red these things
and were moved by the disturbances to which your Majesty's vassals
are subjected by the necessity of preparing a defense against the
enemies of our true law--especially against the English and the
Dutch, with whom the Moros make regular treaties and alliances,
not only for the commercial advantages thus obtained, but for their
favor and assistance against us. We also took into consideration
your Majesty's commands and decrees to the effect that when occasion
should arise we should give aid and succor to the vassals of your
Majesty in the states of Yndia, _as appears from the royal decree_
[5] [_underlined in original_] of which also a copy is enclosed. The
whole matter was considered and discussed in two councils of war,
held with the Audiencia, the master-of-camp, and the captains; and it
was agreed that for the present the expedition to Mindanao and the
occupation of that island should be given up, together with all the
preparations made or about to be made therefor; and that aid should
be sent to the said fleet, as the more important matter, in the manner
laid down in the formal votes of the councils of war, _copies whereof
are enclosed [underlined in original]_, together with a memorandum of
the forces sent. I have had a ship of your Majesty's made ready, that
there may be no lack of what is requisite. In it may be transported
the soldiery, the provisions, and the rest; and assistance will
be given by the other vessels, which will supply what is not taken
in the ship. It has already been despatched to the town of Areualo,
since on that island (namely, Panay) are to be collected and prepared
the greater part of the said supplies. Since the expedition seemed
to me of the importance that I have ascribed to it, I was unwilling
to entrust the despatch of this reenforcement to anyone but myself;
and to attend to it with the greatest care, promptitude, and haste,
I depart today for the said town of Areualo, which is ninety leagues
from this town of Manila. While there, I shall give all my energy
to the matter, that not an hour of time may be lost. The result that
can and should follow is in God's hands. Should it be the contrary of
what we desire, life in this archipelago will be attended with many
hardships. When the expedition is despatched, I shall visit the fort
in Octon, which is the one at Areualo, and thence I shall proceed to
Cebu; and in both places I shall give the necessary directions for
their