at cost to your royal estate.

9. _That measures have been taken for the execution of the royal
decree brought by the bishop of Nueva Segovia in regard to rendering
submission; that difficulties have begun to arise in its execution,
and that information concerning them is sent_.

From the hand of the bishop of Nueva Segovia I received the royal
decree of your Majesty in which you ordered me, by the best and most
gentle methods possible, to compel the natives of these islands to
render submission to your Majesty (this ceremony having been neglected
at first), so that the tributes which they pay may be collected with
more justice. I was ordered to join with the archbishop, bishop,
and other prelates, the superiors of the orders, in its execution. I
acted accordingly, having the said royal decree read to them, and the
intention of your Majesty explained, for the greater peace of your
royal conscience. Havings conferred and consulted in regard to it,
the said committee came to a decision regarding the matter, which
your Majesty will order to be examined by the authorized copy which
I am sending. This is what has been done since then, in virtue of
their decision. Instructions and directions have been sent to the
alcaldes-mayor and to the religious in all the provinces, that by
the gracious methods which your Majesty directs, submission shall be
rendered to your Majesty. In the province of Ylocos, in the diocese of
the bishop of Nueva Segovia, this was very well done; and submission
was rendered to your Majesty. Likewise the whole district of Manila, a
mission of the Augustinian fathers, has rendered submission. La Laguna,
in charge of the Franciscan fathers, has not so easily yielded; for
the natives there have asked a year's time in which to answer; and I
have left La Laguna in this state, until I should give an account of
it to your Majesty, as you direct me. The same thing will be done in
the other provinces which ask delays. Thus far I am not informed of
what has been done. Things have always been as they are now, without
there being any scruples; and, when these islands were conquered
and subjected, they were placed in obedience to your Majesty with
just as many requirements as the other parts of the Yndias. Your
Majesty has lost here many troops and much money. It is more than
thirty-four years during which they have had the true knowledge of
God our Lord, and of His holy gospel law, by virtue of which your
Majesty h