religious
whom your Majesty would have to send would be lessened; while the
students who are growing up here in steadily increasing numbers
would be provided for, rewarding the sons of the conquistadors and
settlers, besides many other blessings and advantages which would
follow by so doing. [_In the margin_: "See what has been provided in
this regard, and have this section taken to the fiscal, together with
that provision." "It was taken."]

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