I set out upon my expedition, and, upon arriving at Maluco, conferred immediately with the commandant, Diego Dacambujar.  But, in discussing with him what was expedient for your Majesty’s service, in accordance with my instructions, he was quite lukewarm in a matter requiring so great haste, and thus detained me several days with questions and answers.  Finally, seeing the great need of haste that I represented to him, he left his post, and we marched with our men until we were within cannon-shot of the fort, where with all haste we entrenched ourselves.  The enemy was well supplied with much artillery, both great and small, and began at once to fire on me.  Nevertheless, I made every effort to reach the walls and to enter the fort by open assault; but having no cannon with which to demolish it—­the most necessary thing—­and seeing the great resistance that the enemy offered, I was forced to retire, with several soldiers wounded, and returned to my trenches.  I remained there several days, defending myself from the heavy shower of balls rained down upon our camp.  During all this time, Diego Dacambujar did not attempt to give any orders, and finally said that, if we remained there any longer, not one of us would be left alive.  Thereupon I answered him that I came for that very purpose, or else to capture that fort and leave it your Majesty’s.  In everything he displayed his usual lukewarmness, and upon calling a council of war, it was agreed to strike camp and retire to his fort.  As afterward appeared, he was not anxious—­for his own private interest and his trade in cloves with the petty king—­that anything should be effected, as your Majesty will see in greater detail by the accompanying copy of the inquiry made concerning this matter.

Thereupon I returned to this city of Manila, heavy at heart at not having attained the object which I had desired for the service of your Majesty, and resolved to pledge my person and property to obtain the men and supplies to spend in your royal service, although I should pledge myself to the further sum of six or seven thousand pesos—­the amount spent on this expedition.  However, it did not please God that this should come to pass, on account of the few men and supplies remaining from the late fire.

As I was one of the very first to come here to serve your Majesty in these islands, the hardships and wretchedness suffered here grieve me so sorely, and especially those of this city, that I feel obliged to inform your Majesty of several of them.

First, it is very necessary that your Majesty order a fortress of stone built in this city, for the one here now would be exceedingly easy to take, as it is nothing more than a palisade, with but little rampart; and, as your Majesty will have been informed, we are surrounded by so many enemies.