Consequently, he would do better in Panay or
La Pampanga, and his Majesty would save six hundred pesos of salary.
Just now I learned from the king of Tidore that many Dutchmen were
killed at the burning of the fort of Ambueno. Yesterday a ship arrived
at the forts of Malayo from the Sunda. I suspect that it does not
bring altogether pleasant news, for it entered very silently. All
say that the fleet in Ambueno will come. However, it is said that the
commander Lorenco el Real and other captains were killed in that fire,
besides other prominent people. Consequently there are three of the
enemy's ships here now.
The ship "San Antonio el Chico" [_i.e._, "the little"] is going with
this despatch, and the "Santa Margarita" will remain here. Further
nothing else offers at present of which to advise your Lordship, whom
may our Lord preserve with all possible prosperous estate. Tidore,
June 30, 1618.
_Lucas de Bergara Gaviria_
As I have heard that Governor Lucas de Vergara Gaviria is giving
your Lordship a long account of the condition of affairs in these
islands, I shall not say more in this than to refer to his letter,
and only to greet you in my own name, and tell you of the so great
afflictions of these islands. Never have they been seen in such a
condition, both because of the disastrous loss of the fleet of vessels
that was expected here this year with a great force, and because not
even one galley was sent, from three or four that are cruising about
there, although it is known that some islands and forts cannot have
communication with others except by means of galleys.
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