when there were none) immediately to go to the said port, and put it in a state of defense, and build a fleet with which to go out against the pirate.  He went to the port, which is two leagues from this city, and on the third day returned to the city without having undertaken to do anything, or shown any disposition to do so.  He interposed difficulties, and asked for so many things which he said were necessary, and which were not at hand, that he made the thing out impossible; and not only was the governor disgusted with him for it, but Don Juan allowed himself to say things which obliged the governor to arrest him, as he did.  The pirate continued his voyage in the direction of the bay of this city, and the president and governor, seeing himself hard pressed, communicated with the Audiencia and sought its aid.  The latter, desiring to make the greatest effort possible, decided that I should go to Cavite and put the port in a state of defense and likewise secure a fleet.  I opposed no difficulties or excuses to this, nor did I seek any rewards or aids for the expense, nor any impossible things.  On the contrary, that same day I went to the port and fortified it so adequately that it was in a good state of defense—­so that, although the enemy came into the mouth of the bay, they dared not enter or carry out their designs, on account of the knowledge that they had of my preparation.  At the same time I finished the galizabra and launched it; and I fitted out another vessel, belonging to private persons, which lay there.  I armed both of them and set sail in thirty days with a number of volunteer troops, men of quality, who were resolved to accompany me on the service of your Majesty on such an occasion (all at their own cost), as the enemy was well established at the mouth of the bay, waiting for the ships of the Chinese and the vessels from Nueva Espana with the silver, in order to capture them.  When the governor saw the state in which I had put things, and at so little cost to your Majesty’s exchequer, and that the troops with which the expedition must be made would not do so, or even go in the fleet if I did not go as its leader, and realized the great importance of promptness, he ordered me in the name of your Majesty to make the expedition immediately.  He told me that in no other wise on this occasion could I serve your Majesty.  I obeyed, and made ready to go where I was ordered, without seeking any pay of profit.  I spent more than four thousand pesos of my scanty property to procure the necessaries for the expedition, some reenforcements, an outfit of arms, and other things.  I risked my person, honor, property, and the support of ten children whom God has given me, and a good wife, solely for the service of God and your Majesty; for it is certain that no other interest or profit could take me from my house, where I was in quiet and safety, since I never sought or asked for this thing.