way to heaven so many millions of souls who had been dominated by the
devil, will be lost. Thus will be closed the door of this new world
which has been opened by your Majesty. [_Marginal note_: "Write to
the governor that he continue the building. To Don Luis de Velasco,
that he observe this command, and aid the settlements."]

The fort which, as I had written to your Majesty, was being built, was
shaken, when about completed, in three places by great earthquakes. It
opened in one place more than a finger's breadth, although less in the
others. To assure its safety and construct it in the modern style,
although it was quite sufficiently strong before, I am constructing
cavaliers which are to serve as buttresses for it. The principal part,
that toward the sea, is finished; the other parts are commenced, and,
God helping, will soon be completed. These will make it so capacious
and strong that it can withstand any attack. I am sending the model,
report, and account herewith to your Majesty. _[Marginal note_:
"Let it be brought."]

Since coming to this country, I have insisted that the religious
should try to learn the Chinese language, in order to convert and
teach the Chinese in this land, who are ordinarily about as many as I
before stated. As it is so difficult and the religious are so busily
engaged with the natives of the islands, they have not done this. When
the Dominicans came here, I entrusted to them the instruction of
the Chinese, and supplied them with interpreters to teach them the
language. I bade them build a church and dwelling in the alcaiceria
(called the Parian); and at the point of Tondo, where the Chinese live
and carry on their trade. Two of the religious have been so apt that
one of them already understands and speaks that language well, and the
other will know it in a short time. They are preaching and teaching and