_ante_), in regard to trade between the Philippines and China, in words similar to the decree, the viceroy continues:] Regarding the whole matter I have procured detailed information from people who are familiar with it and have an extensive knowledge of the affairs of those regions from the beginning of their settlement, and from the correspondence that they maintain therein.

It appears that, since the time when Don Luis de Velasco was viceroy and governor for your Majesty in this kingdom, your Majesty has spent in the pacification of those islands more than three millions [of pesos ?] for soldiers, ships, and other supplies--all in order that the natives of those parts might recognize and profess the Catholic faith, and the sovereignty of your Majesty.

As a result, there are already among them six Spanish settlements, and more than forty monasteries of friars of various orders in many native villages, whose inhabitants are converted and baptized.

By this, God our Lord is well served, and your Majesty's glory and renown augmented.

With the assiduity exercised by all these ministers, the Christian church appears to be increasing in those places, in such wise that in a short time it is hoped that the sect of Mahoma and the idolatries of which they were full, will be eradicated from them.