ce of his
Majesty when occasions arise, as they have done until now. They are
embarrassed with debts and obligations.

8. _Item_: Let them testify whether they know that the aforesaid is
generally known and manifest to all.

_Melchor de Baeca_

This interrogatory was presented to the governor, Gomez Perez
Dasmarinas, in the city of Manila, on the twenty-third day of May,
in the year one thousand five hundred and ninety-one, on behalf of
the cabildo, magistrates, and regimiento of the city. His Lordship
examined it and declared that he would order, and he did order,
the attorney of the said city to give a report of his declaration
before the notary, Gaspar de Azebo, whom he would entrust--and he
did entrust--with the examination of the witnesses.

_Gaspar de Azevo_

_Authority given by the Cabildo to Diego Hernandez Bitoria, whom
they elected attorney-general._ On November [_sic_] nineteen, one
thousand five hundred and ninety-one, there met and assembled before
me in Manila, Esteban de Marquina, public and cabildo notary of this
city, and the magistrates and regimiento of the same--namely, Captain
Diego de Castillo, Alcalde Don Francisco de Poya y Guevara, High
Constable Antonio de Cariedo, Captain Joan Pacheco, Diego Hernandez
Bitoria, and Antonio Garrido de Salzedo. All these regidors met, and
unanimously elected and appointed the regidor Diego Hernandez Bitoria
attorney-general for them and for this city. They gave him power,
as he holds it and justly needs, to draw and present all the claims,
petitions, injunctions, evidences, oaths, warrants, and investigations
which may be fitting and necessary, and which the said cabildo would,
if present, offer, in connection with all the trials and suits,
both civil and criminal, which the said city might have concerning
its privileges and exemptions; and in whatever process, whether in or
out of court, might come before any magistrate and judge of the king
our lord. They also gave him power to replace or recall attorneys, and
to appoint new ones. They gave him this power, and gave assurance for
maintaining it, by signing their names, and by pledging the property
and revenues of this city which have been or are to be received. It
was signed by Diego del Castillo, Joan Pacheco Maldonado, Antonio de
Cariedo, Don Francisco de Poya, and Diego Hernandez Bitoria.

Before me:

_Estevan de Marquina_

Therefore I have hereto set my seal in witness of the truth.

_Esteba