The island of Matheo is excellent, and a better expedition could be made there. Concerning the island of Matheo, I have been able to learn from men who have been there that it is very fertile, thickly populated, and rich in food products, including rice.  The inhabitants are not very warlike.  Would to God that your Lordship had expended there what was left here, for with less effort we would have gained more.  Terrenate has some dealings with this island. [I say this] in case anything is to be done before it has more.  Of Maluco I have not ascertained anything new, except that things are in their usual condition.

He has not effected a settlement, as he has not found a convenient site.  He is awaiting the pleasure of your Lordship, and [a more favorable] season. As yet I have not effected any settlement, as I have not found a suitable and convenient location for it, for all the river above is swampy; and, if we were to look for dry land along its course, it is so far away that it would take a week to reach it from the mouth of the river.  Although beyond this river, toward La Canela, there is a good place for a settlement, yet it is not advisable to leave this river now until matters are more settled and quiet.  This river is the residence of the chief men of the island.  Accordingly I shall wait the result of this rainy season; and if the discomfort be not too great, I shall settle on the site where I am now established, which is in a very good position, and here I shall await your Lordship’s decision.

That the Indians are warlike and have fortified themselves, with their forces now there, and others that they will collect, when the proposal is made that they must pay tribute.  Hence, reenforcements of soldiers, ammunition and food are necessary, and time. Although things have so fortunate a beginning as I have related, it is by way of peace.  All the chiefs retain their full complements of artillery and arquebuses, so that, whenever they wish to defend themselves, they may do so.  Beyond any doubt, on the day that tribute is demanded from them, not only our new friends, but Danganlibor and Lumaquan as well, who rendered homage of their own free will, will rebel.  For the speedy subjection of them all, we need a large force.  Hence I repeat to your Lordship, in order that you may not be deceived by certain opinions of persons who have not seen this region for many years—­for it is not as of yore, and they did not know it, and the inhabitants are Indians only in name—­that a great force of soldiers is needed, as well as ammunition, in order to make them pay tribute.  This matter is of prime importance.  I would not be complying with my obligation unless I entreated your Lordship to consider this matter deeply.  You should consider whether this enterprise must be given up or sustained, for it is very costly, and we must not allow odds to be taken of us when we have our best opportunity.  Thus I think that we can finish this matter at one time, and that your Lordship should send two hundred men in one summer.  With this number we can overrun all districts, take away the natives’ artillery, and collect tribute.  This manner of proceeding would be very economical.