th so great fidelity, are personally ill-treated,
and our property despoiled. We humbly entreat your Majesty to order
that our grievances be considered and remedied, as injuries have
been done us; for in that way our many and zealous services shall
not be forgotten. By this, and other things that we have referred to,
your Majesty may see how troublesome it is and will continue to be,
for the preservation and development of the islands, that the royal
Audiencia remain here. For, as is obvious, it is not of so much
importance as are the soldiery in a land of so many enemies, where,
except for the neighboring districts by which we are surrounded,
the natives are all hostile, and nothing can be done or undertaken,
except it be with weapons in hand. To maintain justice for the
Spanish who reside among them, it would seem to be sufficient to have
a governor, as there always has been, since there are not more than
one hundred encomenderos and seven hundred soldiers here. In Spain,
however small a city or town may be, it has a larger population and
more litigation; yet, with only one corregidor or alcalde-mayor,
its affairs are justly administered. Besides, the salaries of the
Audiencia will be of assistance in many important matters concerning
your Majesty's service which are continually arising. These often fail
of execution on account of the lack of funds in the royal exchequer,
as a result of the expense of keeping this door open. By placing in
charge of soldiers who merit it, the encomiendas which become vacant,
a reform will be effected in this camp--which is necessary in order
to execute any plans which may be difficult. We advise your Majesty
as loyal vassals, regarding what seems to be most necessary for your
Majesty's better service and the increase of your Majesty's royal
dominion and renown. May our Lord watch over your Majesty's sacred
royal Catholic person for many fortunate years, with the addition
of greater realms and seigniories, as we, your Majesty's vassals,
and all Christendom desire. Manila, June 24, 1586. Sacred Catholic
Royal Majesty. We, your Majesty's vassals and servants kiss your
Majesty's royal feet.

Alfonso de Chaves
Don Juan Ronquillo
Juan Maldonado de Castro
Bernardo de Vergara
Agustin de Arciol
Juan de Moron
Rodrigo Albarez

[Endorsed: "To the sacred royal Catholic Majesty, king don Philipe
our lord." "Written by Juan de Ledesma, for the master-of-camp, and the
captains in the Filipina