by the Council of Portugal."]

_Expedition made to the islands of Jolo and Mindanao_

Another sort of enemies whom these islands have are the Moros of
certain kingdoms near them. Those who have been most insolent and
unbridled since my arrival in this government are the inhabitants
of the kingdom of Jolo. For their punishment (in addition to the
punishment inflicted two years ago) a fleet was prepared this year
of three hundred and fifty Spaniards and two thousand five hundred
Indians, under command of Don Lorenco Olasso, master-of-camp of this
army. After a long and troublesome voyage, he arrived late at the
island and chief stronghold where the king lives. They found the
village dismantled, and the king and his chiefs and the majority
of his men retired to a very steep hill which they have fortified
for that purpose. He attacked them at daybreak, confident that their
lack of caution would facilitate his entrance, and that the short time
remaining in which to perform that exploit would suffice. Within a very
short time he gained as far as the crest of the hill, where the stout
enclosure and works of the enemy were. And if, as he himself fought,
there had been others to assist him, he would have entered the place
and captured the king and all his household and chiefs. On the part
of our Spaniards and Indians the necessary spirit was not exerted. The
enemy held the stronghold sufficiently well in their defense, and with
the advantage of location; and did considerable damage to our men with
their artillery, spears, and other missile weapons. On that account
it was deemed better to withdraw the men from the hill and to abandon
the undertaking for the time, and to employ the army in burning the
villages and leveling the fields round about. In doing that there were
many frays with the enemy, and many of the people were killed, so that
it is thought that they are severely punished. The weather did not
allow the enterprise to be carried to a more satisfactory conclusion.

The fleet went from that place to the island of Mindanao, which is
one of the largest islands of this archipelago, while its king is one
of the most powerful enemies that these natives have had. Just now
he is friendly, and the peace was confirmed with the coming of the
master-of-camp, so that I trust that it will last for some years. I
have increased the pay of the officers and private soldiers who
distinguished themselves on that occasion, while I am try