ervice to our
Lord and to his Majesty, as it has been thus far.

In this voyage our men seized two Chinese junks laden with merchandise,
plundered all the goods, and brought here one of the laden junks
and four Chinese. Afterward these Chinese, together with the others,
who had remained in those islands where they had been seized, were
sent back, so that they might return to their own country. I was
exceedingly sorry that such an injury should be inflicted upon men who
had neither offended us nor given us occasion to justify this action;
and what grieves me most in this affair is the news which the Chinese
will carry to their own country about us, and about the good deeds
which were done to them, and which they saw done to others, for our
credit in China.

As a result, most excellent Sir, the commerce between us and
these Moros of Lucon has come to a standstill, on account of the
ill-treatment that they have received at our hands. They carried
back to their land all that they could, and in so doing they caused
us no little injury; for we had a share in the commerce maintained
with them, since the Moros brought and sold to us provisions. This
suited us well, for already there was no other place where we could
settle in this neighborhood except Lucon; but now I do not know what
plan and arrangement can be made. May our Lord adjust matters as it
pleases Him best, for certainly there is need of it.

A few days ago I went to the island of Cubu to set free some friendly
Indians whom some soldiers had seized in a village which had paid
tribute, and which held a deed of security. It was very difficult
to get them back, for they had been sold and were already among the
Indians. This cost me no little labor; but our Lord, who helps good
intentions, favored me, and all the Indians were returned to their
village at my expense. This success caused much joy and satisfaction
among the Indians of the neighborhood.

Your Excellency should also try to send all the married men who can
possibly come. For with the existence of settled communities the
natives of this land will feel more secure, and the married Spaniards
will devote themselves to sowing and raising the products of the land;
but, if married men do not come, order and harmony will be lacking,
as they have been hitherto.

The recent arrival of married men caused great joy among all the
natives of these islands, for they do not feel safe with us--saying
that we do not inte