In all the most opulent kingdoms, provinces, and cities of the Catholic monarchy of your Majesty, the most remote, the most separated, and the most distant from the royal presence of its king and sovereign is the metropolitan cathedral church of this archipelago of islands without number. Consequently, its cabildo is poorer, more needy, and more liable to be forgotten than any other; for in order to set forth its afflictions and poverty, it even has neither feet, whereby it may go to cast itself at the feet of your Majesty, nor hands for the solicitude and works that the demand alone would require. One effort only we can make easily, and that has been made for many years; that is, to write, petitioning, importuning, urging, and informing your Majesty of the most important things, not to our especial advantage. And well do we know that your Majesty is not so wealthy that you can be liberal in proportion to your greatness; but only in the points most necessary and important to the Divine service and worship, and to your Majesty’s honor and glory, at whose expense it flourishes throughout Christendom—especially in this city, fortified post, and empire of almost all the nations discovered and known; for in that it equals Roma, and the cities of most commerce in the whole world. That is the reason that has always moved us to urge and petition your Majesty, representing the following points. [In the margin: “July 30, 1625.1 Reply to the cabildo, encouraging them; and tell them that what they say in their letter will receive care and attention, without particularizing the paragraphs or the things that they say.”]

One of the things which this cathedral has considered, and considers, intolerable, is that it always has to be governed by friars. That is a matter that has in itself many grave inconveniences, that would take long to relate in a letter which demands brevity. We wish only for your Majesty to understand and to be assured that the seculars can be better governed than any other clergy; and that they live with greater quietness and peace, not only in their souls and spiritual government, but in what concerns the temporal. Not only do the seculars recognize this, but the religious themselves; for the secular is always in the midst of affairs, while the friar must necessarily incline himself to his order and to those with whom he has been reared. It would be worse if such a person had not been, in his order, of much learning and of known virtues, but rather the contrary. Your Majesty will consider the estimation that all will have for such a man who knew him before. When this is so, it does not result to edification, which is your Majesty’s intent, but to depreciation of and contempt for the episcopal dignity, which requires the highest perfection. God our Lord would be greatly pleased if the honors, dignities, and prelacies of this country be given to those who have served and labored in it. From that three blessings of high importance will follow. The first, that your Majesty will have fulfilled your obligation in accordance with the excellent principle of distributive justice. Thus have our sovereigns Kings Philipo Second and Third, of glorious memory, your Majesty’s grand-father and father, ruled, ordered, and commanded in their royal patronage. And most certain can your Majesty be that there have always been and there are now men worthy, capable, and of great talents, from whom much may be expected, both in this cabildo and in the orders—especially that of St. Dominic and that of St. Francis; but, since they do not try to obtain the prebendaries of this church, never will their affairs be known, nor will any of them ever be seen in that royal court, for neither can they go, nor do they possess the wherewithal to send. These arguments will have greater force and power in the future, because of the two universities which your Majesty has permitted in this city—one in the residence of the Society of Jesus, and the other in that of Santo Tomas of the Dominican friars, where students are being trained and many graduated. Thus this city is today full of poverty-stricken seculars, and one must fear that there will be so many within a few years that they will die of hunger, because we have not any benefices to give them in this archbishopric or throughout the islands; for these are held by friars, who cost your Majesty so dearly. It is very desirable to refrain from sending many of the religious who come from EspaÑa, which is an argument worthy of much consideration. [In the margin: “That great care will be given to this point when vacancies occur in those churches.”]

The need and poverty of this metropolitan church is known and notorious, for it has no income or revenue other than the concessions of your Majesty, especially the four hundred pesos that have been given thus far, by means of which the church is kept in wine, wax, and oil. For none of those things are given from the royal warehouses, as they are to the other convents of this city. Consequently, we petition your Majesty to continue that concession, for it is not a perpetual concession, but was only for four or six years; and, when that time expired, it was conceded for another term of four or six years. If it were made perpetual, your Majesty would be making it a more valuable concession; for at each prolongation of the time it is necessary to spend at least one hundred pesos with the agent who is sent from here to that court. Thus that amount would be saved, and that is a matter of consideration and importance to so poor a church. [In the margin: “See what is provided in regard to this.” “The concession was made.”]

