The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c27.56

v1.c27.56

7. In the meantime in the city of St. Thome there were continuous differences between the Portuguese themselves, and even sometimes between them and the neighbouring Hindus. This uneasy state of affairs is indicated in a letter of the Viceroy Dom Jeronymo d' Azevedo to his sovereign, in the year 1613: "The inhabitants of the city of Meliapor (viz. Sao Thome de Meliapor) were accustomed to live in the most absolute freedom. Justice has no other meaning than the one those citizens, and specially those who are reputed as powerful, are pleased to give it. For since that land belongs to the King of Bisnaga (Vijayanagara), and there is no garrison nor authority to be respected, such-and many other troubles take place there every day" 5.