he had no right, and that neither the cabildo nor the bishop could do anything else.  The same thing was declared by the religious, the lecturers, and professors, and the other learned men who examined the matter thoroughly; and lastly by that which was declared, after many meetings and delays, by the royal assembly.  Hence, Sire, the said archbishop has maintained hostility and ill-will toward this cabildo, and cannot conceal it; but shows it by words unworthy his dignity, and threats against the time when the bulls come for him.  We see well, Sire, that all the above has no remedy now, and that your Majesty made him archbishop.  We suffer for God’s sake, and He will give us patience.  But for the future we humbly petition your Majesty to consider and repair this so serious damage, from which so many troubles result, by making choice of learned and holy persons, of known virtue.  There are many in these islands, both seculars and religious, as we informed your Majesty on another occasion.  Friars should not be consulted who only go to that court laden with money to demand bishoprics, since by the same case they make themselves unworthy.  Necessarily the injuries that ensue from this are felt by the poor subordinates; and they even scandalize the faithful Christians, when they see that the holy and virtuous priests who are laboring throughout these islands are net rewarded, because they do not go or send [to that court], [In the margin:  “When our bishops are sent, if there should be a number of governors, have what information there is here brought, so that the senior bishop of the islands may govern; and have this section also brought.”]

Often, Sire, have we given thanks in this cabildo to God our Lord, deliberating and considering how clearly the presence of the Holy Ghost is seen in the decisions, ordinances, and enactments in the royal decrees of your Majesty, looking toward the good government and increase of the common welfare of these islands.  For, if your Majesty and every one of your counselors had lived in and seen this city and these islands for many years, they could not have better understood the matters treated and decided in the said royal decrees.  Consequently, one of your opportune and fortunate measures was the excellent choice that your Majesty has made in sending Licentiate Don Francisco de Rojas y Onate as visitor; for, as long experience and the histories teach us, and even in the present times we have seen the disputes, the confusion, the unrest, and anxiety caused in a kingdom by any visitor; while in this city we have seen quite the contrary with the said visitor.  And he has not been at all lacking in his duty, exercising rigor and seventy with kindness.  He has calmed troubles without drawing blood, and has obtained the observance of your royal decrees so equitably that those who were most opposed to him confessed that he was just.  Lastly, Sire, he is completing his visit this year, without having inflicted extortion or wrong on a single