Note 2 — LETTER FROM ANDRES DE MIRANDAOLA TO FELIPE II

The general, remaining in the said island of Bool, ordered the treasurer, Guido de Labazaris, and myself to go to explore an island called Beguindanao, its coast and products, and to seek a port called Butuan.2 Thither we went in order to perform what was commanded us in your Majesty’s name. We found that the said port had the settlement and trade of which we had heard; for two Moro junks were trading there which were said to be from Luçon, near to a large island called Borney. That island of Borney is rich according to reports we have had of it. It is a land which contains a large population and many forts, where, as we have heard, there is a quantity of artillery. The people are warlike and there is considerable trade throughout the island. We made friendship with the chief of that said port of Butuan, as was commanded us by the order and instruction of the general in your Majesty’s name. We informed them that we were going by your Majesty’s order to trade with them and to reside in their land if they were willing; and if any necessity arose to protect and favor them in your Majesty’s name. The reply given us by the chief was that he was willing to have us go there. Our communication was given him by means of the Moros who were trading there as we had no interpreter in the fleet who could understand the natives—for which reason we suffer great hardship. The Moros explained that they would be damaged if we traded with the natives. After we had accomplished what had been ordered us by the general in your Majesty’s name, we returned to the place where the fleet was stationed, namely, in the said island of Bool.