LAURENCE MADOC ad. 



1594. 



are to let you understand that there went with Al- 

 caide Hamode for those parts seventeene hundred 

 men : who passing over the sands, for want of water 

 perished one third part of them : and at their com- 

 ming to the city of Tombuto, the Negros made some Tombuto 

 resistance ; but to small purpose, for that they had no n ' 

 defence but with their asagaies or javelings poisoned. 

 So they tooke it, and proceeded to the city of Gago, Gago taken. 

 where the Negros were in number infinite, and meant 

 to stand to the uttermost for their countrey : but the 

 Moores slew them so fast, that they were faine to 

 yeeld, and do pay tribute by the yere. The rent of [II. ii. 193-] 

 Tombuto is 60 quintals of golde by the yeere ; the good- 

 nesse whereof you know. What rent Gago will yeeld, 

 you shall know at the Spring, for then Alcaide Hamode 

 commeth home. The rent of Tombuto is come by the 

 cafelow or carovan, which is, as above is mentioned, 60 

 quintals. The report is, that Mahomed bringeth with 

 him such an infinite treasure as I never heard of: it 

 doth appeare that they have more golde then any other 

 part of the world beside. The Alcaide winneth all the 

 countrey where he goeth without fighting, and is going 

 downe towards the sea coast. This king of Marocco 

 is like to be the greatest prince in the world for money, 

 if he keepe this countrey. But I make account assoone 

 as the king of Spaine hath quietnesse in Christendome, 

 he wil thrust him out: for that the kings force is not 

 great as yet ; but he meaneth to be stronger. There 

 is a campe ready to go now with a viceroy : the speech is 

 with 3000 men : but I thinke they will be hardly 2000 ; 

 for by report, 3000 men are enough to conquer all the 

 countrey : for they have no defence of importance against 

 an enemy. I thinke Hamode will be returned home in 

 January or thereabout : for he stayeth but for the com- 

 ming of the viceroy. Mulley Balasen the kings sonne 

 of Marocco was slaine in Guinea by his owne men, and 

 they were presently killed, because they should tell no 

 tales. And thus leaving to trouble you, I commit you 



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