Requisitions of Supplies for the Spanish Forces in the Philippines--1570-71 (_circa_)
Memorandum of the articles asked for by the governor of the Felipinas islands--with a note of what can be supplied from Nueva España, and what must be brought from España. This memorandum was brought last year by the advice ships. [37]
First, he asks for rigging. We must buy some of that brought by the merchant fleet; for none was sent here from España on his Majesty's account. A supply must be sent, for it is very expensive here.
(Six hundred and forty-five _arrobas_ and fourteen _libras_ of small rigging were taken.)
They ask also for pitch. It will be sent from here
(A large quantity of pitch and tar was taken.)
Tow. We have very little of it in this country.
(There were taken cxxxvii _arrobas_ of tow, and cvii _arrobas_ of old rigging for the same purpose.)
Saltpetre. We shall send what we have from here.
(Six _quintals_, nine _libras_ were taken, because they need it there only to refine the powder; likewise xi _arrobas_ of sulphur.)
(There were taken cl _quintals_ [38] and three _arrobas_.)
Two shipmasters to build ships and galleys. Shipmasters are not to be found in this land.
(Only one carpenter was taken, for we could not supply more.)
Twelve carpenters for the same purpose. We shall look for them here although it will be difficult to find any.
Twelve calkers. They also will be supplied from the merchant ships.
Two overseers. They will be procured here.
Galley captains who know how to make lateensails. They are not to be found in this land, unless some come on the merchant ships.
Fifty bombardiers. There are none here, except those who are in the port. We shall try to send some.
(Five were taken, and these are sufficient; for Robles, who went there as artillery founder after having served all his life in these royal houses, will instruct enough of the soldiers going from here so that they may serve whenever it is necessary.)
(One went, Robles by name--he who is mentioned above.)
Two military engineers to fortify a stronghold. They are not to be found in this land.
(Some of the soldiers who went there can make valuable suggestions in that respect.)
Five hundred pikes. We shall send the iron heads from here, for the wood can be found in the islands. (Three hundred pikes were sent; for we heard afterward that the wood of that land was of an inferior quality. Therefore may your Majesty be pleased to order that a thousand pikes be sent us, for the wood of this country is irreparably worm-eaten.)