With regard to nearly all of those whose names appear in the list I am certain that they are religious of approved life and holy zeal, and that they will be able to do good service to our Lord in the conversion of the kingdoms and countries of the Indians.  Many of them I saw on the road to Sebilla going on foot, to the edification of others, and in the order of sanctity.  In the case of two or three I have found no one who knew them; but I trust in God and in the excellent zeal and choice of father Fray Diego Duarte that they will be like the rest.  This is what I know; and in testimony of its truthfulness I have signed it with my name.  In the convent of San Pablo at Valladolid June 4, 1605.

Fray Garcia Guerra, Master [9] and Procurator.

[Endorsed:  “Let the documents necessary for the expenses of these religious be issued.  Valladolid, on the sixth of June, one thousand six hundred and five.]”

To Diego de Vergara Gaviria, receiver of oaths in this Council:  From the sums in your charge received for court fines give and pay to Fray Diego de Duarte of the Order of St. Dominic, two hundred ducados, amounting to seventy-five thousand maravedis, which it has been commanded to give him in addition to two hundred ducados which by warrant of this Council, dated August 31 last, in the year 604, we commanded you to pay him.  This is on account of the expenses which he is obliged to incur in the conveyance and support of the religious.  Take his receipt, with which and with this warrant the accountants of his Majesty who aid this Council shall receive and credit you on account the sum which you shall thus pay him.  At Valladolid, on the thirty-first of August in the year one thousand six hundred and four. [10]

Signed by the Council.

A true report of the difficulties of conducting religious to the Philipinas, because of the severe restrictions imposed by the decrees of his Majesty in regard to the matter.

Although taking religious to any part of the Indias is a very arduous undertaking, it is incomparably more so to convey them to the Philippinas, since the journey is much longer, and there are more places on the way at which it is necessary to have dealings with royal officials.  Accordingly, this voyage offers difficulties twice as great as the others.  Not only is it necessary to cross two great seas—­those of the North [Atlantic] and, of the South [Pacific]—­besides the difficult journey across the country of Nueva Espana from one ocean to the other, but in addition his Majesty obliges us who make this journey to pass through so many hands and through so many registries as are certainly intolerable.  If affairs be always conducted thus, it will be truly impossible to make the voyage according to the very severe regulations laid down by his Majesty, and with the very slight assistance given by his officials to the religious.  I do not expatiate upon the great difficulties in