The havoc wrought by the loans which the inhabitants are forced to make to the royal treasury, which is now owing them about two hundred thousand pesos, is not little.  The inhabitants have been unable to invest that money, and hence the deficiency in what they could have used in trade has embarrassed them with a like shortage in the profits that they would have made with this sum.  Your Majesty ought to have this matter remedied by ordering the viceroys of Nueva Espana to aid this treasury with the sum asked for here; for surely such procedure means the total destruction of these few vassals whom your Majesty has here in this little commonwealth.  If that relief be lacking, the enemy will have but little to do in making themselves masters of the South Sea. [In the margin: “That this matter is being discussed very carefully and that it will be thoroughly examined in order to give a suitable answer.”]

8.  The fresh supply of saltpetre which was brought from Yndia by the efforts of Don Felipe Mascarenas, captain of Cochin.

Four galliots have come from Yndia with flour and a certain quantity of saltpetre, of which we were in great need.  The captain of Cochin, Don Felipe de Mascarenas, is the one who has solicited it; and he aids me very punctually with what I ask from him.  I am trying to have some ships built there for the Nueva Espana line.  I request your Majesty to thank him, and to encourage him to pay careful attention to the quick building of the new ships; for this would effect much, and relieve the islands of one of the greatest burdens that they endure, namely, the shipyards and shipbuilding. [In the margin:  “Let his Majesty be consulted, so that the same be done in such manner as he prefers.”  “Consultation was held October 17.”]

9.  Embassy sent to the king of Camboja; the building of ships; and the trade that has been established with him.

For the same purpose I despatched an embassy this year to the kingdom of Camboja, in order to ascertain whether it has suitable timber.  I have heard that those who went there have been well received by the king, and that he is answering me by another embassy composed of his vassals.  They say that he has never done so with anyone else, and that the building of a ship was already being begun.  I am momentarily expecting a patache which was bought there, in which the ambassadors are coming.  I trust that very many matters for relief for these islands and saving for your Majesty will be arranged with them besides the shipbuilding, as well as the advantage which the Catholic faith may obtain in this commerce.  For some Dominican fathers whom I sent as chaplains for the Spaniards write me that they were very cordially received by the king, and that the latter had given them permission to build a church, and to baptize those who wished to be converted. [In the margin: “Have him advise us of the result, and approve what he is doing.”]