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California Mission Cargo fro7n Manila

VOL VII, NO. 2 (Supplement)

SUMMER, 1961

The Editors of Noticias take great satisfaction in presenting to the members of the Santa Barbara Historical Society, in this “Summer Supple ment”, the manifest of a shipment of goods from the Church in Manila to Fray Junipero Serra in San Francisco, California. Because it usually is assumed tliat all supplies came to llie Alta California Missions from Mexico, it will be a surprise to many to learn not only how much \vas included in a single shipment from the Philippine Islands, but also how long a time it took for the shipment to reach its destination and what difficulties had to be surmounted before it finally andved at Mission Dolores. The map, watercolors, photostats of the original document, and the translation of the man ifest that make up this supplement come to us through the kindness of Mr. John Galvin and are reproduced here with the permission of his family.

This translation combines the knowledge of many scholars.

Those who contributed most were: Miss Adelaide Smilliers Mr. and Mrs. John Swingle Mr. Paul Russell of the U. S. Department of Agriculture To all who helped, my sincere thanks.

John G.\lvin

N€TICIAS QUARTERLY BULLETIN OF THE SANTA BARBARA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MAILING ADDRESS: OLD MISSION, SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA

THE CALIFORNIA MISSIONS Asia Helped Them Begin On May 13th, 1783 the frigate Nuestra Senora de Los Remedios (or la Favorita) and the Princesa arrived at San Francisco Bay with supplies for the newly founded Spanish Presidios in California. Included in their cargo were goods which a Father Pedro Cambon had brought from the Philippines for the missions that Father Junipero Serra had established. Father Serra began to do so, in 1769 when Don Jose de Galvez Visitor-General to Mexico, had provided the means for him to achieve this, his greatest work.

The mission supplies on La Favorita had come to California some eighteen months earlier, on San Carlos, which docked unexpectedly at San Diego on December 9th A.D. 1781. However, as all the cargo was listed for San Bias, Mexico’s naval port on the Pacific Coast, the usual government lack of sense prevailed and the goods were required to pass through Customs at San Bias. This muddle might have been prevented but for the illness of Father Cambon who had been laid low by the rigors of the Pacific crossin O’ and so, he was unable to present to the Authorities a case for the prevalence of common sense and the delivery of the cargo in California.

It is an ill-wind which blows no vessels to port or serves no one: Be cause of this veneration, for the preservation of the proper order of things, which required San Bias as the port of discharge, of the San Carlos cargo, a document now exists which is to be reviewed here.

This document is one of the official “papers’ treating of the mission cargo, its items, and the ultimate disposal of them.

The mere recital of the facts themselves does much to show how linked were the Asian and American shores of the 18th century Pacific. It was a simple matter to shop in Manila for all the supplies needed by California’s missionaries.

In Manila, the treasures and riches of China and of India were avail able. Precious metalware, for altar use; fine silk for priestly vestments; books and papers and pigments; medicines and tobacco. Woven material of all kinds; pots and plates and umbrellas. These could be procured easily; and so it was done.

To bring such goods to California from Spain via Mexico City and the difficult overland route to San Bias, the port for California, was possible but difficult; moreover unnecessary, for so long as money was available and ships made Pacific voyages, Asian merchants were happy to be providers 1

Hobitans de la Nouvelle Colifornie in Voilinage de la Mission Sn. Miguel.

and suppliers to California just as they had been merchants to the New World for two centuries. In fact, ever since Legaspi, in 1565, had sailed from Mexico to the Philippines to establish a MART there, the Philippines was the centre of “European” trade in the Pacific Ocean—Manila swiftly dom inated all other centres, Macao, maintained by the Portuguese on the China Coast was its only rival but Macao never became the great trading centre that was Manila, to where, each year, for two hundred and fifty years, the Manila Galleon sailed from Mexico carrying silver on its 3 months’ voyage to Cavite and returned again across the Pacific on a five months’ voyage to Acapulco, laden with whatever goods commerce demanded.

Before letting this document speak for itself, one more comment can be made. Three consecrated altar stones and eleven stones, yet to be con secrated, came to California from Manila. Some of our Californian missions began to serve their Indians faithful with altar stones from Asia. An un usual contribution to a new Country from old, Asian lands.

This mission of San Francisco de Assis, known now in modern San Francisco, as “Mission Dolores”, was established in 1776 by Father Palou, who wrote there his “Life of Father Serra” and thus created California’s first literary classic about a fine priest who may yet be Western America’s first Catholic Saint.

