which is in the country of those Sangleys, was very warmly received, and they expressed much pleasure at seeing the Spaniards in their country.  The Sangleys offered to load the vessel with anything that the Spaniards wanted; but the latter, thinking that they would do a larger business at Macan, where the Portuguese are in the habit of trading, did not accept the offer; they were supplied with all the provisions that they desired, with much show of friendship and kindness, after which they sailed for Macan.  Near that place, the vessel was lost during a heavy gale which it encountered—­not, however, until all the people and money were saved.  Nothing was lost, as your Majesty will have been notified at greater length through some other source.

The friars of the order of St. Dominic, whom your Majesty was kind enough to send to this country last year, have begun to gather much fruit here, in certain houses that they maintain outside of this city, in which they minister to the natives.  They have also established another house in the city, where they are striving earnestly for the conversion of the Sangleys, and have even begun to preach to them in the Chinese language.  It is understood that the Sangleys are very docile and well-meaning people; and it is expected that the preaching will attain to great results among them.  May our Lord bring them to a knowledge of the truth, and may He allow us to see your Majesty master of everything.

The religious came to these regions firmly resolved to live in poverty, as do the discalced Franciscan fathers, and to live by charity; but finding that alms were scarce, and that there was extreme poverty in the convents which are established here, they have asked that a gratuity be given them from the royal treasury.  Since it was evident to this royal Audiencia, as being a well-known fact, that without such alms the religious could not be supported, or assist in religious instruction, we gave orders, with the consent of the fiscal, that an amount equal to that given to the friars of the order of St. Augustine be granted them, provided that a greater amount be not given to each Dominican convent than is given to the Augustinian friars, although the latter have more religious in their convents.  They are very content and pleased with this order.  Alms have been granted to four religious of the convent in this city, with pledges that they would secure the approval of the royal Council.  This is a kindness which your Majesty can do them, if you so please; it is just, and they cannot live without it.