and their great vigor and intelligence.  They have large villages and houses, abundance of rice, cattle, fruit, cotton, anise, ginger, and other products.  In that region fifteen thousand tributarios are subject to your Majesty’s obedience.  When the year, as above stated, had expired, I sent to Tuy, about five months ago, thirty soldiers under their leader, for the sole purpose of visiting those villages and ascertaining whether they were obedient to your Majesty’s service and friendly to us.  I sent them some beads, hawk’s bells, and other trifles of slight value, although these things are highly esteemed among them.  The people were found to be quite peaceful, obedient, and friendly, and were willing to pay the tribute to your Majesty at that time, as you will see by the accompanying information.  I was unwilling to have the tribute collected until we have fathers to instruct them—­or at least, until we institute justice among them and found a settlement there.  For this last-named purpose I have no men, because many have died of disease during the past year.  I am considering whether I shall make the settlement in Tuy, as it is the capital, or between Tuy and Cagayan; upon the arrival of the vessels, and after I have ascertained the fitness of the troops (for this vessel brought but few), we shall determine what is best.

The same need of ministers is felt in the provinces of Cagayan.  And although all these provinces are so truly pacified, and the Indians therein very friendly and well satisfied, and all pay tribute, still the fourth part of the tribute is not collected, because of the lack of ministers.  There is a countless number of villages needing instruction, and all ready to become Christians, and for this reason also I am awaiting ministers.  I enclose information concerning the excellent condition of that region.

I have written your Majesty before of the good condition of the Zambales’ affairs, and the severe punishment meted out to them, and the lack of ministers for the recent settlements made in pacifying them.  Because of this lack, we have been unable to establish these settlements, as fully as is desirable—­although the highways are safe and open, while in the mountain districts disturbances are but slight; so that the good condition prevails that your Majesty will see by the inclosed account.  In Pangasinan and Ylocos, the tributes have been lately increased, and the whole district enjoys peace and tranquillity, as is apparent by the other account enclosed.  In all these transactions in the above districts, there has resulted no confusion; on the contrary, there is universal tranquillity and accord.  The same peace and tranquillity reigns in the provinces of Pintados, Cibu, and Camarines; and although, at my arrival here, on the opposite coast there were some things that needed attention and adjustment, as well as in other parts of these islands of Luzon and all this kingdom, there is now no quarter that has not been explored and that does not render peaceful homage to your Majesty.