Returning to the matter of the fault for the loss of the said galleons, I hold it certain that documents will be presented in your Majesty’s Council, written by the parties to whom that loss may be attributed; and that, if such should be the case, what each one would write against the other would disclose sufficient reason for need of your Majesty’s royal clemency.  I confess that, as yet, with what I have heard, I would not dare to decide who is entirely to blame for it, or who is entirely free from that blame.  For Don Hieronimo de Silva blames the government, by arraigning Licentiate Alcaraz—­who, he says, had charge of everything; while the latter blames Don Hieronimo.  At times one of them blames the royal officials, and some of the people blame them all, opinions being divided.  My own opinion is that, whenever the government is divided, very great dissensions and evil results must happen.  Consequently, I would consider it less troublesome, when there is no proprietary governor, for everything to be managed by the Audiencia; for even in affairs of war (which are those of which they can have least knowledge), if they were in charge of these they would endeavor to secure the advice of the military men, who would be best qualified to give it.  But it would be far better and more expedient for your Majesty to retain in this camp and in the castle of Manila two military men of such standing and ability that, when the governor and captain-general is absent, they might succeed to those duties, and to those of the presidency, since no government can be worse than one divided.  The exemplification of this can be seen in what has occurred here, if no others offer.  On that account, and because of its importance to your Majesty’s service, I petition you that, if Don Hieronimo de Silva should go, you will please give this army a master-of-camp such as is advisable, appointing him from the persons whom I proposed for it at Cadiz, on the eve of my departure for Nueva Espana.

I have been told that Licentiate Fernando de los Rios Coronel, who left this country with power to negotiate its affairs, was, among other things, to petition your Majesty that a certain portion of lading space be given and assigned to the governor of these islands.  Although I might be inclined to embarrass myself in this trade, in order to fulfil my obligations to your Majesty’s service, I would petition—­as I do—­that no opportunity or occasion be given, so that such governor may be humiliated and declared to be a merchant.  For with a limited permission of lading space that may be given him, one can fear that the governor might stretch out his hand farther, and make that his chief occupation—­since even without that permission the governor has sometimes cherished that covetous vice too much; and, by whatever path that vice comes and is allowed scope, it tarnishes all the other good qualities that a governor may have, and almost always hinders their use.  But if, notwithstanding, your Majesty think it not a considerable obstacle, let it be conceded to him who shall succeed me, or to such others as you may please to give it.  Thereat I will rejoice greatly, to have advantages added to this office which will oblige more persons of high standing to covet it, although I would not be satisfied with those whom this opportunity would incite.