delayed until
the last of the same month or the first of April, as has been done
these last years, these islands are in evident danger of remaining
without aid, and that would mean their total ruin. [_In the margin_:
"Have him notified accordingly, and advise the governor what orders
have been sent to him."]

_2. Despatch of the ships leaving here this year_

I am despatching these ships before the arrival of the others, to the
very great inconvenience of the entire country. But the trouble would
be greater if the ships sailed out of season, and after the subsidence
of the vendavals, which is their proper monsoon. May God bear them
with safety. They are the two best ships which have sailed from this
place. The flagship was finished recently, and the almiranta is the
same as new, because of the thorough overhauling that was given it
on this beach. [_In the margin_: "Seen."]

_3. Their small cargo, and the lack of trade in this year_

Their cargo is small, because ships from China and Macan have not
entered Manila this year, and those which were laden in the island of
Hermosa have not returned. The reason why the Chinese did not come is
the multitude of pirates of their own nation who have overrun their
coasts; while it is understood that the reason why the ships have not
returned from the island of Hermosa on time is because the vendavals
must have set in earlier than usual. Accordingly, for both reasons
the ships take less merchandise than they could, and what they take
is at advanced prices. Everything has been incredibly dear in Manila
this year; and we could not live here if we did not have the hope of
better conditions and an abundance of all things. [_In the margin_:
"Seen."]

_4. Resolution taken by this city to send eight citizens to the City
of Mexico, so that they may handle their merchandise in accordance
with a royal decree which they have presented for that purpose._

The scarcity in the present year and the small supply of the past
years have given this city occasion to resolve upon an innovation
which we greatly fear will be its total ruin. The city petitioned
me for the execution of a decree of your Majesty given in the year
1593, which has not as yet been given force in what pertains to
the citizens; and that is the matter in which they are causing an
innovation. Your Majesty permits them in that decree to go to sell
their goods in Mexico, or to send them by persons who go in the