orders me to abolish other posts, I do not believe that it will be disservice to add this post to them.  In the meantime, will your Majesty please inform us whether the master-of-camp of these islands or the general of artillery is to govern at the death of the governor and captain-general, or during his absence.  Certain it is that he who has more authority and power is the master-of-camp, and he ought to be second in command.  For there is not any general master-of-camp here, nor is it necessary; nor is there more than one regiment that he governs.  Juan Bautista de Molina is exercising his charge in accordance with your Majesty’s letters-patent, which will be observed to the letter.

I wrote, with the ship that sailed to India, the good news that was had from the island of Hermosa.  We have not received later news.  The disobedient Indians have been punished, and affairs have been better regulated.  May God in His mercy bring them to a knowledge of His holy faith.  I am sending two ships there, so that more abundant relief may be sent to our men.  They will bring back the general, Don Juan de Alcaraso, who is there.  The sargento-mayor will remain in his place until another person is sent, as he is a person of trust and worth.

The province of Cagayan is more quiet than before.  A company there was abolished, for the war has ceased; and hopes are daily entertained that more peaceful Indians will come down [from the hills].

The inhabitants of Caraga revolted, as I stated in my last despatch, after killing the captain and commander, with twenty soldiers, in an expedition that he made.  Thinking that they could gain the fort with that force, they came to it, but it did not fall out as they imagined.  The greater part of the province rose, and killed four discalced Recollect religious.  A severe punishment was inflicted on them in the month of September; and recently, in the month of May just passed, another fleet went there to punish and to reduce them.  I trust, our Lord helping, that they will remain quiet, although they are not Christians; for there is little confidence to be placed in them.

The four pataches which were sent to Terrenate arrived there safely; and the enemy were unable to overtake them, although they came with hopes of doing much more here than usual, and searched for the ships from dawn until four o’clock in the afternoon.  Pedro de Heredia is somewhat disconsolate at seeing that your Majesty does not withdraw him.  He sent no news of importance, except that the enemy is not so powerful as formerly.  During the coming year I intend to send a greater reenforcement than usual, in order to see whether we can capture the enemy’s ship which prowls thereabout.  There will be considerable opposition, and there are very few men for what is necessary, but I shall do what is possible.