The volunteer soldiers remained in Terrenate, and more than one hundred and forty were changed.  To these was given one installment of pay that was sent them; and it had been many years since they had received any pay.  The rest were provided with materials for clothing, and with food; and, since they know that the same thing is to be done every year, that presidio remained happy and safe.

But the said governor, Pedro de Heredia, lately writes me that the natives of the island of Terrenate, who have until now recognized Cachil Varo as king of Tidore, have refused to obey him; and they have crowned another Moro in his place, a chief named Cachil Borotalo, as they say that the latter is the true heir of that kingdom, and that Cachil Varo was an intruder.  That makes me most anxious, because, besides that it is not my duty to disinherit kings, the new one who claims to be king has, until now, been living in Malayo under the protection of the Dutch and serving in the post of naval commander.  Although he has sent ambassadors to me, and promises to be faithful, there is little trust to be placed in his word, while Cachil Varo is a very valiant Moro, and a true servant to your Majesty.  Every year, hitherto, a present has been sent to him, as well as to his father before him; and besides being very much of a Spaniard, he has retired into his fort of Tidore (which is of greater importance than the forts that we ourselves hold), and the great mass of the people, with more than two thousand chiefs, obey him.

The governor [of Terrenate], Pedro de Heredia, tells me that he has not meddled in any way with these disturbances, but that he is neutral.  But the said king of Tidore complains of him, and attributes to him the insurrection of his vassals and the summoning of a Dutchman to be new king.  That does not change him, and he will remain faithful to your Majesty.  He knows that you are ignorant of the injuries that are being done him because of the governor’s greed for the ransom of the damage.

Such is the condition of the affair at present.  I do not blame the king or clear the governor, notwithstanding the many years during which affairs have been going badly.  But that the latter has been found lacking in the alliance, and has neglected to aid the king, has not furnished any reason why the other allies should not take warning by this and renounce our friendship.  These are schemes of which the Dutch avail themselves.  Those who are acquainted with the king of Tidore, and know of his services, grieve, and think that it is necessary to protect him.  I am now reflecting on the way in which these matters can be settled, so that they may not fall into a worse condition, by making use of the relationship between them.  But in case of need I shall not be found lacking to Cachil Varo; and because this matter demands expedition, and so much expense cannot always be incurred as in the past reenforcements, I shall send this aid in October, in galleys and pataches; for that is the time when the enemy have gone away.