rned of the
Dutch, the commander put into a port there, and with the help of the
alcalde-mayor of that province they discharged the ship, removed the
artillery, and fortified themselves with two hundred soldiers of the
vessel, so that they could defend themselves if the Dutch heard of
them. As quickly as possible they carried the silver and everything
else to the city. The enemy were advised of it, but at a time when
everything was safe except the ship, which our men had to set afire,
so that the enemy could not take it.

God was encouraging them in this way, and ordaining what was
to be done; they appointed Master-of-camp Don Juan Ronquillo as
commander, and he went immediately to the port to make effective
the equipment of six galleons, for the others could not be made
ready. Trustworthy persons were despatched in order that they might
send what was necessary from the islands. In another direction,
tests of the artillery were begun, and what burst was recast; and
it all proved satisfactory, so that no piece turned out badly. All
were encouraged--he who had means, to give what was needed, and all
to go out to fight the enemy. The enemy, seeing that the season for
the coming of the Chinese merchants had arrived, left the mouth of
the bay, and went twenty leguas away to a port called Playa Honda,
where all the Chinese ships come to make land, and where the other
Dutchman who surrendered to Juan de Silva was pillaging in the year
1610. Thereupon, since the entrance of the bay was unoccupied, they
sent for the almiranta, which had put in and had been unladed. It was
brought to port, laden with the food that had been collected there for
the purpose of being brought by the said ship if the enemy gave any
opportunity for it, as they did. Everything resulted as we desired. The
ship carried thirty pieces of artillery, with which they managed to
equip it, for it did not have to be repaired. Seven galleons were made
ready for sailing, and even the one that carried the least artillery
numbered thirty large bronze pieces. Then captains and commanders were
appointed for the galleons, and each of the commanders was given the
duty of directing and conveying the soldiers and inhabitants who were
inclined to go with him; whereat each one labored to caress and attract
not only his friends, but others also. The commanders were as follows:
of the galleon "San Juan Bautista," Admiral Pedro de Heredia; of the
galleon "San Miguel," Admiral R