the Englishman
with four well-equipped vessels of his nation; and, as admiral, the
Dutchman with five vessels, no less adequately equipped and armed than
the English. They sighted the port of Cavite in order to reconnoiter
the strength of the fleet stationed there. Everything was placed in
the best state of defense that time allowed, so that any attack of the
enemy could be repulsed. But the enemy took a better resolve, namely,
to anchor in the mouths of this bay and await there the Chinese ships,
while they sent two vessels to run along the coast, in order that
those vessels that should anchor along it might not escape them.

At this juncture a vessel arrived at this city with a special embassy
from Macan to beg the governor to aid them with some large pieces
of artillery; for, as they were advised from Japon, they were hourly
awaiting that same squadron--for, as the rumor ran, they were about
to attack that city. Notwithstanding that the necessity here was more
urgent, yet it was resolved, after having called a special council of
the treasury and war, to send six large pieces of the best casting
for the defense of that city--as the governor, to whom I refer,
will inform your Majesty more minutely.

The depredations and prizes made by the enemy in all that time have
not been of great importance, since as yet it is not known that they
have captured more than five Chinese vessels, which according to the
report of the Sangleys in them were not those of the wealthy men (who
are here called Anayes). [12] Consequently, with the pillage of this
year, they will not be able to meet their obligations in Japon, for
which thanks are due our Lord. What I can affirm to your Majesty is
that all possible efforts were made, both in sending advices to China
and in carefully watching through outposts this entire coast, which
was partly the reason why the enemy failed to cause greater damage.

The founding of the artillery made here hitherto cost so much labor,
and it resulted so unsatisfactorily, that we were all in the greatest
perplexity because we could not determine where the defect lay. But,
after many different experiments in alloying the metals, it has been
God's pleasure that we hit upon it. I can also assure your Majesty that
the artillery that is cast now is as good and safe as that of Piru,
and costs much less in metal and labor than the pieces formerly cast.

One cannot help reflecting how great and distressing would be th