e Audiencia appointed as commander-in-chief
of the Pintados Don Diego de Quinones, one of the most valiant
and courageous gentlemen ever in this land. His first act was to
strengthen the fort of Sugbu, in case the enemy should attack at that
point. While he was busy in that occupation, news came from Otong of
the approach of the Dutch with ten galleons, and of their intention
to colonize the point of Ilong-ylong. Instantly, he ordered a boat,
loaded it with bread and cheese, and went to Otong. In the nine days'
interval until the Dutch arrived, he built a redoubt of wood and
fascines, where he awaited the enemy, who arrived September 29. Don
Diego had but few men, although a company from Ternate was there, who
happened to come there in a wrecked fragata. They were of no little
service. His artillery consisted of small pieces which shot a ball no
larger than a very small orange. He had about one hundred men. Lazaro
de Torres was their captain, a man of great courage, and than whom no
one, in such opportunities, has been more fortunate. His alferez was
Don Pedro Zara, a very courageous soldier. In short, they fought so
that it appeared rather rashness than bravery. Two of our religious
were there, father Fray Jeronimo de Alvarado and Fray Juan de Morales,
besides the parish priest of the town, Bartolome Martes. They confessed
the troops, and encouraged them. The balls rained down, and thus they
penetrated throughout the fort, as if it had been paper. No place was
safe, for the enemy commanded the entire fort from their topmasts;
and no sooner did any one mount the parapet than he was shot. The
commander was wounded, as was Don Pedro Zara. Within that redoubt all
were heaped sweltering in their own blood, awaiting death. For, as
often as the enemy invested that small fort or redoubt, the Spaniards
resisted bravely and killed many of them. But finally, at the end,
the victory had to remain with the conqueror, who could be none other
than the Dutch as they had so strong forces. But our Lord in such a
conflict aided His own, who were fighting there for His honor under so
great odds; and willed that the enemy should abandon the undertaking,
and depart--to the wonder of all, after they had been firing at that
rampart for nearly two days. In that time they must have used more than
five hundred large balls, the reverberations of which sounded on the
heights of that island like thunder. On the departure of the enemy,
our men must h