cannot be expected for the last third, that of April.  The same measure has been taken this year with all the officials in general, as well as to myself.  The treasury owes me ten thousand pesos, and to the citizens a great sum in loans, for since the needs of the treasury are so pressing, we all must feel it.  The ships have arrived late, and order has been given to pay immediately the third that is due.  What remains to be paid will be paid by the end of this month, when it will be due.  Thus have we been doing hitherto, and there has been no delay in any third, unless for two or three days that are spent in making out the vouchers and giving the decree or order—­without which nothing is paid, for the reason that I gave above in the third section of this letter.  This appears a vexation to the Audiencia.  May God preserve the Catholic and royal person of your Majesty, as Christendom needs.  Manila, August 4, 1628.  Sire, the humble vassal of your Majesty,

Don Juan Nino de Tavora

[In the margin:  “Take it to the fiscal.”  “The fiscal says that in regard to the governor taking charge of the payments that are to be made in the royal treasury, he refers to what he has said in another section of this letter.  In regard to his holding back the thirds of the salaries of the auditors, it must be ordered that that be not done unless it is rendered necessary by a very urgent occasion.  Madrid, November 19, 1630.”  “Let him see that their salaries are not withheld from the auditors, preferring them to all the other payments that shall be made.”]

Governmental affairs

Sire: 

What occurs to me, of which to write your Majesty concerning this government, in addition to the matters of justice, revenue, and war (of which I am writing in separate letters), is, first, of the peace and quiet that has been enjoyed in this community.  All the tribunals maintain peace among themselves, and act with great harmony and unanimity.  And although a few occasions and controversies do not fail to arise in the course of the year in all of the tribunals, I endeavor to lean toward that which is of most importance to us, namely, peace. [In the margin: “Seen.”]

The city has been beautified by the building of a bridge which was desired for a long time; and, although it had been regarded as almost impossible, we now see it in such condition that we can cross by it within two months.  Then we shall be able to attend to the conducting of the water or fountain with which your Majesty so earnestly charged me.  In this and other buildings, I exert myself very willingly.  If the inhabitants were in so easy circumstances that taxes could be imposed on their possessions to carry this construction forward, there would be much more work, [In the margin: “Seen.”]