One of the things that your Majesty needs most in this county is intelligent clerks for the efficient administration of the royal revenues.  And because it is certain that much would be gained by it, I petition your Majesty to send half a dozen of them, who shall have been reared in a good school.  Your Majesty should not neglect to order the supervisor-general, Tomas de Ybio Calderon, to despatch one; and I trust that the person whom he would furnish may not be unsuitable.  For authority to serve in the more important offices of this profession which should become vacant here, the inspector Diego de Castro Lizon would be quite suitable, and the two brothers, the accountant Francisco Beltran de Manurga and the inspector Matias Beltran de Manurga.  Either of them is, in my opinion, a person as capable as is necessary for the said offices, as well as for things of more importance.  I entreat your Majesty to pardon my prolixity in matters in which you have not asked my advice; for my zeal and desire for your royal service, and also for some one who may aid me therein, obliges me to do it.

Moved by the same cause, I again petition your Majesty—­as I have done—­to send me Admiral Jusephe de Mena with the reenforcements that are possible, or that you please, whether few or many; for in his person alone I shall have one who can help me very well.  Galleys are of great importance to these islands, and not less for those of Terrenate and Mindanao, according to what I have as yet been able to ascertain.  Although they are almost past use, I shall endeavor to place them in the condition and number advisable.  But so that they may be of greater service, I need that your Majesty command to have sent to me a dozen good men, who understand galleys thoroughly, who may serve as captains, boatswains, and masters, who may teach those who shall serve in those posts to be proficient.  For no one here thoroughly understands that calling except Captain Francisco Remanico, who I am told has labored very diligently in this matter, as well as in other affairs of your Majesty’s service.  I also need two or three oar-makers who are good workmen.

The shipbuilding carried on in these islands on your Majesty’s account is the total ruin and death of these natives, as all tell me.  For, in addition to the damage caused by it in withdrawing them from the cultivation of their lands and fields—­whereby the abundance of the foods and fruits of the country is destroyed—­many of them die from severe labor and harsh treatment.  Joined to this is another evil, namely, that every Indian who takes part in the shipbuilding is aided by all the neighborhood where he lives with a certain number of pesos, on account of the small pay that is given them in behalf of your Majesty.  Hence many are being harassed and worn out by these methods, and a great expense is being caused to your Majesty’s royal treasury.  For although the cost of employing the natives seems moderate, their decrease is a very great detriment;