w of the successful engagement. Before
this he had written to me, after having conquered the enemy, that,
on account of this success and the improvement of affairs, he would
not, even if he should receive an order from me to do so, retire until
affairs were more settled. However, when my order arrived, he was in
some difficulties, and therefore left that place and retired to La
Caldera, which is near. There he built a fort, and before he departed
thence, he received my second order to remain at the river of Mindanao,
the first place taken, and build a fort there. Not only did he fail to
comply with this order, but he has returned with all the troops except
a hundred men, leaving everything there exposed to danger. I reported
this to the Audiencia, and after they had examined the papers thereof,
I resolved to arrest the said Don Juan, accuse him, and after trying
him, convict or acquit him. [16] Affairs being in this condition,
I sent aid to La Caldera, which was very necessary; and I wrote to
the army, encouraging them to persevere in the service of your Majesty.

It is now eight months since the rising in the province of Cagayan. The
country is in rebellion, but it is true that the encomenderos gave
cause for the disturbance by oppressing the natives with tributes,
and in other ways. The one who caused most harm in this respect was
Don Rodriguez Ronquillo, who died while in prison for this cause. The
addition of four reals to the tribute, which was collected last year,
also helped to rouse the rebellion. When I considered the serious
harm which might result from the uprising in the land, I sent the
master-of-camp, Pedro de Chaves, with competent troops, in order
that, by means of kind methods, he might reduce them completely to
the service of your Majesty. I ordered also that the increase in the
tribute be suspended; and this has been done and will be continued
until your Majesty is pleased to order otherwise. I think that,
until the affairs of this land are better established, say for six
years, these four reals should not be collected; but your Majesty
will provide according to the royal pleasure.

The master-of-camp arrived with his troops at Cagayan, and in
conformity with my order he pacified that land; and Magalate, the
leader of the Indians, was killed by some soldiers in ambush. [17]
This Indian had so much ability, authority, and shrewdness that he
could have caused much damage if he had lived. The master-of-