s were captured in war; others became slaves because, being
orphans, they were held in that condition for food and expenses; others
were sold in times of famine by their fathers, mothers, or brothers;
others bear that name because of loans, for interest multiplies
rapidly among the Indians and the Moros, and thus a poor man becomes
a slave. There are men who become slaves on account of crimes, and
failure to pay fines and penalties; and others for not having paid
the tribute or tributes of their lords. Each of these reasons is an
argument for justifying slavery. I chose to mention these details
because it is proper to notify your Majesty and your Council of them.

Your Majesty has passed laws forbidding any one to take money out
of your realms, or to buy or sell to pirates. But every year the
Chinese take away all the money there is. There are many ships here,
twenty-five or thirty in number, with four thousand men who have
come here to trade. We fear no extortion on their part, because of
the great importance to them of our commerce; but, as we have no
merchandise to give them, having nothing except reals, it will be
advisable for your Majesty to send orders as to what we should do,
and how we are to decide the question of slaves, since there are so
many classes of them, as I have shown above.

The poverty of the soldiers who come here is extreme, for they draw
no pay, and the country cannot support them. It would be advisable
to send orders to employ them in conquests, and to send over many
soldiers. Also orders should be given to build some galleys which
should not lie idle and become ruined, as did those left by Doctor
Sande. Although the Indians and Moros here have taken to the oars with
reluctance, we are greatly aided by having here, usually, Chinese who
are willing to be hired at a low price. In all this may your Majesty
take such measures as are most advantageous to your service.

About twelve days ago we received letters from Maluco, in which the
captain commanding at that place says that the king of Ternate is now
powerful, and has seized the most important stronghold. A reenforcement
of eighty or a hundred men, with supplies, had been sent to him before
the arrival of the Audiencia; and he says that he can hold out until
the end of October or November. Speaking of the war which is to be
carried on, the president was and is about to send four hundred men
and a thousand friendly Indians. He is perplexed abou