d all this, and allotted
them to the royal crown. I am sending the records to you; and with
whatever it may please your Majesty to give your servants we shall
be well satisfied.

93. There is in these islands an abundance of wood and of men, so that
a large fleet of boats and galleys may be built. There is a quantity
of cheap iron from China, worked by the natives here, who can make
what is necessary from it--which they cannot do with Castilian iron,
for it is exceedingly hard. We have no pitch, tallow, or rigging
worth mention, because what there is is so scarce and poor that
it amounts to nothing. There is no oakum for calking. Large anchors
cannot be made; but the rest of the tackle can be obtained here in good
condition. There is good timber also; to my way of thinking, therefore,
the ship that would cost ten thousand ducats in Guatimala, and in
Nueva Espana thirty [thousand], can be made here for two or three
[thousand], should strenuous efforts be employed. When I came here
I found the city burned and razed to the ground. I erected shipyards
in two places, separating the workmen, so that they might accomplish
more if they entered into competition. The one in Manila has turned
out a galliot of sixteen or seventeen benches; and has repaired the
ship that brought me here, and also one that was made in Acapulco,
which I believe cost more than fifteen thousand ducats. They were
about to burn the latter ship for the iron that they could thus obtain;
but through promises and diligence on my part the keel and stern-post,
which were rotten were removed, as well as half the hull of the ship;
and, God willing, she will sail from here one month after this ship
departs. Almost one braza was cut off near the bow, on account of
its unsatisfactory shape; and more than two brazas will be added to
the original length. This will make a vessel capable of carrying two
hundred soldiers--which, as this ship had been condemned, means that we
have, from nothing, made twenty thousand ducats. I found that the ship
which had been repaired was destroyed during Limahon's attack. Rigging,
masts, sails, and everything else necessary have been placed in it,
and the ship is called "Sant Felipe." On finishing this, they will
begin to work on another galley; and, besides, will repair another
vessel that is rotten, and whose keel, although of a better pattern,
will require as much labor as the other. However, God willing,
it will be completed by Jan