navigation of the Hollanders in all these regions of the South, their
commerce being injurious to the service of God and of his Majesty,
and to his Majesty's vassals. As this was the most important thing,
I did not fail to undertake it, as soon as I took possession of
this state, although I lacked all kinds of needful supplies. But,
putting God before me, that I might with His aid prosecute this great
enterprise, and fixing my mind on its great importance, I ordered an
armed fleet to be prepared--the most powerful one that has departed
from this state to any other region; and I appointed as its commander
Andres Hurtado de Mendoça, on account of whose Christian character
and good fortune I hope God will give him success in carrying out
his Majesty's intentions.

He took six galleons, five galliots, and one galley, with thirteen
hundred combatants, and two thousand non-combatants for service. Of
this it seemed proper to advise your Lordship, so that if the
commander should be in need of any assistance you may give orders to
provide it at his request--in order that his Majesty's purpose may
be more thoroughly accomplished, and that the great sum expended
for this fleet may not be lost. I feel assured that there will be
no failure on your Lordship's part; on the contrary, I look forward
without question to the entire success of the undertaking, with your
assistance and favor. I trust that his Majesty will regard himself as
having received better service from what your Lordship may do in this
matter than by the much that I have done in this state; and in behalf
of his Majesty's service I am under obligations to your Lordship. Our
Lord guard, etc. (Written on May 5, 1601; received October 1, 1602.)


Decision of a Council of War at Manila to Send Aid to the Maluco Fleet