itants with all fairness; but that, contrary
to the orders therein contained the governors have introduced the
custom of giving a part of the cargoes to the sailors and seamen,
and to the soldiers, hospitals, works of charity, clerics, and their
own servants, as also to the auditors, fiscals, and officials of my
royal treasury, whereby the favor that had been shown the inhabitants
has been diminished. He also states that Don Juan Nino de Tavora
tried to make the said allotment, although it belonged to the city;
and that the people most needy, and those to whom there are greater
obligations, did not enjoy the benefit of this favor. He petitioned
me to be pleased to order that those decrees which have been given be
observed, since that city has served me, and always serves me with the
love and zeal which has been experienced--and lately, notwithstanding
the losses that they suffered in the flagship which sank in that port,
they gave me an offering of four thousand ducados; and that, whenever
that allotment be made, it be with the consent of my governor and the
approval of the city. By that means the complaints and dissatisfaction
among them will be avoided. The matter having been examined in my royal
Council of the Yndias, I have deemed it best to order and command you,
as I do order and command you, to observe and fulfil, and cause to
be observed and fulfilled, the things that are ordered by virtue of
decrees, and the orders that have been given, since you see how just
it is to give entire satisfaction to the parties [concerned]; and that
your measures be such that those allotments be made with all equity
and justice, preventing the quarrels and complaints that might arise
on that account if the contrary were permitted. Madrid, March 10, 1634.
_I the King_
By order of his Majesty:
_Don Gabriel de Ocana Y Alarcon_
The King. To Marques de Cerralvo, my relative, member of my Council
of War, governor and captain-general of the provinces of Nueva
Espana, and president of my royal Audiencia therein: Don Juan Grau y
Monfalcon, procurator-general of the city of Manila, has informed me
that there is great need of sailors and soldiers in those islands,
and that they need at least 2,200 soldiers for the defense of those
islands--600 being assigned to the city; in the fort and redoubt, 100;
in the fort of Cavite, another 100; in the galleys, a like number;
in Cibu and Caragua, 200; in the island of Hermosa and Cagayan,
400; a
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