LETTER FROM FELICIANO CIEZA ad. 



1597. 

 this river, where neede shall require. Hereunto Mas- 

 carenhas sent me word, that when he went himselfe, 

 and found it true which hath beene reported touching 

 the silver mines, that then he would send both men 

 and ships. Therefore your Majestie must give order, 

 that the rest of the Governours shall ayde and assist 

 me in these warres : otherwise of my selfe I am not 

 able to doe more then I have alreadie done in defend- 

 ing of this countrey against our enemies which are 

 many. 



It may please your Majestie to be advertised, that 

 from time to time I have written unto Don Francisco 

 de Sousa Governor general of this realme, who is in 

 Baia, as concerning these Frenchmen of warre : but he 

 will not answere me to any purpose, because I do write 

 unto him for such things as I doe want, which are shot, 

 powder, men, and munition requisite for your Majesties 

 service & safegard of this captaineship. For here are 

 neither shot, powder, nor any thing els to defend us 

 from our enemies; nor any that wil put to their help- 

 ing hands for the defence of this countrey, & the service 

 of your Majestie. And therefore it were needful that 

 your Majesty should commit the charge and govern- 

 ment into the hands of Diego Sierva, with expresse 

 charge that all the captaines & commanders upon paine 

 of death obey him and be readie at all times to aide 

 and assist him in your service. Otherwise this countrey 

 cannot be kept and maintained, having so great warres 

 continually- as we have, and are troubled withall. For 

 this Diego Sierva is a very good souldier, and hath 

 good experience ; and is fit to governe this countrey. 

 Your Highnesse is also to send him Commission with 

 expresse commandement to follow these wars ; otherwise 

 this countrey cannot be kept, but daily they will rebell. 

 For here are none that will serve your Majestie so justly 

 as he will do : who wil have a great care in any thing 

 which shal concerne your Majesties service touching the [III. 718.] 

 estate of this countrey. For the Governour Sousa doth 



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