ed, building
ramparts where they were lacking, so that one may walk around it on
the rampart. I have covered two cavaliers, although communication
may be had between them at a pike's length, which could not be done
before. The floors have been covered with wood, so that the pieces of
artillery may be dragged about more easily. I have also constructed
many chests, both for the interior of the fort and for the galleys,
and have mounted all the guns here.

As I advised by the ship "Santiago," I sent to the island of Panay for
galleys to be made. Two built there were launched in this city, and I
have another of sixteen [toneladas?] finished, and one of twenty-five
is in course of construction. It would have been completed four months
ago had it not been for the overhauling of this ship "San Juan," which
carries this letter. Nevertheless, it will be finished inside of two
months, because all the boarding, planking, and sheathing has been
done, and there is nothing more to hinder the workmen on the ship. I
have also had oars brought for all four galleys, and the majority
of them are made. Also the provisions for them and some casks have
been supplied. The oars are not yet ready for use, as there are not
eight quintals of lead in this country. I am expecting supplies from
Nueva Espana, with some men to command the galleys. Besides these
occupations, all the workmen were engaged during the past year, from
Christmas until July, in overhauling the ships "Santiago" and "San
Phelipe." They have been busy since October in overhauling this ship
"San Juan" until its sailing today, to repair damages caused by its
wreck. It is now put in very good condition, with pine masts, which I
took from that of the [original illegible] which are said to be better
than those here; for the wood of this land is very heavy. After the
completion of the galleys which were built here, I have commanded them
to build there a large ship of four hundred toneladas. After completing
the galley, another will be made here of the same style, God willing;
we have bought much iron and everything necessary, as I have written
to the viceroy in his letter. God permitting, we shall build ships
here which would be worth in Nueva Espana one hundred thousand ducats,
and which cost here less than fifteen [thousand]. Consequently the
situation here may be improved thereby. Moreover, some light sail-boats
have been made; we have succeeded in subduing all the natives; search