sts. He brought some metal, all of
which I am sending to the viceroy of Mexico; this appears to be worth
something. As it is necessary to march afoot and to carry their food,
and the country is hostile, and the soldiers poor, it seems a pity to
send them to lose what they have, in a district where they can obtain
no profit; for the operation of the mines requires tranquillity among
the people, the service of many men, and abundant supplies. I shall
endeavor to have the troops return, when food can be taken there,
and will inform your Majesty thereof.

117. When the sergeant-major was returning from the mines,
he discovered on an islet the two friars who were going with the
captains in May. They say that the captains attempted to rob them;
but, upon seeing that they had neither gold nor silver, because all
the alms that had been given them had been deposited, by my advice,
in a place of safety, the captains said that they would not take them
to China since they were not taking thither anything for presents. A
Chinese who was going with them as interpreter was also robbed of what
I had given him. They beheaded two other Chinese who had been with
Limahon, and were presented to the friars, so that they could not, on
returning to their own country, relate what had occurred. It is said
that the captains had determined to circulate there in China the story
that Limahon and the master-of-camp had both been killed in the fight,
whereupon the Castilians being without a leader, returned to Manila and
allowed the corsairs opportunity to escape. But the latter remained,
in order to verify the axiom that they have in China, that they may
not flee. This is so evil a race that if today the whole world were
given them, tomorrow they would commit a thousand treasons to steal
one single real. We shall live here always on our guard, and shall
do our duty, God helping.

118. As I have informed your Majesty, the master-of-camp, Martin
de Goite, died; and after his death, Guido de Lavesares appointed
Captain Juan de Saucedo as master-of-camp. This captain assisted
in the expedition against the corsair, and it was under his charge
in Pangasinan. At my arrival I did not discuss with him and the
captains the matter of residencia, for they were artful enough, and
at variance with one another. Moreover it was rather the moment for
burying troubles and proceeding to business. Therefore neither in his
office nor in that of the captains appointed (