that many are ruled by prejudice, and not by the facts in the
case. The same risk is run in other matters, for there never was a
judge who could please all persons. What we can assert and certify
to your Majesty is the great zeal which Don Sebastian Hurtado de
Corcuera has always displayed in the service of God and your Majesty,
and in the increase of the royal estate. For in his own life he
sets an example to the most devout religious; and in his personal
attention to the duties of his offices he continues without being
turned aside to anything else. His actions are guided by the law of
God and the service of your Majesty. He is vigilant in preventing
all offenses against God, and in military discipline. It seems as
if our Lord has aided him, in consequence of this; for it is in
his time that these islands of your Majesty, and your vassals, find
themselves in a condition of peace, without being harassed by so many
enemies as neighboring nations have--who have inflicted on them so
much damage through many previous years, with pillage, fire, murder,
and captivity. And as the most powerful enemy was the king of Mindanao,
last year the governor went in person to punish him in his own kingdom;
and he conquered that king and gained possession of two fortresses,
the most important that he had, with many cannons, muskets, and other
fire-arms. From this campaign the arms of your Majesty have gained
much reputation, and all the enemies of these islands are intimidated;
while the vassals whom your Majesty has in them are more established
in their obedience. If that fortunate victory had not occurred as it
did, there might have been much reason to fear for the allegiance that
the peoples of these islands owe to your Majesty. And Don Sebastian
deserves that your Majesty bestow upon him greater rewards, since
in more important posts the services which he can render to your
royal crown will be greater. May our Lord guard your royal person,
granting you the prosperity which your Majesty's many realms ask from
God, and of which they have need. Manila, September 9, 1637. Your
Majesty's chaplains, who kiss your royal feet,

Fray Juan Ramirez, provincial.
Fray Cristobal de Miranda, definitor.
Fray Geronimo de Medrano
Fray Alonso de Caravajal
Fray Juan de Montemayor
Fray Manuel de Errasti

Relation of events in the Philipinas province of the Order of
St. Augustine, and of the effects caused therein by the letters
of his Holi