L. de Santiago de Vera
The licentiate Melchor de Avalo
The licentiate Pedro de Rojas
The licentiate Don Antonio de Ribera Maldonado

[Addressed:  “To his sacred royal Catholic Majesty King Don [Felipe] our lord, in his royal Council of the Indias.”]

[Endorsed:  “To his Majesty; no. 8; 1586.  Letter from the Audiencia of the Filipinas; June 26, 86.”  “On various matters regarding the islands, of which it gives a detailed account, in order that his Majesty may have it and take suitable action regarding all.”]

Letter of Pedro de Rojas to Felipe II

The great need in this country of giving your Majesty an account of the many matters here that demand reform (and without it are on their way to evident ruin), and further of the affairs of the realm of China, seems at this juncture to make it indispensable that the people of this country should send to your Majesty Father Alonso Sanchez, of the Society, a person of very holy life, much learning, prudence, and excellent judgment, and such a one as is well fitted to go to discuss with your Majesty the affairs which have been placed in his charge.  Many of them, if the father did not go, would compel me to write to your Majesty for their amendment; but, as he is being sent, I shall let them go, referring you to all that the said father may relate.  I only beg that at this time, when the opportunity is so good, and within the lifetime of your Majesty, an entrance may be made into these Chinese realms, and they and the neighboring countries be brought to the knowledge of the holy Catholic faith, and to the service and dominion of your Majesty.

The affairs of this Audiencia are, through the goodness of God, in order and peace at present—­although in times past it has not been so, for there was some contention between your president and auditors, over filling certain offices of the Audiencia.  The appointments to them belonged, it seems, according to your royal laws, to the Audiencia.  There was a question as to whether the president was to confirm the appointments made by him as governor, in your royal name, by Don Phelipe, and with your royal seal.  It seems that this is quite to the disadvantage of the Audiencia.  For, if the office of governor resided in another than the president, the offices of the Audiencia would not be provided for therein, except the president and auditors; nor would they be confirmed by Don Phelipe or with your royal seal, since this belongs to the Audiencia alone.  As soon as it was seen that this was being done, there was hard feeling; but nevertheless, to avoid wrangling, a compromise was settled upon—­which, if it be your Majesty’s pleasure, you may order to be examined, as it is sent with the documents relating to the foregoing controversy.  By these your Majesty will see how much your president was at fault, and the chance the Audiencia gave for your Majesty’s