When we went upon this expedition to Tuy, the Indians surrendered of
their own free will, and no blood was shed, solely through the efforts
of two religious who accompanied Don Luys. Then they gave only their
tribute of recognition in beads and a trifle of adulterated gold. And
so that it might not appear that the tribute was to be collected
immediately, they were given one year's respite, within which the
Spaniards would return to collect it. They bound themselves to pay
it. In order not to break faith, we shall not return there until the
time limit has expired; and, even then, I shall see to it that when
we return they shall not be oppressed in any way, in order to compel
them to give the whole tribute. They shall give only what they are
willing to, because we have furnished them no instruction; nor have
we effected a settlement, as I expected--because of the few people
we have, on account of the death of many of them, and because I am
deliberating whether I should make a settlement in Tuy itself, as
it is the capital, or at place thirty or forty leagues from Cagayan,
up the river, opposite Tuy, and midway between Cagayan and Tuy. This
year we shall go thither, and and I hope, with God's help, to found
the settlement and attain the success that is desirable. As I had to
encounter the Zambales, who were attacking me, everything could not be
done. The land there is very fertile, and the climate more temperate
than this. The Indians are robust, intelligent, and energetic. All
the houses are large and quite well constructed. The villages contain
about five hundred or more inhabitants. Two crops of rice are gathered,
one being irrigated, and the other allowed to grow by itself. The
land contains deer, buffaloes, swine, goats, poultry, anise, ginger,
cotton, and many wild fruits. The people display more politeness and
good manners than all the others. They have places set apart where
they discuss public matters. They say that public affairs must not be
discussed in the houses with women. When asked if they had enemies,
they answered, "Yes, we would have them if we would leave our land
to commit depredations. But we are not like you Castilians, who rob
everywhere." They recognize no king among themselves, nor any other
sovereignty than to have a chief in each village, who is over all, and
whom all of that one village alone recognize. I trust, God helping,
that this plan may be fully carried out this year. Sealed at Manila,
June 1, 1592.