11.  This very day a case occurred while in the hall of the public assembly, which I have thought best to refer to your Majesty.  It was in regard to a decision that I gave, apropos of one of the parties, for the royal Audiencia.  The secretary having come to sign the decision that the Audiencia gave in approbation of the one that I had given, called me in the record of the decision “the lord governor.”  One of the auditors thought that that should not be the manner of naming me in decisions; and chided the secretary before me, saying that he was doing it to flatter me, and other things of like purport.  The secretary defended himself, saying that that was the style that he had always used, and to prove it showed other decisions where not only my person is named as “lord,” but also those of the auditors.  I asked the others who were present for their opinion, and they replied that it was very proper that the Audiencia should exercise that courtesy toward the governor and captain-general of these islands; and with greater reason, since he was their president, they were not to treat him the same as an alcalde-in-ordinary.  Thereupon I ordered the secretary to do the same as heretofore, until your Majesty should be pleased to order differently.  I petition your Majesty to be pleased to give the auditors to understand the estimation that it may please you to have for the person of your governor and captain-general; for this matter is not at all understood here.  That is the reason why the governors have always been at odds with the Audiencia.  I am not at odds with them, nor will I be, for I am the one who suffers, and I shall suffer it, since I am under greater obligations than they.  I petition that what your Majesty may be pleased to order me be expressed so clearly that they cannot give it any other meaning; for this matter of interpreting your Majesty’s decrees is done with great ease in the Yndias, and truly rare are the decrees, if they touch upon any controversy, in which it is not necessary for your Majesty to declare them over again. [In the margin:  “Let the custom be kept; and in the records and decisions, let the governor be called ‘lord.’”]

12.  I am enclosing an official record with this letter in regard to what is forbidden to the auditors touching the suits and appeals of the Chinese or Sangleys—­a caution that I am taking, as I have seen that they are complaining confusedly to your Majesty that I am preventing them from receiving suits as alcaldes of the court, not specifying as clearly as is possible what those suits and appeals are.  It is my opinion that the Audiencia should not meddle with matters pertaining to the Sangleys, for the reasons that I have given for it in this despatch, and in that of the year past.  Will your Majesty order what is most advisable, being assured that experience has obliged me to give the report that I submit.  May our Lord preserve the Catholic and royal person of your Majesty with the increase of new kingdoms, as we your vassals desire, and as we need.  Manila, August 4, 1628.  Your Majesty’s humble vassal,