There should also be good and excellent paintings, and two suits of splendid armor.  In this, Sire, I well see that I am bold and venturesome; but my intention is not evil, and the great importance of the aforesaid, and your Majesty’s holy zeal, urge me thereto, as also the belief that it not contrary to the service of God and to your Majesty.  May His Divine Majesty preserve your Majesty for as many long and happy years of life as possible, and as we your Majesty’s vassals need.  Manila, the sixth of December, 1595.

Luis Perez Dasmarinas

Documents of 1596

    Coat-of-arms of the city of Manila.  Felipe II; March 20. 
    Decree regarding the bishopric of Nueva Segovia.  Felipe II; May 15. 
    Instructions for Governor Tello.  Felipe II; May 25. 
    Letter to Felipe II.  L. P. Dasmarinas; June 30. 
    Letter to Felipe II.  Antonio de Morga; July 6. 
    Letter to Felipe II.  Francisco Tello; July 17.

Sources:  The two royal decrees are taken from Doc. ined.  Amer. y Oceania, xxxiv, pp. 95—­98, 101—­103; all the others are obtained from original MSS. in the Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla.

Translations:  The first two documents are translated by Frederic W. Morrison, of Harvard University; the third and sixth, by James A. Robertson; the fourth and fifth, by Jose M. and Clara M. Asensio.

Coat-of-Arms of the City of Manila

Don Philipe, by the grace of God, etc.

Inasmuch as you, Captain Agustin de Arce, in the capacity of procurador-general of the Filipinas Islands, have informed me that the inhabitants of the city of Manila did render me service in its discovery, and remain there continuing this work; and inasmuch as you have entreated me—­in consideration of the said facts, and because the said city of Manila is the capital and principal city of the said islands, and it was therefore commanded that an audiencia be again established there, and its cathedral church elevated into a metropolitan church, by which the city will be ennobled—­that I should order a coat-of-arms to be bestowed upon the city, such as is possessed by other cities of the Indias; and considering that my council on the affairs of the Indias, after consultation with me, has favored the above request; it has seemed to me fitting to grant it.  By these presents I assign, as the special coat-of-arms of the said city of Manila in the Filipinas Islands, a shield which shall have in the center of its upper part a golden castle on a red field, closed by a blue door and windows, and which shall be surmounted by a crown; and in the lower half on a blue field a half lion and half dolphin of silver, armed and langued gules—­that is to say, with red nails and tongue.  The said lion shall hold in his paw a sword with guard and hilt.  This coat-of-arms shall be made similar to the accompanying shield, painted as is indicated above.