It
has been learned by my royal Council of the Indias that the warships
which are built in those islands are so large that they can be used
only to fight in a stationary position in any battle; and that they
cannot avail for navigation, to make or leave port when desired, to
sail to windward, to pursue, or for any other purpose; and that there
are not sailors or soldiers or artillerymen in sufficient numbers with
whom to man them, as the smallest ship is of a thousand toneladas'
burden. In order to equip them many war supplies are needed, also
huge cables and heavy anchors, of which there is a great scarcity
in that country. We have been informed that, now and henceforth, it
would be advisable that no ships of greater burden than five or six
hundred toneladas be built which will be suitable for the commerce
and trade with Nueva Espana, and for the war fleet. And inasmuch as it
is advisable that the best plan be adopted in this matter, you shall
assemble the persons of that city most experienced in shipbuilding
and in navigation, and in accordance with their opinion you shall
proceed in building the ships.
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