fered, agreed upon, and established as very important and
of universal application; and that he ought to consider the great
difficulties which might arise should he go without being subordinate
to this government, as well as the universal and public danger and
loss that might ensue to this state, and especially to some of its
inhabitants; and, further, the injury to the service of God and of
your Majesty. Of all of this your Majesty will be informed at greater
length, and will understand it by the papers and writs concerning this
case. Therefore I shall make no further reference to it, leaving the
report thereof to be sent by a more safe and certain way than this. In
regard to the rest of the case however I say, Sire, that although
Captain Esteban Rodriguez possesses the qualities of discretion,
valor, ability, competence, and much experience in this work, and
is courageous and of honorable estate, yet he is in my opinion very
stiff, unchangeable, independent, and fixed in his determination and
opinion. Thus he did not wish to discuss or to say anything whatever
in regard to this question of subordination. Thereupon, as it was not
judged convenient to permit him to make the journey independently,
the plans were abandoned, and everything was left until your Majesty
should be advised thereof. At that time, however, news came for the
second time that some hostile bands from Terrenate and Mindanao,
in some very light vessels propelled by oars, called caracoas,
had landed on the coast of Cebu. They committed many depredations,
such as murders, the taking of captives, and robberies, among the
Indians. Although Rodriguez Ronquillo, alcalde-mayor of Cibu, sent
some soldiers to attack them, who, after finding one of their vessels,
seized it, and killed or captured its crew, this victory only brought a
thicker cloud of enemies, dangers, and misfortunes. Although a captain
of infantry was despatched immediately with a contingent of troops to
pursue and look for them, yet, for the security, aid, and defense of
that coast, it was finally judged and considered best, and a more wise,
important, and fitting relief, for Captain Esteban Rodriguez to make
his expedition. Thereby those dangers, or the majority of them, would
be checked and relieved, as well as others which would grow or increase
by inattention. Thus matters were arranged with him in the form that
your Majesty will see by the copy accompanying this letter. As he
will have pl