Catholic Royal Majesty:
Although I have served your Majesty in Nueva España as attorney,
criminal judge, and auditor in the royal Audiencia of Mexico, I
have not written to your Majesty since the year 67, in order not
to disturb you; I have always written to the royal Council of the
Indies what I considered meet to your royal service. Now I have come
to and reside in these Filipinas islands, where I serve your Majesty
as your governor and captain-general. As I am so far away, and have
grown old in your Majesty's service, and have examined affairs here,
and seen the importance, the isolation, and the dangers of this colony,
I venture to address your Majesty briefly. I write at length, however,
to the royal Council of the Indies, to whom I give account of the
voyage, and its events, and of the needs of this land, and I refer you
to that letter; I have also written of its condition, and of matters
concerning the mainland of China, with what I consider it fitting for
your Majesty to order. I humbly beg that your Majesty be so good as to
examine the above-named relation, and provide therefor, as what refers
therein to the expedition to China is a matter of great moment to your
Majesty's service. This enterprise would be easy of execution, and of
little expense, as the Spanish people would go without pay, and armed
at their own cost. They will be chosen from the provinces, and will
be glad to pay the expenses. The only cost will be for the agents,
officers for the construction and command of galleys, artillerymen,
smiths, and engineers, and the ammunition and artillery. Food can
be supplied to them here, and the troops are energetic, healthy,
and young. This is the empire and the greatest glory which remains
for the king of the world, the interest which surpasses all others,
and the greatest service to God.
I think that I have drawn a true picture of the people, as they are the
best in the world for tributarios. They have waged war against the king
of Tartaria. [105] If they made war on this coast, his occupation,
and even that of both, God helping, would soon be over. They have
many enemies in this archipelago, who are more valiant than they and
who will be of great help. I beseech your Majesty to provide what
is most fitting, that the power and laws of so just and great a king
may encircle the world.
In these Filipinas islands there are at present five hundred Spaniards
in all, and if there were ten thousand, all would be rich. As there
are so few we suffer many hardships, since we are among so many
enemies. Our only consolation, and mine in particular, is that we
are serving your Majesty. Our diligence is unremitting, and we hope
for your Majesty's favor. Your Majesty will provide in this for your
own cause, and that of the Catholic church. As I write at length
to your Majesty's Council, this letter is but brief. May our Lord
guard the royal Catholic person of your Majesty, and increase your
kingdoms and seigniories, is the wish of your Majesty's vassals and
servants. Manila, in the island of Luçon of the Filipinas, June 2,
1576. Royal Catholic Majesty, from your Majesty's loyal vassal and
servant, who kisses your royal hands,