ng the reenforcements in a fleet which I sent to Terrenate this
year, in which consisted the security of those forts, which were in
danger. It was necessary for me to facilitate it by making use of the
precedents of other times. Now, in order to fulfil my obligation, I
assure you that what most is needed in Philipinas is the facilitation
of the course of business, and the choice of [government] ministers
who are entirely trustworthy; for in so remote provinces where all
is invasion from the enemy, it will be most difficult to succeed in
performing your Majesty's service, if the jurisdiction and authority
are so limited. In order to be able to await what your Majesty may be
pleased [to order], I have adopted, in certain doubts, the expedient
which has seemed most advisable, after holding meetings and consulting
with persons in whom I have confidence.

One of these new ordinances directs that the governor shall deliver,
whether in large or small quantity, all the goods and wares of
these magazines which are used for various purposes. Those which
are in danger of spoiling shall be distributed by his order; and
what shall not be thus disposed of shall not be passed over, at the
time, to the royal officials. That ordinance is impractical, for,
besides the continual occupations of the governor in affairs of greater
importance and his inability to personally supervise things so minute,
your Majesty had issued the necessary ordinance before the visit, and
I have followed it in the preparation of fleets and reeenforcements;
and I do not pay any attention to the delivery in small quantities when
that is necessary. But I am endeavoring to make it understood that
it is impossible to do so always, without obstructing the despatches
which usually demand attention suddenly. What is of importance to the
service of your Majesty is that we, the governor, royal officials,
and other ministers, are attending to the best administration of the
royal revenues.

In accordance with these new ordinances, the alcaldes-mayor, the
assistants of the royal officials, and shipmasters must annually settle
their accounts exactly. Because of the difficulty of navigation between
some of the islands, it is impossible to obey this ordinance to the
letter, or to cease receiving from such men at the time of [settling]
the account, what their salaries allow, as the emoluments which
they receive are small or nothing. Thus do we continue to proceed,
according t