King Manuel's letter to Oba of Benin promising missionaries

In a letter dated 20 November 1514, King Manuel of Portugal told the Oba of Benin that he was sending the clergy requested and all things needed for instruction in the Christian faith. He refused to send arms until the Oba had proved the sincerity of his professed inclination to Christianity, explaining that God's law forbade sending weapons to non-Christians. He also urged the Oba to open his markets and trade freely with Carneiro's ships. Each of the two Benin envoys was given as a parting gift a hood, jerkin, breeches and cap of red cloth and a doublet of camlet.