s
and carpenters are needed, who should be paid in the same way. More
artillery is needed, also to be furnished by royal aid. The Chinese
trade is continually increasing. The city of Manila is being fast
rebuilt, and in stone. But the land is unhealthful and the soldiers
die fast, so that the islands have few men for their defense; and
again the king is earnestly entreated to order that men and supplies
be sent at once from Nueva Espana. The new fort has been injured by
earthquakes, but Vera is building it more strongly. He complains that
the friars have neglected his commands to learn the Chinese language
and instruct the Chinese who live on the islands. The Dominicans alone
have entered this field; they have achieved great results, and have
now among the Chinese "a village of Christians." Many more would be
converted, if it were not for the bishop's order that the long hair
of the converts should be cut off; accordingly the king orders that
a conference of religious and learned persons be held, who shall
take suitable action in regard to this and other matters concerning
the conversion of the Chinese. Vera complains of the arrogance,
obstinacy, and high temper of the bishop, and asks that the king
restrain him. There is no physician in Manila, and one is urgently
needed in the royal hospital. This document is followed by the notarial
record of proceedings in the trial of various Indians for conspiracy,
which is mentioned in Vera's letter. The punishments inflicted upon
them are specified: in each case, appeal was made to the Audiencia,
which in some cases modified the penalty, but otherwise affirmed the
former decision.

Gaspar de Ayala, royal fiscal in the islands, makes his report to
the king (July 15). He advises that ships for the royal service be
built in the islands; also that the gold used as currency there be
exchanged in Nueva Espana for Spanish coin--both of which measures
will be of profit to the royal treasury. He renders account of the
recent sale of offices in the islands, and gives advice regarding
this method of aiding the royal exchequer. Certain encomiendas
becoming vacant, Ayala, as fiscal, undertakes to secure them for
the crown; in this he has difficulties with the governor, who also
is trying to make trouble for Ayala with the soldiers. The latter
asks to be relieved from his post in the Philippines, and sent to
some other. The Chinese trade is meager this year, owing to war and
pestilence in C