This church is also in great need of ornaments and of a sacristy. That which it now uses is borrowed; but with the sum of three or four thousand pesos the one that was commenced more than ten years ago could be finished. It has been impossible to finish it, because we had not the means to do so. In order that your Majesty need not spend anything from your royal treasury (which we most earnestly desire), this could be done by your Majesty ordering that vacant encomiendas, or pensions on those to which appointments are being made, be given to the church, in accordance with the condition of the encomienda, at the will of the governor—as has been done with the house of the Society of Jesus in this city, to which your Majesty made a grant of ten thousand pesos, as an aid to the edifice that they are at present erecting, [In the margin: “See what has been ordered in this.” “The concession was made.”]

We have often represented to your Majesty the great importance of having this church well served, as this city is a place of so great trade and commerce, where so many and so different nations come, as has been said. The number of prebendaries that the church has at present is not at all sufficient; for besides the five dignidades, it has no more than four canons, two racioneros, and two medio-racioneros. And since the land is so unhealthful and sickly, most of the prebendaries are generally disabled, and for the greater portion of the year the work is loaded upon only one canon and one racionero. For that reason, we earnestly desired in the past years that your Majesty would give us an increase Of two additional canons and four racioneros; but seeing that that was not effected because of the great need in which the times have placed your Majesty, we have found an easy and feasible remedy for it—namely, to apply to this church some of the benefices and missions that the orders hold near this city. Let the governor and archbishop select those which would be most suitable; and let each of them be given to two seculars—or more, if they should be so rich. There is a mission outside the walls of this city owned by the religious of St. Augustine, by name Tondo, where three seculars could be maintained. One of them could be proprietary, with the title of archdean or prior of such place and canon of this cathedral, with the obligation to serve in it, as do the other canons. By this method the prebendaries would be increased, and the number of religious whom your Majesty would have to send would be lessened; while the students who are growing up here in steadily increasing numbers would be provided for, rewarding the sons of the conquistadors and settlers, besides many other blessings and advantages which would follow by so doing. [In the margin: “See what has been provided in this regard, and have this section taken to the fiscal, together with that provision.” “It was taken.”]

One of the persons on whom this cabildo has set its eyes—and, together with all this community, we have been sure that your Majesty would show him honor—is the archdean, Don Alonso Garcia de Leon; but, only through his great modesty, he has never put forward any such claim. Consequently, we petition your Majesty to honor us all through him—assuring you, with the truth that one ought to speak in regard to such a matter, that we judge him to be worthy of any favor and honor that your Majesty might be pleased to show him, which will be for the glory of God and your Majesty’s service. [In the margin: “Consult the memorial.”]

Doctor Don Juan BriceÑo came to these islands twenty-three years ago with the ordination of a priest, in company with Archbishop Don Diego Vazquez de Mercado. He immediately occupied himself in learning the language and in ministering to the natives, to their great approbation and with benefit to their souls. He has also served this cathedral more than nine years in the prebends of canon and precentor, the latter of which he holds at present. He is also at present exercising the office of vicar-general of this archbishopric, and has been its visitor-general. In both offices he has acted and given the account that could be expected from a good priest, learned and experienced, and publicly recognized as a man of good life and example. Ever since he came to these islands, there has been nothing contrary to this; so that he deserves to have your Majesty employ him in matters of your service, and to honor him according to the merit of his many good services. [In the margin: “Consult the memorial.”]

