As the number of six hundred infantry for the garrison of the fort of
Terrenate besides the two hundred Pampangos who are also in service
there, seems more than is necessary for its defense, considering that
they do not go out into battle, you will take under advice whether this
body can not be reduced to a smaller number at a less expense, without
being greatly crippled. For the principal thing to be aimed at is the
preservation and defense of that fort, and after that the sparing of
my royal exchequer. You will order that the supplies and money for the
soldiers be at your own disposal, with the sworn statement of a notary,
for there is no royal official there; thus, as these troops will be
effective, they will not be defrauded as they have been in the past.
You will likewise try to abolish all the superfluous strongholds, both
in those islands and in Terrenate; for those named in the memorial
which accompanies this, signed by Juan Ruiz de Contreras, are not
considered necessary. You will advise me when you have done this.
Considering the great expenses incurred for the reenforcements that are
every year sent from Nueva Espana, and the great importance of avoiding
the cost and adding to the funds of the exchequer, you will refrain,
so far as possible, from demanding articles that can be found in those
islands--namely, the products of either nature or industry there--or
what can be brought from other regions with greater economy.
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