If Maluco should be considered in England as of great value, and as a stronghold which can be taken and held with a few men, then they would feel bound to place a large force in it.  Your Majesty should do much for its defense.  These considerations impress me so strongly that, if I were supplied with more troops and artillery, I could by no means imagine a more necessary task.  I will do what I can, however, in your royal service, although it is not under my charge.

In my opinion, the spices should be sent from Maluco to Panama, a voyage very safe and not too long.  In this way the ships which conduct it to Panama may touch at Nueva Espana and leave there the amount necessary for that kingdom, and in Panama, what is needed for Piru, the kingdom of Tierra Firme and the new kingdom of Granada.  From the port of Panama, where the ships coming from Maluco anchor, it is but five or six leagues’ journey by land to the river of Chagre.  From there to Espana is nothing but water, and consequently the said spices can be conveyed thereby very easily and at little cost.  This I think is the shortest, safest, and least expensive method.  Your Majesty will order what is most fitting for your service.

The artillery, which your Majesty orders me to send to the viceroy of Peru, I am preparing with promptness.  Nevertheless, that which your Majesty has here at present is necessary for this stronghold, and for the other islands, where I have distributed a number of cannon for their greater security and prosperity.

I send the relation of the islands and their villages, and of their inhabitants and industries, which was forwarded to me to send you.  I would send a longer account if more time had elapsed since the receipt of your Majesty’s royal decree, which arrived the twenty-fifth of the past month.

No papers whatever of Fray Martin de Rada [46] were left in this country; nor have I been able to discover any, although most diligent search has been made.

Among the other orders brought by this ship was one directing that a considerable sum of money be paid to Doctor Francisco de Sande.  He says that this is due to him as salary; and for the payment of this is designated the greater part of the villages which belong to the royal crown of your Majesty.  The fleets are maintained thereby, as well as other expenses of your Majesty here.  This order is received with regret and sorrow, and the royal officials have sent a petition to this effect; and I too beseech your Majesty to declare if it be your royal pleasure that this man support himself at the expense of the royal service.  May it be provided that we be not constrained thus in similar things.