to do but
keep patient, and to pray God for a remedy, for it is the most cruel
persecution that is suffered. Seldom is a man so fortunate that with
but little to give he can satisfy many claimants. As each one tries
to favor his own client or clients, they all resent any other being
preferred to them; and their eagerness or partiality does not allow
the advantage of merits to be recognized, even if it be known. A
good example of this was seen during the term of the good governor,
Don Juan de Silba, who was discussed quite differently in writing
and in the pulpits than he deserved. Consequently, by having heard
these reports, I have resolved not to believe those which have been
written of Bergara; but when the investigation that I ordered to be
made comes, I shall advise your Majesty of what shall be considered
as true, so that you may enact what is most fitting for your service.

I have not heard other Maluco news with the certainty that I may
affirm it. However, those items that are considered most certain are,
that the Dutch have a great number of ships, and although not more than
enough men, they still have sufficient for them; and the number of men
cannot be small if they can man the ships after leaving the necessary
men in their forts and factories. Of this and other details of their
and our forts, a long relation is given by Captain and Sargento-mayor
Alonso Martin Quirante (who is one of the most trustworthy soldiers
and one of the most experienced in those regions), so that it may be
sent to your Majesty with this letter.

The English who go within range of the Flemish factories are
having fierce engagements and wars with them, according to the news
received. It has been learned from some that they [i.e., the English]
wish to ally themselves with us, so that we may together attack the
Flemish. Although I am not in relations with those people, they pledge
that those who do not confederate with them they will not fail to
regard as enemies. Meanwhile, there is no permission from your Majesty
to trade here; nor do they render the submission due, and which should
be assigned to them. Still, so that we may proceed in the service of
your Majesty with greater certainty, I entreat that you will have sent
to me the order that I am to observe in this, as well as toward some
Dutch prisoners who are here; it does not seem proper for me to put
them to death, as that would be in so cold blood, and it is even less
so to trust