the fifths, for which my companions asked, during my absence, in a certain council that was held, telling the captains that for the present these ought not to be given.  And although I do not believe that the amount is yet so heavy that it could swell your Majesty’s royal treasury, through the good custom and law permitted by God, which that would put an end to—­the answer that I gave when they notified me of it, was that, since they were like myself, your Majesty’s servants and vassals they were in duty bound to increase your Majesty’s crown and royal estate, to the best of their ability, and ought to do so.

It is especially necessary that your Majesty order that the people who are to come to these parts from Nueva Espana shall be sent without regularly appointed captains, but that they shall bring a person suitable to command them as far as these islands, to the point where the governor, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, shall reside, in order to deliver the people to him and give up the command; and that your Majesty shall assign to this duty persons who shall seem to be better qualified for your Majesty’s royal service, because thus our reenforcements will come more conveniently and with less expense to the royal treasury.  There will thus be an opportunity for rewarding the persons who have served your Majesty here, as being also men experienced and conversant in the business and affairs of this land, and accustomed to the hardships to be encountered here.  I think that those who newly come will feel these hardships keenly, on account of this country being, as it is, very different from other regions—­as your Majesty will see in the case of Diego de Artieda. [5] He came on the capitana, in which he wished to return immediately after having transacted his business, and having served your Majesty very little, as your Majesty will, by this time, have full information and account; and the cause, as far as it is known, has been his unsteady disposition.  I say this, that your Majesty may have the most important information in this matter; and in everything your Majesty will act as suits your pleasure.

When the Portuguese were in this harbor, it was learned that they were trading and bargaining on the coast of China and Japan; and that it was a business by which they were maintaining themselves, since it was the most extensive and advantageous trade that has been hitherto seen in any place where trade has been carried on.  I am certain of this from what I heard from them in general, and especially from the captain-general and other persons in the fleet that came here, mainly to learn what your Majesty is doing—­a thing they strenuously denied.  I make this observation as one who transacted the business with them and with the said captain-general, for your Majesty and in your Majesty’s royal service.  Your Majesty will understand, without doubt, their feelings at learning that your Majesty was continuing this affair and expedition—­which were quite evident