st them are insufficiently substantiated, there
are opinions expressed that we should overlook their acts. But,
considering that if those forty soldiers are guilty, they may infect
the presidios where they may be stationed; and since the matter is so
public, and open to the gaze of so many barbarians--especially of the
Sangleys, who are more liable [to this sin] than any other nation,
this wretched affair ought to be punished with great severity and
vigor. [_In the margin_: "His Majesty has ordered, by a decree of
the past year 635, that convict soldiers be not sent to Terrenate;
and that those who are there be removed every three years, so that
they may serve with greater comfort and good will."]

The volunteer soldiers remained in Terrenate, and more than one
hundred and forty were changed. To these was given one installment
of pay that was sent them; and it had been many years since they had
received any pay. The rest were provided with materials for clothing,
and with food; and, since they know that the same thing is to be done
every year, that presidio remained happy and safe.

But the said governor, Pedro de Heredia, lately writes me that the
natives of the island of Terrenate, who have until now recognized
Cachil Varo as king of Tidore, have refused to obey him; and they have
crowned another Moro in his place, a chief named Cachil Borotalo,
as they say that the latter is the true heir of that kingdom,
and that Cachil Varo was an intruder. That makes me most anxious,
because, besides that it is not my duty to disinherit kings, the
new one who claims to be king has, until now, been living in Malayo
under the protection of the Dutch and serving in the post of naval
commander. Although he has sent ambassadors to me, and promises to be
faithful, there is little trust to be placed in his word, while Cachil
Varo is a very valiant Moro, and a true servant to your Majesty. Every
year, hitherto, a present has been sent to him, as well as to his
father before him; and besides being very much of a Spaniard, he has
retired into his fort of Tidore (which is of greater importance than
the forts that we ourselves hold), and the great mass of the people,
with more than two thousand chiefs, obey him.

The governor [of Terrenate], Pedro de Heredia, tells me that he has not
meddled in any way with these disturbances, but that he is neutral. But
the said king of Tidore complains of him, and attributes to him the
insurrection of hi