eld it--being a proprietor,
and one who could not be removed during good behavior--would be free
to remain silent.

[_In the margin_: "Let the governor and Audiencia investigate this."]

17. The office of secretary of the registries has been held by the
secretaries of the governors. As a result of this, claims for justice
have been relinquished in several grievances of great importance,
to the loss both of the Chinese who come to trade here, and of the
citizens of the city. It would be well to sell this office, under
condition that he who buys it cannot be the secretary or in any wise
the servant of the governor at that time acting. As Rroque Espino de
Caceres, who is serving it at present, has begged for your Majesty's
confirmation, and is a person worthy of it, as appears from the
informations made in this royal Audiencia, in its opinion this favor
might be extended to him, as he seeks it, with the said condition,
and with that of a moderate price for the royal treasury.

[_In the margin_: "Tell the new governor that it is not expedient that
this office should be held by a secretary or servant of the governor,
or a subordinate of the auditors and ministers of the Audiencia;
and that from worthy persons there he shall appoint three, in whom he
believes is found the necessary ability for this office, so that his
Majesty may select the one who may seem best to him. In the meantime
let him appoint as best he can, and without inconvenience."]

18. In the island of Zubu there is a notary-public who bought the
office from your Majesty. The cabildo there have written to me that
there is need of still another, and that accordingly it might be
sold. Therefore, if your Majesty pleases, you might order another
notaryship sold in said island of Zubu.

[_In the margin_: "Have the governor and Audiencia send an information
regarding this, and what offices have been sold in those islands,
at what price, and to what persons."]

19. The city of Nueva Segovia, of the province of Cagayan, the chief
city of that bishopric, has no notary-public named by your Majesty,
but only one appointed by the governor, for the cases which there
arise. This is a great inconvenience, as wills and other writings
cannot be sworn to before him, from which results damage to the
citizens. It would be well, if your Majesty were so pleased, to sell
a notary-public's office there.

20. The office of depositary-general of this city of Manila, on
account