Letters from Francisco Tello to the King

Sire: 

I have striven for your Majesty’s service in this government to the extent of my ability, and I have done my duty with much care and diligence.  I have punished certain individuals, as it seemed proper to do; and hence it has resulted that I have rivals—­as have all of us who have governed, and are engaged in your Majesty’s service in the Indias.  Although in all things I have always been favorable to Doctor Morga—­who was my lieutenant-general, and who is now auditor of this royal Audiencia—­I have been informed by many persons that he has spoken ill of my proceedings, and has even opened the way for others to write evil of me to your Majesty.  I have never paid any attention to this, since I felt that my actions proved my innocence; nor have I ever thought it necessary to write to your Majesty about this matter, although some things seemed to affect my honor; for, having been bred in honor, I thought that in the end the truth must come to light, and could not be obscured, [MS. worn] the royal service could not be hindered here. [But now I feel] [8] myself compelled to speak of this, because a letter was written [to] the auditor, Tellez Almacan, in September of last year, which was a slanderous libel, without signature; and I have another which was written this year, at the port, to the auditor Don Antonio Maldonado, in the name of a friar.  The handwriting of it must be Doctor Morga’s, although it is disguised, [for so it was considered] by the auditor Almacan, who is writing to your Majesty about this, as also is the fiscal of this Audiencia.  I beg your Majesty to commission whomsoever your Majesty deems best, to investigate this matter, for it is not just that this evil act be passed by in silence.  I assure your Majesty that I have seriously tried, and am still trying, not to be offended by their insults in this land; and that in the Audiencia, not only have I kept, and still maintain, great harmony, but I am also trying to harmonize the auditors and the fiscal; for now they are not in accord, and many [of them] have disputes and all [come to me,] and I reconcile them.  In order that your Majesty may know the manner in which I have served you, and my method of procedure in this government, and in order that it may be seen that [MS. worn] whatever may have been reported, or shall be reported, to your Majesty in another way, I have wished to make, before this same Doctor Morga, the report that I am sending to your Majesty, from the most honorable people of this land, in order that you may understand better my zeal for your Majesty’s royal service, and the good of this realm.  May our Lord preserve the Catholic person of your Majesty, as is befitting.  Manila, July 14, 99.

Don Francisco Tello

[Endorsed: “Governor Don Francisco Tello, July 14.  Let this be kept until that which is mentioned here arrives, and then let it be presented.”]