has therein two very faithful vassals and servants, namely, Doctor Antonio de Morga and the licentiate Tellez Almazan—­both the fathers of children, excellent judges, poor, and deserving of whatever favor your Majesty may extend to them; and especially of being removed from this country, which is poor and of scant resources, and where they cannot provide for the fortunes of their children.  In this way we consider that your Majesty would do a great service to God.

The bearer of this is the father definitor, Fray Diego Cerravi, [59] who came to these regions from Castilla about eight years ago, and has served your Majesty and the order here very advantageously.  He is a learned and virtuous religious, who speaks the truth; accordingly your Majesty may credit what he says.  He is a man of so many good qualities that, to tell your Majesty in a word, he leaves us at his departure lonely, sad, and disconsolate at losing him—­although we are consoled by our confidence in the favor and grace which your Majesty will show this province and to him in its name, by ordering that aid be given to him in the business which he has in his charge; and especially that he may bring us friars from the province of Castilla, who are here much approved for their virtue and learning.  And we are confident that your Majesty will favor us in all matters as our protector, patron, and only defender; we trust no less that our Lord will protect for us the royal person of your Majesty, according to the needs of your kingdoms and seigniories, and of us, your ministers and chaplains.  We beseech, etc.  From this your Majesty’s convent of the Order of our father Saint Augustine.  In the city of Manila, on the fourth of July in the year one thousand six hundred and two.

Fray Pedro Arce, provincial Fray Agustin de Tapia, definitor Fray Bernave de Villalovos, definitor Fray Diego Cerrabe, definitor Fray Pedro de Salzedo, definitor

[Endorsed with the following order:  “Join this with the letter from the Audiencia, and bring them in on January 28, 1604.”]

Sire: 

Since the last year, 601, an account has been given to your Majesty of the expedition which I conducted at the close of the previous year, 1600, by order of the governor and president, Don Francisco de Tello, against Olibert de Norte, a corsair from Holland who entered among these islands, taking prizes with two ships of war; and of the outcome of the expedition, by which the said corsair was punished and harassed.

Francisco de las Missas, factor and overseer of your Majesty’s exchequer in these islands, whom I inspected a short time ago ... [under a] [60] special commission from your Majesty, and passed sentence upon him ... penalties and restitutions as will appear by the report of the inspection which I have sent to your ... [Majesty] by three routes.  He has been so hostile ... that he displays his jealousy