consisted of articles of gold and Spanish reals of four to the peso,
given to them in exchange for the merchandise carried by them to the
islands. Limahon informed himself thoroughly of the characteristics
and wealth of the land, and especially of the Spaniards in the
city of Manila--who in all did not exceed seventy, because the
others had left Luzon for the exploration and colonization of new
islands. Then--ascertaining that these few were living without any
fear of enemies, and therefore had no fort; and that their artillery,
although good, was not in position, either for defense or offense--he
determined to go thither with his entire fleet and following, in order
to kill them; and to make himself master of the island of Manila and
its environs, where he thought to be safe from the power of the king,
who was trying to capture him. In accordance with this idea, he set
about this enterprise with the utmost possible despatch.



Departure of the pirate Limahon for the Felipinas, and arrival at
the city of Manila. Chapter IIII.


The pirate resolved to go to capture the Felipinas Islands, and to make
himself master and king of them all, first killing the Spaniards--a
thing that seemed easy of accomplishment, because of their small
number. He was convinced that he could live here quite free from
anxiety, and without his present fear of the great power of the king,
because these islands were so far from the mainland. Leaving those
islands where he had sought shelter, he set sail toward those of
the Felipinas, passing those islands called Illocos, [25] near to a
town called Fernandina, founded recently by Captain Juan de Salzedo,