All this would be obviated by keeping galleys there; for it must be understood that the island of Macacar is very large, rich, and abundantly supplied, and lies a two days' journey from Maluco.

The king there is desirous of friendship with us, and has even sent to the governor of Terrenate to seek religious, as he says in the letter which is at the end of this relation.

Last year he wrote a letter to the governor of the Filipinas, offering to furnish him all the supplies that he might need for the forces in Maluco; and saying that, if he had not the money to pay for them, he might have them on trust until the money came.

Things are very cheap there, costing less than half as much as in the Filipinas, and the said galleys could transport them easily, without the danger which they now encounter of being taken by the enemy.

Rather, on the other hand, those which the enemy carry from there could be taken away with ease, and they would be caused to perish with hunger.