the parties [in suits] in
any case that does not suit him, even though the Audiencia order
it. Neither does he permit the causes to be prosecuted, for he takes
and keeps them in his possession as long as he chooses. And inasmuch
as the relation of all that occurs after this manner would mean that it
would never end, we avoid it--likewise considering that from the above
statements, and from his often having said publicly that it would be
best not to have auditors or friars (of whom he talks scandalously)
in the Philipinas, the rest can be inferred.

In respect to military affairs, in addition to what the Audiencia
formerly wrote to your Majesty: after our fear here that a number
of Dutch ships would descend from Japon--as we were advised from
that kingdom--to await the Chinese ships along our coasts, a fleet
was prepared to go out to attack them. After very considerable
sums had been spent on it, it was despatched at the beginning of
March, consisting of two galleons, one patache, and one galley--so
ill-prepared that the almiranta galleon began to sink in the port. A
few days after it had left this bay, it returned to port, because
the pumps could not lessen the water, at great risk of the vessel's
foundering. Thereupon the effort was made to prepare another ship
to supply its lack; but so great unreadiness was found everywhere
that that was impossible. In its stead sailed the other galley
that had been left behind. Finally, as they did not meet the enemy,
the loss was less regretted. The fleet returned to port. Although,
because of a second warning received from Xapon that two Dutch ships
and one patache were surely coming to our coasts, it was considered
by many to be advisable that the fleet should go to El Embocadero to
secure the safety of the ships from Nueva Espana, that was not done;
but on the contrary the ships were immediately unrigged. That was a
signal error, for within the few days necessary for its arrival at El
Embocadero it would find the enemy's said two ships and one patache
there awaiting our ships from Nueva Espana, and those ships of the
Dutch would be taken or sunk. But this kingdom was relieved from the
loss of this failure; and through God miraculously extending to it His
mercy, the silver and soldiers aboard our ships (the flagship and the
almiranta) escaped capture by the enemy. That capture would have meant
the total ruin and destruction of these islands. There was no little
danger of losing