upon defenses and walls.  From this it is plain that they desire to be jurists and theologians and governors, and, under pretext of conscience, to embark in and embarrass everything.  Notwithstanding, I have gone on with this tax; and all who pay it are very well pleased—­except, as I say, these long petticoats, who smart under it.  I believe it will amount to something, and a statement of its value will be enclosed in this report.  The best of all is that, some days before the two per cent was laid, there was a meeting called at my request, and held in the bishop’s house before him and me and all the regidors of the city.  At this meeting were present all the superiors of all the orders; this matter was discussed, and it was decided that the tax might lawfully be levied, inasmuch as it did not exceed two per cent, and was for the public welfare; while now they have taken to denouncing it.  May our Lord keep the Catholic person of your Majesty for many a long year, as Christianity requires.

Manila, June 20, 1591.

Gomez Perez Dasmarinas

It appears that the duty [i.e. the ordinary duty of three per cent] on the appraisals amounts in this present year to thirteen thousand two hundred and fourteen pesos and six tomins.  XIII U. CCXIIII pesos.

Hence, in proportion to the three per cent duty, the duty now imposed for the building of the wall comes to eight thousand eight hundred and nine pesos and six tomins.  VIII U. DCCC IX pesos.

This is without having finished the clearing of the vessels, although there is little left now to be shipped.

[Marginal note:  “Everything that has been done in regard to the walls is approved; let this impost and the others be continued until the fortification is completed.”]

Investigations at Manila Concerning Trade with Macan

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Most potent Lord: 

The city of Manila in the Filipinas Islands declares that the investigation which it presents to the governor, Gomez Perez de las Marinas, was made at his request and contains its opinion.  Since this document will show clearly the excellent reasons for, and the great advantage and lack of all harm resulting from, trade between Macan and the said islands and, besides the general advantage, that it would be of great importance for the commerce, trade, and conversion of Great China—­the city beseeches your Highness to have the investigation examined; and to favor the said city by ordering that commerce be opened with the inhabitants of Macan, in order to enable the inhabitants of the Filipinas Islands to trade and traffic with them.  Since this is a matter of so great utility and necessity, as appears from the investigation, may the city receive favor.

Romo

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(The city:  The investigation presented to the governor.  Manila,
July 15, the day on which it was presented.)