interim government of the islands, when such shall occur; and declines certain perquisites of his office.  Much resentment against the Audiencia is felt among the people, since the best offices and incomes in the islands are appropriated by relatives and dependents of the auditors, who seem bent on exploiting the colony for their own profit, and oppress the inhabitants; and Fajardo asks the king to check their selfishness and arrogance.  He is trying to correct certain illegal proceedings by the auditors in their recent government ad interim, and asks the king to suspend his confirmation of these until he can send further information thereon; he makes the same request in regard to other cases where certain persons are intriguing to obtain profitable appointments.  He asks for skilled clerks and galley-masters; and, after recounting the injuries caused to the Indians by the building of galleys in the islands, he states that he will endeavor to procure vessels in Portuguese India.  Some private persons in the islands are building ships, but the Indian labor employed thereon is paid and voluntary.  Fajardo makes some suggestions for the better management of naval affairs.  He also forwards the request of Manila citizens that encomiendas be granted for three lives; and asks for rewards for certain brave military and naval officers.  The Audiencia finally compel Geronimo de Silva to furnish his residencia in person, and clear himself from charges made against him.

To the governor’s letter are appended several others, which concern Malucan affairs.  Manuel Ribeyra, a Jesuit, states that the governor there, Gaviria, has fortified the Spanish posts in his care, which are in unusually good condition; certain supplies, however, are needed for them, as also a better class of subaltern officers.  Gaviria is somewhat overbearing in disposition, but Ribeyra commends his ability.  That officer himself writes to Fajardo, explaining why he cannot at present fill the governor’s order for a quantity of cloves.  The Dutch and English are contending with each other in the Moluccas; and the former, it is said, are intending to attack the Spanish forts there soon.  Gaviria has but few men, and some of these are unfit for duty.  He needs a few galleys, as he has “only one rotten galliot”; also troops, money, and clothing.  Gaviria thinks that the Dutch are being to some extent supplanted by the English; and that the latter will gladly unite with the Spaniards against the common enemy.  He recommends the abandonment of the Spanish posts in Gilolo.  A letter from the king of Tidore accompanies Gaviria’s letter, in which that ruler demands that Fajardo succor the Spanish forts promptly.