Our traveler from Manila on the Nuestra Senora, Father Cambon had been with Father Palou from the year of 1776 when together they had left Carmel, where good Father Serra lies buried in the humble Mission he built for his beloved Indians beside the quiet river that flows into the Pacific.

With the good fathers, traveled a small party of soldiers whose re sponsibility it was, to found the San Francisco Presidio, and hence the city 2

which has bee: given such a fine saint’s name; reminding us. that one of the oailiest explorers in this part of the New World was another and more war like Francis—Sir I'rancis Drake—who in 1578 captured and burnt many a Spanish vessel and took a fortune of New World gold and silver to his mis tress, the first of Fngiand’s Elizabeths. Also took he, linen cloth and fine China—dishes of white earth, and great store of China silks and a Fawlcon of golde, with a great Emerald in the breast thereof.”

Within six years of settlement of the new Presidio, the first Mission liuilding had grown too small and a new one was begun in 1782. Nine years later in 1791, the Fathers began the building of the present Mission, which is open to this day.

It was to adorn and make ready this Mission Dolores that Father Cambon had gone to the Orient. His return and the arrival of his supplies meant, it seems, the blessing of the Mission and the consequent commencement of its useful life as a Church, serving its own faithful.

Artist Louis Choris visited this Mission in 1816 and left a pictorial recOld of the Indians for whom the Mission was built. Choris was the first artist to provide such a record of early Californians.

In a free translation the document reads:

SUPERIOR GOVERNMENT (of Mexico in New Spain) A.D. 1782 Affidavit of the file of documents drawn up concerning the effects bought for the Missions of Our Father St. Francis, in the California, and the new establishments of Monterrey.

Don Jose de Gorraez (signed) Senior Scrivener

Memorandum of the goods purchased, in the City of Manila, with a donation given by His Majesty (the King of Spain) to Father Pedro Benito Cambon for his services as Royal Chaplain on His Majesty’s ship San Carlos (alias the Filipino) in which the said goods were shipped, with all the re quired licenses, to the Missions of our Father, St. Francis, in the port of northern California that has been named after him. In the event of the said priest’s death (Father Cambon) or his assignment elsewhere, this memorandum must he delivered to His Excellency for the dispatch of the goods to the Missions. The goods are then to be given in care of Don Juan Gon zalez, Pilot of the Royal Navy, and Captain of the said ship, and failing him, to Don Juan Garcia chief surgeon of the said crew and ship. The mark used on the goods listed in this memorandum is that shown on the margin of this affidavit.

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NO. 1 (Case) Firsl, three consecrated altar stones wrapped in a piece of gin^rham Also nine altar stones not yet consecrated (All Catholic churches have a Slone in the centre of the altar which is blessed and consecrated by a Bishop. Frequently it contains the Relic of a Saint. Mission Dolores was the sixth mission to be founded of a chain of 21 Missions. Thus many of the later Missions could have used these stones.)

NO. 2 (Case) Firsl, eleven brocade chasubles, nine of pequi (a silk material resembling serge, formerly brought from China) and two embroidered on China satin, all brand new Also four damask chasubles*^ quite worn Also one alb* with a number of purificators* and two worn amices* Also five wide cloth ribbons for cingula*, brand new Also a bundle of linen and cotton lace edgings (altar cloths?)

Also two covers from Sibutu with tinsel flowers Also un Foundo de Golorin de Chita ordinario (this is the Spanish description; Golorin, could not be translated by anyone we know) Also two altar cloths of common material, one worn Also two frontals of brocaded satin, somewhat worn Also two small palls; one painted on pequi (silk serge), one of silk, brand new (Besides the square pall used over the Chalice by all priests, some have also a small round one to fit on the chalice.)

Also one wrought silver Chalice, made in Canton in South China, with its paten spoon (used by the priest to ladle water from the cruet into the wine used at the Mass), the inside of the chalice and the paten, gold

plated Also a pair of cruets (used to contain the ivater and tvine which are an es sential part of the Catholic Mass) Also a bell of white metal with ebony handle (used on the altar of a Cath olic Church to be rung during Mass) Also a linen sheet in which all the preceding articles are wrapped One bundle with various pieces of ribbon NO. 3 (Case) First a large gilt Tabernacle of wood, filled with silk and paper flowers t '’Also nine rolls of bleached denim (Possibly to be used for sheets) '‘Also 24 cotton napkins with blue silk stripes Also 2 tablecloths of the same, made in Lucban (near Manila) Also 3 lecterns of painted wood, one of fine lacquer from China ●■Also 39 rolls of material for kerchiefs from Buhol; 10 kerchiefs to the roll *(Priestly clothing used jor the Sacrifice of the Mass.) t See text. Page 14, for explanation of symbol (>●).

