danger would be more easily averted because there are plenty
of ships and seamen there. Will your Majesty be pleased to have this
matter examined and considered so that, after understanding the pros
and cons, what is most advisable to your service may be done.

[_Marginal note_: "Note of what was decreed, on a separate
paper." [23]]

5th. We are very happy at the good news that has arrived here of
the favor that your Majesty concedes, to all of us who live in
this country, of sending us reenforcements of soldiers and ships by
the Cape of Buena Esperanza; and I more happy than I could express,
because of my great desire for it and my great regret over its lack,
in order to demonstrate effectively the desire that I have always
had, and have, of employing myself in your Majesty's service. May
His Divine Majesty so well manage it that, if life does not fail
me, I shall, with the protection of God, endeavor to employ it to
my very utmost--without my promising more at greater length, for we
can promise much from the hands of His Divine Majesty, but from our
own but little. In order that the successful end of such intents may
be better attained, at the best time, without there being any lack,
I petition your Majesty to the utmost of my ability that the sending
of this help, together with troops, be continued for some years--by
way of Panama, or by whatever way your Majesty may please--so that the
forces which might be assembled with such a fleet as is above mentioned
might not be weakened so soon because of the many men that die here;
and that the provision of money be in proportion to the men, and for
the same time. I trust that, with the above, the cost and trouble
incurred will succeed, without my endeavoring to excuse myself from
it, or failing to economize and well administer the revenues as well
as other things. The results certify it; for, with less money than
has entered the royal treasury for many years, I have accomplished
so many works, and have built or bought, in two years only, as many
boats, provisions, and war stores as was done during many years in
the past, and at a much less cost. For I have paid for all these,
and of the arrears of debt a very large amount--as, if time allowed,
could be seen by the official statements that would be sent to that
effect. However, I shall try to do that on another occasion. I have
come to say this, because your Majesty charges me to be very careful
of your revenues, and as