and fifth, by Robert W. Haight.

PETITION OF THE RECOLLECTS

Sacred Royal Catholic Majesty:

In conformity with certain requirements of the visitor of the
Augustinian order in these islands, we, the Recollect religious
of the same order, have all rendered obedience to the father in
their rule of life in this country. We are obeying very exactly the
orders that you, Sire, have given, although we have received signal
annoyance thereby, as we think they will prove in every way a great
hindrance to our mode of life and its tranquillity. Especially do
we believe--and it is beyond doubt true--that if we are forced to
continue the same obedience, it will mean not only a cessation of
the forward movement of this special work, but the extinction of us
all therein; for we have in no way been guilty of any fault whereby
we have merited such a penalty, as this action, under this form,
must be considered. This will be shown by the evidence, for some of
us religious, who came to these so remote regions from that country
[Spain] by order of your Highness, have died; and although others
have taken the habit, this is not a country where the orders can be
preserved by that method alone, without the reenforcement of those
who can come from those kingdoms to help in this work. If we are
kept subject to the rule, we shall lose this refuge, and we are on
the direct road to ruin without attaining that fruit through special
desire of which we felt ourselves forced to leave our native land and
the association of our brother religious in our so prompt response
to the order of your Highness. Since our mode of living has been,
and is, regulated by the care that we owe to our obligations, and is
an example and to the edification of the town--and this it public
and well-known--to say nothing of our established rules and rigor;
since this city and kingdom hold us in pious and especial affection;
and since, in the service of your Highness we are laboring for the
conversion and administration of a mission-field in a toilsome post,
and one without any temporal consolation, and through not having
the proper number of religious for another mission (namely, three)
we left the latter, as well as many others to which attention should
be given, and which have been offered to us and are offered daily,
but which we have not accepted for the above reasons: we believe
that we can supplicate your Highness with proper confidence--as we
do supplicate yo