not, however, found him entirely submissive to it, especially as to the requirement to cease proceeding entirely alone in whatever suit he chooses.  In this way he has begun to persecute those who are not entirely to his liking, and often with little justification.  Because it is very important to your Majesty’s service, and to the welfare of those who live here that this should not go on, we shall continue the necessary precautions, so that without giving occasion on our part for a break or disagreement with the president, he shall be submissive to what your Majesty has decreed, as you desire.  The important thing is to report to your Majesty the state of affairs here, so that you may provide definitely for what is to be done.  We state truthfully that we are under obligations to your Majesty to interfere in no manner with the exercise of his governing power, and that of waging war—­unless, under title and pretext of his office as captain-general, he shall prosecute and harass for his own personal grudges, and for objects which are not for your Majesty’s service, the inhabitants, and those who are not soldiers, and have committed no offense, since this must not go unremedied.  Whatever your Majesty may be pleased to decree in all this matter, we shall remain without anxiety and in peace; for our only aim is the fulfilling of your Majesty’s will, and our desire the satisfactory accomplishment of the affairs of your Majesty’s service.  May God keep your Majesty.  Manila, July 15, 1598.

Doctor Antonio de Morga

The licentiate Tellez Almacan

The licentiate Alvaro Canbrano

Documents of 1599

Letter to the archbishop of Manila.  Felipe III; March 1.  Letter from the bishop of Nueva Segovia to the king.  Miguel de Benavides; May 17.  Letter to Joan de Ibarra.  Miguel de Benavides; May 22.  Missions of the religious orders.  Geronimo de Alcaraz; June 28.  Military affairs in the islands.  Francisco Tello, and others; July 12.  Letter to the king.  Francisco Tello; July 12.  Ordinances enacted by the Audiencia of Manila.  Francisco Tello, and others; June 1598-July, 1599. (To be concluded.)

Source:  All of these documents arc obtained from original MSS. in the Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla.

Translations:  The first, third, fourth, and sixth are translated by Robert W. Haight; the second, by Jose M. and Clara M, Asensio; the fifth and seventh, by Arthur B. Myrick, of Harvard University.

Letter from Felipe III to the Archbishop of Manila