fathers of the Society of Jesus have taken under their charge
the island of Leyte, one of the Pintados, which has hitherto had no
instruction. Although but four fathers went there, so great good
has resulted from their labors, within six months or so, that two
days ago the father vice-provincial told me that he had received a
letter saying that the fathers now preach to the Indians in their own
language. The good results and benefits are so great that there are now
more than five thousand four hundred catechumens--who, without being
at all compelled to do so, have themselves destroyed and cast down
their false idols. This gives no little encouragement and occasion
to praise God; and shows how important, necessary, and beneficial is
the presence here of good ministers.

Moreover, the fathers of the Order of St. Dominic have taken
charge of the province of Cagayan, where there has been no lack of
disturbances among the natives, with no little tumult and danger to
the fathers and to us also. The arrival of the fathers there has been
of much importance and benefit in that province, both temporally and
spiritually; and has helped in the pacification of the Indians. Please
God their mission may prosper and extend as far as possible.

By a ship which came from Japon in the month of November of this year,
I received a letter from father Fray Pedro Bautista and Fray Juan de
Jhesus, wherein they advise me of the good condition in which God is
pleased to maintain the things pertaining to His glory and service,
and to the good of His creatures and of this state. Affairs are quiet
there, as little has taken place, and their hopes are such as are more
particularly referred to in the account of father Fray Juan de Jhesus,
a copy of whose letter accompanies this.

Likewise I have to write concerning your Majesty's reply about
the agreement made by my father with Captain Esteban Rodriguez in
regard to the pacification of the island of Mindanao. When we were
discussing this matter it was suggested to consider Captain Esteban
Rodriguez in an undertaking in a light which seemed very clear and
plain. He, however, thought that he should not be subordinate to this
government, but free and exempt from obedience thereto. Over this
point conferences and discussions were held with grave and learned
persons, and it was decided that the said captain should go on said
expedition as a subordinate and in no other way, for many causes and
reasons of