Although some think that those ships did not have a more satisfactory voyage because they left Acapulco April 4, in my opinion that could not have been avoided; for they reached that port late because their voyage thither was long and troublesome.  Notwithstanding that they had been despatched, they would have found, when they arrived, vendavals already in these islands, as these commenced so early, as I have said.  Although the viceroy wrote requesting greater haste in those despatches, yet because they are sent late from there, they also arrive late here, even if no such events happen as the above.  It is almost impossible for the ships to leave here early, if the arrival of those from Nueva Espana is delayed, unless no opportunity be given the inhabitants to receive their share of money and letters, which is a thing that they would feel keenly.

[Marginal note:  “War.  What you say in these sections is reduced to three points.  Firstly, the thanks that you give and should have given to our Lord for the good success of the flagship, and the same has been done here.  May He be praised for all, and thus it is to be hoped, in His divine mercy, that He will be in all other events; for the just end and cause to which all is directed is His holy service and the extension of the holy Catholic faith.  The second main point is of the utmost importance, and is regarding what has been written you, with the remonstrances required by the case—­namely, that if the flagship and almiranta sail late, it is impossible that they can be despatched early from Nueva Espana; and although we have written to the latter country, giving the method that is advisable to be used in that voyage and despatch, they always excuse themselves for the late sailing of the ships by the risk of vendavals, as the violence of the weather is an unavoidable difficulty.  We have also written to you that the only cause of the delay is the waiting to lade those ships with the commerce of Manila—­which are detained for personal ends, by awaiting the merchandise from Japon, China, and the Orient.  That is poor management; and the welfare of private persons must not have more force than that of the public.  For the customs duties received on departing and returning are not at all to be considered with the great danger of bad weather, in which everything is risked—­especially since the only cause for the commerce between Nueva Espana and those islands is not the benefit of the merchants, nor the lading of Chinese cloth, but the maintenance, succor, and payment of the military and of the ministers who assist in the service and defense of that country.  If you should one year cause the ships to sail on time, those at Acapulco [los terceros] would be warned by it for the future, and would understand the diligence that they must use in their despatch.  It is said—­and let this serve as caution and warning to you—­that the chief officials who have in charge the despatch of the flagship and almiranta are those most interested,