have been drawn for the last ten years in favor
of that kingdom, so that, having them in its possession, they may be
executed when expedient.

_Item_: When the insurrection of the Sangleys occurred, there were
many houses near the walls, whence they did us much mischief until
these were destroyed. Your governor, Don Pedro de Acuna, ordered that
no edifice be built within three hundred paces of the wall. Will your
Highness please to have the ordinance of your governor confirmed for
the city's perpetual defense.

_Item_; That the orders and monasteries have established several
settlements about Manila, so that they can keep Indians in service
for their own works, causing the said Indians to be reserved from
personal services. For this purpose they depopulate the encomiendas,
and bring the people to Manila, and those settlements become dens
of thieves and vagabonds, and of hucksters and retailers who buy
provisions at wholesale for their retail trade, and enhance their
cost; and commit many offenses against God. I petition and supplicate
your Highness to order that those settlements be broken up, that the
Indians go to their own districts, and that only one dozen Indians
remain for each monastery.

_Item_: Inasmuch as the care and vigilance that should be exercised
toward foreigners is of great importance for the security of
that kingdom, so that it may not again suffer a disaster like the
last--especially toward the Chinese nation, with whom more risk is run,
since they are very greedy and cunning, and are bribers who easily
corrupt the judges with bribes and gifts: therefore, in order to
remedy this now and henceforth, it is advisable that a competent,
energetic, and disinterested person be chosen in that community,
who shall have under his charge that duty of cleansing the country
and giving licenses to those Chinese who are to stay, and he shall be
accompanied by a regidor. Inasmuch as, were the appointment of such
person in charge of the governor alone, it might, as it is an office
of profit and honor, be given to some of his servants or followers,
or as an investment, it is necessary that the selection of such person
be made by the entire royal Audiencia and the cabildo of the city;
since it is of so great importance, as it is the weightiest affair of
that community. Since so many will take part in the election, they
will cast their eyes on a person who is suitable for this post. To
such person the most ample com