93.  There is in these islands an abundance of wood and of men, so that a large fleet of boats and galleys may be built.  There is a quantity of cheap iron from China, worked by the natives here, who can make what is necessary from it—­which they cannot do with Castilian iron, for it is exceedingly hard.  We have no pitch, tallow, or rigging worth mention, because what there is is so scarce and poor that it amounts to nothing.  There is no oakum for calking.  Large anchors cannot be made; but the rest of the tackle can be obtained here in good condition.  There is good timber also; to my way of thinking, therefore, the ship that would cost ten thousand ducats in Guatimala, and in Nueva Espana thirty [thousand], can be made here for two or three [thousand], should strenuous efforts be employed.  When I came here I found the city burned and razed to the ground.  I erected shipyards in two places, separating the workmen, so that they might accomplish more if they entered into competition.  The one in Manila has turned out a galliot of sixteen or seventeen benches; and has repaired the ship that brought me here, and also one that was made in Acapulco, which I believe cost more than fifteen thousand ducats.  They were about to burn the latter ship for the iron that they could thus obtain; but through promises and diligence on my part the keel and stern-post, which were rotten were removed, as well as half the hull of the ship; and, God willing, she will sail from here one month after this ship departs.  Almost one braza was cut off near the bow, on account of its unsatisfactory shape; and more than two brazas will be added to the original length.  This will make a vessel capable of carrying two hundred soldiers—­which, as this ship had been condemned, means that we have, from nothing, made twenty thousand ducats.  I found that the ship which had been repaired was destroyed during Limahon’s attack.  Rigging, masts, sails, and everything else necessary have been placed in it, and the ship is called “Sant Felipe.”  On finishing this, they will begin to work on another galley; and, besides, will repair another vessel that is rotten, and whose keel, although of a better pattern, will require as much labor as the other.  However, God willing, it will be completed by January, so that there will be two galleys here.  In Oton, on the island of Panae I have finished another galley, thirty-four varas long, with twenty benches.  Still another will be ready by September and I shall continue with the work.

94.  I would not dare to employ rowers for this country, since I have so few men now on the Spanish galliots; for it would be possible for them to take flight some day, and to do mischief.  All these islands are full of robbers.  Having these four galleys I shall, with God’s help, man them with friends, and seek equipment for them.  It is my plan to build a hundred galleys, and to support them in your Majesty’s service from our enemies, if your Majesty would care to provide what is necessary.