ABSTRACT
The two frigates which His Majesty ordered me to have ready by the time Pedro Menendez should come, are finished and have been ready since the 1 1th, waiting for the first four which it will give me no small pleasure to see. The plate is in La Fuerza. As soon as Pedro Menendez arrives whatever orders he may bring will be executed with a will. As for the other six frigates which His Majesty orders to be built, some carpenters have been taken on but there is no money with which to pay them nor equipment with which to begin this work. In the warehouse there are only 45 cases of assorted nails and eight barrels of tar and a little iron, If the work is to go forward may your lordship be pleased to provide promptly and generously and command me.
