nao, which is about one-quarter
legua from the village. The father prior flew thither, with the
rapidity of one who is in search of consolation, for he was most
afflicted. Scarcely was he descried on the beach, when the general
sent a skiff for him. He was taken by the skiff to the flagship,
where he was received with repeated salvos of artillery. All the
men expressed mutual joy, which sprung from the bottom of the heart,
and were not superficial and born from the habit of deceit. Father
Fray Bernardino de la Concepcion returned as chaplain of the fleet,
because he urged the father provincial that he might do so, for he
considered his absence from the field of battle, where his comrades
were accomplishing so much for the crown, dishonorable to his valor
in the spiritual militia. When the mutual congratulations which
were exchanged between the father prior and those who composed the
relief were exhausted, the general gave the former a letter from the
governor. It read as follows:

"My Dear Father Fray Juan: Very sad has been the news that we have
had here of your Reverence and of the other fathers, and we were even
assured that you had all been killed. Consequently, the news from your
Reverence served me as a special source of joy, notwithstanding the
melancholy information contained therein of those insurrections. I
trust implicitly through God that your person will be kept safe for
the service of both Majesties. And I hope that that fleet which I have
been able to assemble quickly will keep you safe and that it will have
your Reverence's advice which I have ordered the general to receive as
you are a person of experience in that district. The army in charge of
General Esteybar is ordered to make forced marches. And next to God,
I look for success in all things to your Reverence because you are
there. May God preserve you, etc. Manila, January 2, 1661.

Don Sabiniano"

23. The general and the prior then discussed many points in regard
to the order that was to be followed in the war. It was known that
the weapons of the insurgents were poisoned arrows which caused death
irremediably no matter how small a wound they made. And although there
is not wanting an antidote to counteract that danger, yet that secret
is known only by certain Indians who refused to disclose it because
they desired the insolent multitude to conquer. But the vigilance of
our religious had already shown its foresight in a matter of so great
weig