8.  On the part of the said city of Manila, I have been petitioned to have it granted some public property, in order that it may attend to the affairs of peace, war, government, and other matters pertaining to its conservation and defense, and for suits that may arise—­granting it for this purpose some Indians, or something from the duties on Chinese merchandise, or on the storehouses or shops where they trade.  After advising with my counselors, I have determined to bestow upon the said city for six years, for its public property, one-half of the fines and pecuniary penalties paid into my treasury, and the incomes from the said storehouses; with the obligation that, each three years, the account of money thus obtained be sent, as well as a statement of what is expended.  You shall take care to procure the advancement of the said city in this, to watch in what manner this grant is used, and to order that the said account and statement be sent at the proper time.

9.  I have also been petitioned, in the name of the said city, to order that neither in the said city nor in any other part of the other islands shall be paid the three per cent duty [22] imposed by Don Gonzalo Ronquillo, as the country is very new and needy, and the inhabitants have to assist in many other things.  Although I would be very glad to relieve them, still expenses are so heavy, that I must aid myself by whatever is available.  Therefore it will be advisable to collect the said three per cent.  You shall give orders to this effect; and that the amount that is collected from these duties on merchandise be placed in my treasury on a separate account, and it shall be used for paying the soldiers stationed there; and that of the rest that is collected this duty be discontinued for the present. [23]

10.  I have also been petitioned, in the name of the said city, to order that none of those who resort from foreign parts to the ports of the said islands—­as Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, Cianese, Burneyes, or any others—­pay duty, especially on food, ammunition, and materials for ammunition.  Because of this, much annoyance is caused—­as, for instance to the Chinese—­and the steady course of trade is hindered, and other troubles follow.  After receiving detailed information from the said Father Alonso Sanchez, I have considered and still consider it advisable that, for the present, the collection of the said duties on provisions and ammunition be repealed; and therefore you shall not allow them to be levied until I order and provide otherwise.

11.  I was also petitioned by the said islands to order that, inasmuch as none of the merchandise from Sevilla to Mexico pays any duties on the first sale, it be not paid on the merchandise sent from those islands to the port of Acapulco, or other places.  So little is collected in said port of Acapulco, namely, twelve pesos per tonelada of freight on the goods of the inhabitants—­the duty imposed by Don Goncalo Ronquillo—­and because likewise the proceeds of this duty are needed to pay the said soldiers, you shall order that it be collected for the present for the above purpose.