ther named
Fray Francisco de San Nicolas. They left the port of Cavite, August
4; they experienced considerable suffering, for the vendavals were
blowing vigorously, and those winds make it difficult to get out of
the bay. At last it was God's good pleasure to give them weather which
enabled them to make their voyage. In this line, on the return trip
to Mejico, the ships do not sail in company, but each one takes the
direction which is most expedient for it, relying on God, who will
aid them. The storms were frightful. The almiranta suffered the most
terrible voyage that ever ship has suffered. For after a few blasts
they had to cut down the mast, and, when they reached thirty-six
degrees, they lost their rudder. In such plight they agreed to return,
suffering destructive hurricanes, so that, had not the ship been
so staunch, it would have been swallowed up in the sea a thousand
times. Finally God was pleased to have it return, as if by a miracle;
and as such was it considered by all the inhabitants of Manila. The
other vessel, being a new and larger ship, on perceiving the storm,
went to a lower latitude. It continued to plow the sea, to the great
discomfort of all, for it was six months on the voyage. The father
master, Fray Pedro, died on that voyage, with so excellent an example
that there was no one aboard the ship who was not edified. Father
Cabrera also died with great piety, and like a devoted religious, as
he was. The brother lived. Even the chaplain aboard the ship died. In
all the dead numbered ninety-nine persons, who could have peopled a
world. Those who arrived were in such condition that it was necessary
to let them regain their strength in the port of Valdebanderas. The
procurators on both sides had this lot, which was plainly that which
occurred to all. But against the will of God there is no one who can
go; what is important is, that His will be always done.

Archbishop Don Fray Miguel Garcia saw that the time was approaching
for the provincial chapter. He hastened and left Manila to visit
and confirm those of his jurisdiction. It is certain that, had
Ours detained him, affairs would have come out better. Finally,
being constrained, they had to summon him; and his coming adjusted
affairs. He returned to his confirmation, being desirous of concluding
it in order to return for the feast of Corpus Christi in the city,
which was his greatest devotion. But his haste cost him his life. He
was corpulent, and