of Manila, on the tenth of
December, one thousand six hundred. [16]

_Don Francisco Tello_

By order of the governor and captain-general,

_Gaspar de Azevo_

_Instructions given by Doctor Antonio de Morga to Captain Joan
de Alcega_

The order to be pursued by Captain Joan de Alcega, admiral of this
fleet of the king our sovereign, in the course of this voyage and
expedition, is as follows.

[1.] First: Inasmuch as the end for which this fleet has been prepared
is for the search and pursuit of the English [_sic_] ships, which
have come but lately among these islands, and, as we are informed,
are near this place; and as in conformity with the instructions of the
governor and captain-general of these islands, the said enemy must
be pursued and followed with all care and diligence wherever found,
and must be engaged, and captured or sunk: therefore it is necessary
that the said almiranta [17] proceed very cautiously, and be ready
with sailors, soldiers, and artillery, in order, on their part,
to accomplish the said purpose, when opportunity offers.

[2.] Further, the said almiranta shall follow the flagship to leeward,
unless it be rendered necessary for progress, or because of the
enemy, to beat to windward. It shall have a care that the other
smaller vessels of the fleet do not fall behind or deviate from the
course--this to be without prejudice to their navigation and voyage,
and their accompanying the flagship, which is the most important thing.

[3.] _Item_: Should opportunity be offered to engage the enemy,
the almiranta shall endeavor to engage him at the same moment as
the flagship or alone, in case that flagship is to leeward, or so
situated that it cannot do the same so quickly; for the flagship will
endeavor to come to its aid in whatever happens, with all haste and
speed possible.

4. _Item_: Upon overtaking the two ships of the enemy, efforts shall
be made to grapple and board their flagship, where their force is
carried. This same effort shall be made by the flagship of this fleet;
but in case the flagship of the enemy cannot be overtaken, and their
almiranta is in such a condition that something may be done with it,
it shall be attempted.

5. _Item_: Should our fleet attack the enemy and grapple, both
ships--the almiranta and the flagship--shall endeavor to grapple on the
same side. But if that cannot be done, care shall be taken that our
artillery and arquebuses are not turned on our own sh