this year, since that of last year, and that trade is the harvest that sustains this country.  Consequently it has become very necessary to encourage the citizens, seeking innumerable methods of consolation, and facilitating their protection for the future with what means we have.  I am trying to notify and assure them that your Majesty’s reenforcements and protection will not fail them—­adducing (and in good faith on my part) all possible reasons why we should promise ourselves and expect that relief, when your Majesty learns into how great ruin this country has fallen.  For one cannot believe that your Majesty will permit the risking of what it is so important to preserve, both for the continuation of the conversion of these souls and that of so many as one may hope will be reduced to the pathway of salvation—­a thing by which our Lord will be so well served; and for the reputation and even the profit of the treasury, which will not be slight, and which will follow by maintaining these islands.  For if we had a fleet sufficient to be able to pursue the enemy, they could not maintain themselves from that day on which we would thus oblige them to divert their attention from their gains and trading, in order to join together for defense.  It is quite certain that, in that case, there would be no one in this archipelago who would do anything to lessen respect for your Majesty’s arms.  By doing that, a million per cent would be gained over what was spent on it.  Otherwise, if the enemy enjoy in any quiet what they claim here, it would appear that they might disturb the peace of Portuguese Yndia, and even of some portions of the Indias of Castilla [i.e., the Spanish colonies in America], and other places.  That would give reason for anxiety, because of the so great wealth that the enemy would thus obtain.  It is quite easy to prove this statement, since with only their plundering and the profits from their business, and without their having any right or dominion in anything of importance, the enemy repair the expenses and losses of war, and make the gains that they are known to secure.  Will your Majesty please have this matter considered, and have an efficient reenforcement of seamen and soldiers sent—­all at once, or as soon as may be possible—­so that having their arms in one fleet, aid may be thus given where and how it is considered most advisable to your royal service.  To that I shall attend with what forces I shall have, whether many or few, as will be shown by their deeds—­to which I refer, without promising more than the fulfilment of my obligations, with God’s help.  In order to do thus, I have represented all the above, concluding with what is of most importance to this government, which is reduced, in my opinion, to three points:  namely, the commerce of China and Nueva Espana; the protection and preservation of the natives; and having the sword in the hand, so that one may achieve what is needed and make all things clear.  Taking this last point