All that was with the object of giving him to understand that
they were doing something for him. That had the end and object that
the auditors know; and it is not unknown that the archbishop wrote
in their favor to the royal Council. That was almost self-evident,
for the explicit manner in which Licentiate Don Francisco de Rojas y
Onate, visitor of these islands, enlightened him was not sufficient,
when the visitor said that 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