st all of the Indians are workmen. You are to see that each fort
has an adequate and desirable garrison.

42. Besides these forts and presidios, it is presupposed that a
moderate-sized fleet of a few galleys or fragatas would be necessary,
to cruise along the coasts in order to protect them, and to prevent
the thefts and injuries wont to be committed along them by the
Japanese, especially in the districts of Cagayan and Ylocos. They
seize the Chinese vessels that bring food and merchandise to the said
islands, whereby great loss is suffered, and commerce and plenty
checked. This fleet would also serve to prevent the Chinese, when
they are returning to their own country, from going among the said
islands and committing depredations on the natives of them, and as a
countercheck to other Chinese or Bornean pirates, as well as against
all other undertakings, and troubles with foreigners. This appears
advisable to me, and desirable. Therefore, as soon as you shall arrive
at the said island, you shall construct six or eight galleys. You
shall note what Doctor Sande, my former governor of those islands,
and Father Alonso Sanchez say--namely, that it will cost but from
one hundred and fifty ducados upward; and that there are, moreover,
the necessary accommodations. You shall order these vessels to be
well equipped, strengthened, and provisioned, so that they may be
effectual. You shall give me an itemized account of the cost of the
said galleys and facilities for building them.

43. It is advisable to set about the construction of the said forts
and galleys as quickly as possible, in order to avoid the troubles
and harm that might ensue if the Spaniards, upon the occasion of any
danger from enemies, were compelled to retire inland among the Indians,
who are all irritated and offended because of the ill-treatment that
they have received; and I charge you straitly with this.

44. Upon your arrival at those islands, and when the situation
is actually before you, you shall investigate the new method and
circumstances with which the new entrances and pacifications are and
can be justifiably made, as well as the few soldiers, slight cost,
and the great ease and profit with which they can be made, because
of the country being divided into many islands, and there being many
petty rulers. These fall out among themselves on slight occasion,
and make treaties with the Spaniards, and hence are kept in order
with but little assistance. S