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NO. 4 (Case) First one large sexagonal glass lantern to serve as a lamp. (Perhaps for use on the Altar to remind the faithful of the presence of the Blessed Sacra ment) Also two small ones to accompany the Blessed Sacrament. (When the Blessed Sacrament is carried through the streets to be administered to the sick and dying) Also one small one: all with their plates of glass and painted tin ■'Also a good quantity of cotton and wool, with which said lanterns are packed close (Presumably to save the glass from damage) NO. 5 (Case* First 1 arroha (2.5 lbs. I of wax tapers and candles Also 1 Paschal candle, its weight \lYz lbs. of wax. (The Candle used in the Catholic Church from Easter Time) ''Also 6 pairs of sandals ' Also 7 rattan hats, of the kind worn by the Reverend Fathers of the Philip pines ' Also 29 rolls of common cloth (cloth as tve use in dishcloths, washcloths, etc.) from Bohol, ten cloths to the roll Also one altar stone not yet consecrated NO. 6 (Case) First 23 rolls of cloth for kerchiefs from Bohol, ten kerchiefs to the roll Also 12 trays of painted wood, of various sizes NO. 7 (Case) 'First 21 skirt and shirt lengths from Bohol ' Also 9 rolls of cloth for kerchiefs from Bohol, ten kerchiefs to the roll ' Also 51 ordinary palm hats ''Also a good quantity of seeds with medicinal value; manungual (a small tree ivith fleshy leaves), cabalongan or St. Ignatius’ bean (used med ically) ojos de gato (shiny blue and black beads from the Isle of Timor noted for its dragons) laga (red and black seeds ivhich could be used as Rosary beads), abutra (roots used as medicine), amuyones (tree— of medical value?) ' Also a small case with three figures inside, toys from China Also an altar stone not yet consecrated ' Also a pair of sandals NO. 8 (Case) Contains 10 arrobas (250 lbs.) of wax tapers and candles NO. 9 (Case) A large bundle, with two large fi ber (wool?) mats for the Sanctuary (em broidered) with flowers of various colors. (This would seem to mean a Chinese carpet—perhaps the first of many to enter California).

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NO. 10 (Bale) ''150 rolls fine denim for Ylocos dyed blue, 6 varas (16 feet 6 inches) to the roll NO. 11 (Bale) *■150 rolls of the same, also blue, 6 varas (16 feet 6 inches) to the roll NO. 12 (Case) First, one large painted and gilt Tabernacle^^ of carved wood with its half case that opens and closes instead of its regular curtain. (Still to be seen at Mission Dolores.)

Also gilt and painted faces for two iron gratings Also a pair of gilt and painted processional candleholders Also a painted and gilt cross Also six painted and gilt bouquet*like holders to serve as candlesticks Also a set of sacras painted and gilded all of wood, very well carved. (Instead of calling all three sacras as is usually done, he calls the middle one sacra , the one for the epistle side the Lavaho and that for the gospel side, the Gospel of St. John) our '’Also a copper “iron” with coals inside for ironing clothes (Shaped tike modern steam iron. The handle of tvood is fixed on a metal plate that can be moved around so as to put the live coals and ivood in the body, similar to those still used in China)

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Also a small copper stoup for holy water. .This is from the (ships) kit oi

the Chapel of the San Carlos el Filippino. By mistake it was put here and must be delivered to the port and royal dockyard of San Bias in Mexico with this note. ●■Also, a roll of wire ' Also fourteen large platters (Presumably of Chinese Porcelain) ' Also twenty-two rattan (bamboo) mats, in one bundle, for canarincs. (a small chapel behind the main altar; also probably the meaning here, a room where the vestments and trappings of sacred statues are kept.)

