ucon, on account of the bad
weather with which it met. The ship has been detained until now in
order to repair it, and to make all the necessary preparations. We
are waiting every day for the arrival of the ships from Nueva Espana,
for it is already time that they should arrive; but, in order that the
vendavales may not prevent the navigation of this ship, we shall not
detain it here until the others arrive--although it would have been
much better for the service of your Majesty to receive an explanation
of matters regarding which an answer was expected.

With the service of God and that of your Majesty in mind, as soon
as the ships left for Nueva Espana, I despatched Captain Juan de
Salcedo in July, seventy-three, with one hundred and twenty soldiers
in vessels like those used by these natives, to win over and conquer
Bicor River and the province of Los Camarines, on the east side of
this island of Lucon. He brought under the dominion and obedience
of your Majesty all that region, with about twenty thousand of
its natives, with as little injury as possible. Some villages paid
their tribute in gold. They have abundant stores of food, and possess
goldmines. The people are the most valiant yet found in these regions;
they possess much good armor--as iron corselets, greaves, wristlets,
gauntlets, and helmets--and some arquebuses and culverins. They are
the best and most skilful artificers in jewels and gold that we have
seen in this land. Almost all the people of Los Camarines pursue this
handicraft. Close upon the province of Los Camarines and Bicor River
are the mines of Paracali. As soon as the ships arrive, I shall try to
effect a settlement near those mines with the people that may come,
for I consider it a matter of importance for the service of your
Majesty; and I shall continue the apportionment of the discovered
and peaceful district of that region.

In July of the past year, seventy-three, a ship despatched by the
viceroy Don Martin Enriquez arrived at these islands from Nueva
Espana. It brought us news which caused great joy and satisfaction in
this camp of your Majesty. We learned that God had granted the Queen,
our lady, the delivery of a prince, [94] so much desired by all,
and that her Majesty is enjoying the good health so needful. Our
Lord was pleased to grant us such a marked favor, and we beseech
Him to preserve your Majesty, the Queen our lady, and his Highness
many years for us; for only thus shall