take it to be an efficacious remedy, for the future, that your Majesty
should not appoint to the archbishopric or bishoprics of these islands
friars who have been trained in these islands without first obtaining
a report from the Audiencia of their qualifications and experience in
government. May our Lord protect the Catholic person of your Majesty,
according to the needs of Christendom. Manila, the first of July, 1605.

_Don Pedro de Acuña_

[_In the margin_: "Have all the letters which treat of this, and those
which concern the archbishop placed together, and have them taken to
the Council."]

[_Endorsed_: "Manila, to his Majesty; 1605, Don Pedro de Acuña,
the first of July; writes about the archbishop." "July 21, 1606,
examined, and decreed within."]

Sire:

In countries so remote as are these Philipinas Islands, and which lie
so far from the royal presence of your Majesty, we are bound, not only
by our obligation, but in conscience as well, by our feelings in regard
to the sights that every day meet our eyes, and by the commands laid
upon us by special instruction from your Majesty and your presidents
and auditors, always to give information [of affairs here]. We do so,
likewise, in order to secure the aid of the relief which faithful
vassals ought to look and hope for in their hardships and calamities
from their natural king and lord--whose light, like that of the sun,
ought to be equally communicated to all; and whose fatherly protection
it is just that we should recognize on all occasions which arise,