do
their duties well, understanding that the office is to last but a short
time. On the contrary, they will, if elected in perpetuity, become
careless, as experience shows. I advise your Majesty of this so that
if perpetuity of these offices is demanded, you may do what seems best.

After the departure of these ships if it be our Lord's will, I shall
continue the _repartimiento_ of this land, in those places discovered
by Captain Juan de Salcedo and the master-of-camp in this island of
Luzon, on the coast of Yloco; for it would be impossible for this
fleet to sustain itself in any other way, on account of the great
privation and poverty endured in the past and present by the soldiers,
especially since they are not now permitted to make raids. These were
wont to be made formerly, in order to support themselves; but they
proved of great harm and prejudice to the natives; and by them God
our Lord, and your Majesty were not served. With this remedy these
evils cease. Everything will be done which is thought most suitable
for the service of your Majesty, and the support of this your camp
and fleet. May our Lord for many and fortunate years guard and prosper
your Majesty's state with increase of greater kingdoms and seigniories,
as we, your Majesty's faithful vassals, desire. Manila, June 29, 1573.

Your Sacred Royal Catholic Majesty's faithful vassal and most humble
servant, who kisses your royal feet. [54]

_Guido de Lavezaris_

Relation of the Western Islands Called Filipinas

(Captain Artieda, who went to those islands for the king, wrote this
relation.) [55]

Nueva Espana has two ports in the South Sea. That which is called
Acapulco is [very] good and can give shelter to many ships, no matter
how large they may be; it is in seventeen and one-half degrees of north
latitude. The other is called Puerto de la Navidad; its entrance is
shallow, and it can therefore give shelter to small ships only. It is
in nineteen and one-third degrees of north latitude. From whichever
of these ports one goes to [any of] the Western Islands, the best
route is to sail strictly in the latitude in which lies the island
that one wishes to reach; for in the season of the _brisas_, which is
the right time to make the voyage, favorable stern winds are never
wanting. The season for the _brisas_ lasts from the end of October
to the end of April. From the end of April to the end of October
the _vendavals_ blow, [56] which will be of