other authority, in view of
the state of affairs, could the expedition be made--to go out with
this fleet in my charge, against the enemy, and fight until I should
destroy him. In compliance with this I sought him, and encountered
him outside the bay of this city. We engaged the enemy in a long and
obstinate battle, which occurred between the two fleets on December
14. The outcome is related in the certified account by the president
and governor, which accompanies this, by which your Majesty will
be informed of the punishment which was inflicted upon this enemy,
and how our aim was attained as we had wished, and likewise of the
dangers and hardships which I encountered and underwent on this
occasion. In this I should be content if I had, for my only reward,
succeeded in serving your Majesty; for this aim alone drew me from
my home at so much danger to my honor, life, and children.

I humbly beg your Majesty to be pleased to pardon whatever fault there
may have been, in consideration of my good intention and desire to
obey, and to succeed in what I was commanded to do. God protect the
Catholic person of your Majesty. At Manila, June 30, 1602.

_Doctor Antonio de Morga_

Sire:

Although the obligation to advise your Majesty of the state of this
your province, of the Order of our father St. Augustine, is always
binding, yet for many new reasons it is especially binding this year;
for at the recent meeting cf the chapter here, by acclamation, and
without voting, father Fray Pedro Arze (concerning whom your Majesty
must already have a report), was elected provincial, with the consent
of all. From this we hope that, with the favor of God and your Majesty,
he will be successful in his government, since its commencement is
so propitious. The letter and mandate which your Majesty sent last
year serves him as a guide for the correction of what stands in
need of remedy, and the severity necessary to prevent disobedience;
accordingly, the province is enjoying the greatest peace and quiet
that it has ever had. In the meantime there came this year Fray Pedro
Sossa, with a commission as visitor, sent by Fray Christoval de la
Cruz from Nueva Espana, in virtue of several messages which he bears
from the father-general, Alejandro Genense. We did not receive him,
not because we did not desire a visitation--which, on the contrary,
we do desire, and humbly seek from your Majesty, for the justification
of this province--but becau