'■Also three parcels of about 250 Spanish primers (another instance of tnoving books from one available Pacific printing centre to another Pacifc centre of need). '’Also a staff with its head (a Bishops Crozier?) '’Also two sabers with their guards and sheaths m j ' Also 15 rolls of bleached fi ne denim, eleven varas to the roll. (About 10 yds. each roll) Also a tin box with seven glass plates for lamps ' Also two bags filled with cotton (cushions?)

NO. 13 (Case) First a middle sized tabernacle of wood gilded inside and all carved on the outside '’Also two rolls of cinnamon (Grown chiefly in Ceylon) Also a parcel of timsin (reed wicks for lamps) *(The conlainer, generally made oj wood, in the centre of a Catholic altar where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved.)

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Also fouUeeii skirt and shirt lengths from Boliol, four varas a length (eleven feet each length) ' Also two coj)per irons for pressing clothes 'Also four copper taps for Sacristy wash basins 'Also four rolls of finely woven Manila hemp cloth for sacking flour Also three small red boxes with tea. (Presumably gifts from a Chinese origin ally, because of the red colour of the boxes) ' Also two j papers (parcels) of ink (in the usual solid block form common in Asia).

Also 154 red chocolate cups (Could this “red” be the fabled sang-de-boeuf glaze of the Citing Dynasty? If so, today each cup would be worth ten times its weight in gold) 'Also 82 of the same, blue (Perhaps Chinese K’ang Hsi blue and white, porcelain ware. A porcelain fust as exquisite and desirable as sang-be-

bouef)

'Also 12 small plates (of Chinese porcelain) ''Also 4 black payos (the common head protector of Asia—for sun and storm; A waxed paper parasol made in South China at Foochow chiefly) 'Also 12 bundles of white cotton tape NO. 14 (Case) 'First one parlor clock, with its bell, tall case (with glass on three sides) winding key, cords and weights 'Also 50 blue kerchiefs fro m China ''Also some papers” (paper ivrapped packets) of paints: blue, red and yel low, two catties of each color. (About 4yo pounds) 'Also one “paper” with a thousand gilt tacks Also 8 lbs. of Paris green Also 2 catties (4y2 pounds) of alazorcon. (These are leaves used for dyeing material) NO. 15 (Case) ■F'irst 12 dozen ordinary plates (doubtless of fine Chinese porcelain) Also, an embroidered satin chasuble, very worn Also a chasuble of lampaso, worn with a mesadoble of corporals. (We have no idea of the meaning of mesadoble nor of lampaso.) A Mexican priest who was consulted did, not know this word, but he told us of vestments he had seen long ago, in Mexico, that were made mostly of fibre, even the lace of the alb was made of this thread instead of cotton or linen.

He said the vestments were very beautiful. He wondered if they were of lampaso. His ivonderment will serve ou meeds, for we now decide to regard the word as equivalent to the “pineapple” thread of today, tvhich is used in the Philippines to make an exquisite cloth resembling fine linen.)

Also a white, embroidered, satin chasuble, in good condition Also a red one, worn Also sash de Lampazo, (Pineapple cloth) worn Also three cingula of ribbon. worn Also three black holders for cross and processional candleholders. worn Also a good alb. worn

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Also threo amices 'Also twelve napkins with red stripes and fringe 'Also one tablecloth as above. All from Ilocos Also one altar cloth Also one white silk chasuble, brand new Also a pallium of Chinese brocade, somewhat worn Also holders for cross and processional candlcholders, of same malcrial as the above mentioned chasuble ''Also two pieces of woven Manila hemp cloth for flour sacks ●■Also one black payo (waxed paper umbrella) ''Also three small boxes of tea ''Also five bales of paper (certainly from China where modern paper as we knoiv it was first invented and made for printinfs, and general needs).

NO. 16 (Case I ■'First the long, narrow case of the already mentioned clock Also three staffs, painted red, for cross and processional candleholders ' Also a good number of ordinary (native) rattan hats NO. 17 (Bale) ■'30 rolls of tobacco (leaves) wrapped in a bundle of fi bre mats for use on the voyage. (Fine Manila leaf no doubt. Certainly as pleasing then, as now; for a Manila cigar can be enjoyed even before breakfast by the young in heart, as well as an after dinner delight by the fastidious (with Cuba now gone Communist and their cigars on the prohibited import list—Manilas should soon be the U.S. luxury cigar).

