in those who desire liberty for themselves and evil for us.

The king of Terrenate is also a prisoner here, and is causing expense
to your Majesty, and anxiety to those who guard him. In my opinion,
I do not know whether he can do us more harm, if he was in his own
country, than that which his son is causing us, who possesses the
country and has allied himself with the Dutch. On the other hand,
the king might cause revolt among themselves and their vassals, if
he tried to dispossess his son of the government, since the king is
so offended and so angered as he is with the ill-treatment that he
has experienced from his son. Will your Majesty ascertain what is
most to your service in this, and order me accordingly.

I have been unable to make any investigation in the loss of the six
galleons that had occurred when I reached this country, of which I
immediately informed your Majesty. For, as Don Geronimo de Silba would
have to be blamed for it, as the one who was captain-general on sea
and land, and in the event of his acquittal, the blame must fall upon
another, or he would remain guilty; and inasmuch as he is protected by
the judge conservator with bulls from his order (that of St. John),
to which likewise is joined the assertion that an order from your
Majesty is necessary to make that investigation: for that reason, I
have been unable to investigate it fully and specifically, but 1 shall
fulfil whatever your Majesty shall command, on the arrival of those
orders. If now I should try to make any investigation I could not do
so, as I have heard so much different talk about it. In my opinion
such and greater disasters may happen, without any blame resting
on those who give the orders, or on those who execute them. Many
such disasters have been seen to occur, thus in the sea, when it is
excited by any violent storm--and more, since it is among islands,
where there is no place for the ships to run free.

Don Geronimo de Silba has petitioned me to appoint him to the office
of captain-general of the artillery, with the officials and assignment
that it has in other districts. That has been refused him, inasmuch as
there is nothing here for which or with which to add that expense. If
I gave him the title, it was rather to fulfil your Majesty's decree
ordering it, than by any necessity of there being such an office. He
is also talking of a journey to that court, if your Majesty will be
pleased to grant him permission.

I peti