English: The martyrdom of Luís Monteiro Coutinho, executed by being blasted by a cannon. Description of the source:

Original autograph manuscript, dedicated to D. Aleixo de Meneses (1559-1617), Archbishop of Goa, and Viceroy of Portugal.

A historical-biographical work, it describes the main episodes in the life of Luís Monteiro Coutinho, and the events that led to his death in 1588, by order of the king of Acem; it reveals concerns in terms of historical accuracy, evident in the detailed descriptions of the places and fortresses where the events took place, as well as transcripts of official documents regarding the biographed person.
It contains seven watercolor drawings, successively representing the martyrdom of Luís M. Coutinho's companions, the naval battle in front of the fortress of Malacca, scenes of the fight between Monteiro Coutinho and Captain Achém, the shipwreck of M. Coutinho off the fortress of Solor, the martyrdom of Monteiro Coutinho, the squadron of Matias de Albuquerque, the captain of Malaca and Ormuz, and Monteiro Coutinho's battery firing against the "castle of the renegades".
The protagonist, Luís M. Coutinho (1527-1588), embarked for India, to serve in various military campaigns and expeditions; he visited Akbar's court and in 1576 traveled to Malacca, having been appointed Captain General of the Sea of Malacca; after having participated in several disputes with the achéns (indigenous people of achém, a kingdom located in the northwest end of Sumatra), he was assassinated with a cannon shot for refusing to deny the christian faith. His companions were martyred (March 24, 1588).

“And on the day following the sentence, the King Rayamançor (‘Ala-ud-Din Mansur Syah) ordered Luís Monteiro Coutinho and his soldier-companions to be taken from the prison to the fortress on the seafront (a fortaleza da barra) which was two leagues away, where all of them were to be martyred in the presence of the king. And in order to witness this spectacle, the King Rayamançor set out with his grandees from his palace to the fortress by the sea, situated on the edge of the shore, at the mouth of the river, and mounted on an elephant he placed himself in that public square (terreiro) to see that martyrdom and if by chance Luís Monteiro Coutinho changed his mind. And to terrorize the said Luís Monteiro Coutinho, they began first to carry out justice on his Portuguese companions, and in front of him they threw a few to the elephants who were at once smashed to bits; and another few were quartered and cut to pieces, with their hands and feet cut off, and others had their throats cut, and while they were in these agonies, Luís Monteiro Coutinho consoled them. And the executioner (o Algos) brought Luís Monteiro Coutinho to the mouth of a cannon (hum bazalisco) which was on the beach, and without their making a great effort he came to the mouth of the cannon that was to blow him up, where with a great joy he went down on his knees facing the mouth and turning his eyes to the Heavens, and raising up his hands, asked God to pardon him for his sins, since for love of Him he was offering himself for martyrdom”

"The martyrdom of Luís Monteiro Coutinho not only caused amazement (pos em admiração) to the King of Achem, Raia Mançor (‘Ala-ud-Din Mansur Syah), and to the grandees of that court, when they took note of his constancy and very great willpower (esforço) in the very act of dying, but this martyrdom also astonished all those nearby Moorish kings and satraps. And to the Christians it was a cause of great consolation, because Luís Monteiro Coutinho was martyred with a new [type of] martyrdom through the shot of a basalisco (basilisk cannon). Since it was an example for others to follow as a good and prudent captain of Portugal, and since it was a notable act, it seemed to me that I should not allow such a glorious death and so many and such distinguished services, which have been taken into account in the Divine Tribunal (tribunal da glória), to be forgotten. Therefore, only he and his services, as well as the services of his brothers will be dealt with summarily in this history, without taking account of the other events of the time, or mentioning other persons besides Luís Monteiro Coutinho and his brothers who followed him in service. And may this martyrdom be for the honour and glory of God, and an example for all Christians; it occurred on the 24th of March, in the presence of the King of Achem, and the grandees of his court, and all of the princes of Samatra, the relatives and vassals of Raia Mançor, and the ambassadors of the Grand Turk, and they were all present at that most happy death (naquella felicissima morte), for on that account his soul was able to enjoy eternal glory in the year 1588"