ely after having first asked full
information concerning the towns upon its coast. Thus we set sail
in company with only the Chinese and their four vessels; these said
that they had no articles of trade in their vessels except some large
earthen jars and porcelain. Many of the soldiers bartered trifles of
little value with them in exchange for wax, which the Chinese greatly
value and even buy with gold. From what we could see and hear of them,
the Chinese are a very humble people. It seems that they observe
among themselves a certain form of politeness and cleanliness. They
became great friends with us, and gave us letters of security, which
consisted of white cloths that they had with them, upon which were
painted the royal coat of arms. They promised to come the next year to
this river of Panay, and to establish trade with the Spaniards. All
that the Chinese asked was given them, which pleased them much,
and they were shown the best possible treatment. Then they left us,
and, according to what they said, went to Mindoro. The master-of-camp
cast anchor in the port where we halted before; and there we remained
another day, to see whether or not any of the natives would come to
us for peace. Seeing that no one came, the master-of-camp, fearing
lest the northeast wind would cease, left the harbor with his vessels,
for it would not be possible to do so when the southwest wind should
blow. He coasted past the towns which had made peace on the voyage
hither, until the town of Balayan was reached. Thence we despatched
the junk to the island of Panae with Captain Juan de Salcedo, who
had not yet recovered from his wound in the leg, and five or six
sick soldiers. The master-of-camp remained with the oared _praus_
in order to win over all the towns which were desirous of peace. Thus
leaving them behind pacified and assured of friendship, he returned
to the camp; for the governor had sent them by sea an advice-_prau_
on the arrival of the fleet from Nueva Espana. Such, then, are the
events of this voyage.

[_Endorsed_: "An account of the conquest and discovery of Manilla."

"May eight, 1570." "Relation of the discovery of the island of Lucon,
one of the western islands."]

Act of Taking Possession of Luzon [33]

In the island called by the natives "Luzon the greater," in a town
and river of the same called Manila, on the sixth of June in the year
one thousand five hundred and seventy, the honorable Martin de Goite,
h