d in which I explain the conditions and causes of their slavery. [99]

We do not notify your Majesty of the many details which arise here,
because we have reported, and do report all to your viceroy of Nueva
Espana, who attends to your royal service in all that we need here with
much diligence and promptness, so that nothing has been overlooked.

Since we came to this settlement of the city of Manila, the religious
who reside in these islands have shown so much scruple in regard to
collecting tribute from reconciled and apportioned communities that
some of them have several times affirmed in the pulpit that one could
not conscientiously levy tribute, and have made other assertions
at which all have been grieved. Since this idea is being stirred up
now more than ever, I asked the provincial of the order to give me
his opinion concerning the matter in writing. He did so, and gave me
an opinion which, although prompted by holy zeal and commendable in
certain respects, is nevertheless severe; and, if it should be heeded,
this land could not be maintained. To anticipate the religious who
might notify your Majesty, or send copy of the said "Opinion," and
to keep your Majesty informed of the truth, a reply to the "Opinion"
was drawn with the consent of the master-of-camp, captains, and other
prominent persons. The contents of the reply will be verified and
proved by many Spanish and native witnesses; accordingly, may your
Majesty, together with the members of your royal Council, be pleased
to provide what is most necessary for the service of your Majesty.

While this ship was on the point of departure, one of two ships
which your viceroy Don Martin Enrriquez despatched from Nueva Espana
arrived here, on the fifth of the present month. Through these ships
he sends one hundred and fifty soldiers, some married men, and three
Augustinian religious. The other ship has not yet arrived. This camp
of your Majesty was much pleased at the news of the birth of the new
infante. May he rejoice your Majesty for many years.

The officials of your royal exchequer who reside in Mexico write that
they are not empowered by your Majesty to provide this camp with some
very necessary supplies which were asked from them for this land. May
your Majesty be pleased to exercise your accustomed magnanimity, and
order them to provide us with what is necessary for your Majesty's
service, and for the maintenance of this camp and commonwealth,
according t