Only yesterday a woman who had but a month ago buried her husband, one of the most honorable captains in these islands, married one of her servants, a man of very short lineage, still fewer years of service, and poor natural endowments.  I think that the same thing will happen in the case of four or five rich widows and several minor encomenderos, who are about to be married.  All this might be prevented or largely corrected, if the governor here, by order of your Majesty, should be empowered to control this matter.  Without his consent and approval no marriages should be allowed, at least of an encomendera, who owes her position to favor conferred by your Majesty upon her father or husband, for services rendered, or to special favor on your Majesty’s part.  It is not right that some trader or transient resident, who has rendered no service, but who has rather been unserviceable to your Majesty, should usurp and enjoy these benefits by unjust means.  The governor should be instructed not to allow, on any account, marriages to take place with any creditor or servant; but he should have, as his sole object, reward and honor to worthy persons who have served your Majesty in the country.  God keep your Majesty many years in the prosperity of which Christendom has need.  Manila, July 9, 1592.

Gomez Perez Dasmarinas

Luzon Menaced by Japanese

Precautions Submitted to the War-Officials and Certain of the Cabildo of the City

That the citizens reserve their arms and food to as great an extent as possible, and, for possible contingencies, fowls and any other delicacies for the sick.

That the vessels coming from Xapon be examined carefully to see whether they bring in secret other articles than those which they announce publicly.

That twenty vessels—­virocos and fragatas—­well manned and equipped, be stationed in the river, below the artillery of the fort, in order to be used in carrying food, news, or messages to any point considered advisable; and that the other boats—­champans, and all other vessels—­not needed there, go up the river, where they can not be attacked by the enemy and used for making entrenchments by them, and in order that the seacoast may be kept clear for fighting and skirmishing.

That an immediate general review and muster be made of all the Spanish forces for the defense of this city; every one, not only of those who are paid, but of the old inhabitants, to be entered on the list, with his weapons.

That a proclamation be made throughout the coast of these islands that no viroco, banca, fragata, or other vessel, leave the islands without permission; for, should they happen to meet the enemy, the latter would have news of affairs here.

Another proclamation that no citizen or anyone else may remove from this city gold, silver, property, wife, children, or household, or leave it without permission, under penalty of his life, and confiscation of the property thus removed, the latter to be applied to the expenses of war.