Fray Miguel, bishop and archbishop elect of Manila.

LETTERS TO FELIPE III

Letter from the Audiencia of Manila

Sire: 

With the letter which your Majesty graciously sent to this Audiencia informing it of the fortunate birth of the most serene infanta [26] our lady, we have received the great satisfaction which should be experienced by all the vassals of your Majesty.  Since so great a part of the grace which our Lord has vouchsafed us has fallen to our share, measures will be taken with great care and diligence for the arrangement of celebrations and feast-days, in grateful recognition of so great a good, and of the obligation which your Majesty lays upon us. [In the margin: “There is no answer.”]

On the twenty-third of this month this Audiencia received as its auditors, in accordance with the commissions which they bear from your Majesty, the licentiates Andres de Alcaraz and Manuel de Madrid y Luna.  Doctor Antonio de Morga, who was an auditor thereof, and to whom your Majesty has extended the favor of promoting him to the place of alcalde of the criminal court of the Audiencia of the city of Mexico, will leave with these ships to take up the duty which your Majesty commands and orders him. [In the margin:  “Idem."]

Last year, the ships called “Jhesus Maria,” and “El Espiritu Sancto,” left the port of Cavite of this city.  After having sailed for a long time and encountered many hardships, the ship named “Jhesus Maria” arrived at the said port, having lightened much of its cargo, at sea, and having been at the point of being lost.  The ship “Rosario” (which was the flagship of their commander, Don Lope de Ulloa) arrived, without masts and dismantled, at a port of Japon called Tosse, where it entered at great risk.  When it had come there, it appeared that the people of that land were inclined to be friendly with them, and to give them what was necessary to go on and continue their voyage.  The said general finding this to be so, and being prudent, as he is an experienced mart, and one who has done his duty in all other voyages to everyone’s satisfaction, held a council with the religious and the most trustworthy persons in the ship.  It was agreed to send a present of several articles which were in the ship, and which were most suited to that country, to the emperor of Japon.  This was put into execution, and the present was sent to the said emperor.  The Japanese who had gathered in this port at the news of the coming of the ship, moved by their great greed, made an attempt to seize the ship.  To accomplish this, and to keep the Spaniards from going away, they began to close the harbor with timbers and trees.  They showed their evil designs by giving occasion to the ship’s people to quarrel with them.  When the said commander learned this, without awaiting the response, with all diligence he managed to get together the men who were on land,