the
appointment confirmed."]

Because of the death of Don Juan de Aguilar, who was precentor of this
holy church of Manila, the governor appointed Licentiate Don Miguel
Garcetas to the same prebend. He came to these islands many years
ago, and has held appointments of honor in them. He was treasurer
of the holy church of Zebu, the chief church of that bishopric, and
canon of this church of Manila; and is a man of good qualities and
of good morals. He merits your Majesty's granting him as a favor the
appointment he now holds, and greater favors.

[_In the margin_: "It is well."]

[_Marginal note_: "In approbation of Christoval Ramires de Cartagena,
chaplain of the Audiencia."]

In this city of Manila lives a respectable ecclesiastic, one Christoval
Ramires de Cartagena, who of the many years since he came to these
regions has been several minister in the islands of Pintados. For many
years he has been chaplain of the royal Audiencia. While a layman
he served your Majesty in the army; and since becoming a priest he
has done the same. He merits honor from your Majesty, and favors in
remuneration for his many services,

[_In the margin_: "It is well."]

[_Marginal note_: "That the church of Cebu is in great need of
ornaments and of repairs. He asks that your Majesty grant it some
income, as has been requested at other times; and a cabildo with
income, or some chaplains to serve it, for the divine offices are
not suitably celebrated there."]

I have often petitioned your Majesty to have the goodness to grant
some income to the church of Zebu for ornaments and repairs, of which
it has daily need; and to give it a cabildo with income; and if there
should be no occasion for that, to supply it with some chaplains to
serve it, for it lacks everything. The divine offices are celebrated
very unsuitably, which the natives, both Christians and infidels,
cannot fail to observe. May your Majesty for the love of God remedy
this. [_In the margin_: "Have the governor, Audiencia, and royal
officials investigate."]

[_Marginal note_: "That it is advisable to show favor to this cabildo
of Manila, so that in case of the death of the prelate, it may govern;
as it contains competent persons; and because inconveniences result
from the senior bishop coming to do this, as has been represented on
other occasions."]

I have also advised your Majesty--perceiving it, and, knowing by
experience--that it is advisable to concede to this cabi