eaves us wiser and with fewer enemies.

The damage and robbery inflicted by the people of Mindanao in these
islands could have been prevented if the garrison of Spaniards in that
island, which held the pirates in check, had not been recalled. At
present the need is all the greater, as they are encouraged by their
victories, and our Bisayans are dispirited. In the islands where our
humble Society of Jesus teaches, they caused great loss; and during the
past month they attacked Leyte, and captured two of our religious, and
more than eight hundred natives besides. This was at their first entry,
and gave them courage to continue ravaging other neighboring islands,
where the members of our Society are also in danger. This was written
me from Zebu, by our provincial who is visiting those islands and
missions, where there are many good Christians--and this at great risk
to himself. It is a great pity that so new a Christian people should
be molested by those from Mindanao, who are infected by the doctrine
of Mahoma. It would be easy for your Majesty to give us remedy in
this by ordering troops and aid sent from Nueva Espana, wherewith
Don Pedro de Acuna may show his valor and accomplish his wishes;
for his services are of great Importance here, as your Majesty knows.

Captain and Sargento-mayor Christobal Azuleta [_sic; sc_. Azcueta]
Menchaca, who always has been an excellent soldier, likewise
distinguished himself greatly in this affair of the Chinese Sangleys,
achieving two noteworthy victories, wherein were killed more than
five thousand of the enemy without the loss of a single Spaniard--of
whom he took great care, as they are so few and precious here.

A complete relation of all matters will be given to your Majesty by
Fray Diego Guevara [27] prior of the Augustinians of this city, who,
as a person of so much religion, experience, integrity, and veracity,
is going on this mission on behalf of these islands--where we are all
beseeching God our Lord to protect us, and to prosper your Majesty
for many years, with good measure of his choicest gifts, for the
greater glory of His Divine Majesty, etc. From this college of the
Society of Jesus, Manila, December 10, 1603.

_Gregorio Lopez_

Sire:

During the month of June just past, in this year, we, of this
metropolitan church of Manila, the vassals and chaplains of your
Majesty, advised you by the ships which left these islands for Nueva
Espana of the matters that seemed