it without permission, under penalty of his life, and
confiscation of the property thus removed, the latter to be applied
to the expenses of war.

As we see our fears of the Xaponese enemy so confirmed in every
direction, and that the German [51] pirates are actually here and
committing daily depredations along the coast, it seems that, in order
to relieve ourselves from anxiety regarding so many Xaponese traders
as are in the city, it would be advisable to assign them a settlement
or location outside of the city, after first taking away all their
weapons; and that they live there and sell their property. Likewise,
the question of what shall be done with the Xaponese servants here
should be considered, for there is a great number of them, and they
have free entrance into our houses and this city; in this great danger
they would be able to set fire to it, or cause other like damage.

Also, it will be advisable to send word throughout the coasts of
Mindoro, Lunban, Valayan, Ylocos, and other districts that piratical
enemies are about, so that they may be forewarned and that the natives
may be protected.

That the coast be reconnoitered from Paranaque to Cavite, to ascertain
whether the enemy have disembarked along it, and to discover what
location and convenience there is for laying ambushes and keeping
the enemy busy.

What is said here of our fears of Xapon should be understood as well
of the Chinese, since we have so little confidence in them.

That word be sent to Gallinato to set a price on rice, and gather as
much as possible, on the account of his Majesty's tributes there.

That four fragatas be fitted up and used for nothing else than to
transport rice and food, putting each fragata under command of a
thoroughly trustworthy master.

That the biscuit brought by the Chinese, should be taken, and also
one-half the flour brought by this Xaponese ship, in order to give
it a trial, at a moderate price; and if any well-preserved tunny-fish
have been brought, they should be taken, although first it should be
ascertained whether they have any yew-tree or other poison in them.

_Item_: It appears advisable that two careful regidors of this city--in
order that they may secure due respect, and act in the name of the
city--should go to bring twelve or fourteen thousand fanegas of rice
and one thousand five hundred jars of wine, from such district or
districts as they may choose, for any necessities that might arise i