Page:The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 (Volume 11).djvu/148

the enemy must pass, in order to make his voyage. Yet, notwithstanding the said council of war, the said general, in the event of receiving no information as to the enemy's course, shall pursue what course he considers most advisable, as he is the one in direct charge of the matter, and as weather and occasion allow, endeavoring to attain the end desired—namely, the pursuit and destruction of the enemy.

Item: Should the fleet encounter any enemies whatsoever, pirates or others, who may be among the islands, or who shall have left them after committing depredations among them—whether English or Japanese, Terrenatans or Mindanaos, or from any other nation—they must be attacked and punished, in order that some good result may be attained in this case also, should opportunity arise.

Item: After the capture of the enemy, as it is hoped, God our Lord willing, the fleet will return with as many of the enemy as are still living, and the captured ships.

Item: The booty found in said ships shall be divided among those who gain the victory, as is customary on similar occasions.

Item: The greatest care must be taken that the crews of the fleet are peaceable and well disciplined, in regard to which the regulations followed on similar occasions shall be applied.

Item: Good management must be exercised in regard to the supplies and ammunition carried; and they must be consumed sparingly, especially if the fleet leaves these islands.

Item: If perchance the fleet shall have engaged the enemy, or pursued him outside these islands, it must return to the islands as soon as possible after the