and with them it will be
possible to hunt out the enemy at home. With garrisons no beneficial
results can be expected, in view of the great number of the islands;
if we put soldiers wherever they are needed, the whole force of these
provinces would not suffice--no, nor many more. Even if we had the
troops, the cost would be enormous and the gain nothing; for the Moros
come by sea, seize their booty, and take flight, without waiting to
come to close quarters, understanding well how to accomplish their
purposes and desires. Since it is impossible to get to close quarters
with them, I am making all possible haste to build the galleys. For
two I have the wood already cut, and for two others the wood will be
cut next month. I am making plans to provide them with a complement
of rowers; and I believe I shall be able to put them into such order
that we can live with much more quiet than hitherto. [_In the margin_:
"For the council of war--there is no answer;" _and, lower down_:
"Again no answer."] [4]

It was agreed at a council of war that the fleet under Captain
Gallinato should be prepared and put in order, to go on the expedition
for the occupation of Mindanao. It seemed that this was the best
means of putting an end to the great harm done by the inhabitants
of that island and of Jolo and Terrenate, and their confederates, to
your Majesty's vassals. While the orders in regard to the preparations
necessary to that end were being given, two letters arrived, one from
the viceroy of Yndia, and the other from Commander Andres Hurtado
de Mendoca. Copies will be enclosed, from which your Majesty will
understand the condition of the fleet made up in Yndia for Maluco,
and its need of aid. Your Majesty will also learn from the report
of Captain Antonio Brito Fogaca and of Father Andres Pereyra of
the Society of Jesus, who brought the letters, that although the
fleet to which the viceroy refers in his letter set sail from Yndia,
it put into harbor in distress and part of it was lost, as is made
plain from a statement by the said Captain Brito, of which a copy is
also enclosed. A great reduction of the strength of the fleet must
of course have resulted; and we considered the importance of the
undertaking and the great service that would be done by it to our
Lord God, and which your Majesty would receive from its success,
since the king of Terrenate is the principal defender in these
regions, of the accursed sect of Mahoma. We conside