and because of the fear lest the ship from Japon, that from Macao, that from Castilla, and some of the largest Sangley merchantmen which bring goods for the Spaniards from China, should fall into the enemy’s hands, great efforts were made in preparing the supplies necessary for the war.  The well-inclined Sangleys offered themselves for any toil, because of their rage against the Dutch.  Public prayers were said throughout the islands, beseeching and importuning God for a successful outcome.  The governor built a new foundry, where he cast seven large and reenforced cannon, which were of very great importance.  A considerable quantity of powder was refined which was almost lost.  A great number of balls were cast.  In short, the greatest care was exercised in everything and great haste displayed; and they were able, as a consequence, to launch the finished and equipped vessel “San Juan Baptista” in the bay on March 22.  That gave extraordinary consolation to the entire city.  It mounted several pieces, and carried some picked soldiers, who had been assigned for its defense in case the enemy tried to burn it on the stocks, or to come to meet it in order to seize it.  But the enemy attached so little importance to this vessel, and to the forces of this land, that they acted with as great security as if anchored in Holanda.  They reproached the Indians that they captured for their subjection to a people who did not dare to attack them [i.e., the Dutch], and who had no forces for that purpose.  Freeing those Indians, the Dutch told them to sow a quantity of rice, and to rear many fowls and swine, for they said that the following year they intended to come with a greater force to make themselves absolute masters of these islands, and it was necessary that they have plenty of food prepared.

The preparation of the fleet in Cavite was finished, so that it was ready to sail by April 21.  In the midst of the greatest efforts that were being made to furnish its rigging, news was received that the Dutch had returned laden with wealth.  This filled the whole city with sadness, on seeing that the Dutch were continuing their ravages without any chastisement or punishment.  But soon it was learned for certain that it was not so, whereupon the Spaniards were very joyous and happy.  Such was the courage and spirit of our Spaniards, that they burned with desire to begin the fray.  Finding that it could not be done so quickly, they manifested their anger, and raged like caged and angry lions or tigers which cannot avenge an insult.  A day or so before our fleet sailed, a Japanese ship arrived at Cavite.  The disastrous loss of the ship “San Francisco,” the flagship of three vessels that sailed hence for Nueva Espana, was learned from that vessel.  This was the most unfortunate thing that had yet happened; for by that blow this country was almost ruined, and the death of one man was hastened, a few days after, by his sorrow.  Many Spaniards of those who escaped