the
two branches] is the cause of very great disquiet, because of the
opposition that is sucked in there in the milk, as is apparent to
your Majesty from many instances. Although the Observantines are so
few that they do not number twenty, they make use of their favor with
the commissaries-general, who generally appoint them as commissaries of
visitation. In parts so remote and deprived of recourse [to superiors],
they hold their will as law whenever they choose. For that reason we
have always feared that the Observantines would deprive the discalced
religious of this province; and that has been done by an Observantine
commissary-visitor, who removed all the definitors and a great number
of votes, by absolute authority and without sufficient cause. He
did it for the sole purpose of succeeding in that design, which he
accomplished; hence this province and its definitors are at present in
the power of the Observantines. Since the fathers commissaries-general
are Observantines, they naturally favor their own party. From that
circumstance, serious and long-drawn-out litigation is promised, which
your Majesty can prevent by ordering strictly that one or the other
branch do not come. The discalced religious, as I said, established
this province. They have furnished many martyrs to the church, and
have toiled in the ministry with poverty, humility, and good example
among Spaniards and Indians, as they relate and as your Majesty can
inform yourself. You will also be informed of the manner in which the
Observantine fathers administer in Megico; and you can select which
[branch] you may please, and order that those religious who do not
possess a testimonial from the discalced or from the Observantine
provincials (according to which branch your Majesty selects) shall
not embark at Cadiz. In case that Observantines are not to come,
it is very necessary also to order strictly your viceroy of Mexico
not to allow those who should not possess the said testimonials to
embark at Acapulco; for, since the commissary-general is in Mexico,
he will exert great activity in this respect in order to carry farther
what has been commenced. For that purpose they are at present sending
an Observantine religious. I beg your Majesty not to consider this
as a matter of little moment, for on this one remedy alone depends
the preservation of this province on its first foundation, the peace
of the religious, the proper administration of the Indians, and th