nt
to the posts of commander and admiral--as if I had not seen them,
or looked to see whether the person of Diego Lopez had place among
them. The post of commander was granted to a citizen, the most honored
of the most honored in this city. The post of admiral for the return
voyage (which is an advantageous post) was given to another citizen,
also married in this city, and one of its worthy men. Only the outward
trip has been granted to Diego Lopez, so that he may come before the
eyes of your Majesty more fittingly, since the advantage is not more
than one-half the pay and accommodation of his own post. Eight or nine
citizens who enjoy good incomes (one of them has two or three thousand
pesos), without being better knights or soldiers than Diego Lopez,
complain. It was all contrived by one or two uneasy spirits, simply
to make merits, from vengeance at not having succeeded in obtaining
the office of stewardship of the city, and who claimed to negotiate
for a certain person who was not suitable. Here whatever differs
from and opposes the governor is done with a sinister intention, and
not through zeal for the public welfare. The gist of the petition is
enclosed herewith, in case that the city shall forget to send it. I
petition your Majesty to grant me the favor to have it examined; and
that in consideration of the criticism which they attempt to make
in it on the loyalty and fidelity of the Portuguese nation, and of
the authority which they are attempting to take in what they say,
that they did not willingly oppose the appointment of the captain of
infantry, your Majesty will order that the admonition and punishment
which their boldness deserves be given to them. I have not as yet done
that, in order to avoid greater disturbances at a time when we are
trying to effect a union of Portuguese and Castilian posts and arms
in this South Sea. That union is the only means by which to drive the
enemy from that sea. At a time when many Castilian soldiers have come
to Yndia, and when there are more than two hundred Portuguese soldiers,
alferezes, and captains in the forts of Maluco and Manila, these men
[whom I have mentioned] are ill satisfied, and are sowing schisms among
them all. Will your Majesty have this examined, and furnish the relief
that it requires. And if there be discussion of the matter of pleasing
the auditors in what they petition--namely, that the appointments
to these posts be conferred upon them--it will be bet