The president ordered me again in your Majesty’s name, and in writing—­as he considered that by no other authority, in view of the state of affairs, could the expedition be made—­to go out with this fleet in my charge, against the enemy, and fight until I should destroy him.  In compliance with this I sought him, and encountered him outside the bay of this city.  We engaged the enemy in a long and obstinate battle, which occurred between the two fleets on December 14.  The outcome is related in the certified account by the president and governor, which accompanies this, by which your Majesty will be informed of the punishment which was inflicted upon this enemy, and how our aim was attained as we had wished, and likewise of the dangers and hardships which I encountered and underwent on this occasion.  In this I should be content if I had, for my only reward, succeeded in serving your Majesty; for this aim alone drew me from my home at so much danger to my honor, life, and children.

I humbly beg your Majesty to be pleased to pardon whatever fault there may have been, in consideration of my good intention and desire to obey, and to succeed in what I was commanded to do.  God protect the Catholic person of your Majesty.  At Manila, June 30, 1602.

Doctor Antonio de Morga

Sire: 

Although the obligation to advise your Majesty of the state of this your province, of the Order of our father St. Augustine, is always binding, yet for many new reasons it is especially binding this year; for at the recent meeting cf the chapter here, by acclamation, and without voting, father Fray Pedro Arze (concerning whom your Majesty must already have a report), was elected provincial, with the consent of all.  From this we hope that, with the favor of God and your Majesty, he will be successful in his government, since its commencement is so propitious.  The letter and mandate which your Majesty sent last year serves him as a guide for the correction of what stands in need of remedy, and the severity necessary to prevent disobedience; accordingly, the province is enjoying the greatest peace and quiet that it has ever had.  In the meantime there came this year Fray Pedro Sossa, with a commission as visitor, sent by Fray Christoval de la Cruz from Nueva Espana, in virtue of several messages which he bears from the father-general, Alejandro Genense.  We did not receive him, not because we did not desire a visitation—­which, on the contrary, we do desire, and humbly seek from your Majesty, for the justification of this province—­but because he did not come by order of your Majesty, and for other reasons which the Audiencia of these islands examined; and because some other and further messages which he bore from the father vicar-general Fulvio relating to us appeared suspicious.  In what concerns this matter, we refer your Majesty to the said Audiencia, which, we believe, will advise your Majesty with due fidelity.  Your Majesty