I appreciate greatly the favor which your illustrious Lordship has done me, by the favorable and prompt despatch of these ships.  I kiss your Lordship’s hands a thousand times and everyone here does the same, as I have informed them of the difficulty of the task which your Lordship has so easily accomplished.  Although I have tried to despatch the ships here with all haste, I am informed by sailors who understand the matter that it is not safe to send them out until the twentieth or twenty-fifth of June.  The weather is not settled until then, and they usually put into a harbor during bad weather.  Nevertheless, henceforth I will have them sail from here in the middle of June, in order that there shall not be the inconveniences to which your Lordship refers.

Although much merchandise has come from China this year, little has been sold for lack of reals, and the Indians hid and kept the goods until now.  At the news of the arrival of the ships, and the knowledge that they bring considerable money, they have taken courage and have rejoiced exceedingly.  In order that these Indians may increase their trade to any extent, it is necessary that money be sent in sufficient amount and at regular intervals.

Your illustrious Lordship commands me to observe the orders given to Francisco Gali about the discovery of the route from these ports toward Nueva Espana.  I will keep your Lordship’s commands to the letter, and will try to advise you soon, although the ship “San Juan” is of no use, as it is worm-eaten and old.  I shall have carpenters examine it, and if it will not serve, I shall have them inspect the ships which I have here, to see if any are fit, and to avoid the expense and delay.

Your Lordship commands that the mining of gold be done with the aid of quicksilver, as is done in Talpaxagua.  In another letter I gave an account to your Lordship of what has been done in mining here.

We have seen the royal decrees concerning the harmony which his Majesty commands us to maintain with the viceroy and captains of India and Maluco, whom we must aid.  On one occasion they sent an urgent request from Maluco, the captains assuring me that with two or three hundred men the whole matter could be settled, and the fort and islands be restored to his Majesty.  They had been usurped by the petty king of Terrenate, as will appear in a copy of the letter accompanying this.  As these men could be spared from here without risk, I sent about four hundred arquebusiers and a large number of natives with artillery, powder, and ammunition.  There were also twenty-seven small boats and fragatas and one galley, sufficiently provided for one year.  Although they became separated on the way, and because of the weather six boats were lost on the coast of Panay, I had others provided, and they continued their voyage—­all except one boat with two pieces of artillery and fifteen or twenty men, and some powder and ammunition.  Moreover a galleon sent as succor