o the memorials which the royal officials of these islands
shall send to them.

This last ship brought a decree from your Majesty issued at San
Lorenco el Real on June fourth, seventy-two. The decree orders me
and the officials of your Majesty to send, by the first ships which
shall leave this place, a report of your royal exchequer from the time
this land was discovered and settled until the day when the report
is sent, and to do so at the beginning of every year to come. This
order will be heeded and carried out according to the wishes of your
Majesty--although, these ships having already departed, we shall not
be able to do so until the departure of the others a year from now.

Last year, I wrote to your Majesty that the Indians who were deserting
the encomiendas were again being allotted to the Spaniards who serve
your Majesty in this camp. The same is being done now, since it
is necessary for the service of your Majesty, and the preservation
of this land. I beseech your Majesty to favor this measure and to
confirm what has been already done, and whatever allotment should
be made hereafter; for the soldiers have suffered much, and no day
passes away without the death of some one. Unless the land were thus
allotted, it would lack means of sustenance.

The office of treasurer, which I filled when Governor Miguel Lopez
was alive, is now vacant; and since I sent the factor under arrest to
Nueva Espana, thus leaving here only the accountant, I appointed as
treasurer for the proper management of your royal exchequer, Salvador
de Aldave, until your Majesty be pleased to provide otherwise. He
has served almost a year in the said capacity, with all diligence
and care, and he possesses all the qualifications required for
such an office. From the time he came here, over seven years ago,
he has served your Majesty loyally in the discovery, conquest, and
pacification of these islands for more than seven years, namely, from
the time of his arrival. He fills the office well, and is worthy
of whatever favor your Majesty may be pleased to grant him. May
our Lord preserve the sacred Catholic royal person of your Majesty,
and add greater realms and seigniories, as we your Majesty's faithful
subjects desire. Manila, July 17, 1574. Sacred Catholic Royal Majesty,
your loyal subject kisses the royal feet and hands of your Majesty.

_Guido de Lavezaris_

[_Addressed:_ "To the Sacred Catholic Royal Majesty, the King Don
Philipe, our s