which your Majesty will order to be examined by the
authorized copy which I am sending. This is what
has been done since then, in virtue of their decision.
Instructions and directions have been sent to the
alcaldes-mayor and to the religious in all the provinces,
that by the gracious methods which your Majesty directs,
submission shall be rendered to your Majesty.
In the province of Ylocos, in the diocese of the bishop
of Nueva Segovia, this was very well done; and submission
was rendered to your Majesty. Likewise the whole
district of Manila, a mission of the Augustinian fathers,
has rendered submission. La Laguna, in charge
of the Franciscan fathers, has not so easily yielded;
for the natives there have asked a year’s time
in which to answer; and I have left La Laguna in this
state, until I should give an account of it to your
Majesty, as you direct me. The same thing will
be done in the other provinces which ask delays.
Thus far I am not informed of what has been done.
Things have always been as they are now, without there
being any scruples; and, when these islands were conquered
and subjected, they were placed in obedience to your
Majesty with just as many requirements as the other
parts of the Yndias. Your Majesty has lost here
many troops and much money. It is more than thirty-four
years during which they have had the true knowledge
of God our Lord, and of His holy gospel law, by virtue
of which your Majesty has possessed this country and
collected tribute from his vassals—who
have received great benefit in being such; for in the
time when they were heathens they were subjected to
many tyrannies, imposed upon them by the chieftains
whose subjects they were, who took from them their
wives and property during their lives. Now they
are secure in all these things, and much benefited
in spiritual and temporal goods. They are in
no wise oppressed by the collection of the tribute;
and if the effect of this royal decree must continue
and be in operation as provided therein, there will
be many difficulties, such as have already commenced
with the seeking of delay. Your Majesty will
hold nothing securely, and for the same reason will
have no justification for possessing this land.
I am sending your Majesty a copy of the instruction
and directions which are ordered for the execution
of these measures, and one of the answers by the natives
of La Laguna; so that, seeing these difficulties, your
Majesty may be pleased to order a review of this affair
and a determination of what is most expedient for
the service of your Majesty. In the meantime
I shall put matters into the best state possible.
10. That two sermons have been preached on the bulls, and that very little alms have resulted; that at present they are considering how to preach to the Indians and that no doubt they will succeed, when it will be necessary to send more bulls, according to the memorandum of the treasurer.