ite, whom he has made inspector of the Chinese ships--which
because of their late arrival remained this year for the most part
on the coasts of these islands near China, from fifty to one hundred
leguas from Manila, sending their goods thither in small boats--went
there and bought and brought back a large consignment. Consequently
that transaction, other things similar to it, and the appointments--or,
as some say, sales--of offices and posts in the ships from Nueva Espana
in violation of your Majesty's decrees, are not well endured or well
spoken of, in regard to either his acts or his methods. May our Lord
preserve and prosper the royal and Catholic person of your Majesty,
as all Christendom desires, and has need, etc. Manila, August 8, 1620.

_Licentiate Hieronimo Legaspi de Cheverria_
_Licentiate Don Alonso Messa y Lugo_
_Doctor Don Antonio Piso_ de Villegas

Letter from Fajardo to Felipe III

Sire:

1st. While anxious, as may be understood, over the delay of the ships
from Nueva Espana, and the anticipated rise of the vendavals with the
so great fury with which they began this year; and fearing on that
account some disaster, or their making port in distress at Japon,
where also there is cause for fear; and while considering the hardship
that might result to this country from any one of those things: we
had news that three ships of the Dutch rebels were awaiting our ships
between the channel of San Bernardino and the Cape of Spiritu Sancto,
where the latter had to come. Consequently our anxiety deepened,
knowing that this country would necessarily be endangered if those
ships were driven from its coasts, with the men that we have for its
defense, at such a season that, if they left the strait, they could not
possibly return here this year; or, if there were a failure to act,
the people [of this city] must remain not properly cared for, much
less contented. Although it was evident that we might go out at a time
when we could be of [no] use, and when the aforesaid danger would not
happen to the ships, with all the resources at my command, I had the
galleys and light craft manned, so that they might go out immediately
with what advices and orders seemed advisable. While preparing the
ships, which were almost ready to go out, for whatever might arise,
and in the midst of that anxiety, God was pleased to do us the favor
of freeing us from it by the news that I received of our ships. That
news, thanks to