,
and so important to the service of your Majesty, and since it is
not a matter on which I can take action here or which I can remedy,
I could not neglect reporting it to your Majesty, in order that you
may take those measures most suitable to your royal service.

Auditor Don Antonio Rodriguez de Villegas has just arrived in that
ship from Nueva Espana, but he is in so poor health that he cannot
attend the Audiencia except in any necessary case when Licentiate
Legazpi and Don Albaro must have a third person. At such times he is
requested to attend so that certain business may not be delayed. He
has given many signs of prudence, wisdom, and good intentions. That is
what hitherto we have been able to understand of him; and I promise
myself that his person will be of great service to your Majesty from
his good beginnings and the many good qualities that are found in him.

Licentiate Don Juan de Albarado Bracamonte, fiscal of this Audiencia,
has served in it and in the office of protector-general of the natives
and Sangleys of these islands, for eleven years, and, as I have thus
far understood, with great satisfaction and ability. He has ever
attended with peculiar care to the advancement of the preparation of
the fleets that have been prepared during that time, and to all other
matters of war and administration that have arisen. And according to
my good opinion of him, I would entrust to him even many more things
in matters touching your Majesty's service, and also with my own
affairs. As certain reports were made to me upon my arrival at these
islands last year, that were opposed to his method of procedure,
I endeavored to investigate them secretly and cautiously, and to
ascertain the truth concerning them. And although his duties are so
fitting and proper for the breeding of ill-will in those querulous
persons against whom he has prosecuted cases, or in his subordinates,
I have not found anything of importance that contradicts his rectitude
and integrity. Those are the qualities most to be esteemed in the
ministers of the Yndias. Consequently in consideration of his good
qualities, capacity, and skill, I regard him as deserving the grace
that your Majesty may be pleased to show him outside this Audiencia
in that of Mexico or Lima, in which I think that your Majesty will
be very well served.

A few days ago while I was in Cavite attending to the fleet which
I prepared for the purpose that I have related to your Majesty