proof of his
valour. Pacheco was accordingly left at Cochin with his own ship and two
caravels commanded by Pedro Raphael and Diego Perez, and a pinnace, with
ninety men in health besides others who were sick.[12] As much ordnance
and ammunition was likewise given him as could possibly be spared from the
homeward bound ships. All these things being settled, Francisco de
Albuquerque sailed for Cananor, where he proposed to endeavour to procure
the liberty of Rodrigo Reynel and the others who were at Calicut. But the
zamorin sent him word that there was no necessity to take this person away,
who was desirous of remaining in India; and if the captain-general would
remain he should have the pepper which was promised.[13] At this time
Alonso de Albuquerque returned from Coulan, and joined Francisco at
Cananor; and a letter was brought from Rodrigo Reynel, giving information
that the zamorin was certainly resolved to attempt the conquest of Cochin,
as soon as the Portuguese ships should leave the coast; and that his only
intention in making an offer of pepper was with a view to prevent them
from burning the ships which were then in the harbour of Calicut.
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