they were very easy for him.  Also, since the person mentioned is at that royal court, your Majesty may test his abilities, so that he may serve you therein in like matters of your royal service.  These islands have the same need of inspection, especially the cabildo of this city of Manila.”  I add to the above that no person can be found in that kingdom, nor is there anyone who may go to those kingdoms of the Yndias, more fitted for this employment, nor one, to my way of thinking, of greater zeal.

[Marginal note:  “Seen."].

The Society of Jesus in these regions need the favor and grace of your Majesty to continue the work of the church of their college in this city of Manila, which they began, trusting to the alms of the faithful.  Since those alms have failed, as the country has been and is very much exhausted, and since they are without any aid from your Majesty, it is impossible for them to continue and finish it, as has happened in the building of San Agustin and other churches on which your Majesty has been kind enough to lay your royal hand.  The concession that your Majesty was pleased to make to the Society of the passage from the Parian or alcaiceria of the Chinese to their lands on the other side of the river has been of vast importance to them.  But they fear lest the hospital of the said Chinese is about to petition your Majesty, not only for confirmation of the passage that they have to the door of the said hospital, but for a limit of distance in which is included the said passage from the lands of the Society, which are two arquebus-shots apart.  I inform your Majesty of this, so that, considering the need of the said college, you may order what may be most advisable for your royal service.  May our Lord preserve the very Catholic person of your Majesty to us, with increase of your kingdoms, as is necessary for Christendom.  Manila, July 25, 1625.

Fray Miguel Garcia Serrano, archbishop of Manila.

[In the margin:  “That we are advised of this; have this clause filed with what the Society petitions.”  “This clause was copied.”]

[Endorsed:  “Satisfied.  Examined and decreed July 13, 626.”]

ROYAL FESTIVITIES AT MANILA

On the fourth day of January, one thousand six hundred and twenty-three, other royal festivities occurred, [7] in which twelve bulls were fought; and four matches of canas were played, each of them between two gentlemen, in accordance with the inclination of the country.  The wealth, embroideries, holiday attire, liveries, and ornaments, were so abundant, so sightly, and of so great price and splendor, of so many floral decorations and of so many different shades, that they surpassed those of our Espana in beauty and splendor.