It is well-known that the Order of St. Augustine was the first to plant the cross of Christ in these remote islands; and it has always been foremost in continuing that work. Hence it is the one of all the orders which has most missions, and consequently, most need of ministers. Many years, no religious come to them from EspaÑa; and many of those who are here die, and very quickly. Thus, if your Majesty do not show them the favor of protecting and replenishing so necessary and good ministers, they will be obliged to leave many missions, to the detriment of souls, and of the service of God and your Majesty—whom it has cost so much from your royal patrimony to set this flourishing and extensive Christian church in its present condition. The propagation of Christianity here is due, at least in its greater part, to that holy order and to its sons, as you will be more minutely informed by father Fray Diego de Robles, who is now to go as their procurator-general and definitor, to attend the general chapter of his order. We are acquainted with his person, and know that he came to these islands sixteen years ago. He soon learned two languages of the natives, and has administered in the islands some of the houses, convents, and missions of greatest importance. His order has honored him, and has occupied him, now in the ministry of the pulpit for the Spaniards, now in priorates, and in other offices and dignities of his order. In all of them he has always furnished a very excellent example, and has attained fame and renown as a good religious and one worthy of all credit and honor. Consequently, this cabildo petitions your Majesty to honor him and his order, for in both things will God our Lord be greatly pleased. [In the margin: “When religious are requested, have this section brought.” “Consult the memorial.”]

The Recollect religious of St. Augustine are the last who came to labor in this field; and for that reason the most toilsome, laborious, and dangerous part has fallen to their share, as they have been unable to have their missions and houses together, or in contiguous provinces, like the other orders; but their convents are separated in different islands, very far one from another. Although they are the last, we assure your Majesty that in point of work, zeal for the propagation of the holy gospel, and the cultivation of souls, the other orders do not have any advantage over them. Well have they proved that with their blood; for about three years ago, when the province of Caraga revolted, the rebels killed seven religious. However, by the grace of God, those rebels have been reduced again, and punished by the excellent efforts of Captain Juan de Chaves, one of the best soldiers, and one of the men of best judgment that your Majesty has in these islands. It will be of very great service to God and your Majesty to have religious sent to the said fathers, for many years have passed since a single religious has come to them, and it is right to encourage and aid so good workers, [In the margin: “When this order shall petition for religious, let this section be brought.”]

The master-of-camp, Don LorenÇo de Olasso, who exercises the office of captain-general because of the death of Governor Don Juan NiÑo de Tavora this year, has carried himself with prudence, peace, and tranquillity. For in this office and in that of master-of-camp, which he holds by right of appointment, he has shown his good judgment, especially in his care and vigilance in fortifying the city and in attending to all that concerns the obligation of his office, and welfare of this city, and the service of your Majesty. [In the margin: “Consult the memorial.”]

As this noble and loyal city had so great need for sending a suitable person as its procurator to that royal court, it made choice of the person of General Don Diego de Arqueta Minchaca. It was a choice so prudent and so well considered, that in quality, services of his forbears and his own, capacity, prudence, experience, and other qualities necessary for such action, there is not his equal in this city. For besides the said qualifications and services (which will be apparent by his papers), considering the chief thing, namely, your Majesty’s service and the welfare of this community, he is a person so capable in all matters of government and war, that both through experience and observation he can inform your Majesty as one who has seen both all these islands and the Malucas, and as far as Malaca; because he took part and embarked in all the fleets [sent against] the invasions of the Dutch enemy, that have been gathered in these islands since he was a young lad. We assure ourselves of great results for the increase of Christianity in these islands, the welfare of this community, and your Majesty’s service, by his going and management. [In the margin: “Seen.”]

Captain Juan Sarmiento, chancellor of this royal Audiencia, is the legitimate son of Captain Pedro Sarmiento (one of the first conquistadors and settlers of these islands), and one of the most valiant captains who has served your Majesty herein, as will appear more authoritatively by his papers. He is married to a daughter of Licentiate Tellez de AlmaÇan, who was an auditor who came to establish this Audiencia for the second time. And even were he not so worthy in his person, he was sufficiently so to be worthy of your Majesty showing him very great favors. For we recognize in the said auditor a judge truly upright and Christian, and so in harmony with divine and human laws, that these islands will ever cherish his memory. God our Lord has given him abundance of sons and daughters, so that this city is ennobled by such progeny and posterity. He deserves honor from your Majesty, and aid, in order that he may become more prosperous and not less. [In the margin: “Consult the memorial.”]

Since we are so loyal vassals and chaplains of your Majesty, it grieves us and rends our soul to see the damage done to your Majesty’s royal treasury, because there are not any faithful officials to execute the so pious and excellent order that was decreed and determined by the royal decrees of your Majesty, and by the glorious progenitors of your Majesty; especially in regard to the money that passes annually from Nueva EspaÑa to these islands. We inform your Majesty that, besides the permission of the four hundred thousand pesos that your Majesty has given for the inhabitants of this city, it is certain that two millions are brought. That sum is brought from Nueva EspaÑa by companies and agents who call themselves inhabitants of Mexico; and your judges and officials [there] allow them to pass, and dis-simulate because of the great profit that falls to them in Acapulco. The efforts are not made in this city either that could be made by those who ought to make them. Accordingly, having seen this so great loss, both to your Majesty and to the inhabitants of this city, in assemblies of the orders that the reverend bishop, governor of this archbishopric, called on petition of the city, censures were issued, ordering no one to employ the money of the inhabitants of Nueva EspaÑa or Piru, thinking that that would be an efficient remedy. But experience has demonstrated that it has been of no effect, for all have employed that money and no one has been denounced. This needs, a stringent remedy, and there is no other except to carry out fittingly what was ordered by your Majesty, by appointing trustworthy officials of Christian spirit and well-known zeal for your Majesty’s service. [In the margin: “Let them be advised of what decision was made in this.”]

One of the greatest services that the cabildos and corporations can perform for your Majesty is to advise, inform, and report concerning the deserving persons who attend to your Majesty’s service. For, as the matter passes before so many eyes, they cannot do else than to write with great consideration and exactness of truth. One of the men who has served your Majesty in these islands with ardor, eagerness, and care, and who has occupied, since the day of his entrance into this city, posts of great importance (as will appear in detail by his papers), is General Don Andres Perez Franco. The limitations of a letter do not allow us to mention his good qualities as a skilled and successful soldier; for besides being that, God has given him good fortune in feats of war. In matters of government and of peace, he is so excellent and accomplished that he has been considered by most of the people of Cavite, where he has been chief commander most of the time, as a father rather than as a commander. God has endowed him with affability, valor, and ability to govern and command with generosity, and actions which make him loved, feared, and respected. That is apparent to this cabildo, and we know that it is public and notorious. Will your Majesty please honor him according to his many good services, so that others may imitate him, and that they may be encouraged by his example to serve your Majesty. [In the margin: “Consult the memorial.”]

