f some and diminishing
that of others, as your Majesty has ordered. In order that they may
have an equal amount of work, and comfort also, I am having part of
them changed every year, so that their exile may not be perpetual,
nor desperation compel them to go over to the enemy, as many have
done. Accordingly, for this reason, and so that the smaller and larger
boats, in which the reenforcements are conveyed, may go and come in
safety, I cause some infantry to go in all of them.

[_Marginal note_: "Council. It is well. You have already been informed
in regard to this, and it was referred to your prudence and better
judgment, as you are the one in direct charge of affairs. You shall
give licenses and shall arrange for the passage of the soldiers from
one part to the other in the manner most advisable."]

8th. The last reenforcement that I despatched this year has been
the most abundant that has entered those forts since their recovery,
especially in money and men; for there were almost two hundred and
fifty Spanish soldiers, besides the Pampangos and pioneers, and the
men of the two galleys and four ships in which that reenforcement
was taken. Of the latter only one small patache was lost, which is
considered miraculous here because of what has happened on other
occasions. But I, although not neglecting to give thanks to God for
it, cannot be well satisfied with the result, until I can ascertain
whether the galleys could have gone more quickly and efficiently
to the aid of the patache--although I am told that when they sailed
there was sufficient wind so that they could not fight with a galleon
carrying heavy artillery. I shall endeavor to inform myself of it,
and of what the person in charge of the patache did, and what he
neglected to do; and, punishing the guilt that I shall find, I shall
inform your Majesty of everything. I do not see how the master-of-camp,
Don Luis Bracamonte, who had charge of that reenforcement, can entirely
clear himself; for after I had appointed captains and private persons
to whom the ships could be entrusted, he committed the one that was
lost to an accountant, one Don Alonso Fajardo de Villalobos, when
neither he nor I knew that man sufficiently to entrust such a ship to
him. But until I have heard the reasons on which he based that action,
I do not dare to blame him.

[_Marginal note_: "What investigation you make in this will be very
suitable. You have also well understood the matter, a