a race that,
when we believe that they are most peaceful, they suddenly revolt,
and kill whomever they meet unprepared.

On its northern side, this island is about one hundred and twenty-five
leguas from the Philipinas; and so near to China that only a channel
of thirty leguas separates it from the province of Ucheo. Sailing
even farther north, Japon is 195 leguas away. The men are well built,
and not so brown as other Indians. The island lacks ports, and only
small vessels can reach our forts. The Dutch fortified themselves
on the same island first, and in a better place than we; and it was
as easy to drive them from it [then] as it is now difficult. From
their location to our settlement is a distance of fifty leguas by
sea, and there is no road overland or by the other sea. There was no
resistance offered to our settlement, although that is the usual thing
that happens when one desires to fortify himself in these regions.

The motive for settlement was the desire to be able to enjoy the
trade with China near at hand, which would redound to the advantage
and profit of the surrounding islands. That has not had the desired
effect, because of the difficulties that have arisen, distinct from
the facilities of the first plan--to which are added new accidents,
which are being continually experienced. The chief of all is that your
Majesty has more than two thousand infantry-men in various presidios,
while in this camp [_i.e._, Manila] those who remain do not exceed
six hundred. From this place are sent out all the reenforcements for
all parts. If it were necessary to fit out six or eight galleons,
it would be very difficult to do so without the infantry now in the
island of Hermosa; and yet, with that infantry, they could attempt
great things. In my opinion, even if all the purposes for which the
island of Hermosa had been settled had come to pass, it would result
in loss to the rest of Philipinas; for it is advisable for the good
of these islands, that the Chinese, Japanese, and other nations bring
their merchandise from their lands to this city at their own account
and risk, and never at ours; and permission should not be given to make
a way-station, or to maintain anyone to buy their goods. The advantage
of that will be little, and the scarcity [of goods] general. I am not
bold enough to say that the forts of the island of Hermosa should be
abandoned, but I affirm stoutly that it would be well had they never
been commenc