ueva Espana; and because in all things I hope to
receive favor from your Majesty, in regard to all the rest referring
to the aforesaid letters that I wrote your Majesty which are likewise
going on this vessel. I close begging our Lord to keep your Majesty's
sacred royal Catholic person, and prosper you with increase of greater
kingdoms and seigniories, as we, your Majesty's servants and vassals,
desire. From Cebu, June 5, 1569. Your Sacred Royal Catholic Majesty's
faithful vassal and humble servant, who kisses your royal feet,

_Guido de Lavesaris_

Letter from Andres de Mirandaola to Felipe II

Sacred Catholic Majesty:

With the _capitana_ which left this port on the first of July,
five hundred and sixty-eight, I sent your Majesty a relation of
what had happened up to that day in this place, with the fidelity
and loyalty which I owe as your Majesty's servant; and so will I do
in this. It pleased God that the _capitana_, making the return trip
from Nueva Spana [2] for the second time, should lose the way, and
be driven upon the island of Guan, which is one of those called the
Ladrones, where they were lost on account of the storm that struck
them there. Assuredly this caused great sadness and anxiety in this
camp, besides the great loss that it occasioned us, both because
that ship was very convenient and important for the expedition,
and because of its large cargo of cinnamon and other goods which
would have given great satisfaction in your Majesty's kingdoms and
seigniories. It carried, registered for your Majesty, one hundred and
fifty _quintals_ of cinnamon; and for private individuals more than two
hundred and fifty--which consignments we allowed to be carried on the
register, mindful of the misery and necessity which the people were
suffering, and considering that they had nothing else with which to
help themselves. On this account, permission was given to take these
goods, and with the idea that if it should seem best in Nueva Espana
to take them at a moderate [price] [3] in your Majesty's name, they
would be thus taken; and advices to that effect were sent. There were
also specimens of pieces of [gold], porcelain, and other things, as I
have said, which would give great happiness to your Majesty's vassals
and make them desirous to come to these parts to serve God and your
Majesty. As I have said, it pleased God that everything should be lost,
and that the men should be saved, although with considerab