Your Majesty had Jaime Joan, a cosmographer, sent to this country.  He had scarcely entered upon his duties, when he died of the fever, before he was able to complete any of the matters ordered by your Majesty.

On the twenty-third of last March, at half-past six in the afternoon, a total eclipse of the moon was seen, which lasted until a quarter past nine at night.  Nothing else has happened this year, of which to inform your Majesty.  May God preserve your Majesty’s Catholic person.  Manila, June 26, 1587.

The licentiate Santiago de Vera

Letter from the Manila Audiencia to Felipe II

Sire: 

The two letters enclosed herewith are duplicates of those sent last year (87) by this royal Audiencia—­one on June 24, carried by the vessel “Sancta Ana,” which left these islands for Nueva Spana; and the other dated November first, sent via Malaca, in Portuguese Yndia.  It being understood that the letter carried by the “Sancta Ana” was lost, we beg your Majesty to give orders that this letter, together with the enclosed copies, be attended to, taking such steps as may be required for the good service of your Majesty here.

Your Majesty will have received the news of the capture of the “Sancta Ana” last year, which occurred while on its way from these islands to Nueva Spana, by an English pirate, who entered the Southern Sea with two vessels; after having plundered the ship, he burned it, with all the goods which still remained on board. [61] This was one of the greatest misfortunes that could happen to this land; because it is estimated from the investments made, and the treasure and gold carried, that the cargo of the said vessel would have been worth in Mexico two millions [of pesos].  The loss has caused great poverty and distress in this city, and among its inhabitants and soldiers.  To cap the climax, they have learned anew how much harder the viceroy of Nueva Spana makes things for this country, for he has levied certain imposts, ordering that every tonelada of cloth shipped from here to Nueva Spana shall pay forty-four pesos, the duty having been only twelve pesos heretofore—­an increase which is keenly felt.  As the people here are serving your Majesty without receiving any salary or pay, it seems expedient and just that they be favored by ordering the viceroy not to alter the regulations hitherto made, and also to allow all those people who desire, to come freely to these lands.  From what has been ascertained, it appears that they find it exceedingly difficult and expensive to obtain a license to come; and even the personal effects that they bring must be declared and permission obtained for each article.  All this causes a great loss, and prevents the development of these islands; and it is necessary, should your Majesty be pleased to do so, that this state of affairs be remedied.