m
was that his post of artilleryman would soon be exchanged for that
of soldier (which is the employment that this witness professes),
and that he made the aforesaid remark with no other meaning. This is
his answer, and he declared that it is entirely true, on his oath,
by which he affirmed and ratified his statement. He declared that he
is competent to act as a witness; that he is twenty-seven years old;
and that he does not know how to sign the above. The said judge signed
it. [At the foot appears the rubric of the judge.]

Agustin de Valencuela, notary-public.

Collated with the original, which is in the archives of my office, and
I refer to it. At the order of General Don Andres Pacheco de Toledo,
lieutenant-governor and captain-general, castellan, commandant and
justice of this port, I give the present in Cavite, April twenty-five,
one thousand six hundred and thirty-six. Witnesses, Agustin de
Carranca, Christobal de Molina, and Captain Juan Despinosa. In
testimony of the truth, I seal it.

Agustin de Valencuela, notary-public.

_Letter written by Bartolome Dominguez to Juan Romero_

Dear comrade:

I trust that this letter will find your Grace in the enjoyment of as
good health as I wish for myself. Mine is good, and at your Grace's
service. In regard to my return, your Grace must know that, when I
parted from your Grace in Manila, I did not have any such thought;
nor did I know of it until I reached Cavite, when Estacio talked with
me. Seeing myself so out of favor and my brother dead, I resolved to
return, on account of those changes. We went in a small champan--ten
men and one friar--to a distance eight leguas from Maribeles. There
we found a large champan and two religious. We all embarked, and went
to a district belonging to the fathers, to deck the champan over. We
have provisions for two years; powder and balls, muskets, and two small
pieces of bronze artillery [_esmeriles_]. They give each of us three
hundred pesos and our expenses to Espana. Esteves has your Grace's new
doublet; and your Grace can get it [from him]. Francisco Cachata owes
[me] three pesos and Bartolo two--all to be used in saying masses for
my brother. Juan de Palacios owes me four pesos, which he may spend in
his mess; and my silver spoon and mirror. Will your Grace get them? and
they are to be used in saying masses for my brother. Will your Grace
tell him that if he shall bring any cloth, he must do his best for
his soul. T