Note 77 — The Pardo Controversy

Diaz (p. 781) expresses pity for Vargas as thus situated, “unable to have conversation or dealings with any one except the officials of his residencia, and mostly through an agent; deserted by every one, for his servants, as being also under residencia, had enough to do in attending each to his own defense. His only consolation was the companionship of his spirited wife, Doña Isabel de Ardila, who inspired him with courage and strength. It is certain that Don Juan de Vargas was not the worst governor of Filipinas; but he was unfortunate in his disagreeable and harsh manner,” and his friend Francisco Guerrero, “a very astute and sagacious man,” whose aid would have been invaluable, was then in Nueva España, having deserted his patron to save himself.