Don Francisco Tello informs me that in the Parian of the Sangleys of Manila—­which was founded only for some of them to live in, and those to be workmen, in such number as to be sufficient for the service of the commonwealth—­houses have been gradually built; and that by this time there are more than three hundred of them, and three thousand Sangleys who do nothing but eat up the provisions and enhance the price of commodities in the land.  He adds that this could be remedied only by abolishing the Parian altogether, and letting the Sangleys sell their merchandise in the streets or in their ships as they were accustomed to do when there was no Parian.  This would bring the commonwealth a gain of more than one hundred thousand pesos a year, and would give more security to the land; for, having no houses of their own, the Sangleys would frequent that country less, and would endeavor to sell their goods as soon as they reached the islands; they would also sell at a moderate price, and there would be no hucksters.  He ends by saying that he was considering the necessary steps to take in this regard.  Since this is a matter whose importance and consideration ought not to be overlooked, I charge and order you to examine and discuss the question with the Audiencia and the prelates; and to inform me of your opinions, decisions, and agreements before taking any decisive action or making any changes—­taking care in the meantime, as I have already charged you, to see that all be done prudently and for the security of the land.

The said Don Francisco Tello notified me that he had erected buildings for the cabildo, and had placed thereon the coat-of-arms which was granted to the city of Manila.  This is well done; and, if my royal coat-of-arms is not placed on the said house of the cabildo, you will cause this to be done, placing it above the coat-of-arms of the city.

The said Don Francisco Tello writes that because he did not carry with him the instructions which were given to him, he did not execute what he was therein ordered to do when passing by the Ladrones Islands—­namely, that he was to provide for the religious instruction of those Indians, leaving there such persons as he should select.  He said that, with the consent of the Audiencia, he wrote to the viceroy of Nueva Espana, requesting him to fulfil that command by ordering the officers of the ships which were to sail for those islands last year, sixteen hundred, to leave there two religious, with ten soldiers for their guard.  He added that this work would prove of great service to God, as those islands were thickly settled with Indians who were docile, and inclined to receive instruction; and that, if religious should enter that region, there is reason to expect that they would convert many of the natives.  And because this means no less than the salvation of so many souls, I charge and order you that, if the viceroy has not fulfilled the above order, you yourself shall do so, in accordance with the orders regarding it which were given to the said Don Francisco in his instructions.  You will notify me of what is being done in this matter.