I have informed your Majesty of the little importance of the galleys, and that only that of Terrenate was suitable to be maintained; but, having considered the matter more fully, I am of a different opinion, and I say that they are necessary so that we may aid Terrenate in any perilous need.  However, they are not of any use in this port of Cavite, where they are kept, as they would be if sent to the province of Pintados at Oton or Cibu, in sight of the domestic enemy, namely, the Mindanaos, Joloans, and Camucones.  These people are the ones who pillage the natives; and because we have had only twenty oared vessels in those districts this year, not any of those enemies have left their lands, although they generally render the provinces disquieted and fearful.

The person whom your Majesty has in these islands of the greatest service, and fit for any important mission, is Don Lorenzo de Olaso, master-of-camp of this army, who became captain-general at the death of Don Juan Nino de Tavora.  He has assisted me greatly in everything, especially in the work of the cavalier which is being built.  While the Audiencia was governing, he carried himself prudently; for by their quarrels over jurisdiction they occasioned him great troubles, which with any one else might have been more embarrassing and far-reaching.

On August 14 and October 22 of the past year I wrote to your Majesty concerning a matter of importance, namely, that a governor be sent to Terrenate, for Pedro de Heredia is old and rich.  I say the same now, and by what has since occurred it will be recognized that only your Majesty’s royal service moved me [to advise thus], having understood the dangerous state in which those forts are found to be, on account of their [present] condition.

On August thirteen of the same year, the said Pedro de Heredia advised me that many soldiers of that presidio were about to mutiny, but that he was making the best of it, as well as he could, until the reenforcements should arrive.  This, he said, had happened because Father Manuel Rinto, [105] commissary of the Holy Office, had published an edict regarding the sin against nature, in which many had been included.  The father had given them two months in which to seek absolution.  To this was joined their understanding that the governor would make an examination of those who should be absolved, from which arose their desperation.  He also said that, both on this account and because the Dutch had a galleon of great strength in Malayo and were awaiting other galleons from Chacatra, it was advisable that the usual reenforcements come, and be well guarded; for if it came in the usual manner it would infallibly be lost.