Don Juan Nino de Tavora

[In the margin:  “Let the fiscal see it.”  “It was taken to him.”  “Answered on a separate paper.”]

Affairs of the treasury

Sire: 

Since I have to give account in this letter to your Majesty of what there is to tell in regard to your royal treasury, I shall begin it by explaining some decrees that I received the past year, which were despatched at the instance of the royal officials.

In the first decree, they complained that my predecessor, Don Alonso Faxardo, did not allow them to exercise their duties in the port of Cavite; and that he had appointed as lieutenant of the governor and captain-general, Don Andres Perez Franco, castellan of those forts.  Your Majesty orders that they be allowed to perform their duties, and that commissaries be not appointed for what pertains to them.  They will not conduct those suits with him; for, although I retain Don Andres Perez Franco in Cavite, I have not given him the title given him by Don Alonso—­although he never used it, as I am informed.  The efficient collection and care of the revenues of your Majesty belong to the royal officials; and with that power they take part in all the equipping, building, and despatch of the vessels.  But the appointments of the officials of the vessels, and all else touching government and war, have always been attended to by the governors, who for this have maintained in Cavite a castellan, commandant, and chief justice, of the abilities and experience of Don Andres Perez Franco; so that, although I could rest, still I have not been negligent, but have gone in person, on the occasions for the equipment and building of vessels, every week to that port, which is a very necessary thing. [In the margin:  “Seen.”]

In the second decree they informed your Majesty that the said my predecessor did not accept the replies that were made to them in accordance with the ordinances.  I trust that there will be no fault to find with me in this regard.  However it is advisable to have it well understood that it cannot be done and that it is not advisable, because of the accidents that happen by observing the ordinances with the strictness that some ministers demand at times.  What is certain is, that I shall never depart from what I consider to be for the greater service of your Majesty. [In the margin:  “Seen.”]

In the third decree the royal officials petition for the suppression of the rule that was introduced in the time of Don Juan de Silva, by which the royal officials should not pay anyone without an order from the governor.  Your Majesty orders me to observe toward them their rights and instructions.  What is done in my time is that the royal officials adjust the accounts and issue warrants; but they are not paid without my order.  The reason therefor is that, because this government has not one-half the money necessary to meet expenses and debts—­as