exceedingly cruel. If they are
obedient, it is plainly evident that they are so on account of this
check; and that if they were not thus restrained, not only would
the work not go forward, but the gains would be turned to losses,
through inability to retain them. What your Majesty has so happily
commenced here would come to an end, although these districts and
the neighborhood promise so excellent beginnings, of the very best,
in those places so near this country--which are, as your Majesty
well knows, China, Japan, Borney, Sian, and Patan, and many other
very rich and prosperous provinces. Furthermore, a manifest and great
service would be rendered to our Lord, when their peoples should come
to know Him. Your Majesty's royal crown would be extended by wider
boundaries, as your Majesty's greatness and Christian zeal worthily
merit. Therefore what has been thus far gained is of very great
consequence, and your Majesty should order that it be preserved with
the care hitherto manifested, since it is of so great importance. This
can in no wise be accomplished without the assistance of soldiery.

That this should be more efficiently done, it is quite necessary
that your Majesty should order that the usual force here consist of
three or four companies, which contain in all about four hundred
soldiers. These with their captains and officers, should be paid
by the month, as is the custom in the rest of your Majesty's camps
and frontiers; for thus they will all serve with great assiduity,
and support themselves honorably, having good weapons and munitions
and everything else necessary for military operations. They shall
understand that, when pay is given them, they must take care to render
obedience to orders and commands, with great readiness--being subject
to their commanders, which is the principal thing required; and the
captains must punish those who may exceed their orders, as is done
in all districts where garrisons are established, and as it was done
here before your Majesty ordered the royal Audiencia to come to these
islands. For, notwithstanding the fact that until then the soldiery
here had never been paid, they have not on that account failed to be
usually very willing and obedient to orders given them. They are well
supplied with weapons and munitions of war, and are as experienced
therein as those who, more than they, follow the art of war in all
regions. This they have clearly demonstrated on certain occasions
t