seeking all about for food and clothes, which, if they had received
the pay, they would not have lacked; and at the same time they could
be commanded and obliged to serve and keep the regulations--which are
every day broken, and we cannot punish them. Another band attempted
flight a few days past, one of whom I hanged--although it weighs on
my conscience now that I have done it; for, in a sense, they have
excuse enough. Since I did not shirk it, I inform you of it now,
to relieve my conscience, before God and his Majesty.

While writing this, word came to me from the captains who are up
the river, that from the mountain ridge, from a creek called Malago,
there had come a chief with several peaceful Indians. This is worthy of
note, since they have come so late, without waiting for a suggestion,
since they have never seen our faces, and since they have come many
leguas, dressed in clothes of cotton and of medriñaque, which is a good
sign. They say that there are many people in their country. I hope,
through God, that soon all will render obedience to his Majesty, and
that every day will give occasion for the report of more gains. May our
Lord grant your Grace many years, and His protection, as I desire. The
fortress of Tanpaca, January 4, '98. Your Grace's humble servant,

_Don Juan Ronquillo_




Report of Conditions in the Philippines


_By Antonio de Morga_