sailors now engaged in this despatch do not seem of such nature
that they oblige me to answer them in detail. It is certain that
the viceroys appoint very suitable persons, and will always do so,
since they rely on their honor; and the commander does not care
to overload the vessels, since he is not interested in the freight
charges. Consequently, when the auditor of Manila obliges them to
load much cargo in Cabite, they usually unload and leave goods on
the shoals that they meet, whence arise innumerable complaints and
suits. The pilots and sailors are examined in what is necessary for
them, and the soldiers are sufficient for a navigation route of so
great safety. If it is true that the latter are lazy and vagabonds,
few times have I seen men enlisted in any region who are not such,
or who do not desire to be such. Although there may be things to
correct in all matters, there are other reforms less costly and easier.

Your Majesty might wish to have these arguments in briefer form;
but, although I have omitted some things, the matter is of so great
moment that I have not been able to pass over anything that I judge
essential for your proper decision in this matter.

May God preserve your Majesty as Christendom has need. Los Reyes,
April 12, 1612.



LETTER FROM THE BISHOP OF NUEVA SEGOVIA


_Jesus_