ot have any arms except lances or darts
made of human bones. They are very peaceful among themselves. When
it happens that there is a quarrel among them, it is settled by a few
blows of their fists upon each other's heads. But this rarely happens;
because, if some wish to come to blows, others separate them and make
them stop the dispute. They are not, nevertheless, stupid or heavy;
on the contrary, they have fire and vivacity. They are not as stout as
the natives of the Marianas Islands, but they are well proportioned,
and of nearly the same height as the Philippinos. Both men and women
let their hair grow, which falls upon their shoulders.

When these strangers learned that they were to be conducted into
the presence of the father missionary, they painted themselves all
over the body with a certain yellow color, which they consider a
great adornment. They are so satisfied at finding here in abundance
all that is necessary to life, that they have offered to return to
their own country in order to attract here their compatriots, and
to persuade them to enter into intercourse with these islands. Our
governor is much pleased with this design, in view of the fact that
he has subjected all this country to the king of Spain; and this would
open a wide door for the propagation of the gospel. The eldest of the
strangers had once before been thrown upon the coast of the province of
Caragan in one of these islands; but, as he found only some infidels
who dwelt in the mountains and along these deserted shores, he had
returned to his own country, without having known of the abundance
and the riches of these islands. He had been more fortunate in this
second voyage. The children have already been baptized, and the
others have been instructed in the mysteries of our religion. They
are very skilful in diving; and it is said that they recently found,
while fishing, two large pearls in the shells, which they threw back
into the sea, because they did not know their value. [8]

I write you all this, my reverend Father, persuaded that you will be
glad to learn news so advantageous to those of your children who have
the good fortune to carry the faith into this new country. We have
need of workers, for there is much work to do. We hope that you will
have the kindness to send some workers to us, and will not forget us
in your holy devotions. I am with profound respect, my very reverend
Father, your Paternity's very humble and obedient serv