How I left Cochin for Goa, and all that befell me after leaving Goa until I reached Malaca

[258/1] All of us were much distressed when on reaching the port of Cochim we learnt that the fleet had already sailed: some because they wished to winter ¹ at Goa; others because, owing to its departure, they could not dispose of their merchandise so well, especially articles used in Portugal. Nor was I one of those least affected by this loss, from the fact that a new Viceroy had come, while the late Viceroy had already left for Portugal, and also on account of important matters connected with the Churches and our ministry in Bengal and Arracan, in which delay might lead to fresh difficulties. But since there was no remedy we were all obliged [258/2] to make the best of it.