security. Since those places are the two capitals of Pintados,
from which the Indians of these provinces receive aid and protection,
it is essential that those positions should be properly prepared and
garrisoned. [_In the margin_: "Let a copy of this section and of the
summary sent be transmitted to his Majesty, and let him be informed
of the diligence displayed, in order that his Majesty may know of the
sending of the reenforcements, and of the friendly relations between
the Portuguese and the Castilians in the Filipinas."]
From the very day on which Captain Brito arrived, which was the seventh
of last September, he began to give orders for the despatch of his
fleet. Since the weather has been unfavorable to navigation to Maluco,
he has not been able hitherto to depart. Now that the Bendavales
[_i.e._, southwest winds] are moderating, and all is quiet, and so
favorable that unless there is a monsoon, as the Portuguese call it,
nothing is lacking, it seemed best to me to make all possible haste
with them, as your Majesty will learn by the report which I send;
so that, if there be any delay, it may be known that it has not been
by my fault. I wished to make this statement to your Majesty, so that
you might give orders to be informed in the matter because of what may
happen in Terrenate. In my opinion the coming of a fleet from Yndia to
Maluco incurs the difficulties of which I wrote to your Majesty from
Mexico. The voyage is long and dangerous for galleys and galliots;
and the worst is, that the enemy knows that they are remaining three
or four months in Ambueno, waiting for favorable weather. Hence I fear
that evil results may follow, because the troops and other requisites
for defense may be made ready in advance by the islands subject to
Terrenate and by the other friends of their sect.
In these islands there are many veterans who have done good
service. Some are sick or wounded; and since there is here no
occupation or support for them all, and since they are at such a
distance from your Majesty that they cannot come before you to ask that
you will show them favor in return for their services, some suffer
the extremity of want, and feel greatly discontented and discouraged
at seeing themselves in such misery, without anyone to turn to for
relief. Hence it seems that it would be just if they were to receive
rewards and gifts as your Majesty commands, and as is done in Espana
for those who come from other regions t
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