eived news of
their arrival only. The outcome of the expedition I will relate when
it is over. Captain Martin de Barrios was also slain by the Indians
while he was collecting the tribute from his encomienda, together with
other soldiers; and I am ready to certify that there are few places
in these islands where the natives are not disaffected. When there is
any uprising they communicate with one another, make allies, and send
messengers to keep up relations. This is because the Indians know that
there is but a small force of Spaniards, and that they are separated
from one another, and that their punishments are not inflicted as
they formerly were, under a military regime, but by a judicial order.

The past year we were informed that the Indian chiefs of this
district had met together at different times to discuss rebellion
against your royal service, and the death of all the Spaniards in
these islands, and the mastery of this land which was enjoyed by
their forefathers. At the time when this happened there was in this
city a Japanese captain, who had come here ostensibly for trading and
carrying on commerce. The natives made arrangements with him to come
to their aid with ships and soldiers. They were to give him part of
the land, and would send messengers to the king of Borney and other
principal Indians of other provinces, in order that they might come to
their assistance. They swore very solemnly according to their custom
to keep and fulfil the agreement. They chose a king, captains, and
officers of war; and weapons were made in secret. On the discovery
of their treachery and plots, the principal chiefs were arrested;
seven or eight of them were hanged and beheaded, and their property
confiscated. Many others were exiled, some from their villages, and
others to Nueva Espana who sail in this ship. By this punishment it
seems as if the people have become somewhat cowed. May God aid us,
and free us from so many dangers to which we are exposed. This land
will be lost and ruined if your Majesty does not expressly order a
goodly number of soldiers to be sent here, and that something be paid
to the men for their support. It is pitiful to see them die of hunger,
and if they are not paid no soldiers will care to come here, to be
in captivity; and we are dying off very fast. Your Majesty should
not permit such a thing; for, although this land is of much cost and
no profit, it is a foothold and stepping-stone by which to enter