s no doubt
of the truth of that news, for its arrival with the superscription of
misfortune gave it the credit of truth. But neither the condition in
which we found ourselves, with arms in our hands, nor prudence allowed
us to proceed with public demonstrations and funeral ceremonies until
we received a letter from his Majesty, and with the letter the order,
direction, and prudent management which so serious a matter demanded.

[The royal announcement arrived in July, 1648; and by his decree
the king ordered the demonstrations of sorrow to be made on the same
scale as if intended for his own person.]

In conformity with that decree, and in order that they might obey it,
the auditors called a meeting, and resolved to publish the mourning,
and to prepare the things necessary for the splendid celebration of
the funeral ceremonies. At the same time they elected as the manager
of that solemn function the fiscal auditor, Don Sebastian Cavallero
de Medina, who was as vigilant and punctual in the affairs of his
office as attentive to the service of both Majesties--guaranteeing
by the completeness of his arrangements the entire success which so
serious a matter demanded. As his assistants in carrying out that
commission were named the treasurer, Lucas de Porras Ontiberos,
alcalde-in-ordinary, and Captains Gabriel Gomez del Castillo and Don
Diego Morales, regidors. At a suitable time, the mourning rites were
heralded, in fulfilment of the above resolution; and all the provinces
were notified to make the same demonstrations, so that the external
conduct of so faithful vassals should correspond to the sorrow which
palpitated in their hearts and saddened their breasts. Scarcely was
the word given before the obedient people changed the precious and
fine appearance of their attire with somber mourning garments; and
this whole community became a theater of grief--each one showing the
loyalty which was as much evinced by his grief as it was wondered at
by the barbarous nations who trade in these islands, when they saw
in so remote a part of the world so extreme piety, so intense love,
and so faithful allegiance to their king, that distance does not make
it lukewarm, or absence weaken the affection that these deserving
vassals have ever had for their Catholic kings.

The day set for their expressions of condolence arrived, Monday,
November 9, 648; for the direction of the ceremonies, Admiral Don
Andres de Azcueta and Captain Don Pedro