I sent to Mindanao Captain Toribio de Miranda, so that, until the arrival of the troops, he might encourage and look after the Spaniards, who had fortified themselves there after the death of Esteban Rrodriguez.  Captain Toribio de Miranda, setting out with this order of mine, met the soldiery who had deserted that position, on account of the coming of Captain Juan de Lajara.  The latter I hold under arrest.  He is to be tried for having abandoned his post without orders from the governor of these islands.  Toribio de Miranda having met these men, showed them my orders which he was carrying, and made them return.  Then of the men whom I had sent from here, some arrived with Captain Diego de Chabez, with assistance in the shape of supplies.  Encouraged by this, many returned to Mindanao with the others and fortified themselves again, although in a better position than before.  After this, General Don Juan Ronquillo left Oton with the rest of his force, which numbered perhaps one hundred and fifty men in all.  At the present moment I am quite satisfied that, after his arrival, a large part of that land will be peacefully opened up.  I have no good reports from that land in regard to abundance of provisions or gold (which is the only thing to encourage those who make these conquests), nor as large a tribute as there was said to be.  In the prosecution of this business the necessary demands of your Majesty’s service will be considered.

When I came to the government I found that the Sangleys had been given a free hand, and jurisdiction in the administration and cabildo.  Considering the troubles that might result, and the large numbers of Sangleys here (somewhat over ten thousand), I took away and withdrew their power in the administration—­leaving, however, a governor among them, as was formerly the custom.  I have expelled from this land a large number of the Sangleys who were here, and I shall soon order many others to go, leaving only three or four thousand men, who are necessary for the service of the land.

About two months ago the Parian of the Sangleys was burned, together with a large amount of property.  I assisted that night in taking care of the property of a few, which was saved.  The fire did not touch this city, although the Parian is contiguous to it.  All this was well done, and I permitted them to rebuild their Parian, but one hundred paces farther from the city than it was before.

We are having a good deal of trouble from the license taken by some religious in this land.  They have a practice of excommunicating the governor by virtue of the apostolic briefs in their possession.  Having no authority here to annul their unlawful acts, we can have no liberty to carry on your Majesty’s service as it should be done.  Therefore I humbly beg your Majesty to consider and order what is most necessary for your Majesty’s service.