The military affairs of the islands are related in an unsigned pamphlet (Sevilla, 1626).  The Moros of Mindanao discontinue their plundering expeditions for a time, and ask aid from the Spaniards against other Moros who are their enemies; this is promised, but hostile encounters soon arise between them and the Spaniards, which are related in detail.  The Dutch besiege the Portuguese settlement in Macao, but are repulsed with great loss.  Captain Fernando de Silva conducts a Spanish expedition from Manila to relieve Macao.  News has come that he is in Siam, and in danger of attack from enemies there.  In Japan the persecution of Christians increases, and all trade with the Philippines is strictly prohibited.

In an undated document (1627?), Martin Castano, procurator of the Philippine colony at the Spanish court, urges upon the king the importance of keeping his possessions in the Far East, and not allowing his enemies the Dutch to profit by the wealth therein.  Castano urges the duty of extending the Christian religion among the heathen, for which the Philippines offer the best opportunity in the world.  This object is being frustrated in Japan by the influence of the Dutch heretics, who also are monopolizing the trade of that country, and injuring that of the Chinese with the Spaniards.  If the Dutch gain Filipinas, they will soon conquer Portuguese India, and even harass the Spanish colonies in America.  Castano calls attention to the natural wealth of the islands in gold and cloves, and to their valuable trade with Japan and China—­all which sources of profit should be kept for the Spanish crown.

A. “relation of 1626” (actually covering part of 1627)—­unsigned, but evidently by a Jesuit of Manila—­recounts the leading events of those years in the countries of the Far East.  In the Moluccas there has been peace; but it is expected that, as soon as the wars in Flanders cease, the Dutch ships will again infest the eastern seas.  The pirates of the Camucones have harried some of the islands, plundering and killing; punitive expeditions are sent against them, but accomplish little.  Better success, however, has attended an enterprise of this sort against the Mindanaos.  A relief expedition is sent to Macao, under Captain Fernando de Silva.  On his return, he is forced by a storm to land in Siam; and there is slain, with most of his men, in a fight with the Siamese and Japanese.  Governor Fernando de Silva sends two Jesuits as ambassadors to Siam, to recover the property of Spaniards that was in Captain Silva’s ship; but most of it has been plundered by the Siamese soldiers.  One of the Jesuits remains there, and begins a mission.  The settlement in Formosa has been successful, and the natives are now on friendly terms with the Spaniards.  Tavora sends supplies for the troops there, which finally reach them after long delays from stormy weather.  Trade from Manila to Japan is even more strictly prohibited than before.