always had.  We send your Majesty a copy of the proceedings, notwithstanding that it is to terminate in the court of appeals, so that your Majesty may see how, without any fault of ours, we who have served your Majesty here during so many years, and with so great fidelity, are personally ill-treated, and our property despoiled.  We humbly entreat your Majesty to order that our grievances be considered and remedied, as injuries have been done us; for in that way our many and zealous services shall not be forgotten.  By this, and other things that we have referred to, your Majesty may see how troublesome it is and will continue to be, for the preservation and development of the islands, that the royal Audiencia remain here.  For, as is obvious, it is not of so much importance as are the soldiery in a land of so many enemies, where, except for the neighboring districts by which we are surrounded, the natives are all hostile, and nothing can be done or undertaken, except it be with weapons in hand.  To maintain justice for the Spanish who reside among them, it would seem to be sufficient to have a governor, as there always has been, since there are not more than one hundred encomenderos and seven hundred soldiers here.  In Spain, however small a city or town may be, it has a larger population and more litigation; yet, with only one corregidor or alcalde-mayor, its affairs are justly administered.  Besides, the salaries of the Audiencia will be of assistance in many important matters concerning your Majesty’s service which are continually arising.  These often fail of execution on account of the lack of funds in the royal exchequer, as a result of the expense of keeping this door open.  By placing in charge of soldiers who merit it, the encomiendas which become vacant, a reform will be effected in this camp—­which is necessary in order to execute any plans which may be difficult.  We advise your Majesty as loyal vassals, regarding what seems to be most necessary for your Majesty’s better service and the increase of your Majesty’s royal dominion and renown.  May our Lord watch over your Majesty’s sacred royal Catholic person for many fortunate years, with the addition of greater realms and seigniories, as we, your Majesty’s vassals, and all Christendom desire.  Manila, June 24, 1586.  Sacred Catholic Royal Majesty.  We, your Majesty’s vassals and servants kiss your Majesty’s royal feet.

Alfonso de Chaves
Don Juan Ronquillo
Juan Maldonado de Castro
Bernardo de Vergara
Agustin de Arciol
Juan de Moron
Rodrigo Albarez

[Endorsed:  “To the sacred royal Catholic Majesty, king don Philipe our lord.”  “Written by Juan de Ledesma, for the master-of-camp, and the captains in the Filipinas.”  “Philipinas.—­To the king our sovereign, Philipe.  From the master-of-camp and captains.  June 24.”]

Letter from the Manila Cabildo to Felipe II

Sacred Royal Catholic Majesty: