prouision of the Island, and to take those rents which his maiesty hath here, and to certifie his maiestie what there is wanting for the maintaining of the workmen and that they may haue all things necessary. So I haue sent to Nueua Espanna, for such things as are here wanting. I haue written to the M. of the field, which is gone to Hauana, informing him that it doeth greatly import that the worke with all expedition should go forward, seeing that it is begun for the defence of the Island. And we doe defend it as well as we can from the enemie, in respect of the great danger which otherwise might happen, if the enemie should come and finde it begun, and not ended. And likewise that his maiestie would send me that which I do request. And the most principal thing of al is, to send more Negros. And sending me all these things which be necedful, I trust in God I shal in short time build vp the fort, to defend vs from the enemie.
This fort was taken by the Earle of Cumberland, 1598. The fort must be builded triangle wise: for it will reach into the bay: and we shal be able to plant in the same 40 pieces of good ordinance, Canon, Demi-cannon, and Coluerine. The M. of the field, hath promised to send me some from Hauana.
Copper mines found neere Hauana. For that he is determined to cast some there, by reason of the great store of copper, which now of late is found in Hauana: for here we haue as yet but small store of ordinance to defend vs. I looke for 5 Canons which his maiestie should send from Spaine, with shot and powder, and al kinde of weapons, because that here is great want in the Island.
200 souldiers sent to S. Iuan de Puerto Rico. His maiestie hath sent the whole number of 200 souldiers, and in the companie there came two captaines.
1500 fighting men in S. Iuan de Puerto Rico Island. The corps de Guard is kept in the market place: and twise in a moneth I muster all the men in the Iland, and finde very neere 1500 fighting men, and 80 horsemen. The forte when it is ended will be the strongest that his maiestie hath in all the Indies. And now the people of the countrey sleepe in security.
The boldnes of the English. For commonly before, the Englishmen would come and beard vs to the hauens mouth. God keepe your honour, and send you long health. From Puerto Rico the 20 of Nouember 1590.
The Gouernour Diego Mendez de Valdes.
