Captain Domingo Alonso, who was commander of the three caravels that
sailed as guard on the coast of Andalusia, gave a cedula to Antonio
Quinones and myself at the Island of Azores, in which Your Majesty
was pleased to state to us that, from the news of our fear of the
French who were said to run the coast, we had remained at the island
of Santa Maria until your Highness should direct what might be for
the royal service, in so doing we had acted well; that to secure the
gold and articles we had brought, the three caravels were sent to us
under that captain; and we were enjoined to embark in them at once
and come with every thing to the city of Seville, to the House of
Contratacion, and the officers who by the royal command reside
there, for which favor we kiss your feet and hands.
The caravels arrived the xvth of May, and directly in fulfilment of
the order we embarked, sailing for the Portuguese coast, which the
pilots deemed the safer course, and coming within ten leagues of
Cape St. Vincent, six armed French ships ran out upon us. We fought
them from two caravels, until we were overpowered, when everything
eminently valuable on the way to Your Majesty was lost; the other
caravel not being disposed to fight escaped to carry the news; and
but for that perhaps the captain might better have staid with his
additional force aid our defence than to carry back such tidings.
Quinones died, and I am a prisoner at Rochelle in France.
I should desire to come, would they but let me, to kiss your royal
feet, and give a complete history of all; for I lost everything I
possessed in the service of Your Majesty, and have wished that my
life had been as well. I entreat that privileges be granted to the
residents and inhabitants of New Spain and that you will consider
services to have been rendered, since that people have loyally done
their duty to this moment, and will ever do as true vassals.
I beseech that Your Majesty be pleased to order good protection
placed on the coast of Andalusia for the ships coming from the
Indies; for now all the French, flushed as they are, desire to take
positions whence they may commit mischief. Let it be an armament
that can act offensively, and which will not flee, but seek out the
enemy.
I entreat, prisoner and lost as I am, yet desiring still to die in
the royal service, that Your Highness will so favor me, that if any
ship should be sent to New Spain, an order be directed to Hernando
Cortes, requiring that the Indians I have there deposited in the
name of Your Majesty be not taken, but that they be bestowed on me
for the period that is your pleasure.
Our Lord augment the imperial state of Your Royal Majesty to the
extent your royal person may require.
From Rochela of France, the XVIth day of June of M. d. XXIIJ years.
Of Y.C.Ca. Ma. the loyal vassal who kisses your very royal feet and
hands,