, so that the same bullets may be furnished for them.

Third: From China we can procure very cheaply copper, saltpeter, and
bullets; and in this island are ample mines of copper and sulphur,
[44] and all the requisites can be bought cheaply at various places. It
is said that the necessary tin and saltpeter can be obtained cheaply
and in abundance.

Fourth: There must be brought from Yndia two thousand quintals of
cordage, which will cost two thousand pesos or as many ducats. This
will make a saving of considerable money, and at the same time the
cordage will not arrive frayed and worn out by the hard journey
from Vera Cruz to Mexico and thence to Acapulco, over mountains,
valleys, and rivers. The anchors and necessary grappling tackle
should be brought from the same country, together with the slaves
already mentioned.

Fifth: From Nueva Espana should be brought cloth (gray and other
colors, and mixed) for the protection of the troops in seasons of rain
and storm, for the country is rather cold and very wet. _Item:_ there
should be blankets and garments for the sick, and other necessaries.

Sixth: Have his Majesty send two hundred thousand pesos to cover
and provide for these and many other things, and pay the Japanese,
and other incidental expenses.

Seventh: Have the commander of the expedition bring a number of
presents to win over some of the mandarins and other persons of
importance; and for this have brought from Espana velvets, scarlet
cloths, mirrors, articles of glass, coral, plumes, oil paintings,
feather-work, globes, and other curiosities, and some red and white
wine for the same purpose.

What can be and is provided for here in the islands

That his Majesty may understand that his subjects truly wish to
serve him in this country in so important an undertaking, and that
he may grasp more clearly what is being done and provided for here,
it is described in the following.

First: At the meeting of the junta here, consisting of the president,
auditors and fiscal, with the bishop and other persons before
mentioned, when this project was discussed, all decided that so serious
a matter, and one of such possibilities, should not be put off with no
more action than sending immediately to discuss it with his Majesty;
the necessary preparations were commenced here at once, and it was
universally resolved with considerable enthusiasm and serious purpose,
that, on account of the lack of money in the royal