Until his divine Majesty is pleased to appoint that time, it would be a serious error to undertake a war with the people who could be sent from here.  I have determined to occupy them in finishing the settlement of these islands.  Accordingly, the village of Arevalo—­on the island of Panay, fifty leagues from this district—­has just been settled.  The land is very fertile and the inhabitants are rich.  They are almost all at peace, and the town is increasing in population because of the good and healthful character of that country.

This year I have sent people to settle the city of Segovia in a province called Cagayan, in this island, a hundred leagues from this city.  It is the frontier of China, and much benefit is expected from its settlement—­for it is the best-situated port, with a harbor of greater depth, for the ships which sail in the line from Nueva Espana and Peru; and it is so near to China that one can cross thence in three days.  For the sake of the future I consider it very important to have that frontier settled.  I sent for the settlement thereof Captain Juan Pablos de Carrion, with about a hundred picked men.  They go in good order, well provided with artillery, vessels, ammunition, and with the approbation and blessing of the church.  God will be served through them, and your Majesty as well.

In the years 80 and 81 there came to these islands some pirate ships from Japan, which is located about four hundred leagues from here.  They did some injury to the natives.  This year, as warning was received that ten ships were being prepared to come to these islands, I have sent a fleet to the place where they are accustomed to come.  This fleet is composed of six vessels, among them a ship and a galley well supplied with guns.  I will send later advices of the outcome.  The Japanese are the most warlike people in this part of the world.  They have artillery and many arquebuses and lances.  They use defensive armor for the body, made of iron, which they have owing to the subtlety of the Portuguese, who have displayed that trait to the injury of their own souls.

Although I have had no letter or advices of the state of affairs with Portugal, it seemed to me in the year 80, that we should live with great care and circumspection on account of what might happen, as the Portuguese are so quarrelsome, and especially if Don Antonio, the Prior of Crato, [3] should come here.  In order to try to ascertain the state of affairs at Maluco and at Macau, the post held by the Portuguese in China, I have sent for this purpose to the islands of Maluco the sub-lieutenant Francisco de Duenas with four companions.  He is well-instructed as to what course to pursue.  Likewise I sent to Macau Father Alonso Sanchez of the Society of the Name of Jesus, a person in whom are combined many admirable traits. [4] They are going to try to prepare and calm the people for the time when certain news will be had of the occurrences in Portugal.  They will bring back a report of everything which has been learned there of affairs, even to the defeat of the Infante Don Antonio.  I realize that it is necessary to be diligent in order to effect the desired ends, or that at least I shall be informed of the conditions there, and the forces with which the Portuguese are supplied.