Have him advised to try, at the levy of these soldiers, that no places be given to any but persons who are suitable and useful for the Filipinas, for the contrary becomes a useless expense."] 4th.

I wrote to the viceroy last year that if, in any year in the future--through any misfortune, or for any other cause or obstacle that might prevent it--no ships from this country should reach those provinces, he should try to send what aid he could, as is usually requested, especially that of money; so that in case of such a lack, the need should not increase, or the danger caused when ships of this commerce do not sail.

According to his reply, it seems that the viceroy does not dare assure it, because he doubts whether he can find ships in the ports of that country for that purpose.
Desiring to find some plan for the greater facility and less cost of sending these reenforcements, it has occurred to us here and has been considered a reasonable and feasible means and expedient to have them come by way of Panama.

If your Majesty would be pleased to keep there one of the two ships that leave these islands for Nueva Espana, that would have very good results, if no obstacles thereto arise which we have not considered here.
The advantages are, that what infantry your Majesty pleases can come from Espana divided among the vessels of the trading fleet of Tierra Firme, that go to Puertovelo or Nombre de Dios.

Their passage and the transportation of their food would not cost much, and the owners of the vessels might even carry them free for the concession of the register or permission for the voyage.