“The neighbouring nations of Conivos and Sipivos, who reside by the inland streams of the Ucayali, though they constantly endeavour to drive away these cruel enemies, have never succeeded; for so far is it otherwise, that they suddenly break into the houses, and, not satisfied with putting their inmates to death, carry off the dead bodies to celebrate their banquets with, for the Cashivos have an innate appetite for human flesh.[21] The project of entering by the Mayro is the most attainable of any other, because, in descending the water, the vessels keep the centre of the river, so that they cannot be reached by the arrows from the banks at point-blank shot: besides, by merely discharging a few fire-arms, they disperse; and as, happily, they do not use canoes, they cannot intercept the passage, or do us material injury. And further, the descent to this point is accomplished in two days only; for which reason it is very necessary that I should have seasonable advice, the time being as nearly as possible fixed, to prevent any disappointment as to our meeting; when, according to the plan proposed by the commissioners, an expedition may be made with every precaution from this point, for the purpose of clearing the passage of so destructive and indomitable a people; and in this way the frontier towns may be able to proceed in extracting from the Montaña its precious productions. “Actuated by this desire, and that of rendering happy the inhabitants of the Ucayali, I have now, for the space of thirty-four years, felt it my duty to live in these missions; and God grant that my eyes may yet see the prosperity of these regions, since my expedition to the Pangoa failed of producing the advantages expected from it.[22] “This expedition I undertook merely to please the fathers of Ocopa; but that the intercourse thus commenced would be of short duration, it was easy to conjecture from the great distance which separated the mission from the college; the difficult and dangerous navigation of the head-streams—_cabezeras_—of the Ucayali; and lastly, the discordant opinions of the European fathers. “But the day has now arrived when my wishes will be verified through the skilful arrangements of the Supreme Government; and to the best of my power I will contribute to the success of the enterprise, not only by assisting the commissioners, but also by accompanying them on the expedition, old as I am. “All the above considerations I submit to your notice for your information and government.—God protect your Honour! “As the letter which I have alluded to may possibly have miscarried, it will give me great satisfaction to know that this has come to your hands. “God protect you! “FRAY MANUEL PLAZA.” CHAPTER V.