very much needed by this government; and although so far I have not
received from your Majesty any letter or decree to that effect, I
have heard the news through the auditor Don Antonio Maldonado and
others, who have communicated it to me. Doctor Antonio de Morga,
lieutenant-general of this kingdom, serves your Majesty here with
zeal and assiduity; and because he enforces the law, he has made
enemies--since, as I have previously written to your Majesty, there
are honest people here willing to serve your Majesty; but there
exist others unruly and ill disposed, who are exceedingly dangerous
to the country. I am punishing a few of these, and am investigating
the previous records of others; it shall be done throughout. May
our Lord preserve your Majesty as is needful for the good of
Christendom. Manila, June 15, 1597.

_Don Francisco Tello_

Sire:

Every day events are taking place of which I shall advise your
Majesty. A grave Dominican friar [3] lately arrived here from Japon,
who went on the ship "San Felipe" which was lost there. He acquainted
me with the affairs of that kingdom, and gave me a memorandum which
will accompany this. I asked him to sign it, and I now send it to
your Majesty, so that you may order to be considered and decreed in
this matter whatever you think best for your Majesty's royal service.

Later advices have arrived from Japon to the effect that the Japanese
are considering the occupation of the island of Hermosa [Formosa]
which lies near these islands, and serves as a connecting point between
China and these islands. I am considering what is best to do in this
case, because, although I am of the opinion that we should seize it
first, the council of war opposed me; urging that we have few men
for such an enterprise. I have appointed, as general of the coast,
Captain Don Juan Camudio, a trusty and serviceable person. I am also
fitting out ships with which to navigate among all these islands,
wherever it is necessary.

I have sent money and men to Cagayan to fortify your Majesty's fort
there. If the men and assistance which I have asked from Nueva Spana
are sent to me, I shall not fear all the power of Japon; because,
although there are few troops here, they are all excellent and
well-drilled. Your Majesty may be certain that your vassals here
will maintain what we hold, even to the death, with sword in hand,
doing our duty in your Majesty's service. May our Lord preserve your
royal person,