justice, the more they pervert it when they wish to, using the freedom to vote which belongs to them.  On the occasion of the unfortunate event which happened to me on the night of the twelfth of May past [23]—­and it was so important and serious an affair, as your Majesty already knows, or will learn by the judicial record and papers regarding the matter, which I despatched by way of Nueva Spana and am now despatching via India—­they made (although I am their president) no more demonstration against the agents, go-betweens, and apologists who were guilty in this affair than if it had concerned the most wretched and degraded of the Chinamen who go about here.  As it was my own case, and as I was satisfied in regard to the principal matter that concerned me (thanks be to God), I did not wish to exercise my authority in the case; but it may be seen to what lengths the blindness of their desires and passions leads them.

I have already despatched the supplies to Terrenate, and to the island of Panay.  The larger ships of this expedition will carry the cargo that is to be brought thence, and the smaller vessels will go to join the larger ones with the supplies from here inside of two days, with the aid of God; may He convey in safety the relief for those places.  It is quite sufficient, and is sent earlier than in former years—­although there are not many soldiers for it, on account of the number which I have sent in past years, and because we have here a very small force.  I have had good news from those forts that, for the present, they have no enemies, according to what they write from there, thanks to His Divine Majesty.

In the principal island of the Celeves, otherwise known as that of Matheo, and by still others as that of Macazar, [24] as the chief man of that island is lord of that region, there is, at a certain point of it, a strait which makes an islet.  This waterway was recently discovered, and by it there is a better route to Terrenate than was formerly followed.  According to the information given me a post can be occupied there, whereby this passage (which is very narrow) can be guarded, and the enemy be prevented from using it.  Likewise your Majesty will have shelter for his vessels, and a foothold in that country, which abounds with meat and rice.  This would be very useful and convenient for sending supplies thence to Terrenate, during the whole year.  During most seasons of the year the voyage from Macazar to the islands of Panay and the Pintados, or to this island, can be made.  As there have been some Spaniards and friars there, and this was pleasing to those Indians and their master; and as they are receiving the water of holy baptism in considerable numbers, and have now shown signs that they are troubled at the lack of religious; and as the Spaniards have retired by the order of Master-of-camp Don Luis de Bracamonte—­it has appeared best to me to send again some men and a couple of religious of the Order of St. Francis,