ything, but that they were willing to fight us. Thus we were forced
to accept the challenge. We landed our men and disposed the artillery
of the ships, which were close to the houses of the town, so that
the firing of the artillery from the said ships and the arquebuses on
land drove the enemy away; but we were unable to capture any of them,
because they had their fleet ready for the sea.

They abandoned their houses, and we found in them nothing except an
image of the child Jesus, and two culverins, one of iron and one
of bronze, which can be of no service to us; it is believed that
they were brought here at the time of Magallanes. We rejoiced, as
all Christians ought in like case; for we saw that the Lord had been
pleased to place us under his protection and grant us prosperity and
favor. We beseech him to guide us in his service and to preserve us
in that of his majesty.

As far as we have seen, in all the places to which we have thus far
come, we think that his majesty could turn them into great kingdoms
and seigniories, if your highness send us the supply of men, arms,
ammunition, and artillery; for in our present condition we need
everything, and find ourselves in the midst of many and warlike
peoples--who, on account of the Portuguese, have declared war against
us throughout the whole of the archipelago.

The memorial of things which this camp needs accompanies this
letter. [89] Your highness will order that they be supplied with great
speed and diligence, for without them we shall incur great peril,
and the camp will have no means of support; but with them we shall
attain what his majesty desires.

As your highness probably knows, we brought no brands for the royal
fifths of his majesty, so that some articles of gold which were found
in the graves of these heathens have not been marked. In respect to
this and all other articles which were found and delivered to us,
we have done our duty. The general ordered that the persons who found
anything should deposit all such articles until your highness shall
command otherwise. We beg your highness to order that the right
measures be taken in this case; also in regard to the fifths, and
the procedure which must be adopted in these regions in all matters
pertaining to the service of his majesty and other duties. A general
edict was published that any person obtaining gold, pearls, jewels,
and precious stones, should lose all, unless they are registered in
the registe