However, I can send
with this letter an information regarding this matter, the taking
of which I entrusted to Auditor Geronimo de Legaspi, on the advice
of the Audiencia. The Audiencia gave it so that it might be made
secretly, on the occasion of a petition that was presented against
Don Geronimo de Silva. That petition declared also that neither I nor
any one else could be judge without a special commission from your
Majesty; but that it was necessary to make the said investigation,
in order to see by it whether it was advisable or not to prevent the
said Don Geronimo from going hence to Espana, as he wishes and is
resolutely undertaking to do. For that he assigns as a reason that
he considers it a disgrace that one who has governed in this country,
in the position and post with which your Majesty honored him, should
remain here, removed from his office, and liable to ruin, and in danger
of uncivil treatment--which one can fear who has so many rivals as he
confesses that he has, because of having exercised his duties with
integrity. I am trying to deliver him from that inconvenience. He
insists on his intention, justifying it with these and many other
arguments. As yet the writ has not been examined, and consequently
I can not say whether he will go or stay.
Returning to the matter of the fault for the loss of the said galleons,
I hold it certain that documents will be presented in your Majesty's
Council, written by the parties to whom that loss may be attributed;
and that, if such should be the case, what each one would write against
the other would disclose sufficient reason for need of your Majesty's
royal clemency.
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