harrying--so that
the entire sum will amount to eight or nine thousand pesos. With this
sum, I think it possible to construct the principal fortress, because
the materials are cheap. The stone is so suitable that, when wet, it
can be worked like wood, and when dry it is very strong and durable;
and it is better than brick for the artillery. Should your Majesty be
pleased to look favorably upon these works, and have them aided from
your royal estate with an equal sum, everything would be finished;
and another fort could be built as well, to guard the port of Cavite
and your Majesty's ships for the regular line. Since it is two leagues
distant from the city, it is not made safe by the above-mentioned
fortifications; and the ships cannot anchor at any nearer place,
without ordinarily being in danger from the weather. In the general
fire in this city four years ago, the powder and ammunition were
burned, and the artillery was destroyed. Although I have had the
pieces refounded, and have used up the metal remaining, still there
are only twenty-six large and twenty small pieces; and this supply
is very small, considering the need of artillery in this country for
its defense, as well as for the expeditions that have been made and
for which occasion arises. Near these islands, in one called Lumban,
twenty leagues from this city, and in others near by, I have discovered
a quantity of copper, which on being tested by smelting it, gives one
arroba of metal to the quintal of ore. I have not found anyone who
understands the smelting of it; for those who tested it are Indians,
who do not smelt it in bulk. [58] I beseech your Majesty to please
have some founders and workmen sent to make artillery, for what we
have here is of iron, and quite old and useless.

In the city of Macan, China, where the Portuguese have settled, and in
the city of Sian, there is an abundance of saltpeter. If your Majesty
were pleased to have it brought from there--for it is quite near by,
and an easy voyage thither--the great expenses annually incurred by
your Majesty by having it brought from Mexico would be contracted;
for there is sulphur in this country, [59] and the Chinese bring it
to sell, while excellent charcoal is made here. Your Majesty will
order such provision to be made as suits the royal pleasure.

Many vessels have come to these islands from China this year, and
especially to this city--more than thirty of considerable burden,
laden with a