me and the Audiencia, and to give an account to your Majesty now of the reasons which lead me to this conclusion, in a letter separate from other matters, as I am now doing, and to which I refer you.  I shall end by saying that I remind your Majesty that no private interest moves me to take this step, but merely the obligation and zeal which I have always had and now have for the service of your Majesty.  This is vouched for by the fact that, a year ago, I sent my brothers the order and authority to beseech your Majesty to be pleased to grant me the favor of commanding an appointment for this charge, and giving me permission to go to Espana, where I might continue my service more nearly in the sight of your Majesty; and although I hold it certain that this was not neglected, I would again on this occasion lay on them the same obligation, and beg your Majesty to be pleased to command that my request be favorably regarded.  May our Lord protect the Catholic person of your Majesty through many long years, with the prosperity necessary to Christendom.  Manila, July 15, 1604.

Don Pedro de Acuna

[In the margin:  “Let it be answered that his letter is received, and have him thanked for his zealous interest and care in all that he mentions.  Respecting what he says of abolishing the Audiencia, suitable measures have been taken, and for the present nothing will be done in regard to it.  As to the general statements made in his report, in regard to the trade and traffic which he speaks of and the proceedings of the Audiencia, let him give particular information of what auditor or officer is trading in this way, and whatever is worthy of correction—­so that, having considered it in the Council, fitting measures may be taken.”]

[Endorsed:  “Manila, to his Majesty; 1604.  Don Pedro de Acuna, on the fifteenth of July, concerning the inexpediency of having an Audiencia in the Philipinas.  July 20, 1606, examined and decreed within.”]

Reasons why there should be no Audiencia in the Filipinas Islands, and why the one there should be abolished.

In all the islands there are not more than twelve hundred Spaniards; and the suits are so few that for the greater part of the year the Audiencia has nothing to do, and there is no business to be despatched therein, and the auditors are dismissed after having passed judgment on a few petitions from Indians—­and sometimes not even these, because none are presented.  The administrative session is just the same, and most of the time only exists in name.

There are no cases here of importance which cannot be adjudged by the alcaldes-in-ordinary; and if we had a lawyer for a lieutenant-governor, as we used to have before the said Audiencia was established, that is sufficient for business—­which would be despatched with less difficulty, and without the Audiencia being missed; for when there is any suit of importance, which seldom happens, appeal can be made to the Audiencia of Mexico, as was formerly done.