as certain that some vessels would come without fail, and the swift ones would arrive here much earlier than they ordinarily do in other years:  but this did not happen, for it was the end of May before we had any news from China.  For this reason and on account of the news which we received from Macan (as I wrote previously) that the Sangleys were coming to these islands to avenge those who died at the time of the revolt, the city was in great anxiety and fear.  Yet it pleased God that eighteen vessels should come with a large amount of cloth, which relieved us of our fear; and it now seems that this arrangement had been agreed upon.  However, demands had been made upon me on the part of the Chinese for the Sangleys who survived the uprising, whom I had placed in the galleys.  The viceroy of Ucheo and an inspector and eunuch, who are two other mandarins who keep constant watch over him, sent me a letter, which will go with this; to this letter I refer, as also to a copy of the answer which I have made, with the approval of the Audiencia.  The style is not very polished, because those who translate it are not very skilful in both languages; and, in order that they may understand it, it is better that the letter should be written in these terms, as experience has showed.  We are striving to maintain our friendship with that king, since he is very powerful; and we sustain our position here only by the reputation that we have. [Marginal note:  “This statement of his has been noted.”]

The licentiate Geronimo de Salacar y Salcedo, fiscal of this royal Audiencia, died two or three months ago.  No great loss will result hereby to the affairs to the royal treasury, since he paid little attention to them in his office.  For the interim before your Majesty shall appoint a person to fulfil the duties of this position, the Audiencia has appointed the bachelor Rodrigo Diaz Guiral, a man of learning, integrity, and responsibility—­such a man as might be desired for this office.  My acquaintance with all these qualifications in him has constrained me to call your Majesty’s attention to them, so that you might be pleased to favor him; for surely, in my opinion, it would not be possible to find another man more suitable for this office.  He has property of his own, and claims and suits give him no anxiety.  Accordingly, I have made special efforts to induce him to accept the position; for it is necessary to seek persons like him for such offices.  Since he has had so much experience with the business of this office, I have no doubt that he will give a good account of himself. [Marginal note:  “Referred to the Council.”]