ake iron lance-points, daggers, and certain small
tools used in transplanting rice. They are very anxious to possess
artillery, of which they cast a little, although but poorly. They
are all a miserable race. Although the Pintados behave better to
the Spaniards, yet, whenever they find one alone, they kill him,
and the Moros do the same whenever they can.

86. When Miguel Lopez de Legazpi came to these islands, he settled
in the island of Cubu, which is very barren and small. When he went
thence, he went to Panae, on account of the war waged against him by
the Portuguese, and the famine there, which was very severe. With
but little acuteness, he established a settlement in Cubu, with
about fifty inhabitants; and built a little fort of stakes, which
soon tumbled down. Although the country is healthful, it is so
barren that no one cares to live there; neither is it an important
place. I have established this place and rebuilt the ruined fortress;
and I have placed there an alcalde mayor and about fifty soldiers
who have pacified those natives. The latter had risen in rebellion,
at the opportunity afforded by the tyrant Limahon. That islet is next
another called Mindanao, a large and rich island--where, God willing,
we must make an expedition soon. This settlement is of no advantage,
and causes expense and no gain, beyond saying that it is near Maluco;
nor does it possess other good qualities than that it claims to have
a good climate and port.

87. The Malucos are nearer to Nueva Espana than this city is, by two
hundred leagues; so that it would be easier and shorter to reach
them from Nueva Espana. On returning, the season could be chosen
better, as there are no channels or islands to go through, as we
have here. Among these islands there are certain currents which flow
more rapidly than those of any river. One cannot believe this unless
one actually sees it. And as the archipelago is so extensive, at the
doubling of each promontory it is needful to choose a different time
for sailing. For this reason we need vessels with oars. Meanwhile,
unless your Majesty orders it, we shall not go to Maluco. If we had
to go there, it would be better to locate in that village in Mindanao,
which is well supplied with provisions and where there are people. It
is more than one hundred leagues nearer than Maluco.

88. When your Majesty was pleased to give Miguel Lopez de Legaspi
permission to divide the land into encomiendas, he did so