of the ordinances of the said royal Audiencia had been committed by
his Majesty the provision for such cases without waiting to consult
his Majesty personally--considered the importance, advantage, and
benefit to our lord the king, and the profit to these islands in
the peace that they would enjoy if this project were carried into
execution and the desired assistance were sent. With the unanimous
approval of the members of the council of war he had commanded that
the ship "Santa Potenciana," which is one of his Majesty's vessels,
be immediately fitted out and provided with everything requisite,
with a view to sending in it and in some other smaller vessels
what has been prepared. At present the said ship is ready to sail
to the island of Panay and the province of Pintados to receive the
provisions, the troops, and the other supplies to be sent on the said
expedition. Likewise, at the request and desire of the said Father
Pereira and Captain Brito, he has given them a pilot, Vicente Dias,
a Portuguese, to go in the said ship--one of the best pilots now in
this city. Since everything is ready, the season far advanced, and
promptitude is important, he ordered and does order that notification
of the whole matter be given to the said Andres Pereyra and Captain
Antonio de Brito Fogassa, as persons who came for the said assistance
and are to return with it. His Lordship now has the said ship "Santa
Potenciana" ready and fitted out with all things necessary to the
voyage, and they are immediately or at a proper time to embark in her
to go to the island of Panay, in the province of Pintados, where his
Lordship is going in person to hasten and direct in the best manner
the said assistance; and to give and deliver to them the infantry,
provisions, and other supplies which they were to take for that
purpose. And since they are provided with everything necessary,
let them attend to and carry out the undertaking accordingly. The
supplies are not deficient; on the contrary, he has provided them,