granted this permission, it was at a time when these islands were
beginning to be settled. Then there were no inhabitants who could
invest so great a sum, while now there are many. They do not send as
much as they might lade in the vessel; and if this condition of affairs
continues to increase, there is no other means of support than this
trade, nor does the country produce those means. If it shall diminish,
the people who come to live in these islands will likewise become
fewer in number. If it should increase somewhat beyond the new grant,
so many more people will come to the colony here. This population,
however great it is, is all very necessary, in view of the way in
which this country consumes the whole of it, no matter how many come.

The second section provides that four freight ships should be built,
each one of two hundred toneladas; and that two of them shall make
the voyage every year, very early, while the other two lie in port,
ready for the following year. In this matter your Majesty's will
shall be fulfilled, and the first ships that shall be built will be
of this tonnage.

The third section provides that there shall be only one commander
for the said two ships, with a lieutenant who shall be second in
command. The intention of this section is to avoid the great expense
which has previously been incurred in this voyage. The section also
provides that each vessel may carry a military captain in addition
to the master, with as many as fifty effective and useful soldiers
on each ship, who shall receive pay. They may also have the necessary
seamen, a certificated pilot, and an adjutant. If this section is to
be fulfilled in this form, then, instead of avoiding many expenses,
it will be the means of increasing again many others which are much
greater. Such will be the result if fifty soldiers sail in each vessel,