hinder this expedition and the service of your Majesty.

In this port I have ordered the equipment of the capitana and the
almiranta which were taken from the enemy, the ship "Spiritu Santo,"
and the "San Andres," two pataches, and three galleys; and I am busy
providing everything necessary for food, artillery, and supplies. Thus
when the vessels of Don Diego de Vasconcelos arrive here, which I
think will be at the end of November, they may start on the voyage
toward Terrenate; and it seems to me that they might be there by the
beginning of January, so as to have a chance to accomplish as much as
possible before the beginning of May, when the arrival of the enemy
is to be feared. I trust in our Lord that, if no fleet has arrived
for them, some good results may be obtained from the expedition. If
a fleet should have come, I will try to ascertain their forces, in
such manner as not rashly to risk your Majesty's forces which I shall
take there. I shall try to send information as early as possible of
all that happens there, by way of Nueva España; and other advices via
the strait of Sunda, or that of Bali, and the Cape of Buena Esperanca.

Considering that all the Terrenatans are on the side of the enemy,
and not a single one of them for us, and that they all aid and
serve the Dutch with their persons and property; and that they even
consider as their king, and obey as such, the son of the king whom we
hold prisoner here--it has appeared to me best, after consultation,
to take with me on this expedition the chief king and the cachils who
are here. For he and they offer that, if I place them safely within the
fort of Terrenate, they will bind themselves, being in those islands
in person, to bring over to the service of your Majesty the son and
all his vassals; and that they will take up arms against the Dutch,
and would serve in this way, or any other that might present itself