ided among all; and as the resources of the country are
so scant that there it no place to go in order to seek a livelihood
outside of Manila: there is much criticism in this matter, and the
people are much grieved at seeing themselves in the utmost part of the
world, harassed and troubled by so many magistrates and officers and
their dependents, and at having so many to satisfy; and that matters
are in such a state that he who has an auditor for a protector may,
it appears, go wherever he wishes and with as much as he wishes,
and he who has not must be ruined. Dated at Manila, July 15, 1604.

_Don Pedro de Acuna_

Sire:

There is in this city a seminary named Sancta Potenciana, of which your
Majesty is the patron, where the daughters of the citizens of these
islands are sheltered, and carefully taught and instructed. It has been
visited by the archbishop of the islands, Don Fray Miguel de Venavides,
and when he observed the custom that obtained of allowing the wives
of citizens to enter within the seminary, he issued a decree with
censures, ordering that no person, without any exception, should have
entrance there. The fiscal of your Majesty considered this a matter
for complaint, saying that it was not in the said archbishop's power
to do this, as the matter did not concern him. The case came before
this Audiencia as one of fuerza. When the proceedings were examined,
he was charged to raise the said excommunication, and leave the matter
as before, as it was purely a case for the [secular] government, and
concerned the governor of these islands, who represents the royal
person of your Majesty by virtue of the royal patronage. Various
controversies regarding this having arisen, and answers on the part
of the archbishop, this Audiencia continually overlooked his actions
that they might avoid a rupture with him, as your Majesty will see by
the documents that accompany this. Since it is most expedient that in
the future he should be restrained from issuing such decrees, and that
scandals should not become necessary, we beseech your Majesty that,
after having examined this matter, you will take such action as is
expedient for your royal service.

[_In the margin_: "Santa Potenciana. Take this clause in the process
cited to the reporter." "Elsewhere provided for."]

On two voyages from Nueva Espana Don Diego de Camudio Manrique has come
to these islands as admiral and commander. He has enjoyed our entire
confidence