It is now eight months since the rising in the province of Cagayan.  The country is in rebellion, but it is true that the encomenderos gave cause for the disturbance by oppressing the natives with tributes, and in other ways.  The one who caused most harm in this respect was Don Rodriguez Ronquillo, who died while in prison for this cause.  The addition of four reals to the tribute, which was collected last year, also helped to rouse the rebellion.  When I considered the serious harm which might result from the uprising in the land, I sent the master-of-camp, Pedro de Chaves, with competent troops, in order that, by means of kind methods, he might reduce them completely to the service of your Majesty.  I ordered also that the increase in the tribute be suspended; and this has been done and will be continued until your Majesty is pleased to order otherwise.  I think that, until the affairs of this land are better established, say for six years, these four reals should not be collected; but your Majesty will provide according to the royal pleasure.

The master-of-camp arrived with his troops at Cagayan, and in conformity with my order he pacified that land; and Magalate, the leader of the Indians, was killed by some soldiers in ambush. [17] This Indian had so much ability, authority, and shrewdness that he could have caused much damage if he had lived.  The master-of-camp has now returned, and I am examining the papers which he brought with him.  Although it is thought best to punish some of the subdued Indians, it is being done with mercy; for the bishop of Cagayan has told me that he holds a certain decree of your Majesty, whereby it appears that the war waged against those Indians at their conquest was not fully justified.

There have also been other uprisings of the Cambales blacks [18] in Pampanga, but they have all been suppressed by the effective measures which are so necessary in this land.  I have succeeded in pacifying an Indian by the name of Casilian, who is the chief of the Cambales; and I am trying to bring him to this city, and to change the site of his settlement, in order that we may have more security.

There is always suspicion of Xapon, and, according to the advices which I now have, those people desire exceedingly to come here, although it is difficult for them to do so by ship.  Consequently, I am, and shall be, well prepared for them, with arms in readiness.  Garrisons are always maintained in that part of the country by which they would approach, namely, in the province of Cagayan.  I have great hope, God helping, that Japon will be subdued.  Several prominent persons there, with whom I have friendship and communication, have written to me.  I have replied to them, and sent them presents, as must be done with these people.  The one who is most friendly is the general of Coria, named Gentio, who is close in the order of succession in the kingdom to the Conbaco. [19] He wrote me that, although not a Christian himself, he is a friend of Christians.  Having this good-will, he might receive the holy gospel, and I am trying to bring this to pass.  This communication is secret, being without the knowledge of the Conbaco, who is very much hated in his kingdom, because of his great tyranny.