Hospital of Los Vanos [i.e., “the baths"].  On the shore of the Laguna de Bay, twelve miles up stream from Manila, stands a hospital called Los Vanos.  It was established there a few years ago, as it was found by trial that the hot water that bubbles up from certain springs was good for those having humors, buboes, and colds.  Hence many Spaniards, natives, and those of other nations, both men and women (who have separate quarters), are treated in that hospital, for the said ailments.  Most of what is expended there is derived from the royal treasury and royal magazines, but because of the scarcity of funds in these times it is not as well looked after now as it was some years ago.  Consequently, it is in debt and suffers great need.  The steward who has charge of it is appointed by the governor, and religious of the Order of St. Francis conduct it.

Confraternities of Manila

The confraternities, Sire, in this city of Manila are as follows: 

Of the most Holy Sacrament [Santisimo Sacramento].  The Confraternity of the Most Holy Sacrament, in the cathedral; with only thirty pesos income, which, with the alms procured by the brethren and others, is spent for wax.

Of the Souls [Las Animas].  That of the Souls in Purgatory, in the same cathedral.  It has an income of one hundred and ten pesos.  With this and the alms that are collected, they furnish the solemn mass and its responses Monday of each week, and perform other suffrages and anniversary masses.

Of the most Holy Name of Jesus [Santisimo Nombre de Jesus]; the Nazarenes [Los Nazarinos]; and the Solitude [La Soledad].  The confraternities of the most Holy Name of Jesus, of the Nazarenes, and of the Solitude of our Lady, are established in the convents of St. Augustine, the Recollects, and St. Dominic.  They have no incomes, except alms that the brethren gather.  That is spent in wax and ornaments by the said convents, each convent buying one day every week during Lent the wax for the sermons that are preached, and the floats of the passion that are carried in the processions of the discipline during Holy Week, in which the brethren and others take part.

Of the Rosary [El Rosario].  The Confraternity of the Rosary of our Lady, which was founded in the convent of St. Dominic, has some income bequeathed it by pious persons, from which, together with the alms gathered by the brethren, four or six orphan girls are married yearly, to each of whom three hundred pesos are given as a dowry.