Many events have taken place in these days.  One of them was the rising of the Zambales natives, and the murder of two alcaldes-mayor—­one a short time before I came, and the other after my arrival.  Therefore I appointed Captain Julian de Cuenca alcalde-mayor of Panpanga, to go to punish them—­which is a difficult matter, because these Zambales are in hiding in rugged mountain ranges.  However, he wrote me that he had beheaded twenty of them, and that he continues to hunt them down; so that after such a punishment they will be sufficiently frightened for him to make the effort to induce them to leave the sierra for a settlement where they may be instructed.

Although I commenced to govern with mildness, because it seemed to me the best way to get along with the Spaniards here, yet when I came to know them and see the license that they take, I found it necessary to punish several captains and regidors.  On New Year’s day, I had the entire city council arrested for an act of disobedience to me, which occurred during the election of alcaldes.  In all that has been done I have followed judicial forms and taken records, so that, whenever it is necessary, your Majesty may order their examination.

When I arrived, I found your Majesty’s royal affairs in confusion, owing to the carelessness and neglect of former governors.  I have ordered that, in building, stone shall be substituted for wood which has hitherto been used.  Fines and the expenses of justice will be attended to.  I also ordered the construction of cabildo buildings in stone, where there had been none before.  The whole city has been enriched by stone buildings, and since my arrival more than one hundred and fifty houses have been erected.  I am trying to have water conducted into the city, as it is needed by the citizens and by the troops stationed here by your Majesty.  Many have died on account of the poor water.

Don Luys Dasmarinas, when he was governor here, appointed Captain Juan Xuarez Gallinato sargento-mayor of the force to go to the assistance of the king of Canboja, who they said was besieged by his enemy the king of Cian.  When they arrived there they met a rough reception from a part of the people of Canboja, and from some Sangleys who are settled there and engage in trade.  The Spanish came to blows with some of these Sangleys and killed some of them.  There was lost, according to their story, a large amount of property belonging to the Sangleys, which they had placed aboard sampans at the time of the fight.  I am examining the papers which Captain Juan Xuarez Gallinato brought.  He has already returned from his expedition, and justice will be meted out in the case.  May our Lord preserve your Majesty for many years for the need of Christendom, etc.  Manila, April twenty-nine, 1597.

Don Francisco Tello

Sire: 

From the vessel “San Phelipe,” lost in the sea of Japan, some letters addressed to your Majesty reached my hands, which I enclose herewith.