made. [44] In this and in all things I am the meanest servant
and vassal of your Majesty. I kiss your royal hand and pray that God
may keep your Majesty in a long and happy life with the increase of
every good.

Manila, June 20, 1605.
_Fray Jhoan de Tapia_

[_Endorsed_: "June 22, 1606; to the Count of Lemos." "September 12,
1606; examined; no answer."]

LETTER FROM MALDONADO TO FELIPE III

Sire:

On every occasion which has arisen I have regularly advised you of
whatever seemed desirable for the proper service of your Majesty,
which is my only desire. Accordingly, last year I sent a letter by the
two ships which were despatched, a duplicate of which I send in this,
with other matters that have come to my notice. Your Majesty will
be pleased to have this examined, as it treats of some affairs which
demand remedy; and in regions so remote many difficulties arise when
due provision is not made--as will be seen in some papers which are
sent with this, concerning the little respect which the soldiers and
troops of war show toward the auditors, as the governor claims that
we are not their judges; and regarding the galleys which the governor
has built, and their excessive cost, which is the ruin of this country;
likewise will be seen therein the many offices and positions of profit
which the governor has given to his creatures, against the decrees of
your Majesty and the instructions for his office, so that all those
who have served here feel very indignant over it. These things,
and the obligation of my office, have constrained me to give this
report, and to try to secure the remedy which the vassals of your
Majesty hope for, when your Majesty shall cast your gaze upon this
land which was so cared for and favored by his Catholic Majesty
(whom may God keep!) which your Majesty is still caring for, with
the great favors which your Majesty grants it for the spiritual and
temporal good which is your object.

The royal [estate] in these islands is in debt for a large sum of
money in gold, as your Majesty has been informed; on this account
all those who draw salaries and stipends therefrom are in the utmost
need--so much so that we have not been able to pay this year the
president, auditors, archbishop, bishops, prebendaries, or ministers
of instruction and justice, not having the means to pay them. Most
pitiable of all has been the plight of the soldiers, who are suffering
the utmost extremity, without there being