A brief statement of the religious houses established in Luzon up to June 28, 1599, is made by Geronimo de Alcaraz, secretary of the cathedral chapter of Manila.  A long report on military affairs was sent (July 12, 1599) by Tello to the king.  He urges that annual supplies of men and arms be sent to the Philippines from Nueva Espana, adducing many important reasons for this.  The Spanish colony is surrounded by many and powerful heathen countries, who are hostile to the Christian faith.  The insalubrious climate and various military expeditions are continually causing losses of men.  Artillery and skilled workmen are greatly needed; and the fortifications need repair.  The government of Nueva Espana has given little attention to the needs of the Philippine colony.  Japanese pirates have menaced Luzon, and the Chinese are suspected of plots against the Spaniards.  Light sailing-vessels are being built for defense of the coast, since galleys cannot be used to advantage.  Mindanao is pacified, but no tribute has yet been paid, and the country is poor.  A rebellion in Cagayan has been put down, and the leaders executed; so that region is now pacified and secure.  Dasmarinas’s expedition to Camboja has proved a failure, and he is stranded on the Chinese coast, in great need; but Tello is unable to send him aid, and advises him to return to Manila.  Aid for the poor soldiers is urgently needed and requested.  This letter is accompanied by a report of the conquest of Mindanao and of affairs there, and other papers.  Mindanao is a source of little profit; but it is necessary to keep that island in subjection, in order to protect the Pintados natives.  Another paper gives a history of affairs in Camboja, the relations of the Philippine colony with that country, and the failure of Dasmarinas’s expedition thither.  At the end of the document are depositions (dated in 1593, and apparently copied from the official records of the colony) to show that the conquest of Champa is justifiable, as its king is a pirate and tyrant, and a man of evil life, and robs and kills Christians on the high seas.

In another letter of the same date (July 12) Tello makes a general report of affairs in the islands.  In matters of religion, there is need for more ministers of the gospel.  Two bishops have arrived in the islands, and are in charge of their dioceses.  The hospitals have been aided; that for the Spaniards has been placed in charge of the Confraternity of La Misericordia, and that for the natives is under the king’s authority.  The seminary for girls (Santa Potenciana) is in good condition, and doing excellent work.  It should be under the charge of professed nuns, and its income ought to be increased; the king is asked to provide for these matters.  The Jesuits have begun the foundation of a seminary for the Indians, in which they are to learn the Spanish language and civilized ways of living; the king is asked to aid this also.  Measures are being taken