first, starve us, on account of the lack of food on this island.  In view of other causes and arguments set forth for this change, we thought that the river Panae, situated forty leagues from this place, would be a more suitable site, for it abounds in rice, and no one from the sea could prevent us from going up the river to the mountains.  Accordingly we have removed thither the artillery, although the quantity of powder and ammunition now remaining is so small that the artillery can be of little help in any place.  We have decided to send the companies around the river into other towns, where they can sustain themselves until we hear from the enemy.

The flagship having been lost, I tried to repair this patache “San Lucas,” in order to send word to your Excellency that I have no other ship left, nor can I send further information until its return.  Thus we are left surrounded on all sides by water and enemies, awaiting the mercy of God, and the help and remedy which your Excellency will be pleased to send us, for we cannot expect it from any other source.  During the blockade by the Portuguese, we did not lack infamous men who, persuaded by words and promises, turned traitor and passed from this camp to their fleet.  These men, whose names accompany this letter, did us no little harm.  If the enemy return, may it please God that there be no more thus inclined; for, as we are poor and needy, and have not seen for many years any letter or order from his Majesty, or from any other person in his royal name, concerning what we ought to do, some of our men are much disheartened.  On the other hand, they are strongly solicited by the Portuguese with many offers and promises—­a thing which I most regret, and which gives me more grief than the harm which the enemy can do us.  May it please God to remedy this, for he knows what we need.

Before now I have written that if his Majesty has an eye only on the Felipina islands, they ought to be considered of little importance, because at present the only article of profit which we can get from this land is cinnamon; and unless order is established and a settlement is made, his Majesty will continue to waste money—­although since then I well understand that this land possesses regions which would more than pay for the money spent on them.  If his Majesty desires more important things hereafter, he needs to have a settlement here with a sure harbor and port.  In order that a better explanation may be given concerning what I am saying, I send to your Excellency a summary relation on the nature of this country and of the natives, [9] so that your Excellency may examine it and provide what is most necessary for the service of God and his Majesty and for the welfare of this land.  I also send with this letter the register of the flagship, so that it may be learned what it was carrying, and what of the cargo was lost.