pieces I am casting others. Certain Indians in this land have founded
for me one piece weighing ninety quintals; and there is not in the
castle of Milan a piece so well made. Another mold has been made,
and the Indian says that he will make as many as are ordered. From
Nueva Espana no favorable message, in regard to this or other things,
is sent. Therefore if your Majesty wishes that China be yours in
your days-please God, may they be many, as we your Majesty's servants
need--it is necessary for the execution thereof that ships be sent here
from Nueva Espana, since now we have some knowledge of this region,
and the vessels have here a good port, and we know how to proceed.

This archipelago is secure from enemies, blessed be God. We have begun
settlements--one in the province called Cagayan, in the northern part
of this island, and sixty leagues from China.

In other letters I have begged your Majesty to be so kind as to favor
me. Once more I bring this to your memory. I beg your Majesty to
grant me a habit and an encomienda for myself, and another for one of
my brothers. All of my brothers are serving your Majesty in the war,
and I am sure that they deserve the most that I beg and entreat. I am
writing to the royal council. I beg your Majesty to order that my case
be examined, and to honor this office in which I serve you, and bestow
favor upon one who has served you for so many years as I. May our Lord
preserve your Majesty's Catholic and royal person, and increase you
for many years as we, your servants and vassals, desire. Manila, in the
island of Lucon, in Philipinas, May 30, 1579. Royal Catholic Majesty,
your Majesty's loyal vassal and servant, who kisses your royal hands,

_Doctor Francisco de Sande_

[_Endorsed_: "Doctor Francisco de Sande. June four, 1581. He requests
a habit and an encomienda. To the Council of the Indies." "Seen,
and no answer is required."]

Expeditions to Borneo, Jolo, and Mindanao

In the galley named "Santiago," on the nineteenth of the month
of April, one thousand five hundred and seventy-eight, the very
illustrious Doctor Francisco de Sande, governor and captain-general
for his Majesty of the Western Islands declared: that, inasmuch as
his Lordship is going with a fleet of galleys to the island of Borney,
both to teach the natives there the Christian law, and to reduce them
to the dominion of his Majesty--as well as to ascertain and inform
himself about the customs, past