[In the margin:  “Conformably to this, let the viceroy be ordered to do so.”]

There is great carelessness in appointing artillerymen for the said ships, for a ship which carries one piece of artillery has had six artillerymen appointed, whereas one ordinary gunner would be sufficient.  If your Majesty be pleased, it would be well to command that for each piece of artillery no more than one artilleryman should be appointed; because, besides their cost to the royal exchequer, they are likewise a damage to this community, on account of the quantity of money which they bring and carry back invested to Nueva Espana.

[In the margin:  “Have a letter written to the viceroy together with this report, that, if this be so, it appears excessive, and he shall correct it.”]

In the ships which come from Nueva Espana a great deal of money is brought which is not registered.  Beside not paying in Acapulco the duties of two and a half per cent, which are due to your Majesty, there results to this commonwealth a great deal of damage; for this money belongs for the most part to merchants and citizens of Piru and Mexico.  Although in the sale which is made of the said ships, when they arrive at the port of Cavite, investigation is made—­as I did this year, when I asked permission from the Audiencia to go to the inspection of the ships which came—­and although I went there, only a very small quantity of this money was found, on account of the great care which was taken to hide it.  At times, it even belongs to the most powerful people here; consequently those who are bringing it are very bold, and it is necessary to inspect the vessels before they arrive at the said port.  It would be expedient for your Majesty to command that the fiscal of the said Audiencia should always be present at the making of this inspection, so that he can take all measures which appear to him suitable for that purpose, and can make the inspection before the ships arrive at the port, wherever he may wish.  All the coin or silver bullion which is seized for registry should be applied for the royal treasury, some moderate portion being given to the person who denounces the culprit, so that there may be persons to do this.

[In the margin:  “Write to the governor that it is understood that this practice has become established, and let him try to prevent and correct it.  Let the fiscal accompany the royal officials in the inspection of those ships, at the point which may appear most convenient to them, and let all which is discovered without registration, and contrary to the decree, be rigorously confiscated; and let them give to the informer such part as may seem best to the Audiencia.”]

At present nothing else occurs of which your Majesty should be advised in matters concerning the government.  I shall continually look out for what is most expedient for it, and will advise you of what should be done.  May God protect your Majesty, according to His power, with a larger increase of kingdoms and seigniories, according to the needs of Christendom.  Manila, July 21, 1599.