Note 2 — Letters from Juan Cerezo de Salamanca to Felipe IV

Your Majesty permits only four thousand Sangleys in these islands, but a greater number has been tolerated because of the advantage of the licenses that they pay, and in order not to disturb the trade with China. In respect to these and many other troubles, the former governors have endeavored very earnestly to assure that nation, charging the justices to be very attentive in their jurisdictions, and not allowing them to grant passage from one part to another without permission. Especially is it charged upon the alcalde-mayor of the jurisdiction of Vinondo—the point where the Sangleys fortified themselves during the insurrection. For this so laborious occupation, in a special meeting fees were assigned for each license, at the rate of one real and a quarter for him and his clerk. This has been the practice for many years. This Audiencia having begun to govern these islands because of the death of Don Juan Niño de Tavora, the Order2 of St. Dominic endeavored to alter these licenses and the fee, by representing the injury that was done the Sangleys. But the auditors, in consideration of the above so superior reasons, confirmed to the letter the last act made concerning this matter by the deceased governor; and when I succeeded to the government in accordance with your Majesty’s order, the said religious endeavored to do the same thing. Upon becoming thoroughly familiar with the matter, I confirmed the said governmental acts, enacted by the Audiencia and by Don Juan Niño de Tavora. Nevertheless, from this they have stirred up this pretension, trying the subterfuge of having recourse to the Audiencia for an affair of justice—where they are admitted without these same auditors heeding that they have [already] cast their votes for the government measure.