Don Juan Arce

Before me: 

Manuel Caceres, notary

On this said day, he immediately sent this letter to the said king, by means of the said Indians, in the presence of me, the notary, and the witnesses herein signed.  The tenor of this letter is as follows, and was translated, as above said, into their language, by the aforesaid.

Noble and honorable king of Borney: 

I, Captain Juan, received a letter from your Majesty, by which I was informed that the letters which I had sent to the panguilan Salalila and Maraxa de Raxa had been received by your Majesty, because of the death of Salalila, and the absence of the other.  I was very glad thereat, and to learn, as I did, that your Majesty was in this kingdom, rebuilding your so ancient and noble city, which is a token that you wish to live in tranquillity and honor, as now is shown.  Your Majesty wished to take up arms last year, and, like a man without common sense, to make war on one who did not make war.  The governor, Don Francisco de Sande, captain-general of our people, and of all these islands, on the contrary, had only a desire for the friendship of your Majesty and your people.  It was God’s will, therefore, that you be conquered; and, contrary to our intention, your town was destroyed.  This was very little damage compared to the advantage that you would derive from becoming vassals of his Majesty, the king of Castilla, our sovereign, and the ally of the Castilians in this land; and from your people trading in peace throughout all this land, both with Spaniards and with the Moros of Manila, Balayan, Bonbon, Mindoro, Cubu, and any other district, so that the Borneans will become very rich and make great profits.  If your Majesty makes an alliance with us, it is quite certain that you will find good friends in us—­and so much so, that if any other king should molest you and you should have need of aid, the said governor will send his galleys and fleet to protect your Majesty, as if he were offering aid to our own Spaniards.  If your Majesty refuses our alliance, then will ensue much harm, for you will never sleep secure in your bed.  Neither will your vassals live in ease.  The Spaniards are so brave and so daring that they regard fighting and dangers as a repast.  Instead of thus offending them, I request you urgently that you should take good counsel as to what you should do, and quickly; so that, if you wish to make peace with me here, we may confer any time tomorrow.  Or you may appoint a chief who will bear your letter of credit and authorization to treat, in your name, concerning what is necessary.  If not, then I shall not be able to prevent certain damage that my people will commit, although my governor orders me not to commit any damage; and, to obey his order, I anchored in this port of Mohala.  I shall stay here until I receive word as to your intentions, until the said time expires.  And now, because I am told that your Majesty is a sensible man, and will study my reasons carefully, as is fitting, I shall say no more.  May God give you much health, and grace that you may know Him.  Written at Mohala, in his Majesty’s flagship.