, and has discharged his duties to the entire satisfaction
of all in these islands; nor has anyone ever said anything about him
other than that he is a good servant of your Majesty. All this, and
the great ability displayed by him in so few years, constrain us to
make this representation to your Majesty, as we have no authority
to reward him. May the Lord protect the Catholic person of your
Majesty. July 19, 1604. In session.

[_In the margin_: "Recommendation of Don Diego Camudio Manrique,
telling how meritorious he is, and how worthy to receive reward."]

_Don Pedro de Acuna_
The licentiate _Don Antonio de Ribera Maldonado_
The licentiate _Tellez Almacan_
The licentiate _Andres de Alcaraz_
The licentiate _Manuel de Madrid y Luna_

DECREES REGARDING RELIGIOUS ORDERS

Sire:

The order of the Recollects of St. Augustine [32] desire to be
established in the Indias, and have entreated your Majesty to order
that permission be given therefor, and that several religious may
go for that purpose, and to preach the gospel, to Nueva Espana, the
Philippinas Islands, and China. This request having been examined
in the Council, it has appeared desirable that--as this concerns the
mendicant orders, so highly esteemed, pious and strict in religious
observance, and as they can accomplish much good in those regions
by their teaching, preaching, and example--your Majesty, if such be
your will, might give them permission to go to establish themselves
in the Philippinas Islands, where there is most need of ministers of
the gospel; and these religious are fitted for so new a country by the
poverty and strictness which they profess. Valladolid, February 23,
1604. [There are nine signatures, apparently those of councilors.]

[_Endorsed_: "Council of the Indias, February 23, 1604. That
permission may be given to the Augustinian Recollects to go to
establish themselves in the Philippinas." _In a different hand_:
"Since this order wishes to send religious to the Indians, notify
the superiors to take care that those who go be learned men, and of
mature age."]

The King: Don Pedro de Acuna, governor and captain-general of the
Philipinas Islands, and president of my royal Audiencia there: In
my Council of the Indias has been examined the clause of a letter
from the ecclesiastical cabildo of the church there, a copy of
which accompanies this, wherein was recounted the transactions in
relation to the taking posession by the rel