Moreover, I have just detained some passengers who were going on this ship, because there are no troops on these islands, and a hundred soldiers have to go immediately as a reenforcement, although the weather is tempestuous.  I expect to be one of them, if the governor will give me permission.

These enemies, who have in truth remained here, are a warlike people; and if your Excellency do not provide by this ship, and reenforce us with a thousand soldiers, these islands can be of little value.  May your Excellency with great prudence provide what is most necessary for his Majesty’s service, since we have no resource other than the favor your Excellency shall order to be extended to us.

The governor was disposed to send assistance to the ship, which was a very important affair; but after these events he will not be able to do it, because there do not remain in this city seventy men who can bear arms.  May our Lord guard the most illustrious and excellent person of your Excellency and increase your estate, as your Excellency’s servants desire.  From Cabite, June 25, 1582.  Most excellent and illustrious sir, your servant kisses your Excellency’s hands.

Juan Baptista Roman

LETTER FROM PENALOSA TO FELIPE II

Royal Catholic Majesty: 

By this ship, which is to leave these islands on the last of June of this year, I am giving your Majesty a full account of the condition of affairs and events in this region.  As it was about to sail news came of the fleet—­which, I wrote among other things, I had despatched to effect a settlement in Cagayan—­and of the punishment and resistance of the Japanese pirates, of whose coming we had news this year.  The fleet sent by me, as above stated, met two vessels of the enemy near Cagayan, one of Japanese and the other of Sangleys; an engagement ensued, and those vessels surrendered after a fierce fight, in which two hundred Japanese, among them the commander of the fleet and his son, were killed, while we lost only three soldiers.

Juan Pablo de Carrion, whom I sent as my lieutenant-general in charge of this fleet, continued his journey, and entered the Cagayan River, where he was to make a settlement.  At the entrance of the river he found six more Japanese vessels belonging to the fleet of those which had surrendered.  There was also a goodly number of people there, and fortifications.  On account of his lack of men—­a severe storm having driven out to sea the flagship, which he took on this expedition—­he did not sack these forts, but attempted only to enter the river.  This he did, going up about six leagues, where he made a settlement in a place where he could erect a fort, whence he could direct offensive and defensive warfare against the enemy.  This news came yesterday; and with all possible despatch I am sending reenforcements, boats, ammunition, and the provisions necessary.