ing to reduce
that of those who did not, so that it may serve as a warning. [_In
the margin_: "When we learn the resolution which he has taken, let
report of this be made to his Majesty."]

_Reduction of the Cagayan Indians_

Cagayan affairs are in better condition than formerly. Some Indians
have already been reduced to the obedience of your Majesty, and the
others are being pressed to render it. I hope for a good result. May
our Lord give the outcome which He knows to be most desirable. May He
preserve the Catholic and royal person of your Majesty, with increase
of kingdoms and states, as we your vassals desire and as Christendom
needs. Manila, July 30, 1630. Sire, your Majesty's humble vassal,

_Don Juan Nino de Tavora_

[_In the margin_: "It is well. Have a copy of this letter sent to
his Majesty, so that he may be informed of everything."]

_Government touching judicial and military matters_

Sire:

After having concluded my despatch, and while awaiting that of the
royal Audiencia in order to sign it (they having before communicated
with me in session concerning the matters of which they were to
write), I learned that the auditors had sealed the letter, and that
they were sending it by a different way, as they did not wish me to
see or sign it. That is a singular innovation; but, in order to avoid
greater disturbances, I undertook, while they were assembled, to tell
them what evil they were doing in trying to make such an innovation,
which was so unsuitable; for I would not hinder them from writing
freely whatever they might judge fitting to the royal service of your
Majesty, nor would I be angry if their opinion were different from
mine. Neither were they to write anything which should be untrue,
and which I could not see; thus would they avoid interrupting by such
innovation the peace and concord with which we had lived during these
four years. I entreated them to comply with the obligations of their
office, namely, to live in harmony with their president, and to write
their opinion with the truth that is required, showing that malice
does not move them but only the desire of right action. [I told them
that] they should do as in previous years, namely, allow me to sign
the letter. I warned them of the disservice which is being done to
your Majesty in the president and auditors not being in accord;
and I protested to them that it was they who were declaring war,
since they were persisting in tryin