Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstra17181886roya).pdf/227

 forced him to flee for refuge in the woods, after many of his men were slain. A considerable quantity of artillery and am- munition was found in that part of the ground, after being plundered of much riches. Having received succour from Java, and from MAHMUD, the expelled king of Malacca, QUITIR erected another fort in a convenient place at some distance from the city, where he became powerful by sea and land, being in hopes of usurping the sovereignty of Malacca. PEREZ went out against him, but, though he fought as valiantly as before, he was forced to retreat after losing three captains and four soldiers. At this time LACSAMANA, an officer be- longing to MAHMUD, entered the river of Malacca with a great number of men and many cannon on board several vessels. PEREZ attacked him with three ships, and a furious battle took place, which lasted for three hours, with much advantage on the side of the Portuguese; but night obliged the combatants to desist, and PEREZ took a position to prevent, as he thought, the Malayans from escaping out of the river during the dark- ness. But LACSAMANA threw up an intrenchment of such respectable appearance during the night, that it was thought too dangerous to attempt an attack, and PEREZ retired to the fort. At this time three ships entered the port from India, bringing a supply of ammunition and a reinforcement of 150 soldiers; but LACSAMANA had established himself so advantage- ously that he intercepted all the vessels carrying provisions for Malacca, which was reduced to such straits that many fell down in the streets from famine. The same plague attended PATE QUITIR in his quarters. When the season became fit for