n a
letter separate from other matters, as I am now doing, and to which
I refer you. I shall end by saying that I remind your Majesty that no
private interest moves me to take this step, but merely the obligation
and zeal which I have always had and now have for the service of your
Majesty. This is vouched for by the fact that, a year ago, I sent my
brothers the order and authority to beseech your Majesty to be pleased
to grant me the favor of commanding an appointment for this charge,
and giving me permission to go to Espana, where I might continue
my service more nearly in the sight of your Majesty; and although I
hold it certain that this was not neglected, I would again on this
occasion lay on them the same obligation, and beg your Majesty to be
pleased to command that my request be favorably regarded. May our Lord
protect the Catholic person of your Majesty through many long years,
with the prosperity necessary to Christendom. Manila, July 15, 1604.

_Don Pedro de Acuna_

[_In the margin_: "Let it be answered that his letter is received,
and have him thanked for his zealous interest and care in all that
he mentions. Respecting what he says of abolishing the Audiencia,
suitable measures have been taken, and for the present nothing will
be done in regard to it. As to the general statements made in his
report, in regard to the trade and traffic which he speaks of and the
proceedings of the Audiencia, let him give particular information
of what auditor or officer is trading in this way, and whatever is
worthy of correction--so that, having considered it in the Council,
fitting measures may be taken."]

[_Endorsed_: "Manila, to his Majesty; 1604. Don Pedro de Acuna, on the
fifteenth of July, concerning the inexpediency of having an Audiencia
in the Philipinas. July 20, 1606, examined and decreed within."]

Reasons why there should be no Audiencia in the Filipinas Islands,
and why the one there should be abolished.

In all the islands there are not more than twelve hundred Spaniards;
and the suits are so few that for the greater part of the year the
Audiencia has nothing to do, and there is no business to be despatched
therein, and the auditors are dismissed after having passed judgment on
a few petitions from Indians--and sometimes not even these, because
none are presented. The administrative session is just the same,
and most of the time only exists in name.

There are no cases here of importance which ca