ship for Peru carried some artillery to be delivered to the viceroy,
among them a piece of eighty-five quintals. I decided to do this,
knowing the need there for heavy artillery, as the strait had to be
fortified. [5] I think that the artillery arrived at an opportune
season, for I have had a letter from the viceroy, Don Martin Enriques,
in which he begs me to let him know if I could supply him with heavy
artillery. I am only waiting for [the return of] the ship which
I sent a year ago, in order to furnish him with as much as I can,
for I consider that your Majesty will be thereby served.

The viceroy, Count de Coruña, [6] regrets that I despatched ships to
a point outside of Nueva España. I can well believe that he has been
persuaded to this view by the merchants interested in trade, as they
do not wish the gains to be divided. Those who consider the subject
without prejudice, however, will understand the great advantages which
might follow thereby to this country, in that people will come hither
and commerce be opened upon all sides.

The affairs of this country are improving to such an extent that
the cargo of this ship bound for Nueva España is worth four hundred
thousand pesos. It carries two thousand marcos of gold without taking
into account the large quantity of goods intended for Panama.

In the past year, 81, there came from Nueva España three Theatins;
and two priests, Father Antonio Sedeño [7] and Father Alonso Sanches,
zealous servants of God and having great erudition. They are doing
much good, and I consider them as excellent persons for this country,
and think that it would be advantageous to send more.

In some places which need defense I am having forts built, and for