the support of the religious. Thus I was almost on the point of being
unable to make the journey; for I used up on their living in México
all of the ship-stores which I had provided for the sea. Accordingly,
in their desire to prevent two from remaining here, they incurred the
risk that all of us might be compelled to remain. I stated this to the
royal officials and the viceroy in a petition, and gained nothing by
it. This is the kind of inconveniences which follow from practicing
honesty with regard to the decrees of his Majesty.

As for the aforesaid, I, Fray Diego Aduarte, vicar of the religious
of Saint Dominic who are going to the Philippinas, swear _in verbo
sacerdotis_ that it is true, and I sign it with my name. At Mexico,
January 20, 1605.

_Fray Diego Aduarte_

[_Endorsed_: "February 12, 1607, referred to Señor Don Francisco de
Tejada to examine the papers and report thereon to the council."

"February 16, 1607, examined; the decrees, within."]

[_Endorsed_: "Let the House of Trade state why dues are collected
from every religious who goes on his Majesty's account to the Indias,
and let it give an account of the amount charged for registration;
and in the meantime, and until further orders, let it take no fees,
and issue a decree that the officers shall not levy these dues.

"Let the approval of the religious conducted by father Fray Graviel
de San Antonio to the Filipinas be entrusted to Señor Don Francisco
de Vaste; and on the credit of this alone let the House of Trade,