nses to Sangleys, it appears that
the care which I took to reduce the number of those here has had a
good effect, and that they have gone back to their own country. For,
as strict measures were taken to the effect that all those in this
country should not remain here without securing licenses, a much
smaller number of these have been issued this year than last. Likewise
a large part of the Japanese have been expelled, so that for a long
time there have not been so few of them here as now. I sent an order
and what was necessary for the fortification at Oton, and had that
port put in a state of defense. The same thing is being done with
the fort at Cavite, as I wrote to your Majesty.

In the same way we are steadily engaged in repairing and equipping the
ships, not only the capitana and the almiranta, but the ship which
this year came from Nueva Spana, and another small ship and three
galleys. I do not know whether they can be manned, but everything
is being prepared for any emergency that may arise. What we cannot
make is money and Spaniards, the lack of the latter being the most
serious; and I have many times represented to your Majesty that the
aid from Nueva Spana has come in scanty measure, as if from one who
was not obliged to give an account of this matter. The infantry, of
whom a very small number have come, are in such a state that I would
be glad if most of them had remained there; and, in short, counting
them all--aside from those who are crippled, and those housed in the
forts here and at Cavite--they do not amount to seven hundred and
fifty in all these companies, as appears from the certified official
statements which I send with this. Deducting those who are usually left
in the ports, and the number who are ordinarily sick in the hospital,
there will be barely enough to defend the capitana and almiranta,
two galleys, and a patache (or another galley in its place), if they
are also accompanied by some respectable citizens and persons who are
anxious to serve and merit reward. There are not yet here, however,
the usual number of unpaid soldiers--who are here called "irregulars"
[_extravagantes_] because nearly all of them are so, and serve in these
companies; but now, when there are not many troops, they are thus
far well provided and paid, and are content, thanks be to God. With
their help, when occasion arises, I hope that the soldiers will do
their duty very well; and for such time I shall collect all that