my be prevented from using it. Likewise
your Majesty will have shelter for his vessels, and a foothold
in that country, which abounds with meat and rice. This would be
very useful and convenient for sending supplies thence to Terrenate,
during the whole year. During most seasons of the year the voyage from
Macazar to the islands of Panay and the Pintados, or to this island,
can be made. As there have been some Spaniards and friars there,
and this was pleasing to those Indians and their master; and as they
are receiving the water of holy baptism in considerable numbers, and
have now shown signs that they are troubled at the lack of religious;
and as the Spaniards have retired by the order of Master-of-camp
Don Luis de Bracamonte--it has appeared best to me to send again
some men and a couple of religious of the Order of St. Francis,
together with Captain Francisco Melendez Marques, who has been very
well received and is much liked by the said Indians. I ordered him
that, through friendship, or in whatever way he could best do it,
he should strive to win their good-will, so that they might not
only consent to give us a place where fortifications might be built,
which would be a sufficient foundation for greater works, but that
they should also aid in that labor; and that he should use and take
possession of the site as soon as it should be conceded to him, or
as soon and as fully as possible. Or having examined and chosen the
spot, he should leave it until I should be able to send the troops
and what was necessary therefor. For the said purpose he took nearly
a thousand pesos in money, or in stuffs and other articles which are
most valued there. I take it that this is a thing more than expedient;
and, if I had been informed of it before, I would have tried to do
this earlier. I shall be glad if your Majesty is satisfied and pleased
with it, as in all I desire to win your approval.

The chief captain of Ffernanbuc, [25] Martin Dessosa de San Pago,
and his wife and three children, who were prisoners in the hands of
the Dutch, I have had exchanged for prisoners whom I held here. He
and his household are going with their goods in the galliots which
are now leaving this city for Yndia.

I also freed from the same captivity Captain Miguel de Sequeira
Sanudo, who also has already set out for Yndia, by the "Aura" [_i.e._,
"Breeze"], of Macan. As for the stuffs and merchandise which remained
to be got out of the ship called "Nue