I herewith certify to the same: 

Alonso Beltran, his Majesty’s notary

In the chief galley, named “Santiago,” while at sea near the island of Borney, one of the Filipinas islands belonging to his Majesty, on Sunday, the thirteenth day of the month of April, one thousand five hundred and seventy-eight, the very illustrious Doctor Francisco de Sande, governor and captain-general for his Majesty, declared that, as is well known, his Lordship going with the galleys and ships of the fleet here amid these islands at this present time—­and sailing with every mark of peace to the port of Borney, and as a token of the same, with a white flag at the bow of the flagship, in which the said governor is sailing—­it was discovered by the said galley, and by the fragata [23] sailing in advance of the fleet as a scout-boat, that the mouth of the river-harbor called Borney was occupied and blockaded with a great number of vessels.  And because it was learned from other Indians of the said river of Borney that they desired war instead of peace; and as he did not desire to war upon them, or do them any damage—­to the offense of God, our Lord, or in disobedience to his Majesty’s orders—­the said governor ordered the said flagship, and all the said fleet, to cast anchor, and sent a message by two Moros of Balayan, his Majesty’s vassals in the island of Lucon.  These men were ordered to tell the Borneans, in order that they might know, that his intentions were peaceful; that, as a token thereof, he was flying the white flag; and that they should not trouble themselves to fire any of their artillery upon the Spaniards, for, if the Borneans did any damage, they would be punished.  The said ambassadors took also two letters, one in the Bornean language, and the other in the Moro tongue, which they understand.  In these letters was affirmed security of peace, and other matters.  And—­inasmuch as military affairs cannot maintain the moderation that may be desired, because of the emergencies that usually arise—­in order that the above might be evident, and also in anticipation of whatever might happen, the governor ordered this set down in writing, making therein the present declaration; that I, the said notary, might certify thereto in toto, and file with these records the original of the said letter, which he ordered to be written to the said Indians, so that all may be kept together and serve as evidence of the above matters.  Thus Doctor Francisco de Sande ordered, and he signed it in my presence.

Alonso Beltran, his Majesty’s notary