if they did not prove
an aid to us, they should not prove harmful. Also, whether this gold
should be deposited with the fathers who instruct them, so that the
natives would understand that this action is taken only for security,
and with no other intent; and whether this gold should be brought
to Manila by the said fathers of the doctrina, and deposited in
the fortress--that being the most secure place. Also it should be
considered whether this taking their gold seems a harsh measure, and
whether others easier and milder offer themselves--as the exemption of
certain chiefs from tribute, and otherwise making much of them. But
this race is so barbarous and ungrateful that, if they understand
our necessity, and discover any weakness or fear in us, the majority
of them will rebel against us, and we shall be compelled rather to
deal with them as with enemies. Therefore, whatever our exigency,
we must deal with them with the same courage, superiority, and
firmness as in our most prosperous time itself; and we must assure
them that our orders and requests are solely for their good, and by
no necessity of ours. It appears to be advisable to order them that
each chief send one of his sons with his gold, in order to watch it,
and to prove that the rightful owner accompanies it.

Likewise: whether it will be advisable to have a quantity of rice,
swine, fowls, and other food stored in certain parts of the mountains
and tingues; for were the places where these are chiefly produced
near this city, or in places easy of access to the enemy--and since
it is supposed that they would come in force--in such case, it would
not be difficult for them to seize this food and appropriate it to
their own use, or burn it, for we could not have sufficient forces
to divide them, or withdraw them from the defense of this city. And
in this connection it is observed that it would be advisable to have
the cattle-pastures -which are the support of this state, and the
first thing that the enemy look for--established inland (as there
is sufficient pasturage in all parts), with some guard. And since,
if the enemy came, and we were actually confronted with the danger,
it would be necessary for the Indians who have their villages and
houses on the seacoast, or along the rivers or estuaries, where the
enemy could penetrate easily, to retire inland to live, it seems
that it would be advisable for the fathers of the doctrinas to have
the natives warned and per