mage and
loss of the natives, and if your Majesty grants this permission,
it will be avoided. [_In the margin_: "Let this be referred to the
governor, so that if there is no special disadvantage, and it does
not conflict with his present orders, he may grant permission for
the sailing of this vessel."]

12. In what pertains to the island of Lucon, where the city of Manila
has been founded, and the other islands of that archipelago, the said
Fray Francisco de Ortega declares that everything is improving since
the arrival of Governor Gomez Perez Dasmarinas in that country; for he
is very vigilant and painstaking in all matters touching the service
of God our Lord, and of your Majesty. Thus all things are peaceful
and tranquil; and by his prudence, good example, and good government,
that state and the spread of the holy gospel are increasing rapidly.

13. Likewise, with zeal for the service of God and of your Majesty,
according to what he saw, learned, and heard asserted by persons
zealous for the service of your Majesty, he declares that the galleys
that are [at] the Havana [20] are of little use and advantage, and
a great expense to the royal exchequer, because they cost annually
forty-two thousand ducados. And since they are there, they have
been of no effect at all--although occasions have arisen when they
might have been useful--because they were not well equipped, and
lacked soldiers. Therefore it will be advisable either that they be
strengthened and disposed as is necessary for the occasion that may
arise, or that such excessive expenses without any profit accruing
from them be avoided. [_In the margin_: "Already provided for."]

14. _Item_: That the port on the point at the entrance to Havana
[Cavite?] is very important for the guard and defense of the entrance
to the port; but it must be strengthened with more pieces of artillery,
for it has very few for the defense of the entrance by sea and land,
if a large force of enemies should come; and that the fort built on
the headland in front of the point is very good, exceedingly strong,
and very important for its object. Nevertheless, according to what
he saw, learned, and heard said by military men, the work must be
made smaller, for it covers a great deal of space; and, unless it be
retrenched, a much greater garrison must be supplied, besides a great
deal of artillery for its guard and defense, and for the object for
which it was built.

[_Endorsed_: "+ Fathe