Two workmen are asked for to cast artillery, of which there is considerable need.

II.  A couple of artillery founders are very much needed here, because of the artillery cast in the islands—­sometimes by Indians, and sometimes by Chinese—­besides the great cost and delay, not even one piece out of four turns out good, although there is plenty of material, which I have caused to be collected with the greatest care.  I beg your Majesty to send me these masters because there is a great scarcity of artillery for the defense and protection of this country.

[In the margin:  “Endeavor to have these two founders sent; have them sought carefully, and ask the captain-general for them.”]

That a master-builder is needed to repair defects in the wall and the fortifications.

III.  I beg your Majesty to have a master-builder sent me, because the work on the wall of this city did not have the necessary finish and foundation.  In some places it has fallen.  The fortifications were not built with the plan and in the form necessary for their purpose.

[In the margin:  “Have some suitable person found to send.”]

That no more assistance is asked from Nueva Espana than is necessary; that the succor which has been ordered for this colony has been ill attended to; that there are fears of the Japonese who came this year, 1599, to plunder these islands; and that a relation of the state of Xapon is being sent.

IIII.  In a royal decree, your Majesty orders me not to ask from here too much assistance of Nueva Espana, which shall be fulfilled according to your Majesty’s orders.  I assure your Majesty that nothing more than what is actually necessary is, or shall be, asked for from here.  Mexico is not in close accord with us, because, although your Majesty has ordered that the customs and freights derived from the Chinese trade be sent from that country for the payment and assistance of this colony, it has not yet been done or observed.  Now besides the men to whom I am pledged in La Caldera for the second ... the island of Mindanao and a check to ... the enemy in Terrenate from coming to ... the Pintados, your Majesty’s vassals ... year Japonese have commenced to come ... almost within sight of Manila.  Formerly not more than two or three ships were in the habit of coming, but this year seven piratical vessels appeared, who have done considerable damage; and nine merchant-vessels, who have entered Manila within four months.  But, as it happened that the pirates came after them, as we suspected that they were not all of the same understanding and alliance, several investigations were made in regard to them, and their commanders arrested, although nothing of importance was found.  I sent General Don Joan Ronquillo and Captain Joan de Alcega to attack the enemy with a galley and a galliot; and although they came within sight of them, they did not effect the desired purpose, because their vessels were not suitable,