do de Lavecares, writing others that said that they
were at the front, and fought valiantly, encouraging the Castilians
when the latter burned the fleet and demolished the fort; as a reward
for which they gave in money, to each one, besides the captaincy,
four hundred silver taes, each tae of the value of twelve Castilian
reals. These captains had with them as captain-general another
Chinese, named Siaogo, an insignificant, mean-looking, little
old man. It is said that he had been a corsair when young. When
these people came to this island and learned that Limahon had gone,
they cried for very rage and bitterness--especially Omocon, who had
solemnly averred that the corsair could not escape. They brought a
slight present with them, of a few pieces of silk and cotton shawls,
and also letters. A part of the present was for the governor, another
for the master-of-camp, another for the captains, and the rest for
the soldiers. Their portion was given to the captains by the Chinese
and friars. That which was destined for the governor I received,
and am sending it by this same packet to your Majesty, so that you
may see their way of doing things. I am sending also some cloth, such
as they wear, five bonnets, a belt that indicates that the wearer is
a captain, and the original letters that came from China translated
into Spanish--one of them having the equivalent Spanish words under
the Chinese and the letter telling about the present. From these it
will be seen that their writing does not consist of letters, but of
syllables or symbols. They brought with them thirteen horses as a
present or as purchases. These beasts are full of bad habits, like
those of Galicia. One horse was given there and here to the governor,
and was delivered to the officials of your Majesty's royal estate,
that they may sell it, and place the proceeds in the box with the three
keys. The rest of the horses were sent to their respective owners.

39. These ten ships brought some merchandise to sell, although but
little, which they sold at very high rates. They are a mean, impudent
people, as well as very importunate. They remained in this port more
than six months, and demanded a present to carry back with them--saying
that the good will of their commanders would thus be gained; and that,
if this present were made to them, it would stand the Spaniards in good
stead in their land. Inasmuch as it was reported that Limahon had fled,
and as these people are as