is occupied in the pacification of the province of Caraga, of whose
revolt I informed you in my last despatch, and which I now communicate
in my letter treating of military affairs. He has twice entered that
province with a fleet; the first time, he inflicted a very severe
punishment, and from the second, which was made this month of May,
I hope that no less a result will ensue. [_In the margin_: "The same."]

The construction of galleys at Cavite has been changed; for one
unfavorable result changes the opinions of men which are of but
little stability. Certain workmen declared that the woods of which
the ship "Santa Maria Magdalena" was made (which was the one which
sank last year) were heavy; and that for that reason it had become
worthless--and not because its sides were defective. That was a lie,
for having drawn it ashore, as I wrote, laden (which was a heroic task,
and which could only have been done where there was so much apparatus
for it) the ship was then repaired with a lining of knees. It has
been tested in this bay, and it is very staunch, and carries all the
sail that can be spread. Hence it was a lie to cast the blame on the
lumber; but, as the common people and the friars (who desire that
there should be a shipyard near here) urged it earnestly on account
of this rumor, it was necessary to order that a shipyard be sought
in another place. Consequently, the master-workmen have been sent to
the Embocadero to build a ship for the coming year; for those ships
which came from Acapulco this year are not to return there. They have
well gained their cost. I sent the measures for a galleon, of the
burden that we need here, to Cochin, and I trust that some agreement
which will prove very advantageous to these islands will be made;
for scarcely is there anything that will be more important than to
suspend shipbuilding here for some time. [_In the margin_: "Seen."]

I am glad of the decree for Don Felipe Mascarenas, and that the Council
of Portugal has ordered that thanks be extended to him because he
assisted these islands with ammunition and the other things which
were asked from him.

The galleons have been repaired this year, and were completely
overhauled so that they will last another four years. That is the best
that can be done, because of the poor quality of the woods. [_In the
margin_: "Seen."]

In the year of 28, the ships left here without register. I have had
no answer from your Majesty to the caus