five hundred and
fifty valas [_i.e., bares_ = bahars] of cloves (each vale [_sic_]
containing four hundred and sixty libras), with a great quantity of
pepper, and of the said nutmeg and its mace; also silks, cinnamon,
and other products. Hence they are extremely well fortified in the
said islands, as well as in others, as they have an understanding
with the surrounding kings. For the king of Daquen gives them eighty
thousand ducados annually in order to have them protect his country,
and so that his vassals may go and navigate safely in those straits on
their trade and traffic with the islands surrounding his kingdom. All
of that obliges the said city of Manila and its other islands to be
more watchful and to maintain larger forces and supplies. For were
there neglect in this, the power and invasion of the said Dutch,
who have so frequented and learned the said straits (of which they
have so thoroughly taken possession and with so many forces, as above
narrated), could be feared.

Although the said city and its inhabitants have been and are always
very careful and vigilant (as is very well known); defending,
at the cost of their lives and goods, the land from the incessant
bombardments, surprises, and attacks of the said Dutch, with the
forced obligation of very generally keeping their arms in readiness
all the time; enduring a servile life full of annoyance and danger,
although they could leave it, and it would be better and more worth
living if it were less grievous, and free from so many dangers
and difficulties: nevertheless they endure them, in consideration
of the service of your Majesty, and in continuation of the many
services which they have rendered in the defense and preservation of
that country; and hoping that the greatness and liberality of your
Majesty will protect and relieve them, so that they may accomplish
their purpose better. Particularly do they ask that you order to be
repealed the collection of the two per cent, the imposition of which
was ordered by a decree of the former year six hundred and four on the
merchandise exported from the said islands to the said Nueva Espana,
in addition to the three per cent paid on them by the merchants of
the said city--which heard and received notice of the said royal
decree in the year of six hundred and seven, while Don Rodrigo de
Vibero was governor. At that time the decree was not made effective
or fulfilled, as the difficulty and great disadvantages that