uary, so that there will be two galleys
here. In Oton, on the island of Panae I have finished another galley,
thirty-four varas long, with twenty benches. Still another will be
ready by September and I shall continue with the work.

94. I would not dare to employ rowers for this country, since I have so
few men now on the Spanish galliots; for it would be possible for them
to take flight some day, and to do mischief. All these islands are full
of robbers. Having these four galleys I shall, with God's help, man
them with friends, and seek equipment for them. It is my plan to build
a hundred galleys, and to support them in your Majesty's service from
our enemies, if your Majesty would care to provide what is necessary.

95. There is no artilleryman here who knows how to fire or cast
artillery, nor is there any artillery. I am writing to the viceroy
our needs in this matter. Having learned that the Moros of this
country had artillery, I told them that they had nothing to fear now,
since we Spaniards are here, who will defend them; and that therefore
they should give me their artillery. By very affable address, I have
obtained possession of as much as possible, without any harshness,
and without seizing any man. I have therefore in the fort, in your
Majesty's magazine, four hundred quintals of bronze that seems to
be good. It was all taken within the radius of eight leagues. For
this reason, and because often some of the pieces burst, we need
here at this camp master-workmen to cast artillery. They ought to be
sent from Espana for this purpose so that we should not be deceived
about them in Mexico, as we have been in regard to the gunners--who
have simply passed by the gunners' barracks, and have never served
in the capacity of gunner. Such men we have here, to our great risk
and harm. It will be necessary to send fifty gunners. Those who are
here must be discharged, or be sent as substitutes for sailors.

96. And because, although I might act as overseer, these things
do not form part of my duty, two master-engineers are necessary,
who understand how to fortify a town, and everything pertaining
thereto. We also need experienced troops, for we are here among
enemies and nothing is possessed unless it is held. With regard to
the artillery and master-engineers, I implore that your Majesty may
be pleased to command that this business be attended to at once;
for we are lost here without artillery, which alone can defend the