leaving them any for their own trading, and your Majesty’s forces are so weak that they cannot defend them, they will abandon us and become friendly with the Hollanders, just as those who were formerly your Majesty’s vassals are doing.  For all those barbarous nations, inasmuch as neither religion, kinship, nor friendship binds them, are ever on the lookout to make friends with him who is most powerful.  Admitting all the foregoing, I beseech your Majesty not to permit further delay in coming to the aid of this so important matter; for the enemy is so needfully profiting by the time that is being lost here.

[Endorsed in writing:  “In regard to the importance of the Filipinas.”]

RELATION OF 1626

Relation of the condition of the Filipinas Islands and other regions surrounding, in the year 1626.

Although I have been interrupted for several years in doing this, because of occupations that have allowed me no time for it, and have neglected to give advice of the condition of these islands, at present I have not, although my occupations are not fewer than in the past, attempted to shirk my duty in reporting what has happened this year in these regions, but briefly and concisely.

Commencing with the Malucas Islands, they are at present in the best condition that they have experienced, from our standpoint; for the Dutch enemy are spent, inasmuch as no succor has been sent to them from Holanda for many years—­it appearing that the wars which they have had there must have hindered them.  Consequently, it has been recognized that, when the war ceases, their ships will come here in multitudes; and we shall enjoy war, and Flandes peace.  The king of Tidore, who was very aged, and was always our friend, died this year.  One of his sons took his place, and continues the same friendship [with us].  The Ternatans, who have always been friends of the Dutch and very hostile to us, made peace with us.  That has had a very good result for us, for we receive more damage from them than from the Dutch themselves.  There have been in this city since the time when the strongholds of the Malucas were taken—­which was twenty years ago, during the term of Governor Don Pedro de Acuna—­certain cachils, who are chiefs among them, and the same king of Ternate, a great Moro.  The governor sent one of the cachils to Maluco to talk and confer with his people, especially with Cachil Leali.  The latter had, as it were, usurped the kingdom of Ternate—­and, as we understand, prevented his fellow-countrymen from receiving the king whom we hold captive here, even if he should return—­and continued the war against us.  The matter turned out well, and now the said cachil who went from here is returning, in the capacity of ambassador of his people, petitioning that their king be sent to them, whom they promise to receive as such, and to make and unmake for us.  I do not know what Governor Don Juan Nino de Tabora will do.  What I know is, that the Dutch do not like any of these agreements and friendships that we are making with the Ternatans; but since they are at present fallen, and can do no more, they endure it patiently.