presents, and will try in that
way to maintain himself here.

_Fray Miguel_, Bishop of Nueva Segovia. [15]

Sire:

After I had written your Majesty my grief at the condition of these
islands, a number of Chinese, both Christians and infidels, came to
me, all bewailing the grievous injuries that they suffer daily from
your Majesty's officials and other Spaniards. They delivered to me two
letters addressed to your Majesty, and written in their characters and
language and after their manner; and I had these letters translated
into Castilian characters. These people have no other protection than
the Order of our father St. Dominic; and, as I am the head of that
order here, they have recourse to me for protection, asking that I send
the letters to your Majesty. I assure your Majesty that these wretched
people are receiving so many wrongs and injuries, that there are no
greater enemies of the immaculate Christian law than are many of your
Majesty's officials here. Your Majesty has provided, and well, that
the possessions of the Chinese should not be disturbed or the best of
them taken away, inasmucn as this is one way of ruining both Spaniards
and Chinese. But this order is not in the least observed. Your Majesty
will credit me with freedom from any exaggeration in regard to the
Order of our father St. Dominic. At present it is sending one of our
principal friars, who is prior here at Manila, named Fray [Diego]
de Soria. He knows more about these islands and countries than many
even of those who remain. He will give you information of everything,
if your Majesty wishes. Manila, July 5, 1598.

[_Endorsed_: "The bishop of Nueva Segovia, July 5, 98. Received April
6, 600. Bid the archbishop and governor to exercise great care in
the fair treatment and instruction of these Sangleys; and let them
see that no injury is done them, so that no harm may result to their
settlement."]

Letters from Francisco Tello to Felipe II

Sire:

Last year I wrote your Majesty an account of the state of military
affairs. What has happened since then is as follows.

The pacification of Mindanao was undertaken by General Don Juan
Ronquillo, who fought with the enemy and eight hundred Terrenatans who
came to their assistance. He destroyed and defeated them, killing a
number of people. Just when the ruler of Mindanao had offered to make
peace, Ronquillo received my order to retire with all his forces to
La Caldera, as I did not kno