was learned that Juan Pablo had ascended the river two
leagues and had fortified himself in a bay; and that with him was the
galley, which had begun to leak everywhere, in the engagement with
the Japanese. The Indian crew was discharged on account of not having
the supplies which were lost on the galley. Most of these men went
aboard the "Sant Jusepe." They said that the Japanese were attacking
them with eighteen _champans_, [20] which are like skiffs. They were
defending themselves well although there were but sixty soldiers with
the seamen, and there were a thousand of the enemy, of a race at once
valorous and skilful. The six soldiers came with this news, and on the
way they met a sailor who had escaped from a Sangley ship which had
sailed from here, with supplies of rice for Juan Pablo. He says that
the Sangleys mutinied at midnight and killed ten soldiers who were
going with it as an escort, who had no sentinel. This one escaped by
swimming, with the aid of a lance that was hurled at him from the ship.

Moreover, I have just detained some passengers who were going on this
ship, because there are no troops on these islands, and a hundred
soldiers have to go immediately as a reenforcement, although the
weather is tempestuous. I expect to be one of them, if the governor
will give me permission.

These enemies, who have in truth remained here, are a warlike people;
and if your Excellency do not provide by this ship, and reenforce us
with a thousand soldiers, these islands can be of little value. May
your Excellency with great prudence provide what is most necessary
for his Majesty's service, since we have no resource other than the
favor your Excellency shall order to be extended to us.

The governor was disposed to send assistance to the ship, which was a
very important affair; but after these events he will not be able to do
it, because there do not remain in this city seventy men who can bear
arms. May our Lord guard the most illustrious and excellent person of
your Excellency and increase your estate, as your Excellency's servants
desire. From Cabite, June 25, 1582. Most excellent and illustrious sir,
your servant kisses your Excellency's hands.

_Juan Baptista Roman_

LETTER FROM PENALOSA TO FELIPE II

Royal Catholic Majesty:

By this ship, which is to leave these islands on the last of June of
this year, I am giving your Majesty a full account of the condition of
affairs and events in this re