It
was resolved to build a good fleet and invade their country. This
was done very secretly, but I am surprised that they did not hear
of it. Its chief officer was Don Cristobal de Lugo, who filled
the position of lieutenant-governor and captain-general of those
provinces. He assembled a goodly force, both soldiers and Indians,
who would willingly go to avenge themselves, as they said. For the act
of vengeance among the Indians is a terrible thing; and, if possible,
they do not miss it.
While awaiting the time to go in Sugbu, where the forces were
gathered--who, as they were many, occupied all the houses, even the
smallest ones--some soldiers were cleaning their weapons in one near
the residence of the Recollect fathers. One fired his arquebus, which,
unknown to him, was loaded. It caught in the thatch which formed
the roof of that little house; and, as the sun was hot, and the wind
the greater brisa, the house quickly caught fire. The father prior,
Fray Pedro de San Nicolas, was very much annoyed; and he came out,
and with reason rebuked the soldiers, who lost all their effects.
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