Toward the end of the past month this city took fire; and, as the wind was strong, half of its houses were burned, including those of the richest citizens and merchants, and the royal warehouses.  Through this loss and that of the ships this whole community, both ecclesiastical and secular, is in great straits, hard pressed and very needy.  On this account your Majesty will favor it by your royal power, that it may not be ruined altogether.  We are confident in the Lord, that if this letter reaches your Majesty’s royal hands, with information in the other matters above mentioned, our Lord will be served, and this commonwealth and the Filipinas Islands aided and favored by your Majesty—­whom may our Lord protect during many long and happy years, for the welfare and increase of His dominions.  Manila, December 11, 1603.

The chaplains and vassals of your Majesty: 
Don Juan de Bivero, dean of Manila.
Sanctiago de Castro, precentor of Manila. 
The canon Diego de Leon
The licentiate Marcos Maldonado, canon. 
The canon Ranullo de Cartagena
The canon Pablo Ruiz de Talavera
Francisco de Cavranca

Sire: 

This order has thought best to send to Espana, to negotiate its affairs, father Fray Diego de Guevara, prior of this house at Manila, as your Majesty will be informed.  This has pleased me much, for, besides that business, I have communicated to him things which intimately concern the service of God and your Majesty, which he will explain to you—­particularly the need for reformation in this province.  I beseech your Majesty, if such be your pleasure, to give him audience, and to remedy without delay the matters concerned.  In my opinion, the most important thing is to have some person come here from Hespana, who is zealous for both services—­a man of great energy and integrity, and sufficient power so that, with another of the same qualifications, to be chosen here, as the former there, they can settle this matter aright, for it is very necessary.  I refer you to the said father procurator, who will make a complete report concerning this and other matters here.  I will say no more than that I am taking this measure because it touches my obligations, and my bounden duty to your Majesty’s service.  If this be done, I am certain that all will be in fitting order.  May our Lord protect the Catholic person of your Majesty, according to the needs of Christendom.  From your Majesty’s convent of San Pablo, at Manila, December 17, 1603.

Fray Pedro Arce, provincial.

Sire: