and Juan de Morones, sergeant-major, also came.  The factor and sergeant-major were sent because of certain crimes which they are said to have committed; however, I do not think that these are very serious.  By these men I have been informed of matters relating to those islands, and of the nature of the land.  They give a very good account thereof, especially of the island of Luzon, where there are settlements very thickly inhabited, by both Indians and Moors [Moros], although the latter must not be thought of as really of that race, but only as having had the name attached to them. [72] It is not believed that they are very sincere in the profession of the Mahometan religion, as many of them both drink wine and eat pork.  There are many gold mines, which are worked similarly to the silver mines here.  A few of some depth were seen there, although the people, naturally indolent, work them but little—­and then only to the extent of their necessities, when the opportunity of barter is offered them—­declaring that whenever they have any need for the gold, the mines are close by.  Fray Diego de Herrera gave me an account of many other things likewise.  I am sending an abstract of his report today, which has been confirmed by those who have come from those regions.

Every one asserts that the chief deficiency of that land is justice; and without justice there is no safety.  He who at the present time exercises the duties of general is not, I believe, held in much esteem; for they knew him when he held the inferior position of a bookseller here.  To enter into this subject is very disagreeable to me, but, as your Majesty’s servant, I am obliged to mention this; for I am convinced that, if this venture is to succeed, as I hope in God that it will succeed, your Majesty must appoint a man to that office who will be respected and esteemed, and who possesses the necessary qualifications both for peace and war.  I beg your Majesty not to make trial, especially in the case of those who are to participate in the administration of justice, of men from the Indias.

As for the question of helping the Philipinas islands, I have up to this time adhered to the instructions which your Majesty has ordered to be given me.  Since I came here, I have never failed in any year to send a ship or ships with reenforcements and munitions; but sea and land and climate have their effect, and the number of men is constantly diminished; so that, although people are regularly sent thither, they are actually but little increased in numbers.  The object and plan which should be pursued in matters yonder I do not know; but, whatever it may be, people are necessary, for the islands are many.  As for the mainland of China, it is so large a land and so thickly settled that one of its hundred divisions, according to report, is as big as half the world itself.  It is learned from the Chinese that they admit strangers only with reluctance to their land.  For this reason,