nd to remain in the land, since we do not bring our
wives with us. Up to this time they have mistrusted us much; but, on
seeing the arrival of women, they have become somewhat reassured. If
your Excellency orders many to come, and if a community of married
people is established, the natives will become totally reconciled
and will serve us better.

Between this island of Panae and that of Cubu we have found
a pearl-fishery, from which the natives are accustomed to obtain
their pearls. This year the governor [101] sent there a Spaniard to
fish for the pearls, in company with the Indians of an island called
Bantayan, which lies near the fishery. Some of the pearls he brought
were as large as hazel-nuts, or a little smaller, and others were
much smaller. It is said that, on account of bad weather, he was not
able to fish there more than two hours, and consequently he did not
gather very many pearls. Many fisheries of a similar kind are to be
found in these islands.

One of the things, most excellent Sir, which has caused and still
causes us much injury, as it concerns both the souls and the peace
of mind of these wretched natives, is our incurable greed, which is
so deeply rooted in our hearts. The eyes of the understanding are
so closed in that respect that only God could uproot it from our
hearts. May our Lord remedy it according to His knowledge of what is
necessary for His service.

I beseech your Excellency kindly to send me a cipher system, so
that I may give notice of what we need for the service of God and
of his Majesty. I beseech your Excellency to forgive my boldness,
for certainly my desire and intention is to be fully successful in
the service of his Majesty and of your Excellency.

Letter from Juan Pacheco Maldonado to Felipe II

Catholic Royal Majesty:

In the year of seventy, your Majesty's camp being in the island of
Panae, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, your governor, was informed that the
island of Luzon was very fertile and well populated, and afforded a
good opportunity for trade. Since the island of Panae was poor, and
the men there were in great extremity, he sent the master-of-camp,
Martin de Goiti, with a sufficient force to examine the island
of Luzon, and offer peace and friendship to its natives. The said
master-of-camp, having arrived at the said island of Luzon, at the
port and city of Manila, found that the natives had built a fort and
mounted six pieces of heavy artillery and a numb