on these seas, each one giving and signing his opinion separately,
without any one of them knowing that of the others, or any one of them
knowing which one I chose. This order I gave secretly and sealed, and
it was to be opened seventy leguas before arriving at the said port;
in which manner I have taken the precaution and preliminary steps in
so far as I have been able for its reception and protection. Hitherto
this plan has not been made known here, which has been of no small
importance in order that the enemy should not be aware of it. [_In
the margin_: "This is well, and the course which he has marked out
for these vessels has appeared good; accordingly let him exercise
in the future the care which he has shown in this, in order to
keep informed of the design of the enemies; as for the departure of
the ships, have a letter written to the viceroy directing him not
to let it run into April, as he says." _In another hand_: "Have a
letter written to the viceroy of Nueva España to the effect that the
despatch of the ships for the Filipinas shall be accomplished in any
event by the end of March, so that it shall not run on into April,
on account of the great importance of their arriving thus early,
and not having them go with those despatched later--thus compelling
them to take refuge in other ports, or be wrecked."]

In command of these ships is placed Don Fernando Centeno Maldonado,
who has served in the position of commander of the galleys both there
and here, and has served many years in these islands (most of the
time in the Maluco Islands); his services are of high repute, as are
his merits and good qualities. I am sure that your Majesty has been
informed of them, on account of the favors which he has received from
your royal hand; and in the same way I am certain that you know of
the good qualities of Captain Francisco de Salazar, who is filling
the office of admiral on the said ships. [_In the margin_: "Examined."]