destroy the islands. This tidings was certain; and another fleet
was prepared with all possible despatch in Sugbú, in order that
the Spaniards might defend themselves, and if possible, drive the
enemy from the islands. Although diligent efforts were made in this,
when our fleet set sail already had the enemy rounded the island
of Panay. Our fleet, which consisted of seven caracoas and four or
five barangays, followed the enemy. They reached the islets of Asur,
where they heard that the enemy had passed there, with the intention of
burning the city of Arévalo and the village of Octóng, with all their
provisions. The captain and commander of our fleet was Captain Salgado,
then alcalde-mayor of Sugbú. The two fleets met near Pan de Azúcar
[_i.e._, "Sugar Loaf"]. The Spaniards were very resolute. The enemy
formed themselves in a crescent with sixty caracoas. So senseless were
they that they untied their captives, threw them overboard, and came
to attack our boats. I know not the captain's design or purpose, that
made him dally with the enemy, so that the latter were shouting out
spiritedly and imagining that they were feared. The father provincial
and his companion, Fray Hernando Guerrero, [5] talked encouragingly to
the petty leaders, and encouraged and even shamed them so much that,
already late, they gave the signal to attack. Thereupon, the enemy
sought shelter, and after steering their caracoas to where they
thought that they had more safety, they divided. The captain did
not pursue them nor do more than to go to Arévalo. On that account
he lost a good opportunity and much credit. He should have continued
to pursue them; for, when night fell, the caracoas of the frightened
enemy remained along those coasts. The commander could easily have
overhauled them with our caracoas, and could have given the enemy a
blow that would have done much to finish them; but he failed to do
so. The efforts that he finally put forth, and the attack, are owing
to the resolution and bravery of our father Fray Pedro de Arce, in