Note 2 — Letter from Governor Dasmarinas to Felipe II

16. This letter appeared to the bishop so disrespectful and bold that in his reply there are but sharp and heated words against the religious. He says that they err from the beginning, and that they do not know the fundamental principles. He had imagined that the letter was not mine alone, as he believed that I could not by myself have seen the authors cited therein for its authority and doctrine. He says that neither I, nor your Majesty, nor the pope has authority to take from the infidels a single real; that it is true that he was of the general opinion before, but Page 157that he erred then, and now is in the right (It appears to me, however, that he errs now, and was then in the right.) So firm is he in his opinion that he does not wish to call it opinion, but truth. He declares that if all the orders in this bishopric, and the universities of Salamanca and Alcalá2 in addition, should say the contrary, he would not forsake his opinion; and he is very certain that your Majesty will oblige me to follow his opinion. He offers a treatise on the subject which he is preparing for the explanation and elucidation of everything, and finally closes by asking me to have the money paid which is owed by the royal treasury.