u--in the submissive spirit of faithful vassals and
the humility of poor religious, to be pleased to favor this so pious
cause, and one so to the service of our Lord. We ask, Sire, that you
will cause some Recollect religious to be sent from those kingdoms,
so that with an increased number we may also increase in courage; for
all must result in an increase of the service of the two majesties. We
do not intend by this, in fundamentals to withdraw ourselves from the
obedience that we have been ordered to give to the rule, but only to
preserve our established laws, and to attend with greater leisure and
assiduity to our obligations. The clemency of your Highness will be
very necessary to encourage this work, as has been done hitherto in
everything offered us. Hence we again supplicate it with the urgency
demanded by the importance of the matter.

When we came to these regions, your Highness was pleased to grant us
the alms of wine and oil for the space of six years, as you did to the
other orders. Inasmuch as--although, in accordance with your orders,
the alms have been granted us hitherto--the limit assigned by your
Highness will soon expire, we humbly beseech your Highness to be
pleased to have the said alms provided, as to the other religious
orders, and also the support for the religious of this convent,
as may seem best to your Highness. We also beseech your Highness to
have medicines given us for our sick, as to the other convents. Will
your Highness grant us this with your accustomed piety; since we are
as poor as the other convents, and are occupied in the same ministry.

Don Juan de Silva, your governor, in your Highness's name granted us
a site, where we have a church and convent, with the proviso that we
secure your Highness's confirmation thereto within forty years. We
beseech you with all due humility to be pleased to grant us the said
confirmation. For that and for all the other matters contained in
this letter, our father master, Fray Pedro Solier, [17] provincial,
who has been living under our rules in these islands, is delegated with
our authority. In case of his death, we delegate our authority to the
prior or procurator of the Recollect convent in your capital. We shall
receive most singular favor in whatever action your Highness takes in
despatching our affairs with your most powerful hand. May God's favor
be ever with your Highness, and may He preserve and prosper you for
His greater service, and for