s by commanding that the said
four toneladas of freight be continued to us, as we are accustomed
to ship the goods free of customs duties or any other dues, whether
in this city of Manila or in Nueva Espana, or in any other parts of
your Majesty's realms where your ships enter.

In this your royal Majesty will render a great service to God our
Lord; and may He preserve for us your royal Majesty, with increase
of His holy grace, and life and prosperity, as your loyal servants
desire. At Manila, July 3, 1599. Your royal Majesty's humble servant,

_Domingo de Santiago_.

[_Endorsed_: "Manila; to his Majesty; Domingo de Santiago, for the
hospital of Santa Ana at Manilla. Referred by his Majesty, who directs
that the archbishop and governor shall send information regarding
the treatment of the sick in this hospital, and whether its income
is sufficient for its needs. They shall also ascertain how its funds
are disbursed, and if the accounts are audited; and if anything is
lacking that is absolutely necessary, let them advise what and how
much should be provided, in their opinion."]

Catholic and Royal Majesty:

Antonio Valerio, steward of the royal hospital which the discalced
religious of our seraphic father St. Francis founded in the city of
Manila, with royal expenditures and some alms, for the cure and healing
of all these natives of all these Philipinas Islands which belong
to your royal Majesty. I declare that although in this hospital we,
three religious and myself, serve for the love of God our Lord--by our
services saving the salaries of physician, surgeon, apothecary, and
other officers; and I performing the duties of steward, and the said
religious treating, as they do, all the sick, besides administering the
sacraments--the work of this hospital is continually increasing to such
an extent, by its aiding so many sick persons, and from so many places,
that although the gifts which your royal Majesty has made to this your
hospital are great, they are not sufficient to meet the necessary
expenses to which the said hospital is liable. For the usual number
of those who are cared for in it ranges from one hundred and sixty
to two hundred poor persons; besides, most of the poor people of this
city are provided from this hospital with ointments and medicines for
their ailments. On account of these expenses the hospital is unable
to accomplish many works which should be done--for instance, a house
for the workmen a