voyage.  Considering how easily the almiranta could be wrecked, and that the enemy would be waiting in the strait for a prize of so great profit; and that if once they sighted the almiranta, escape was impossible, while I could not be of any aid, as I was quite without resources:  I thought it advisable for your Majesty’s service to take out all your silver and that of private persons, trusting that I would not have the enemy any more to windward as had been the case while I was coming.  This seems to have been the proper course, for I made the port of Cavite July eight.  I arrived at so opportune a season, that I believe the islands were never in so great need of a new government and such aid.  For the Audiencia having objected to the directions sent them in your name by the marquis de Yelbes [i.e., Gelves], ordering them not to interpret doubtfully the decree in which your Majesty gave him authority to do so, although he cited in those decrees your Majesty’s own signature, and that of the notary before whom it was drawn, retained the government for itself, and by its own authority gave the title of captain-general to Don Geronimo de Ssilba.  Thus did the obstacle that your Majesty has experienced at other times of like government remain in the greatest force and vigor.  According to what I have heard, the matter came to such a pass that most of the citizens of Manila were only waiting to abandon this city, [that depending on] whether or not the aid should arrive from Nueba Espana; for they were exhausted with the extortions and bad treatment of the Audiencia.  Their first action was to dismiss those whom Don Alonso Fajardo had lawfully appointed to offices of justice, without allowing them to complete their first year. [In the margin:  “Seen.”]

Their second—­the auditors being dissatisfied with the honesty of Licentiate Don Alvaro de Mesa y Lugo, their associate, who as the senior auditor presided over them—­was to admit Licentiate Geronimo de Legaspi into the assembly hall by a secret postern.  He had been removed from office a long time before by act of the said Don Alonso Fajardo, a measure taken in virtue of your Majesty’s decree which was sent, to take his residencia; this was confirmed by all the Audiencia.  Although it was advisable to remedy that matter, the little time that I have had since my arrival until now, and my heavy press of unfinished business, and what has happened in regard to forced aid sent to various provinces, with the despatch of the vessels to Nueva Espana, and the ordinary transaction of business, have not permitted it.  I shall ask for the documents, and after examining them, and after mature deliberation, I shall do what shall seem expedient for the service of your Majesty and the quiet of this community, as I may find it.  My course is hastened by the return of the said Licentiate Legaspi to his post, as it is without your Majesty’s order, and as, when he is there, he heeds only his own interests. [In the margin: “See what has been decreed in this particular.  Have it brought.”]