Your Majesty granted this archbishopric to Don Fray Hernando de Guerrero, bishop of Nueva Segovia, an aged religious, and one well known in these islands. He presented in this cabildo the ordinary decree which the royal Council generally gives to the persons presented by your Majesty, in order that the government might be given into his charge until the bulls come from his Holiness. Inasmuch as this cabildo is at present deprived of this jurisdiction—given to it by a canonical law by special brief and indult of his Holiness, obtained by your Majesty, ordering the senior bishop to govern, by virtue of which the reverend father, Fray Pedro Arce, archbishop of Zubu, is governing this church, a holy person and one of blameless life—this cabildo answered that no one can give what he does not possess; that the said bishop had the government; and that this cabildo had nothing more to answer. However the said archbishop insisted upon it as he was deceived by certain ill-informed lawyers. He even went to the royal Audiencia, who delayed undeceiving him for many days and after many meetings. All that was with the object of giving him to understand that they were doing something for him. That had the end and object that the auditors know; and it is not unknown that the archbishop wrote in their favor to the royal Council. That was almost self-evident, for the explicit manner in which Licentiate Don Francisco de Rojas y OÑate, visitor of these islands, enlightened him was not sufficient, when the visitor said that he had no right, and that neither the cabildo nor the bishop could do anything else. The same thing was declared by the religious, the lecturers, and professors, and the other learned men who examined the matter thoroughly; and lastly by that which was declared, after many meetings and delays, by the royal assembly. Hence, Sire, the said archbishop has maintained hostility and ill-will toward this cabildo, and cannot conceal it; but shows it by words unworthy his dignity, and threats against the time when the bulls come for him. We see well, Sire, that all the above has no remedy now, and that your Majesty made him archbishop. We suffer for God’s sake, and He will give us patience. But for the future we humbly petition your Majesty to consider and repair this so serious damage, from which so many troubles result, by making choice of learned and holy persons, of known virtue. There are many in these islands, both seculars and religious, as we informed your Majesty on another occasion. Friars should not be consulted who only go to that court laden with money to demand bishoprics, since by the same case they make themselves unworthy. Necessarily the injuries that ensue from this are felt by the poor subordinates; and they even scandalize the faithful Christians, when they see that the holy and virtuous priests who are laboring throughout these islands are net rewarded, because they do not go or send [to that court], [In the margin: “When our bishops are sent, if there should be a number of governors, have what information there is here brought, so that the senior bishop of the islands may govern; and have this section also brought.”]

Often, Sire, have we given thanks in this cabildo to God our Lord, deliberating and considering how clearly the presence of the Holy Ghost is seen in the decisions, ordinances, and enactments in the royal decrees of your Majesty, looking toward the good government and increase of the common welfare of these islands. For, if your Majesty and every one of your counselors had lived in and seen this city and these islands for many years, they could not have better understood the matters treated and decided in the said royal decrees. Consequently, one of your opportune and fortunate measures was the excellent choice that your Majesty has made in sending Licentiate Don Francisco de Rojas y OÑate as visitor; for, as long experience and the histories teach us, and even in the present times we have seen the disputes, the confusion, the unrest, and anxiety caused in a kingdom by any visitor; while in this city we have seen quite the contrary with the said visitor. And he has not been at all lacking in his duty, exercising rigor and seventy with kindness. He has calmed troubles without drawing blood, and has obtained the observance of your royal decrees so equitably that those who were most opposed to him confessed that he was just. Lastly, Sire, he is completing his visit this year, without having inflicted extortion or wrong on a single person. He has attended to the service of your Majesty with continual and incessant labor—which, although he has not had at all good health, he has not spared by day or night, on feast days, or in holiday seasons, times in which others rest. In short, he has been a father to this republic, and a person worthy of being occupied by your Majesty in things of greater importance in your service; for God has given him talent for great things, a Christian spirit, and the fear of God. That he showed because, as soon as he entered this city, he went to confession and communed often. He chose as confessor father Fray Domingo GonÇales, one of the most holy and learned men of the Order of St. Dominic. So great and so illustrious is his learning that often, when the orders have come together to argue, they have confessed that, upon asking him his opinion in very knotty questions, their problems have been solved by his tolerance, forbearance, and patience; for he did not cause disputes and scandals on many occasions that people inconsiderate and bold gave him, as is seen by certain of the writings that he carries; Consequently, we greatly desire and we earnestly petition His Divine Majesty that he, may have health, and that He will bear him to your Majesty’s feet, so that he may inform you of what he has seen, accomplished, and known. From his report we hope ior the relief of these islands in every way, and increase to the service of God and your Majesty.

Don Miguel Garcetas
Don Alonso GarcÍa de Leon
Doctor Don Juan Reyes
The treasurer, Don Thomas Guimarano
Don Francisco de Valdes
Don Pedro de Quesada Hurtado de Mendoza
The racionero, Pablo Rodriguez
The racionero, Ruiz de Escalona
Diego Ramirez

[Endorsed: “Manila. To his Majesty. The ecclesiastical cabildo. No date. Examined July 30, and decreed within.”]