Military affairs

Sire: 

By two letters of the same date as this, I have informed your Majesty of my arrival in these islands, in accordance with the orders to the incumbents of vacancies in these governments.  Referring to them, I intend in this letter to give brief information of what concerns military matters.

The conservation and increase of the islands depends on the trade with China and Japon, providing that the other provinces shall steadily maintain a suitable population.  This will be secured by maintaining the reputation of your Majesty’s arms and true military discipline; and by taking heed to preserve what your Majesty holds today, without attempting new enterprises.  For the one your Majesty has sufficient force, but for the other there would be needed other and fresh forces.

The army of these islands is composed of nineteen companies.  Six of them are in garrison in this city, and one in the fort of Cavite; six others in Terrenate; three in the island of Hermosa; one in the island of Oton; another in that of Cibu; and another in that of Caraga.  These companies will be frequently changed, so that they may all share alike in the work and the leisure, and so that all may become soldiers.

The castle of Manila has its usual garrison, and is in a state of defense.  The forts of Cavite guard the port where the ships are anchored; while under its artillery the building and repair of the ships is carried on.  That fort always has one company of the army.  The fort of Zibu is important because of its distance, and because it has a port in which the reenforcements for Terrenate are made ready; while it confronts the insurgent Indians of Mindanao and Xolo.  For that reason its garrison has one company of volunteers [sobresaliente], and one of the army.  The other two forts of Oton and Caraga are kept up for the same purpose.  As I have but recently arrived, I do not make so full a relation of them as I shall give next year.

In regard to the island of Hermosa, I shall not inform your Majesty, until I have sufficient knowledge to do so, of what I think; for I see that the expenses incurred by your Majesty are heavy, while the island is of no use.  On the other hand, trustworthy persons give confident expectations of its population, growth, and utility.

The reenforcements for Terrenate are what cause most solicitude; they are made at great risk, and at a heavy cost to your Majesty.  That of last year reached the fort with reputation, because it was carried by a powerful ship which could withstand the Dutch, defensively and offensively.  The governor [of Terrenate], Pedro de Heredia, has advised us that it will be expedient for your Majesty’s service that the first reenforcement be sent in such manner that it may not be endangered, inasmuch as the enemy is making preparations to await it with greater forces.  Consequently, I am trying to have it conveyed by two