year to the island of Sant Lorenzo, from which place he would lay
his course to the island of Santa Helena, following the course taken
by the Portuguese vessels. Pray God he come not hither again, as an
example for the daring of others--although the interest they have in
doing so is so great, that I fear this navigation cannot be stopped
without much trouble, and the prohibition of navigation by Castilians
and Portuguese to Nueva España. A blockade will be established again,
so that foreign nations will not undertake this navigation. On this
account alone, it seems to me that this navigation should always be
rigorously prohibited.




Letter from Santiago de Vera to Felipe II


Sire:

This past year of eighty-eight I gave an account to your Majesty of
the condition of this land. As the voyage is so full of sea-perils
and danger from corsairs, and it is difficult for the despatches
to reach the hands of your Majesty, the duplicate of that letter
accompanies this. Therein is declared the extreme need of the islands
for reënforcements of troops and necessary supplies for the camp,
and other things, of which I gave an account to your Majesty. They
are most important to the royal service and the preservation of
this land. I beseech your Majesty to have provision made with all
possible expedition.