One of the persons on whom this cabildo has set its eyes—­and, together with all this community, we have been sure that your Majesty would show him honor—­is the archdean, Don Alonso Garcia de Leon; but, only through his great modesty, he has never put forward any such claim.  Consequently, we petition your Majesty to honor us all through him—­assuring you, with the truth that one ought to speak in regard to such a matter, that we judge him to be worthy of any favor and honor that your Majesty might be pleased to show him, which will be for the glory of God and your Majesty’s service. [In the margin:  “Consult the memorial.”]

Doctor Don Juan Briceno came to these islands twenty-three years ago with the ordination of a priest, in company with Archbishop Don Diego Vazquez de Mercado.  He immediately occupied himself in learning the language and in ministering to the natives, to their great approbation and with benefit to their souls.  He has also served this cathedral more than nine years in the prebends of canon and precentor, the latter of which he holds at present.  He is also at present exercising the office of vicar-general of this archbishopric, and has been its visitor-general.  In both offices he has acted and given the account that could be expected from a good priest, learned and experienced, and publicly recognized as a man of good life and example.  Ever since he came to these islands, there has been nothing contrary to this; so that he deserves to have your Majesty employ him in matters of your service, and to honor him according to the merit of his many good services. [In the margin:  “Consult the memorial.”]

It is well-known that the Order of St. Augustine was the first to plant the cross of Christ in these remote islands; and it has always been foremost in continuing that work.  Hence it is the one of all the orders which has most missions, and consequently, most need of ministers.  Many years, no religious come to them from Espana; and many of those who are here die, and very quickly.  Thus, if your Majesty do not show them the favor of protecting and replenishing so necessary and good ministers, they will be obliged to leave many missions, to the detriment of souls, and of the service of God and your Majesty—­whom it has cost so much from your royal patrimony to set this flourishing and extensive Christian church in its present condition.  The propagation of Christianity here is due, at least in its greater part, to that holy order and to its sons, as you will be more minutely informed by father Fray Diego de Robles, who is now to go as their procurator-general and definitor, to attend the general chapter of his order.  We are acquainted with his person, and know that he came to these islands sixteen years ago.  He soon learned two languages of the natives, and has administered in the islands some of the houses, convents, and missions of greatest importance.  His order has honored him, and has occupied him, now in the ministry of the