and exemplary life, and has always had this reputation, I believe that he would be better in his cell than in the archbishopric or bishopric; and that it would be much better for his conscience and peace of mind, and that this commonwealth would gain much thereby.  It is noticeable that his order, knowing him as they do, and regarding him as of good character and reputation, as I have said, have never employed him in any way in their government, as they do not find him qualified for it.  I beg your Majesty to be pleased to order that he shall not meddle in those affairs which do not concern him, and that he shall be quiet and treat me and the auditors with respect; and that he avoid disputes and quarrels, since from them can result nothing but evil to the service of God and your Majesty, and scandal to the public.  Your Majesty may believe that what I write here is stated with the utmost moderation, considering the outrages which he has committed.  I therefore doubt not that many complaints of his proceedings will be sent.  The Audiencia have grievances, and sometimes have been so provoked that they have been at the point of sharply correcting him; but some of them are afraid of him for private reasons, and dare not do so.  In order not to stumble against such obstacles, I take it to be an efficacious remedy, for the future, that your Majesty should not appoint to the archbishopric or bishoprics of these islands friars who have been trained in these islands without first obtaining a report from the Audiencia of their qualifications and experience in government.  May our Lord protect the Catholic person of your Majesty, according to the needs of Christendom.  Manila, the first of July, 1605.

Don Pedro de Acuna

[In the margin:  “Have all the letters which treat of this, and those which concern the archbishop placed together, and have them taken to the Council.”]

[Endorsed:  “Manila, to his Majesty; 1605, Don Pedro de Acuna, the first of July; writes about the archbishop.”  “July 21, 1606, examined, and decreed within.”]

Sire: 

In countries so remote as are these Philipinas Islands, and which lie so far from the royal presence of your Majesty, we are bound, not only by our obligation, but in conscience as well, by our feelings in regard to the sights that every day meet our eyes, and by the commands laid upon us by special instruction from your Majesty and your presidents and auditors, always to give information [of affairs here].  We do so, likewise, in order to secure the aid of the relief which faithful vassals ought to look and hope for in their hardships and calamities from their natural king and lord—­whose light, like that of the sun, ought to be equally communicated to all; and whose fatherly protection it is just that we should recognize on all occasions which arise, since we cannot appear personally before the feet of your Majesty.  Yet doing what we can in this, we present ourselves