to me two days ago. Today they were executed, with great publicity,
before the eyes of their nation and others who are in this city.

Yesterday there arrived from Malaca some of the soldiers who were
with Sargento-mayor Gallinato on the expedition to Canboja. They say
that they had the news there that Malucos and Terrenatans had banded
together, captured your Majesty's fort and annihilated the Portuguese
detachment stationed there. I am making an investigation to see what
foundation this report has. The result I shall try to send on these
ships. These soldiers also say that they were told that there were four
English ships off Maluco; and that it was thought that they had joined
Terrenate and Maluco to undertake this enterprise. I am guarding the
frontiers, because as there are few men here and the fort is in Manila,
they were in need of reënforcements. In everything I shall continue
to do all that is necessary for your Majesty's royal service, and I
shall inform you of everything that happens, after the departure of
these vessels, by the despatch-boat, which will be in readiness to
be sent out if necessary.

They say that the news from Mindanao is quite plainly for your
Majesty's advantage. Although I have heard nothing by letter from the
governor there, several Indians who have come from there one by one
corroborate this news. May our Lord preserve your Majesty's Catholic
person to the benefit of Christendom. Manila, June 22, 1597.

_Don Francisco Tello_

Sire:

This ship of discovery under Joan Batista Justiniano, which is about to