the margin:  “Send that decree, and write to the governor and archbishop to summon the provincial of the Augustinians and tell him how advisable it is to punish that religious, and those who act so; and have them advised that no mission shall under any consideration be granted to religious against whom such accusations are made.  Have them advise us of what is done.”  “This decree was carried out.”]

I am quartering the infantry, and am surprised that it has not been done in so many years.  It is not causing any expense to the royal treasury.  For, besides that it is impossible that the soldiers be well disciplined in any other way—­three-fourths living, as they do, outside the city—­I trust that by this means a much smaller number will die, and that many offenses against God will be avoided.

Although your Majesty has often been petitioned from this country to aid these islands with a fleet, my experience in sailing to India by way of the cape of Buena Esperanca, and outside the island of San Lorenco, causes me to desist from that request, as I consider it impossible.  But considering that the forces here are for naught else than defensive war, and how important it would be to dislodge the enemy from the Malucas Islands, it seems to me an easier and more advisable method for your Majesty to send the soldiers and sailors who could be a reenforcement, at the account of Philipinas, in the merchant vessels of the trading-fleets [from Espana], so that in due time they might be taken from San Juan de Ulua, together with the men raised in Nueva Espana, to the port of Acapulco.  For if sufficient money be sent from Nueba Espana, better ships can be built no-where than here; and thereby could be attained what I doubt greatly could be secured in any other way.

Don Bernardino del Castillo, castellan of this fort of Santiago, has died.  I have appointed in his place, and I trust that your Majesty will confirm it, or appoint him to that post, Governor Lucas de Vergara Gavira, who has been governor of the forces of Terrenate, and who served your Majesty with approval in Flandes and in these regions for many years.

The island of Ermossa lies between Great China and the province of Ylocos, which is situated in these islands.  There is so short a distance from one part to the other that one can cross over in one night.  Although my predecessor, Don Alonso Fajardo, was advised that the Dutch were thinking of fortifying themselves there, and how important it was to these islands to gain the position, he did not do so, perhaps because the enemy were more powerful.  Now the latter have a fort with four ramparts (two of stone), which will soon be completed, for the Chinese subjects of that kingdom are helping them.  The island has no port for large ships; but the Dutch, together with Japanese, did considerable damage with small craft—­so much, in fact, that the past year they captured a vessel with thirty thousand pesos.  If time and opportunity permit, I shall endeavor to gain a foothold in another port, in order to drive out the Dutch in the future from what they have there now.  If your Majesty would establish a factory there, it would result in the complete restoration of this country to its old-time luster, and with greater prosperity.