all four galleys, and the majority of them are made.  Also the provisions for them and some casks have been supplied.  The oars are not yet ready for use, as there are not eight quintals of lead in this country.  I am expecting supplies from Nueva Espana, with some men to command the galleys.  Besides these occupations, all the workmen were engaged during the past year, from Christmas until July, in overhauling the ships “Santiago” and “San Phelipe.”  They have been busy since October in overhauling this ship “San Juan” until its sailing today, to repair damages caused by its wreck.  It is now put in very good condition, with pine masts, which I took from that of the [original illegible] which are said to be better than those here; for the wood of this land is very heavy.  After the completion of the galleys which were built here, I have commanded them to build there a large ship of four hundred toneladas.  After completing the galley, another will be made here of the same style, God willing; we have bought much iron and everything necessary, as I have written to the viceroy in his letter.  God permitting, we shall build ships here which would be worth in Nueva Espana one hundred thousand ducats, and which cost here less than fifteen [thousand].  Consequently the situation here may be improved thereby.  Moreover, some light sail-boats have been made; we have succeeded in subduing all the natives; search has been made for mines, and everything possible has been done, as your Majesty may see by the letter to the viceroy.  There has also been built a hospital in this city, to which I have granted an encomienda, as I have already advised your Majesty.  I have built the church of San Agustin, the expenses of justice have been paid, and a house has been built for the friars.  As the corsair had burned everything, they were given three hundred pesos from the royal treasury for this purpose.  As the city was without a public church, I have had as large a one as possible built of wood.  There could not be a better or larger one in this country; and the work has been going on for five months, but even yet it is not finished.

He who is governor here must exercise constant vigilance in affairs.  He must know what is being accomplished in the different works, and when the persons who draw salaries journey to and from different points.  He must be watchful of the provisions and supplies, and in truth, the governor must be an overseer of all the offices.  It is especially difficult to prevent things from happening behind one’s back.  I have also had a house built where the governor lives, as there was none here before.  In truth, I may say that when your Majesty was pleased to order me to come here, the path was not discovered by which they brought me on the sea, and the land was neither subdued nor peopled.  I say this without prejudice to the services of my neighbors, and I humbly beg that your Majesty be pleased to grant me grace and remember me.  In Manila, June the eighth, 1577.