e petitioned and prayed
from your Paternities and Graces, that we might assemble here,
since we all have equal share in the common safety, to discuss it;
and so that, in the provisions and preparations that must be made,
I may take action in everything with an easy conscience, which is the
part pertaining to your Paternities; so that, with light and clearness
on this point, I may prepare in time for the imminent danger that
threatens. For if we waited until the extreme point of necessity was
reached, innumerable difficulties would ensue, since what gradually,
and in space of time, can be done easily, and with few people, who are
well paid, must then be done at one stroke, with an infinite number
of conscripted and unpaid people, and with intolerable confusion and
hardship, besides many other annoyances, which are a great hindrance
and obstacle to both soul and body, and to defense from the enemy,
but which are avoided, if preparation be made beforehand.

[_Endorsed on the front leaf_: "For the religious."]

Documents of 1593

Letter to Governor Dasmarinas. Felipe II; January 17.
Two royal decrees. Felipe II; January 17 and February 11.

_Sources_: Both of these documents are obtained from the original
MSS. in the Archivo general de Indias.

_Translations_: These are made by James A. Robertson.

Letter from the King to Gomez Perez Dasmarinas

The King: To Gomez Perez Das Marinas, my governor and captain-general
of the Philippinas Islands. I have received the letters that you
wrote me by the last fleet from Nueba Espana. You have done well to
advise me so minutely of the condition in which you found affairs in
those islands, and how ill their government was being carried on. You
shall continue on all occasions to do this, acting in the islands
according to your obligation, and in conformity with the hope and
satisfaction that I have had, and have, in you. You have done very
well in having observed so punctually, as you say, what was ordered
you in the instructions that I had given you. You shall do likewise
with the other matters in your instructions.

I was very glad to hear how far advanced work was on the cathedral
church of that city. I was pleased to see the care and promptness with
which you have attended to what I ordered you in regard to this. I
consider this as a service from you, and charge you that, if there be
anything lacking to finish the work, you shall see that it is done
as