go in order to seek a livelihood outside of Manila:  there is much criticism in this matter, and the people are much grieved at seeing themselves in the utmost part of the world, harassed and troubled by so many magistrates and officers and their dependents, and at having so many to satisfy; and that matters are in such a state that he who has an auditor for a protector may, it appears, go wherever he wishes and with as much as he wishes, and he who has not must be ruined.  Dated at Manila, July 15, 1604.

Don Pedro de Acuna

Sire: 

There is in this city a seminary named Sancta Potenciana, of which your Majesty is the patron, where the daughters of the citizens of these islands are sheltered, and carefully taught and instructed.  It has been visited by the archbishop of the islands, Don Fray Miguel de Venavides, and when he observed the custom that obtained of allowing the wives of citizens to enter within the seminary, he issued a decree with censures, ordering that no person, without any exception, should have entrance there.  The fiscal of your Majesty considered this a matter for complaint, saying that it was not in the said archbishop’s power to do this, as the matter did not concern him.  The case came before this Audiencia as one of fuerza.  When the proceedings were examined, he was charged to raise the said excommunication, and leave the matter as before, as it was purely a case for the [secular] government, and concerned the governor of these islands, who represents the royal person of your Majesty by virtue of the royal patronage.  Various controversies regarding this having arisen, and answers on the part of the archbishop, this Audiencia continually overlooked his actions that they might avoid a rupture with him, as your Majesty will see by the documents that accompany this.  Since it is most expedient that in the future he should be restrained from issuing such decrees, and that scandals should not become necessary, we beseech your Majesty that, after having examined this matter, you will take such action as is expedient for your royal service.

[In the margin:  “Santa Potenciana.  Take this clause in the process cited to the reporter.”  “Elsewhere provided for.”]

On two voyages from Nueva Espana Don Diego de Camudio Manrique has come to these islands as admiral and commander.  He has enjoyed our entire confidence, and has discharged his duties to the entire satisfaction of all in these islands; nor has anyone ever said anything about him other than that he is a good servant of your Majesty.  All this, and the great ability displayed by him in so few years, constrain us to make this representation to your Majesty, as we have no authority to reward him.  May the Lord protect the Catholic person of your Majesty.  July 19, 1604.  In session.

[In the margin:  “Recommendation of Don Diego Camudio Manrique, telling how meritorious he is, and how worthy to receive reward.”]