greater
importance, which until now has been neglected, through not having
these boats. Twice I have sent men in Indian _praus_ for explorations
to the north and northwest of us. Once they discovered certain islands,
small but well peopled with Moros; and the other time they discovered
on the coast of Lucon, which is a large island, several settlements
of Moros. The latter have artillery, which they themselves cast and
finish, and likewise powder and other ammunition. Some of the towns
received them in peace, but others would not. The possessions taken
in your Majesty's name accompany the present letter. These Moros
have much more trade, because they make voyages for that purpose,
going among the people on the Chinese mainland, and to the Japanese. I
again repeat how advantageous it would be to your Majesty's service to
have some oared vessels here, because the Spanish are not accustomed
to navigate with skill in those of the Indians, and run great risks
by going in them. And in order that this may not occur, will your
Majesty please command that what seems best to you in that case be
ascertained and provided.

The Portuguese left us so badly accredited with these natives that some
of them withdrew from our friendship; and it has been necessary to turn
to pacifying them again, and at somewhat greater cost than the first
time. In the future we shall have the greatest care in their conversion
and good treatment, as your Majesty commands. We will gladly strive
to bring them to the subjection and dominion of your royal Majesty,
and with those who refuse and do not wish it, we shall adopt more
convenient means to preach and teach to them all the evangelical law,
wherein God our lord and your Majesty will be well served.

In fulfilment of your Majesty's orders, on these two ships which
are going to Nueva Espana, I send ten or twelve Portuguese from this
camp. Some still remain but it seemed to me that to avoid trouble, it
was well not to send many together. I am certain that some of them are
good soldiers, and have served your Majesty very well. There has not
been heard or imagined of them anything that they ought not to have
done, but your Majesty's order was very well considered and noted,
and therefore will be executed. On the first ships that leave here
will go those who remain. The foreigners of these nations can not
be banished at present, without considerable inconvenience; because
all the workmen, carpenters, gunner