could have
been] in these islands. As this one has been built, so can many
others be constructed; and these provinces can be relieved from the
great burden of their shipyards. I also have under discussion another
negotiation with the city of Cochin in regard to this same matter;
and, if it succeeds, it will be of great service to your Majesty.

Some difficulties have arisen in military matters, which it is
necessary for your Majesty to have determined in your Council of the
Yndias. Since your Majesty has had armed forces in these islands, the
ships which enter this port and that of Cabite have been inspected
by the military department. The governor does not go in person,
both because of his many duties and also because every year he gives
commission, by his authority, to one of the persons in whom he trusts,
for that person to go in his name. This appointee goes in company
with a notary, and inspects the number of the people, and the arms,
ammunition, and the amount of property, to see if everything is in
accordance with the orders given from the time of Governor Don Juan
de Silva to the Chinese, so that they might not burden these islands
with useless ships and people (as will be seen by the copy of the
commission, which is sent to your Majesty in your royal Council of
the Indias). Several discontented regidors--thinking to annoy me,
and incited perhaps by some of this royal Audiencia who is but little
inclined to my course of action--presented a decree of your Majesty
(of which a copy is also enclosed to your said royal Council), under
date of the year 20, in which it is ordained that, in order to give
this commission, the governor must meet with the auditors, and that
all in assembly choose the person to whom it shall be given. This
detracts authority from the office of the captain-general, to maintain
which efforts should be made in that royal Council of the Yndias. I
am now with spurs on my heels, as they say, [ready] either for the
other world, or to finish this government. Consequently, I cannot
negotiate this matter with the intention of enjoying it; I am doing
this for the service of your Majesty and for the authority of the
office--considering that, although it would be very proper to have
this commission granted by the votes of four, never would those votes
conform, for each one would try to have it given to his friend. For
the commission entails but little work; and, if many ships come, it is
worth quite on