is followed by a request from the discalced
Augustinians (1609?) for extension of previous permission to send
more of their friars to the Philippines.

_The Editors_
April, 1904.

DOCUMENTS OF 1605

Complaints against the archbishop. Pedro de Acuna, and others;
July 1-4.
Relations with the Chinese. Pedro de Acuna, and others; July 4
and 5.
Letters to Felipe III. Pedro de Acuna; July 1-15.

_Source_: All these documents are obtained from the Archivo general
de Indias, Sevilla.

_Translations_: The first letter in the second document, and the first
two in the third, are translated by Henry B. Lathrop, of the University
of Wisconsin; the remainder, by Robert W. Haight and Emma Helen Blair.

Complaints Against the Archbishop

Sire:

Ever since I began to have dealings with the archbishop Don
Fray Miguel de Benavides, and have recognized his temper, I have
perceived the difficulties that he would cause me; accordingly, I
have always acted with great moderation and care. But the occasions
which he gives for such caution are so many that great patience is
necessary to bear them; for he persuades himself that everything,
both spiritual and temporal, pertains to him, and that there is not a
king, or patronage, or Audiencia that can change his will as to what
he will do. It therefore results that he very often has quarrels with
the Audiencia, with me, with the orders, and with all those of his
church; and nothing occurs in connection with the patronage which he
does not desire to adjudicate, so it is on that subject that he has
had controversies with me. His scruples are insufferable, and they are
continually increasing; accordingly, we dread the lengths to which they
may carry him. Notwithstanding that he is a religious who is greatly
respected, and one of learning and exemplary life, and has always had
this reputation, I believe that he would be better in his cell than in
the archbishopric or bishopric; and that it would be much better for
his conscience and peace of mind, and that this commonwealth would gain
much thereby. It is noticeable that his order, knowing him as they do,
and regarding him as of good character and reputation, as I have said,
have never employed him in any way in their government, as they do not
find him qualified for it. I beg your Majesty to be pleased to order
that he shall not meddle in those affairs which do not concern him,
and that he shall