that I was awaiting a more detailed account
of the enemy's designs from the commandant of Malaca, and everything
else relating to the subject. [9] Advices have now come from the
commandant of Maluco that two English ships had arrived there, and had
formed an alliance with Terrenate, as your Majesty will be informed
in greater detail by the copies of his letters which I enclose, and
also those of the king of Tidore and the people of that stronghold,
requesting in strong terms that I send them aid. [10]

I then called a council of war to consider the disposition of the
affairs of these islands, and what was to be done therefor--since
affairs are in the condition which I have described to your Majesty
in other letters. As there are but few and badly-armed troops, and so
few supplies with which we could send help, it was unanimously agreed
to give no aid whatever to Maluco, but to undertake the no small task
of preserving this land. Notwithstanding, I am thinking of sending
reenforcements of supplies, powder, ammunition, and other military
supplies such as can be given, also a dozen musketeers. As that land
belongs to your Majesty, it is but just that your Majesty's servants
and vassals should make all possible efforts to aid it. I assure
your Majesty that if you are not pleased to provide this realm with a
goodly number of well-armed troops and with money from Nueva Espana,
according to the demands made by him who shall be governor--who, since
this fort is placed in his keeping, can well be entrusted with twenty
thousand pesos more, in control of the officials of your Majesty's
royal exchequer--we may find ourselves hard pressed. I fulfil my
duty by giving account thereof to your Majesty, and by defending
this land as occasion may arise therefor. In whatever I find to do,
here or elsewhere, I shall strive to serve your Majesty well; but
if on account of my little strength, I should be somewhat remiss,
I beg your Majesty to understand that I could do no more.

At the news of the English, it was urgently necessary to aid Cebu. But
as we did not have it to send, and the presidio of La Caldera,
[11] with its eighty Spanish soldiers (who go more than a legua by
water), [12] was in danger; and since the English and Terrenatans are
confederated, they may attack the fort, and if the water is cut off
from them the Spaniards are lost--I have resolved, with the approval
of the council of war, immediately to withdraw those troops wit