een not to show it, I could say that
I had torn it up, or could have alleged some other pretext; and I
would not have mentioned the person to whom I gave it to keep, as I
knew that there was an order to sequestrate his [70] property. Since,
sir, it is impossible, and it is not my fault, I do not accept the
excuse that your Lordship gives me in your letter, in order to free
yourself from showing me favor and undertaking to act, settle this
affair as governor and friend. Therefore, I petition your Lordship,
[71] as you can do for one who avails himself of your protection;
for I desire ever to remain in your Lordship's favor, and only bound
to serve you all the days of my life. May our Lord preserve your
Lordship's life for long years. From this convent of St. Francis,
November 24, 1635.

_Fray Hernando_, archbishop."

The governor responded as follows to the above letter:

"Most thoroughly do I believe what your Lordship says in your letter
in regard to the efforts made to get hold of the protest, and that
your Lordship does not have it. But it is an exasperating and serious
thing that Father Collado, or whoever else has it, should display
this tenacious obstinacy; and that so many efforts, so many mediators,
and so much argument are not sufficient to get it. It is certain, sir,
that so great obstinacy in a subordinate ought not to be overlooked;
for it is hindering good men so that we cannot go farther in this
matter, until we have subdued that disobedience, which is unworthy of
so religious a person--especially since I have given my word to burn
it in the presence of your Lordship, without letting any person see
it except Diego de Rueda, so that he may acknowledge before witnesses
whether it is the paper which he wrote or authenticated. All these
considerations, and many others which occur to me, almost render it
impossible for me to serve your Lordship. On the other hand, your
Lordship's present need of my service constrains me more; and as Don
Sebastian de Corcuera, I am doing more, I judge, in charging myself
with these affairs than I would do in concluding them had I all the
authority that your Lordship mentions.

Now, sir, that I may move in the matter with more security, it will
be necessary, since there is no other remedy, to compel Diego de
Rueda to declare to me, and attest as a notary, the contents of the
protest; and in order to cause him to do so, even though he resist,
I shall have to make use of t