aining some valuable information regarding
matters in the islands, is a curious mixture of pedantry, bigotry,
egotism, and vanity. He mentions the arrival and establishment of the
Audiencia at Manila, complains that he cannot obtain the salary due
him, and relates the services which, he thinks, entitle him to better
treatment. He asks for instructions as to what shall be done with the
Mahometans, and cites the permission formerly given to Legazpi by the
king to enslave the Moros in certain cases, also the example set by
the sovereigns of Spain and Portugal in expelling or crushing the Moors
who inhabited their dominions. Davalos also desires the king to settle
the question of slaveholding by the Spaniards, which he is inclined
to justify; and to take such action as will prevent the Chinese from
obtaining all the money which comes to the Philippines. The utmost
poverty prevails among the Spanish soldiery, who are unpaid; and
Davalos advises that they be sent to make fresh conquests, by which
they can support themselves. The Spanish post in the Moluccas is
menaced by the native king of Ternate, and a large force of troops
is to be sent to its aid. A controversy arises among the Spanish
officers over the appointment of a commander for this expedition,
which Davalos proposes to settle by himself going as commander--thus
satisfying all the discontented captains, as he informs his royal
correspondent. He desires the king to grant him authority to punish
the Chinese for vicious practices, and thinks that the friars should
convert and baptize these heathen more rapidly than they are doing.

The new governor, Santiago de Vera, writes (June 20, 1585) to the
archbishop of Mexico. He encounters many difficulties--coolness on
the part of the bishop, lack of support from his associates in the
Audiencia, and but little acquaintance with the needs of the islands
in the royal Council of the Indias. His duties are onerous and his
responsibilities too great; he asks the archbishop to aid him in an
appeal to the king for relief from these burdens and vexations. Vera
cannot yet procure the quicksilver which he has been asked to send to
Mexico, but will try to obtain it from the Chinese traders. The king
of Ternate has revolted, and affairs there are in bad condition;
more troops are needed, but cannot be spared from Manila. Vera
discusses various matters concerning some of his officers, and
affairs both military and civil. He sends to Spain