stringent orders not to go to Maluco, we have not gone thither.  However, the compact, as I have advised your Majesty is not well considered; and Maluco is not comprehended in it, and is in your Majesty’s demarcation. [20] Thirty vessels leaving and returning to Sevilla could load cargoes of spices—­pepper, camphor, and other drugs and spices.  In these vessels, people could be brought from Espana, and a few fleets would populate this land, and clearly we could take possession of all of China; for by way of Nueva Espana the despatch of vessels will always be a trifling matter, and by way of the strait of Magallanes I do not believe that we can hope for so good a result.  I am writing in detail regarding this to your Majesty’s royal Council.  I am writing also of the method which I think we should employ—­namely, to settle in greater Java, whence we should despatch a vessel to Sevilla to give information of the route, although I believe that that made by the ship “Victoria” is not forgotten.

I have built a vessel here of six hundred toneladas, which can make the said voyage, if your Majesty will so order; and I am now building another.  There is an excellent fleet of galleys; and with what was captured from the Borneans, and in Jolo and Vindanao, and with that taken from the Portuguese galley which I said was lost, we have more than two hundred pieces of artillery.  From the useless pieces I am casting others.  Certain Indians in this land have founded for me one piece weighing ninety quintals; and there is not in the castle of Milan a piece so well made.  Another mold has been made, and the Indian says that he will make as many as are ordered.  From Nueva Espana no favorable message, in regard to this or other things, is sent.  Therefore if your Majesty wishes that China be yours in your days-please God, may they be many, as we your Majesty’s servants need—­it is necessary for the execution thereof that ships be sent here from Nueva Espana, since now we have some knowledge of this region, and the vessels have here a good port, and we know how to proceed.

This archipelago is secure from enemies, blessed be God.  We have begun settlements—­one in the province called Cagayan, in the northern part of this island, and sixty leagues from China.

In other letters I have begged your Majesty to be so kind as to favor me.  Once more I bring this to your memory.  I beg your Majesty to grant me a habit and an encomienda for myself, and another for one of my brothers.  All of my brothers are serving your Majesty in the war, and I am sure that they deserve the most that I beg and entreat.  I am writing to the royal council.  I beg your Majesty to order that my case be examined, and to honor this office in which I serve you, and bestow favor upon one who has served you for so many years as I. May our Lord preserve your Majesty’s Catholic and royal person, and increase you for many years as we, your servants and vassals, desire.  Manila, in the island of Lucon, in Philipinas, May 30, 1579.  Royal Catholic Majesty, your Majesty’s loyal vassal and servant, who kisses your royal hands,