annually
from Nueva Spana, that has not been done; and, even when soldiers are
sent, there are but few. And as, after their arrival here, they have
no pay or any means of gain, they suffer great hunger and privation,
and cannot endure more than the dry season. As this country is so
unhealthful, and the climate so trying, most of them die, while others
desert; and it is not in our power to remedy the evil. I beseech
your Majesty to be so good, if this kingdom--as being a gateway,
so important for the gospel and the Christian religion, to so great
and powerful kingdoms--is to be extended and increased, to order the
viceroy of Nueva Spana to send every year, conformably to his orders,
the troops, supplies, and arms requested by the governor of these
islands. Will your Majesty also command that food and sustenance be
provided for the soldiers, for their sufferings are most pitiful.

In another letter, I have informed your Majesty of the deep affliction
and pressing need in which I found this city, because all the houses
and property had been destroyed by fire, not even the fortifications
escaping. On account of the constant danger from fire, because
the buildings were being constructed of wood and bamboo, thatched
with straw, and because many quarries and much limestone had been
discovered, which is brought down the river, I forbade that any
houses should be built of other material than stone, since this could
be done at a very slight expense. I ordered roof-tiles and bricks
to be made; and now many substantial and handsome houses are being
constructed of stone. The natives have assisted no little in this,
for most of them have been set to work in the quarries. According to
the promptness exercised by the citizens, I trust, God helping, that,
in ten years, the city will be built entirely of stone, for from two
stone houses here the number has increased to twenty large houses,
besides a monastery; and a considerable number of buildings, very
substantial and well planned, are at present in course of construction.

This city is located on a narrow piece of land, between the sea
on one side and a river of considerable size, which flows through
part of the city, on the other; while on another side is a swamp or
morass. On the side fronting the sea is a handsome beach, extending
two leagues to the port of Cavite, where lie the vessels of the Nueva
Spana line. Where the river enters the sea, the land forms a point,
upon which is