ghly that they did not
propose to leave until they should seize some of the Chinese. From
this place they wrote a letter to Don Francisco Tello, in which they
declared that the Indians there had stolen a number of fowls from
them, that his Lordship should order the Indians to make them good,
and that they were coming to pay their respects to him. It may be
seen by this how little they feared the governor.

While these things were taking place, the governor had three ships
fitted out--one from the city of Cebu, to act as flagship; another,
a galizabra, still in the shipyard--which was launched a few days
before the departure--called "San Bartolome," to act as almiranta; and
a Portuguese patache [26] which had come from Malaca--with artillery,
men, and munitions sufficient to overbalance the greater strength of
the enemy. Doctor Antonio de Morga, auditor of this royal Audiencia,
was appointed captain-general of this fleet, an appointment which
highly displeased the old captains, because in their opinion they
should have been considered. They thought it unjust that the auditors
should take part in the affair, especially because it left only
one auditor in the Audiencia. In the end, however, neither these
nor other reasons sufficed to prevent his appointment. The general
appointed as admiral Captain Joan de Alzega, a very courageous soldier,
of considerable reputation and credit, a Biscayan by birth. Many noble
and wealthy people assisted in serving his Majesty in this expedition,
in all about three hundred men, counting the paid soldiers, the seamen,
and others. They embarked very gallantly, with the resolution and
intention of attempting not only that undertaking, but another of
greater weight and difficulty.

The general was impatient for the fleet to depart, and accordingly set
sail on Tuesday, the twelfth of December. The flagship and almiranta
left, without waiting for the Portuguese vessel, or allotting it
sufficient crew or munitions, taking advantage of a tide which was
discovered at the time of their departure, which was favorable to
them. Accordingly they began their voyage. As they left the bay,
beyond the river of Canas, three leguas from the harbor, the shallop
which was carried on the stern of the almiranta went to the bottom,
and drowned two seamen who were in it. They continued their voyage,
and that night cast anchor at Mariveles, where they lay the rest of
the night. In the morning they were informed by