NO. lo (Case) ''First, two thousand cigars for use on the trip, for which a Customs Permit was obtained in Manila , ,.-i/ ■ ; , Also, a statue of Our Lady of Sorrows, half a vara high, (about 16 /-^ inches) which was item No. 22 of the invoice handed to the Customs oftcials ol Manila and was able to be packed in this case to save space. (Some un certainty here—were the cigars unconsurned by Father Cambon and saved for San Francisco and Father Palou? With a voyage of man) tveeks crossing the Pacific Father Cambon must have been n confirmed non-smoker or doing a cruel penance to have left the cigars intact) NO. 19 ●'A green painted case for bottles with 18 large bottles of wine, liquor oil, etc. for use on the trip. (Same observation applies here also except change cigars to wine).

NO. 20 (Case) ■First, a case of 24 medium and small glass bottles, of manungal wine for medicinal purposes ’'Also, 7 crystal goblets and 6 glasses Also 3 vials with the Holy Oils for the use of the Missions 9

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NO. 21 One hand mill of stone. (For use in the grinding of corn) NO. 22 The statue of Our Lady of Sorrows. This was packed in Case No. 18.

Note: Besides all the foregoing, there was shipped from Cavite (Manila’s Naval Port until bombed- and destroyed by fire in the ivar against Japan in 1941) a case with 350 sea-shells for Church windows labelled for the Missions of Our Father St. Francis. It has no registry number be cause I forgot it. (Unfortunately, diligent observation at all the Mis sions failed to locale at least one sea-shelled tvindow, but Santa Barbara fine Pieta of the right size which could mission church does possess well be “a statue of Our Lady of Sorrows”)

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With a description done, of the contents of the cases and bales from Asia, here begins the many words necessary to free them all from Governmenl control so they could be sent to the missions of St. Francis in the CalU fornias. (Ed.) Your Excellency—I, Father Francisco Pangua, Guardian of the Apos tolic College of San Fernando of this city (Mexico City I appear before Your Excellency, with all due veneration and respect and declare: That Father Pedro Benito Cambon went to Manila in the year 1780 as Royal Chaplain on the frigate called La Princesa and returned serving in the same capacity on His Majesty’s ship called San Carlos (alias the Filipino) as far as the port of San Diego (California) where he remained to recuperate, for he was broken in health by the hardships of the voyage across the Pacific. donation from In the said city of Manila he was able, partly with His Majesty, partly with the help, favor and protection of the Governor of those Islands, to gather the effects listetl on the enclosed memorandum. Hav ing obtained the necessary licenses and permits he shipped the effects on said ship with the sole purpose of helping the Missions of Our Father St. Francis founded from the new establishment of Monterrey.

Hoping that the fruit of his diligence and activity may be reaped as soon as possible (he was some two years on (he trip) he earnestly begs me in a letter dated the 14th of December last (17811 to entreat your Excel lency, most forcibly to be pleased to order that all the goods be sent at the earliest possible moment to the said Missions of Our Father, St. Francis.

And at the same time, that Your Excellency be pleased to grant the favor of declaring them duty free since they are destined to so pious an end, and were obtained in the manner stated.

Therefore, in view of the needs of said Missions, the pious object to which the effects are destined, and the great good resulting thereby in the propagation of our Catholic Faith, amongst our neophytes (the Indians of California) With the greatest humility, I entreat Your Excellency to be pleased to grant the request made by the said priest. Nor, can it be thought that in so doing, Your Excellency violates, in the slightest degree, the orders of the King, our Lord; because of the zeal with which His Majesty (whom may God keep) has always protected those establishments since their beginning.

All this I believe you will agree because of the well-known benevolence of Your Excellency, whose important life, may God keep, many years.

San Fernando, January 25, 1782—Father Francisco Pangua, Guardian.

Decree Mexico 26th of January 1782 To the Fiscal of the Royal Treasury— Signed with the rubric of His Ex cellency (The Father Francisco Pangua) A recommendation to the Viceroy by the Royal Treasurer (Posada): Your Excellency: The Fiscal of the Royal Treasury says “that if it please Your Excellency, this file should be sent to the Royal Tribunal of Accounts so they may examine the invoices presented by the Father Guardian of the 13

College of San Fernando (Father Francisco Pangua), and distinguish, as far as possible, the commodities that are suitable for vestments and Church furnishings, from those articles, that are not so suitable. Then to record its findings, and having done so, to return this file to the responsible individual.

