[In the margin:  “It is well.”]

[Marginal note:  “That by the death of Don Juan de Aguilar, who was precentor of the church of Manila, the governor appointed Don Miguel Garcetas to that prebend, who by his qualities deserves to have the appointment confirmed.”]

Because of the death of Don Juan de Aguilar, who was precentor of this holy church of Manila, the governor appointed Licentiate Don Miguel Garcetas to the same prebend.  He came to these islands many years ago, and has held appointments of honor in them.  He was treasurer of the holy church of Zebu, the chief church of that bishopric, and canon of this church of Manila; and is a man of good qualities and of good morals.  He merits your Majesty’s granting him as a favor the appointment he now holds, and greater favors.

[In the margin:  “It is well.”]

[Marginal note:  “In approbation of Christoval Ramires de Cartagena, chaplain of the Audiencia.”]

In this city of Manila lives a respectable ecclesiastic, one Christoval Ramires de Cartagena, who of the many years since he came to these regions has been several minister in the islands of Pintados.  For many years he has been chaplain of the royal Audiencia.  While a layman he served your Majesty in the army; and since becoming a priest he has done the same.  He merits honor from your Majesty, and favors in remuneration for his many services,

[In the margin:  “It is well.”]

[Marginal note:  “That the church of Cebu is in great need of ornaments and of repairs.  He asks that your Majesty grant it some income, as has been requested at other times; and a cabildo with income, or some chaplains to serve it, for the divine offices are not suitably celebrated there.”]

I have often petitioned your Majesty to have the goodness to grant some income to the church of Zebu for ornaments and repairs, of which it has daily need; and to give it a cabildo with income; and if there should be no occasion for that, to supply it with some chaplains to serve it, for it lacks everything.  The divine offices are celebrated very unsuitably, which the natives, both Christians and infidels, cannot fail to observe.  May your Majesty for the love of God remedy this. [In the margin:  “Have the governor, Audiencia, and royal officials investigate.”]

[Marginal note:  “That it is advisable to show favor to this cabildo of Manila, so that in case of the death of the prelate, it may govern; as it contains competent persons; and because inconveniences result from the senior bishop coming to do this, as has been represented on other occasions.”]

I have also advised your Majesty—­perceiving it, and, knowing by experience—­that it is advisable to concede to this cabildo of Manila that it shall govern in case the prelate die; because it has persons of sufficient rank and ability for the said government.  Besides, many difficulties exist in the senior bishop coming to govern, as he has no person to leave who is competent to direct his bishopric—­as I have experienced at this time, while I have been governing this archbishopric of Manila, by brief of his Holiness and your Majesty’s decree.