One night in the month of January, fire was carelessly set (as far as could be learned) in the Parian of the Sangleys or Chinese who live close to the walls of this city.  All the buildings were of wood and straw; and consequently, although we went to the rescue as quickly and energetically as possible, the fire could not be extinguished.  I viewed the fire from the guard-house itself, which looks out on the Parian, in order to prevent the movements that the Chinese might attempt under such circumstances.  The master-of-camp, Don Lorenco Olaco, entered the Parian itself, and by his timely efforts, and through God’s help, he saved the convent and church of the fathers of St. Dominic, who have charge of the Chinese.  The latter, being infidels, were not a little surprised at seeing only the convent and house of the fathers escape so great a fire.  Almost all the Parian has been rebuilt, with much better outlines and edifices than before, and that to such an extent that this city is beautified by buildings so fine. [In the margin:  “Seen.”]

There have also been other fires this year.  One was in the city of Cibu, where the convents of the calced and discalced religious of St. Augustine were burned, together with some houses of the most influential inhabitants.  Another was in the city of [Nuestra Senora] del Rosario de Terrenate, where the convent of St. Francis and the royal hospital were burned, together with a considerable portion of the native village.  The edifices in these regions are generally of wood or bamboo, and the roofs of straw.  Consequently, they are very liable to such disasters.  Now edifices of stone are being introduced, roofed with tile or brick, and therefore these troubles are being averted. [In the margin:  “Seen.”]

The year has been a productive one for rice, which is the wheat of this country.  We are experiencing the great blessing that will result from the cultivated farms that have recently commenced to be established by the Spaniards.  They are cultivated by the Chinese, who are excellent farmers.  I am encouraging it to the best of my ability, as I believe this is the shortest road to provide this city with plenty of food.

In regard to the trade and commerce of silks and other products of China, in which consists all the substance of the inhabitants of this community, certain straits will be experienced this year, because the returns from Nueva Espana have been very slight, and prices here are very high.  Consequently, all the city has thought, with the general consent, that there should be no [record of] investment, or register, in the ships that are despatched this year to Nueva Espana for aid.  Thus was I petitioned in the name of the whole city.  I discussed it in the session with the auditors, and in a treasury meeting with those who attend that.  All thought that what the city petitioned should be conceded, as it was well known that it would tend to its increase and profit,