sty do not forget me, who am serving
you in this capacity of governer and captain-general. And also,
because I now have but little recompense, I beg your Majesty to have
the goodness to order it increased, and to allow me some gratuity:
for in the last expedition I spent three thousand ducats of my own,
and every day there arise similar necessities. And, regarding other
favors which I also entreat from the royal Council, may it please
your Majesty to examine the letters, graciously to take cognizance
of them, and to bestow upon me the reward due for the years that I
have spent in your Majesty's service, continuing the service, both in
peace and war, rendered to your Majesty by my ancestors and kinsmen
of a most ancient lineage. And, since God so ordains it, I am alone;
and now I entreat your Majesty to have the goodness to reply to me,
granting me the reward, which I am quite confident of receiving,
and by which I am comforted.

Since in the letter to the Council I am writing more at length, in
this present letter I do otherwise, because of the many and important
matters that take up the time of your Majesty's royal person.

The Portuguese have constructed six fortifications in Maluco, in each
of which they have mounted eight Lombardy guns. The real defense is
for your Majesty to order that no innovation be brought forward in what
pertains to the compact; for I see this with great pain and anxiety for
your royal crown. As for the rest, it would be quite an easy matter.

I brought from Borney twenty-seven ships, among them being twenty-one
galleys and galliots, together with a hundred and seventy pieces of
artillery, as above said, and other war material of which I am sending
an account to the royal Council. These supplies could not be furnished
to this country for a thousand ducats; and with them the condition
of these islands will be greatly improved. May it please our Lord
so to ordain that all men shall recognize your Majesty as their king
and sovereign, as you deserve. May our Lord guard the royal Catholic
person of your Majesty many long years, augmenting your dominion and
kingdoms, as we your vassals desire. At Manila, in the island of Lucon
in the Philipinas, July 29, 1578. Royal Catholic Majesty, I am your
Majesty's loyal vassal and servant; who kisses your royal hands,

_Doctor Francisco de Sande_

[_Endorsed_: "September 12, 1579. To the president of the Indias. Let
it be filed with the other letter, and