llected, and have the fiscal examine them all,
and let action be taken according to his declaration. May 4, 619."]

The fiscal declares that no other papers than this petition were
brought to him. So far as can be judged from this statement alone,
those who are referred to as canons and dignidades are not such, nor
can they be such. In order to determine what further measures it it
advisable to take, it is necessary that the governor and archbishop
of Manila investigate the matter. Madrid, May 28, 1619.

As the fiscal says, and until they investigate, let a decree be framed
ordering what the bishops must observe in appointing the canons,
when they are not appointed by his Majesty and a cabildo is not
formed. June first, 619.

Sire:

Don Fray Pedro de Arce, bishop of the city of Cibu, in the Filipinas
Islands, declares that, at your Majesty's order, and for the welfare
of his Lord, he came to govern the archbishopric of Manila because
of the death of the archbishop, Don Diego Vazquez de Mercado; and
inasmuch as the stipend given us by your Majesty is slight, and we
have to keep a house and servants in that city with suitable dignity
and propriety, he laid a petition before your royal Audiencia of those
islands, which was then governing, asking that he be given the stipend
given to the archbishop. Having called a meeting of the treasury, as
your Majesty commands by your royal decrees, they voted to give him,
as a gratification, the third part of the salary given the archbishop,
as appears by the testimony that he presents. He petitions your Majesty
to grant him the grace, because of his many expenses there, to confirm
that action, so that the royal officials who shall pay it shall not
be responsible for those expenses; and thereby he will receive favor.

[_Endorsed:_ "Have the fiscal examine it. May 4, 1619."]

The fiscal declares that, although the Audiencia and council of
the treasury could not do this, and although they petitioned it,
they ought to declare that it was to be understood if confirmed by
the Council. Their motive may be found just; and did it appear so to
the Council, then they might approve and confirm it. Madrid, May 28,
1619. [_In the margin_: "Let a decree be despatched in accordance
with the fiscal's declaration. June first, 1619."]

LETTER FROM ALONSO FAJARDO DE TENZA TO FELIPE III

Sire:

In the vessels that I despatched from this bay to Nueva Espana last
year on the tenth of Augu