The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c27.181

v1.c27.181

18. The most intrepid adventurer who carried into execution the capture of Pulicat from the Dutch was the Bishop of Sao Thome de Meliapor, Frey Sebastiao de Sao Pedro. His Majesty the King of Spain addressed the Viceroy regarding the intrepid Bishop's adventure in the following terms: "They wrote to me about the efforts of the Bishop of Meliapore to destroy the factory of the Dutch at Paleacate" 1. The erection of a fort in the neighbourhood of Pulicat whence the Portuguese could batter the walls of the Dutch fortification was a premeditated plan of the Bishop, which had already been proposed to the Viceroy 2. We have not come across any further details about this scheme. The fact is that the Dutch factory was actually captured by the Portuguese. We are made aware of this by the King of Spain in a letter dated January 31st, 1614. The King himself was informed of it by the Viceroy in a previous mail 3. Considering the length of time occupied in a journey from India to the metropolis in those days of difficult navigation, we can place this event in the beginning of 1613, or perhaps at the end of 1612. The King's message records the valiant deeds done by the Captain and inhabitants of St. Thome 4; but to the Bishop of Mylapore was supposed to be the hero of the day on account of his intrepidity and boldness. In a letter from the Spanish monarch dated 1614, mention is made of the Bishop of Meliapor "in capturing the fort the Dutch had at Paleacate" 5. In another letter of 1615, the King of Spain mentions again the capture of the Dutch fortress at Pulicat by this Prelate 6. He commanded a force of 130 Portuguese who took the fort by surprise setting on fire the buildings of the Dutch traders. The latter defended their properties very valiantly, till many of them were slain by the invaders. The booty captured by the Portuguese seems to have been considerable¹.