fleet, which was to be despatched from those islands.  As it was already so belated when I arrived, it would have been in danger if I had not come to its rescue, and might not have arrived here.  I have also kept merchant vessels from the islands of Jolo and Taguima during this whole time.  Thus far they have been giving help to the enemy, the most important which they have received; but as they were present at the defeat of the Terrenatans, they are little disposed to remain with them or favor the people of Buyahen.  I warned them to be waiting for me at the end of January at La Caldera with the tribute, so that I should not go to their country to punish them.  If they do not give it, perhaps I shall do so, as it will be the most certain way.

As I have had no letter from the lord governor I do not know what he may have ordered concerning the continuation of this establishment; but I can say this for myself, that even if he orders me to desert it in so great need as it is, without giving the least information as to the situation in which I now am, which is very different from what I have hitherto thought it, I should not do so.  For if it is not kept up for the good which it may be hoped will result to the country, in order to make up for the damage which it suffered in being laid waste, then it must be done for the consideration that its condition will be like that of all the Pintados, which were laid waste unmercifully.  And as these affairs are not well understood there, perhaps they thought it sufficient to station here, or at La Caldera, fifty soldiers as a garrison in order to keep the country in check.  Those and as many more will be a breakfast to these natives on the day when they do not see that things move on so effectually as now; and they would have done the same thing to those who would have remained in this fort, when I was told to withdraw the rest of the camp to Zebu.  In short, I have done this only of my own free will, for good or evil, and without advice—­not because I am not given to taking it on all occasions, but because in this country it has always turned out ill, and few are brought into friendship through force.

Neither do I think of wasting time in besieging Buyahen any longer; because, by the means which I have now taken, I shall reduce it to peace with much less difficulty.  I am negotiating a marriage between Raxa Mura and the sister of Xlunao, who is the chief of this village of Tanpaca.  He is willing and anxious for it and has already embarked to come to see me.  As he is a boy, although he is respected by all, his uncles Sali and Silonga would not let him do so.  They have hindered him, warning him that he will be hanged.  He is importunate in his desire to come, saying that he has no fear of the Spaniards, because he has done them no harm; and his father, Dimasanca, was their friend and paid them tribute, and why should they do him harm?  As his uncles are so much to blame they are keeping him back, thinking that they cannot