12. I am enclosing an official record with this letter in regard to what is forbidden to the auditors touching the suits and appeals of the Chinese or Sangleys--a caution that I am taking, as I have seen that they are complaining confusedly to your Majesty that I am preventing them from receiving suits as alcaldes of the court, not specifying as clearly as is possible what those suits and appeals are. It is my opinion that the Audiencia should not meddle with matters pertaining to the Sangleys, for the reasons that I have given for it in this despatch, and in that of the year past. Will your Majesty order what is most advisable, being assured that experience has obliged me to give the report that I submit. May our Lord preserve the Catholic and royal person of your Majesty with the increase of new kingdoms, as we your vassals desire, and as we need. Manila, August 4, 1628. Your Majesty's humble vassal, _Don Juan Nino de Tavora_ [_In the margin_: "Let the fiscal see it." "It was taken to him." "Answered on a separate paper."] _Affairs of the treasury_ Sire: Since I have to give account in this letter to your Majesty of what there is to tell in regard to your royal treasury, I shall begin it by explaining some decrees that I received the past year, which were despatched at the instance of the royal officials. In the first decree, they complained that my predecessor, Don Alonso Faxardo, did not allow them to exercise their duties in the port of Cavite; and that he had appointed as lieutenant of the governor and captain-general, Don Andres Perez Franco, castellan of those forts. Your Majesty orders that they be allowed to perform their duties, and that commissaries be not appointed for what pertains to them. They will not conduct those suits with him; for, although I retain Don Andres Perez Franco in Cavite, I have not given him the title given him by Don Alonso--although he never used it, as I am informed. The efficient collection and care of the revenues of your Majesty belong to the royal officials; and with that power they take part in all the equipping, building, and despatch of the vessels. But the appointments of the officials of the vessels, and all else touching government and war, have always been attended to by the governors, who for this have maintained in Cavite a castellan, commandant, and chief justice, of the abilities and experience of Don Andres Perez Franco; so that, although I could rest, still I have not been negligent, but have gone in person, on the occasions for the equipment and building of vessels, every week to that port, which is a very necessary thing. [_In the margin_: "Seen."]