rule, including merchants and workmen. These become citizens and settle
in the alcaiceria [silk-market] of this city. In the surrounding
villages there are also a large number of Chinese. Their houses are
being rapidly built of stone, according to the Spanish custom. They
are very strong, large and imposing in appearance. In two or three
years, God willing, all the buildings will be erected, as also the
cathedral church, the monasteries, and other churches. They are being
built very substantially and some are already finished. The materials
are so good and the workmen, both Chinese and natives, so numerous,
that everyone is encouraged to build the houses in this manner. But
it is a melancholy fact (for it all is like an empty purse, or an
inn without a guest) that the land is unhealthful, and there are no
doctors or medicines; and so there is great lack of troops, and of
men for the usual work of guard and sentinel-duty, and for expeditions
to carry succor to the settlements and to pacify the uprisings of the
Indians. The soldiers are constantly dying and passing away, in such
number that I fear there will be no troops to defend the city from any
of the many enemies by whom we are surrounded. For the remedy thereof,
will your Majesty be pleased to have the viceroy of Nueva España send
the troops, arms, and ammunition which may be requested by the governor
of these islands, and also the medicines and supplies necessary for
the camp. It has been three years since we have had any kind of aid
whatever, and consequently we are in extreme necessity. I beseech
your Majesty, if you wish these islands to be preserved, that you will
expressly command the said viceroy to send reënforcements annually to
this camp, of two hundred men, with powder and ammunition; medicines,
and other supplies for the hospitals; and whatever the governor may
advise is necessary. I can assure your Majesty that if this succor
fail, everything else will fail also, and everything gained by your
Majesty at so great and excessive expenses, in order to start on the