fort, killing many of them.  Those who could escape fled, and all those who had remained were overcome and killed.  Thence he went on to the other army which was situated in a place called Vatangas, about six leguas from the first.  There our men used their utmost efforts to overcome them.  Finally, both on account of the laudable efforts of the captain, as he is one of the best soldiers of this camp, being a veteran and a good warrior, and likewise by the good behavior of the soldiers and the help of the natives, they killed all the enemy without losing a man, which was a very fortunate ending.  This was the end of this incident, but it has caused much anxiety as to what may be expected from China.  On this account provision is being made and everything necessary is being put to rights and the fortifications are being repaired.  The governor and captain-general is aiding with great pains and diligence, and he will give a longer account to your Majesty of this incident, to which account we refer you.

The citizens of these islands have been very ready on this occasion in lending aid, as have likewise the natives of this district, particularly those of the provinces of Panpanga, Laguna, and Bulacan.

Father Fray Diego Guebara, prior of the Augustinian convent of this city, is going [to Spain] on the affairs of his province, by which he was chosen and elected for that purpose, as he is a religious of much virtue, learning, and most Christian life, for which reason he was sent to establish the order in Xapon.  He did so very satisfactorily.  From him your Majesty, if you be so pleased, may order information on the affairs of this country, of which he will give a full account, as he is well informed in all things.  There is nothing else which we can report to your Majesty.  May our Lord protect your very Catholic person according to the needs of Christendom.  Manila, December 12, 1603.

Don Pedro de Acuna

The licentiate Don Antonio de Ribera Maldonado

The licentiate Tellez Almacan

The licentiate Andres de Alcaraz

The licentiate Manuel de Madrid y Luna

[Endorsed:  “Manila; to his Majesty; 1603.  The governor and Audiencia; December 12.  September 26, 1606.  Examined, and to be joined with the other papers which treat of this matter.”]

TWO LETTERS FROM ECCLESIASTICS

Sire: 

This country is greatly in need of relief, for it is rapidly going to destruction.  All its injury and loss is due to this, that the decrees and orders of your Majesty, sent for the good government of these islands, are not complied with.  If these were observed, there would be no more prosperous city in all your Majesty’s dominions.  Situated here in sight of so many heathen, it would seem that the Lord had set it here to be a new Rome, whence the gospel would go out through all these kingdoms.