ABSTRACT
We, Dom Manuel, &c., make known to you captains, nobles, knights, squires, masters, pilots, sailors, crew and officers and all other persons who go and whom we send in the fleet and armada which is to sail to India, that because of the great confidence which we have in Pedro Alvarez de Gouveia, a noble of our household, and because we know of him that in this and in all other things with which we may charge him, he will know very well how to serve us and will give a very good account of himself: it is ordered that we give and entrust him with the chief captaincy of the said fleet and armada. Furthermore, we notify and command you all and each one in particular, that in all things which he may demand of you, and order on our part, you shall fulfil and do according to his requirements and commands, as entirely and with that diligence and good care which we would expect from you, and that you would do as though we in person had so told and ordered you, for so we hold it good and for our service. And those who so do and accomplish will render us great service, and those who act to the contrary, which we do not expect, will do us great disservice, and we will give them those punishments which such cases merit.
