applied. Inasmuch as I see the necessity of ministers of the gospel
in that kingdom, and the great results which they have obtained,
I have not hindered the passage of religious from these islands to
that country, especially as I have seen no decree of your Majesty
and no brief of his Holiness to the contrary. [_Marginal note_: "Let
this be filed with the other papers dealing with this matter, and let
Don Pedro de Acuña be informed that his report has been considered,
and that attention is being given to it."]

The chiefs of Mindanao have treated for peace; and, although I had
determined to attack them this year and to put an end to them, with
the aid of the ordinary reënforcements in men and money, which I was
expecting from Nueva Hespaña, still I have thought it best on account
of the expedition to Maluco to listen favorably to them; and I shall
try to pacify and reduce them by gentle means, since they themselves
have offered such means and have sent a representative to treat for
peace. I have accordingly agreed to what they desire; yet, since they
are Indians, who when they take a whim cannot be restrained from
trying to gratify it, I have little confidence that they will keep
their promises, since there is no holding them to account except
so far as fear will oblige them to it. Still, it seems that this
year they have not made any piratical expeditions to these islands,
although I am informed that they have attacked some of the other
islands in various provinces with a great fleet of caracoas. Being
in some doubt, I have kept the provinces of Pintados in a state of
defense with two galleys, which I have sent there, with other vessels;
for, as I say, there is little confidence to be placed in the treaties
of these tribes. [_Marginal note_: "The council has been informed of
this matter."]