charge to Captain Don Andres Perez Franco, to whom your Majesty, while he was alferez, granted thirty escudos’ pay to induce him to come with me; and I would trust him not only with those forts, but also with other things of importance that your Majesty has in these parts.  But I considered the above facts, and his few years as captain, although he has spent many in service; and, on account of his popularity and the excellent proofs of his integrity and valor (as your Majesty can learn from the soldiers of Flandes who know him), I am not sorry—­although I would be glad to have him in Terrenate—­to detain him here, as he is one whom I value most highly.  He has aided me in all that I am doing in your Majesty’s service, and in the fulfilment of the duties of my office—­which he aids in the building of ships and in the repair and equipment of them, in all the works and the despatch of ships that are carried on at the point of Cavite, and in whatever else arises, very much to my satisfaction and to that of all.  That is not inconsiderable, and I assure your Majesty of this on account of my obligations to your royal service, and to inform you of those who aid in it, rather than through my goodwill and affection for this gentleman, although these are great.  His mode of procedure constrains me to it.  Although I have relatives here, I shall not inform your Majesty of them, as long as they do not merit my doing so by their time and experience here.

If a governor is to be sent for Terrenate, your Majesty will not forget those persons whom I have proposed for that post.  They are Captains Don Diego de Salcedo, Joan Goncales Corrilla y Santander, who were among the men of best judgment in Flandes when I was there, and of whom I would rejoice to hear news.  But if, in another man, to such qualities were united some experience as a sailor, or a taste for naval affairs, he would not be worse for that; for very gallant deeds might he done among those islands.

[Marginal note:  “The points mentioned in this section are reduced to two.  First, you will already have learned about the appointment of Pedro de Heredia as governor of Terrenate.  It is thought that you will be well satisfied with his person, and that he will suitably conduct the public service.  Concerning the other persons of whom you advise me, and especially of Captain Perez Franco, I am informed of his good qualities.  So long as nothing offers here in which to occupy him, you shall take charge of his person, and shall employ him for what you think him suitable, for the reputation of generals consists in their efficient choice of persons, giving to each office what concerns it and what it needs.  The second and chief point is concerning the religious who through their favors and friendships affect the standing of officials, and by altering the truth impose blame on the latter or injure their reputation—­reducing [public] affairs to their own methods, which has pernicious and evil results.