as Christendom has need and your vassals desire. Manila,
June 19, 1597.

_Don Francisco Tello_

As matters of importance arise in this government, it becomes necessary
to give your Majesty an account of such affairs. Yesterday we held
a council of war to consider a petition presented to us by Don Luys
Perez Dasmarinas, relative to an expedition to the island of Hermosa,
and we passed resolutions which your Majesty may examine, if you
be pleased to do so, by means of the report which will accompany
this. Although I ordered with resolution what was to be done, I shall
keep the sounding-lead in my hand until reenforcements and money
arrive from Mexico; for without men nothing can be done. I have sent
to the viceroy for five hundred men.

While the detachment of thirty soldiers under an ensign, ordered
to the assistance of Mindanao, was on its way thither, aboard a
Sangley ship, the Sangleys (who numbered more than forty) mutinied,
and killed twenty-five soldiers and some women, and the rest jumped
overboard. Captain Gregorio de Bargas, who was sailing in that region
with my orders, upon hearing of the matter, attacked and captured the
ship, and killed forty soldiers. Nine who were left alive were brought
to me two days ago. Today they were executed, with great publicity,
before the eyes of their nation and others who are in this city.

Yesterday there arrived from Malaca some of the soldiers who were
with Sargento-mayor Gallinato on the expedition to Canboja. They say
that they had the news there that Malucos and Terrenatans had banded
together, captured your Majesty's fort and annihilated the Portuguese
detachment stationed there. I am making an investigation to see what
foundation this report has. The result I shall try to send on these
ships. These soldiers also say that they were told that there were four
English ships off Maluco; and that it was thought that they had joined
Terrenate and Maluco to undertake this enterprise. I am guarding the
frontiers, because as there are few men here and the fort is in Manila,
they were in need of reenforcements. In everything I shall continue
to do all that is necessary for your Majesty's royal service, and I
shall inform you of everything that happens, after the departure of
these vessels, by the despatch-boat, which will be in readiness to
be sent out if necessary.

They say that the news from Mindanao is quite plainly for your
Majesty's advantage. Although I have heard not