The post of protector of the Sangleys is vacant, as your Majesty has ordered that account be given of it, and that six suitable persons be proposed for it, who must be lawyers.  It is impossible to find so many in this community, because of the few inhabitants here; and some do not care for the said post of protector on these terms.  I propose to your Majesty the person of Captain Matheo de Heredia, who, besides having served for many years in various exercises, is one of the best lawyers in Philipinas.  The royal Audiencia entrusts business of importance to him, and he possesses ability and merits for things of greater worth, and this favor will be well bestowed on him.

The viceroy of Nueva Espana has sent abundant reenforcements this year, with three hundred thousand pesos in money and the materials for the clothing of the soldiers (the best that have ever come here); this has been of great relief for the present needs.

The captain-general of the artillery claims that he can issue warrants on the treasury as well as I, because of his office.  The royal officials oppose that, as there is no money assigned for it, and they are not subordinate to any other but the governor, and that was not done in the time of his predecessor.  It will be fitting for your Majesty to declare what is your pleasure, considering the fact that this treasury is poor, and that it is troublesome to have many giving warrants on it.  May God preserve the royal person of your Majesty, as is needful to us your vassals.  Manila, August 10, 1634.

Don Juan Cereso Salamanca

Military affairs

Sire: 

On the twenty-second of October, I informed your Majesty of military affairs.  Now I shall do the same in detail, with the zeal of a true and faithful vassal; in accordance with which I say that the conservation of these islands consists in not embarking in new enterprises, but in keeping the presidios well defended which cannot be dispensed with, and to abolish those of least importance.  By so doing there will be men in this camp for undertaking great things, as has been done in other times by your Majesty’s governors; while the contrary is true now, for the aforesaid reason, and the governors content themselves with not losing anything that is in their charge.

I imagine that there will be difficulty in abandoning the forts of the island of Hermosa; nevertheless, by my remarks in my letter on government affairs, to which I refer, that seems advisable.  Accordingly, that can be reduced to but two posts, thus saving most of the rations which are consumed; but in my opinion all that may be done is superfluous.