Page:The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 (Volume 08).djvu/182

 sent if it had not been on account of the instructions of his Majesty which the said governor possessed. We know for certain in this city that the captain in command seized the said ship and the money, thus bringing loss and ruin to the said citizens. As to what they do not know, let them refer to the said instructions and despatches, which the said governor sent.

7. Item: Let them testify whether they know that the said loss and ruin has been so severe that those citizens who own nothing else are unable to support themselves, or to aid in the service of his Majesty when occasions arise, as they have done until now. They are embarrassed with debts and obligations.

8. Item: Let them testify whether they know that the aforesaid is generally known and manifest to all.

This interrogatory was presented to the governor, Gomez Perez Dasmarinas, in the city of Manila, on the twenty-third day of May, in the year one thousand five hundred and ninety-one, on behalf of the cabildo, magistrates, and regimiento of the city. His Lordship examined it and declared that he would order, and he did order, the attorney of the said city to give a report of his declaration before the notary, Gaspar de Azebo, whom he would entrust—and he did entrust—with the examination of the witnesses.

Authority given by the Cabildo to Diego Hernandez Bitoria, whom they elected attorney-general. On November [sic] nineteen, one thousand five hundred and ninety-one, there met and assembled before