- E.
[6] The author assuredly uses these words to denominate two kinds of
ordnance or cannon then used in the Portuguese ships of war. - E.
[7] By the sultan or prefect of Syria, twice so designed in this dispatch,
is evidently meant the Mameluk sultan of Egypt; but who was soon
afterwards defeated and slain by the Turkish emperor. The ineffectual
exertions of the Mameluks and Turks, instigated by Venice, to obstruct
the Portuguese trade in India, will be afterwards mentioned. - E.
[8] It is difficult to say what is meant by a _cantarus_ in the text;
perhaps a quintal or 100 pounds. The castor of the text, and other
perfumes, may mean musk, civet, and ambergris. - E.
[9] Perhaps the king of Congo, or some other prince of the west coast of
Africa is here alluded to; or perhaps the xeque or prince of the Moors
at Sofala. - E.
[10] By the new gold mines Sofala seems indicated, as contradistinguished
from the _old_ gold mines of Guinea. The story of the two ships on
their voyage to India from Sofala, obviously alludes to the Guzerate
vessels, more particularly mentioned already in the voyage of Cabral
- E.
