it proves its worth by its aid.  It would not suffice for me then, when the enemy tried to kill me in the fort, to have my sword at home.  Nor is it a discreet state which, when expecting enemies, waits until they are actually seen, before providing a fort, walls, artillery, galleys, arms, and other preparations [aparatos], which for that very reason are called preparations:  because they have to be made ready beforehand [aparejados] many days, and even years.  Accordingly, not only should the arms be ready, but the soldiers experienced in and accustomed to them; the galley not only finished, but the rower skilful at the oar; the food collected; and even the money, which is the sinew of war, ready and assigned for the expenses of war—­in order that the enemy, who spies on all our actions, may see how well prepared and equipped we are, and be restrained and intimidated.  For many times battles are fought as much by means of reputation as with forces, and since the future danger, when it is assured, must be held as present, in order to anticipate it and prepare for it, let us take counsel on the danger expected as if we had it already at the doors of our houses.  And with the same diligence, let us set ourselves to the preparation, as if we actually saw the enemy on that sea.  I would wish to be judged as too forearmed and assured, than, by negligence, over-confidence, and lack of diligence to lose one palmo of land, or one iota of reputation.  This proposition, then, Fathers and Sirs, I have petitioned and prayed from your Paternities and Graces, that we might assemble here, since we all have equal share in the common safety, to discuss it; and so that, in the provisions and preparations that must be made, I may take action in everything with an easy conscience, which is the part pertaining to your Paternities; so that, with light and clearness on this point, I may prepare in time for the imminent danger that threatens.  For if we waited until the extreme point of necessity was reached, innumerable difficulties would ensue, since what gradually, and in space of time, can be done easily, and with few people, who are well paid, must then be done at one stroke, with an infinite number of conscripted and unpaid people, and with intolerable confusion and hardship, besides many other annoyances, which are a great hindrance and obstacle to both soul and body, and to defense from the enemy, but which are avoided, if preparation be made beforehand.

[Endorsed on the front leaf:  “For the religious.”]

Documents of 1593

Letter to Governor Dasmarinas.  Felipe II; January 17.  Two royal decrees.  Felipe II; January 17 and February 11.

Sources:  Both of these documents are obtained from the original MSS. in the Archivo general de Indias.

Translations:  These are made by James A. Robertson.

Letter from the King to Gomez Perez Dasmarinas