The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 03 of 55 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 278 pages of information about The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 03 of 55.

The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 03 of 55 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 278 pages of information about The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 03 of 55.

Last year, I wrote to your Majesty that the Indians who were deserting the encomiendas were again being allotted to the Spaniards who serve your Majesty in this camp.  The same is being done now, since it is necessary for the service of your Majesty, and the preservation of this land.  I beseech your Majesty to favor this measure and to confirm what has been already done, and whatever allotment should be made hereafter; for the soldiers have suffered much, and no day passes away without the death of some one.  Unless the land were thus allotted, it would lack means of sustenance.

The office of treasurer, which I filled when Governor Miguel Lopez was alive, is now vacant; and since I sent the factor under arrest to Nueva Espana, thus leaving here only the accountant, I appointed as treasurer for the proper management of your royal exchequer, Salvador de Aldave, until your Majesty be pleased to provide otherwise.  He has served almost a year in the said capacity, with all diligence and care, and he possesses all the qualifications required for such an office.  From the time he came here, over seven years ago, he has served your Majesty loyally in the discovery, conquest, and pacification of these islands for more than seven years, namely, from the time of his arrival.  He fills the office well, and is worthy of whatever favor your Majesty may be pleased to grant him.  May our Lord preserve the sacred Catholic royal person of your Majesty, and add greater realms and seigniories, as we your Majesty’s faithful subjects desire.  Manila, July 17, 1574.  Sacred Catholic Royal Majesty, your loyal subject kisses the royal feet and hands of your Majesty.

Guido de Lavezaris

[Addressed: “To the Sacred Catholic Royal Majesty, the King Don Philipe, our sovereign.”]

[Endorsed: " Philipinas, 1574.  To His Majesty.  From Guido de Labezaris, July 17, 1574.”  “Let it be made into a relation.”  “Received, March 7, 1575.”]

[Remarks by the council, appended to this letter: Answer that I receive it with gratitude, and that the governor appointed by his Majesty will take account of it, and will reward him according to his services.

Let a decree be sent to the viceroy and officials of Nueva Espana so that with the money received from here they might supply these islands with the articles which may be requested as necessary for war and other emergencies, according to the memorial which the governor and officials may send.  Another decree should be sent also to the governor of these islands charging him to strive most diligently to facilitate commerce, and take care that the moneys belonging to your Majesty be sent to the officials of Nueva Espana, in order that they may provide the islands with the supplies that will be needed, and which will be requested from here.  For the fulfilment of this, orders should be sent to the viceroy and officials.]

[The following letter, dated July 30, of this same year, is identical with the foregoing in almost every word, as far as the twenty-sixth section.  The new matter in the second letter is herewith presented.]

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The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 03 of 55 from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.