That it may be more strongly fortified, all the redoubts that impede communication between the cavaliers will be torn down, so that the wall will consist of only four stout bulwarks. What most surprised me in Philipinas is the careless way in which the powder is kept; for all that there is in the islands is kept in one room in the fort at Manila, and that in a very prominent part of it, that overlooks the wall. And if that powder should explode through any accident (which may God forbid), besides the danger to the city, there would be no powder in the islands, or any material for its manufacture. In order to obviate so extremely great a danger, two towers will be built in one of the four cavaliers, in order to separate and preserve a goodly portion of it. One of the motives which compelled me to fortify the wall is because the orders have built very near it churches so large that two of them in particular are commanding eminences; and because between one of the churches (which is called Minondo) and the church of the Parian there is generally a settlement of twenty thousand or more Sangleys during the year. They are the people who formerly rose in rebellion. By suitable measures, those of the Parian have aided me in this work, with forty thousand pesos from their communal fund. I have informed your Majesty of the little importance of the galleys, and that only that of Terrenate was suitable to be maintained; but, having considered the matter more fully, I am of a different opinion, and I say that they are necessary so that we may aid Terrenate in any perilous need. However, they are not of any use in this port of Cavite, where they are kept, as they would be if sent to the province of Pintados at Oton or Cibu, in sight of the domestic enemy, namely, the Mindanaos, Joloans, and Camucones. These people are the ones who pillage the natives; and because we have had only twenty oared vessels in those districts this year, not any of those enemies have left their lands, although they generally render the provinces disquieted and fearful. The person whom your Majesty has in these islands of the greatest service, and fit for any important mission, is Don Lorenzo de Olaso, master-of-camp of this army, who became captain-general at the death of Don Juan Nino de Tavora. He has assisted me greatly in everything, especially in the work of the cavalier which is being built. While the Audiencia was governing, he carried himself prudently; for by their quarrels over jurisdiction they occasioned him great troubles, which with any one else might have been more embarrassing and far-reaching.