of 623, as governor and captain-general of Ysla Espanola, where he was for five years.  The Audiencia, the archbishop, and the secular cabildo of Santo Domingo wrote in a letter to your Majesty how well he served in governmental affairs, and in those of war, justice, and peace.  He left many debtors because he had conducted his government uprightly; and his property was not able to pay them.  They consider Don Geronimo, his son and successor, as capable and worthy of what your Majesty pleases to do for him and what charge you may give him.

Don Rodrigo de Vivero, who, having come to these kingdoms from Nueva Espana, where he was born, and having served Queen Dona Ana, your wife, who is in heaven, as a page, returned to that country.  There he was appointed from his youth to the most important duties by the viceroys, for they knew his ability and good qualities.  That being known to the king our sovereign who is in glory, your Majesty’s grandfather, he appointed him governor and captain-general of the provinces of Nueha Vizcaya, where with great valor, continuous toil, and at his own cost, he made war upon the rebel Indians, until he had reduced more than sixty towns, and brought down many men from the mountains, where they were committing great depredations.  By those means they were able to discontinue several presidios, and save the great expense that these occasioned to the royal revenues.  Having been attacked by a serious illness that was induced by the hardships of the war, he was forced to return to Mexico, where the viceroy, Marquis de Salinas, his uncle, appointed him governor and captain-general of the Filipinas Islands, because of the arrival at that juncture of news of the death of Don Pedro de Acuna.  Without stopping to consider the discomfort and lack that he was causing his family, and the short time in which his successor would arrive, he accepted and went to take charge of the said duties.  During the period of his government, he made peace with the Mindanaos, and reenforced the kingdom of Maluco, then besieged by the Dutch, besides performing other special services.  Don Juan de Silva, his successor, having arrived, and he having embarked to return to his home, a storm overtook him that forced him to put in at the coast of Japon.  There the ship foundered and many of those aboard it were drowned.  He escaped on a plank, and was captured with the others who were rescued.  That emperor afterward treated them well, gave them a ship and passage, and lent money to Don Rodrigo.  He asked the latter to make a treaty with the king, our sovereign (may he rest in peace), in his name, in regard to certain matters touching trade and commerce with Nueba Espana.  He granted passage to those who wished to return to Filipinas.  Everything was well directed on account of Don Rodrigo’s energy.  The viceroys, and finally the marquis of Guadalcazar, have given very approving relation of the good qualities that concur in his person, and of his character, prudence, and good management.  Thereby it is learned that they are thoroughly satisfied of his person by their treatment.  In consideration of that, he was in the former year of 620 elected governor and captain-general and president of the Audiencia of Tierra Firme, which office he at present holds.