above mentioned, and another new patache which I had finished from the bottom up—­all together, they comprised two large vessels, two moderate-sized vessels, two pataches, and four galleys.  They were repaired, and manned in great part with borrowed slaves and Dutch prisoners (for the Dutch inflict upon the Spaniards the worst of treatment).  While this fleet was so far advanced that it could sail and fight in a few days afterward, the rebels entered for the last time into this bay, a thing which they had done eight times before.  After staying a long time in the mouth of the bay, and seeing it prepared, and some craft ready and filled with men, it appears that they did not choose to try our arms or tempt fortune; for they sailed away and left their position, and went farther up the coast, until they passed the cape of Bolinao [82]—­a district where they thought they would be safe from us, because we could not go there at that season without evident danger of being unable to return to this bay, because of having no longer a port to leeward, save those of Japon, where they have their factories.  As soon as they left here, I sent some light craft after their ships, in order to ascertain where they were going, and to return to me with the information, being resolved to go in pursuit of them, and finishing my preparations for it.  The news which was soon brought me was that, after taking the open sea, a storm struck them.  According to that news, and the report by some Chinese of a junk that was plundered, and signs that were seen along the said coast, the enemy lost one of their largest ships on that coast.  These Chinese met them on their way to Japon, so that they abandoned the islands.  Although I should be better satisfied had my toil and ardent desire been employed in fighting and attaining some good result, with God’s help, still I have also enjoyed great happiness and give His Divine Majesty many thanks because our vessels have arrived here, and those of the Dutch have received less gain than loss, and have caused no considerable loss [to us].  Likewise the despatches that I sent to China were important for that, in which I advised the Sangleys when and where not to come, and when and where they could come.  I also sent an order and money to Macan to buy a ship of more than medium size, which was there, from the chief commandant of that city.  According to the letters in which I have been answered, the ship can arrive here soon.  With it, those that I have here, the other new one (which is now finished), and an urca [83] sent me by the viceroy of Yndia, I shall have seven vessels, counting larger and medium-sized ones, besides the large one and one patache which are about to sail to Nueva Espana, which can direct a good artillery fire.  To them I shall add some artillery recast from burst pieces which, for lack of alloy that I sent to buy at Malaca, and which has now arrived, were not cast before.  With this, I shall endeavor to get ready as soon as possible, for whatever time