alone will take arms in his hands,
for in these times there are some troubles arising from the captain of
Malaca, Daroca Fiaon. For this I have pledged my word to the renewed
friendship, as before. As for the Portuguese, whatever your Lordship
asks or orders shall be done in this country. I am very fond of you,
and this leads me to keep for you all those who may wish to live
in this my kingdom; I shall permit it, for I shall receive all as
I have been seen to receive these, and as Captain Juan Tello said
that ... I have received what your Lordship sent me; and by the same
person I will send a ring to your Lordship ... which your Lordship
will value. At Acibi Pacos, outside of my city. May 5, 1598.

_Statement regarding the fulfilment of the decree of his Majesty. Cited
in clause 31 of the governor's letter of July 12, 1599_.

I, Gaspar de Acebo, notary-public of the government of these
Filipinas Islands for the king our lord, certify to those who may
see these presents that the governor and captain-general of these
islands, Don Francisco Tello, knight of the habit of Santiago, in
fulfilment of the decrees and instructions of the king our lord,
which the aforesaid Don Francisco holds for the good government of
these islands, has been fulfilling and executing them in so far as
was expedient and for the service of the king our lord. The decree
which arrived here relating to the pancada [_i.e._, purchase in gross]
of the merchandise and cloth which come from China, directing that
it should be bought by one person, and that six persons should go
with it and dispose of the goods in Nueva Espana for the citizens
of these islands--being put into execution by the said governor, was
carried to the royal Audiencia of these islands in course of appeal
by the citizens thereof, in which court the suit is in progress.

Likewise the said governor, by virtue of his instruction, inspected
the cathedral church of this city, conjointly with the archbishop Don
Fray Ygnacio (whom may God keep); and in the presence of me, the said
secretary, inspected the ornaments of the said church, the plate,
and other articles of the service of divine worship. They ordered
the treasurer of the said church and the former stewards of the said
cathedral to render accounts, so that the property and income of the
said church might be known.

_Item_: By virtue of a royal decree, obtained by the petition of
the late bishop of these islands, Don Fray Doming