I, Pedro Munoz de Herrera, who exercise the office of court clerk of the royal Audiencia and Cnancilleria of the Philipinas Islands, at the order of Don Alonso Faxardo de Tenca, comendador of Castilla, of the Order of Alcantara, member of his Majesty’s council in the states of Flandes, governor and captain-general of these said islands, and president of the royal Audiencia therein, had this copy made from an original letter.  It appears to be signed by a character in letters said to be of Terrenate and of the king of Tidore.  It is like others from the said king that I have seen.  It is a true and faithful copy, and was corrected and collated with the said original letter, which his Lordship the governor said that the said king of Tidore had written to the governor of these islands.  In order that that may be apparent, I gave, at the said order, this copy in the city of Manila, July twenty-eight, one thousand six hundred and eighteen.  Witnesses at its transcription, correction, and collation were Ambrosio del Corral, Pedro de Belber, and Pedro Munoz de Herrera, junior.

Pedro Munoz de Herrera

We, the undersigned notaries, certify and attest that Pedro Munoz de Herrera, by whom this copy is authorized, enjoys and exercises the office of court clerk of the royal Audiencia and Chancilleria of these Philipinas Islands; and is held and considered as faithful and accurate; and entire faith and credit has been and is given to the acts and other despatches that have passed and pass before him, both in and out of court.  Given in Manila, July twenty-eight, one thousand six hundred and eighteen.

Alonso Gomez, royal notary. Joan de Iya Marin, notary public. Bartolome de Quesada, royal notary.

LETTERS FROM FELIPE III TO FAJARDO

The King:  To Don Alonso Faxardo de Tenza, my governor and captain-general of the Philipinas Islands, and president of my royal Audiencia there.  You already know that the preservation and maintenance of those islands in all peace and prosperity consists principally in the good government of him who has them in charge, by the equitable administration of justice, the furtherance of the public welfare, and the increase of my royal exchequer.  Owing to my great desire that this should be secured, in such manner that what has been deficient there in the past may be supplied and the affairs of the islands more successfully managed in the future, it has seemed best to advise you that, since the citizens and inhabitants of those islands have suffered so many hardships and calamities, having been harassed by enemies, and on this account their property having been greatly reduced, you will exercise the greatest care in endeavoring to have them rewarded with the offices and other positions that are distributed in those islands, in accordance with their merits and services, so that in this way they may be consoled and encouraged.  You will likewise see to it that the natives are well treated, so that they may not be annoyed or molested with new services and requirements.