The governor's great care and vigilance in preparing and arranging the
fleet of Mindanao did not cause him to forget the other enemy--infested
posts that his Majesty possesses in this archipelago. At the same
time, he despatched another very good fleet, consisting of two large
ships, one patache, and one galley, under command of General Geronimo
Henriquez, as a guard to a number of champans which were taking the
succor to the forts of Terrenate. Two excellent ships of the Dutch
enemy were awaiting them at the entrance. When they saw the courage
of our men the enemy retired in flight to the shelter of their fort
of Malayo, without daring to await them. The Spaniards were so keen
for fighting that, hastily leaving in safety the aid which they were
taking, they started in pursuit of the hostile galleons, and did
not stop until they met these under the enemy's fort, where they had
gone. There they fired so many volleys, both at the ships and at the
fort and village, that (as was learned afterward from some who took
refuge with our ships) very considerable damage was done, without
the Dutch daring to sail out, or being able to do us any damage of
importance. That was a very great cause for scoffing against the enemy,
and they lost as much reputation among those Moros, as was gained by
the Spaniards, especially with the king of Tidore, our friend, who very
joyfully thanked the commander Henriquez and the admiral, Don Pedro de
Almonte, with presents for that action of so great valor and gallantry.
One month after that fleet had returned to Manila, Don Pedro de
Mendiola, governor of Terrenate, heard that two Dutch ships were
becalmed not a great distance from there. He instantly despatched
two galleys, which together spiritedly attacked the better of the two
ships. After it had been entirely defeated, and our men were about to
board it, a strong wind which suddenly arose snatched it from their
hands, although it was badly crippled by the discharges from our
galleys. The latter received no considerable damage. Thereupon that
enemy were greatly terrified; the Moro natives received a very exalted
idea of the Spaniards, while the latter were very joyful at beholding
the arms of the king our sovereign, even in these most remote bounds
of the earth, shine with the luster and splendor that they merit.
With license. In Madrid. Printed by Diego Diaz de la Carrera, in the
year 1639.