Storia do Mogor 338.19.4

338.19.4

The inhabitants of Negapatão (Negapatam) had been invested by the ruler of the country, who was the prince of Tanjor. It was not long before the Dutch appeared. They invited the inhabitants to make over the place to them on condition of being left at liberty and retaining all their property. The victors went next against the city of Cochim (Cochin). They invested it, and after nine months occupied the fortress, with assistance from the rulers of the country; for, being disaffected [to the Portuguese], they all rushed to join the Dutch. When they had fortified all these new conquests, the Dutch conceived the idea of seizing the city of Goa. This was in the year 1660. They came with nine ships and a dispatch-boat, blockading the mouth of the river, but lying out of the range of the shore cannon. No one was allowed out or in, and no one could catch them. At this period, owing to this blockade, a disaster fell upon the Jesuits. They tried to send off a dispatch-boat (pataxo) destined for China in company of another vessel starting for Portugal. To avoid being seen they left at night, and crossed the river bar. The vessel for Portugal went on its way during the night and escaped in safety [203]. The other, taking a southern course, was seen by the Dutch as day broke. They pursued.