Mexico, 29th of January (?), 1782. Posada” (Royal Treasurer) His Excellency the Viceroy acts: Mexico 31st of January, 1782—(Act) as the Fiscal of the Royal Treas ury requests—Signed with His Excellency’s rubric. Royal Tribunal and High Court of Accounts, 4th of February 1782—Have the officials in charge of the affairs of the Royal Funds of Acapulco report. Signed with two rubrics.

Thus Reports the Examining Officials (of the Royal Funds of Acapulco): The officials to whom Your Lordship has sent this file have examined the invoice presented by the Rev. Father Guardian of the Apostolic College of San Fernando of this city (Father Pangua), and having carefully consid ered the effects listed tlierein, understand that those marked in the margin with a “P”^’ are not limited to church use for they lend themselves to profane use; on the other hand, they do consider that some are probably suitable for the use of the Reverend Fathers personally and in their dwellings, as for instance the table cloths, crockery, parlor clock, etc. After reflecting care fully upon the said invoices and the statement of the aforementioned Rev. Father Guardian, the officials are of the opinion that his petition be granted and that shipment be made from Acapulco, (Mexico) at the earliest possible moment, of all the effects listed in said invoices wliich were brought from Manila by the Rev. Father Benito Cambon for the Missions founded in the new establishments of Monterrey, and that the same be declared duty free— Such is the opinion of the officials who speak, considering; First, that the value of the stated goods cannot be of a great consideration; second, that . large part of them are without doubt for Church use, and others are for the service of the Missionary Father; third, and last, that even those that can be qualified as foreign to the stated commendable purposes, will, it is quite conceivable, be converted into good works, by way of exchange, even if it may entail a sale for money to do so. (It seems that a bit of trade on the part of the Good Fathers was ivell understood by the Authorities. Our thought ivas suggested perhaps by the large number of cigars.) This seems a safe assu mption because the Franciscans are a mendicant order conducted with poverty and .. strict ... . Rule, . known to all. No other kind of action is possible, the more so, when we see the purpose of Rev. Father Preacher Cambon sup ported by his Superior, who himself would not allow the slightest infringe ment of the strict Rule of his Order. It will be well to point out to the Rev erend Father Guardian (assuming that no further comment is made by the Fiscal of the Royal Treasury, and that a decision is made according to this, our opinion) that this (firmness of observance of the Order’s Rule by all his subjects) has been one of the principal considerations for granting his petition. Royal Tribunal of Accounts of Mexico, 6th of February, 1782 Pedro Maria de Monterdo—Luis de Medina. ^Indicated in the foregoing translation by symbol (’’)

14

Danse des hobitons dc Colifornie a la mission de Sn. Francisco

(A few more comments of interest, by people who may not have been of much interest themselves) Your Excellency: The reasons set forth by the officials in the preceding report are sound and this Royal Tribunal agrees in toto. For, it is under standable that everything acquired from alms (or in kind I from the resi dents of Manila by Father Benito Gambon (who was chaplain of a vessel that sailed to those islands), is for the sole purpose of using them for divine worship; for the particular use of the Religious of the Missions for which the goods are destined, and also to be applied as gratuities to the Indian men and women, of said missions. It is not even believable, remotely, that they will change some of the effects which seem profane, to purposes other than those expressed; but, rather, use them only for what may be an incentive in attracting them (the Indians of California) to our Catholic Religion. It is the opinion of this Royal Tribunal that all the effects listed on the en closed memorandum be sent duty free to the establishments of the Missions of Saint Francis referred to by Rev. Father Guardian of the College of San Fernando of this city. (Father Pagual). But the superior wisdom of Your Excellency, in view of everything will resolve what you may deem most suitable—Royal Tribunal and High Court of Accounts of Mexico 7th of February of 17112 Marquis de Ciria

15

(Further Official Words (to add to the file in a good established civil servant sort of way). Address to the Viceroy:) Your Excellency: In the register of the cargo brought into this port by the ship San Carlos (The Filipino) are listed twenty-one bundles and cases of vestments, church treasures, clothing for Indians, and household furnish ings. Shipped by the Rev. Father Pedro Benito Cambon, Chaplain of said ship; their destination, the Missions of the northern coast of California, principally for that of St. Francis (at San Francisco) with whose sign the said cases are marked.

A decree of the Government of Manila, of the 14th of May, 1781, in serted in the register, ordered the said cargo to be passed (export?) duty free on account of tlie pious purpose for which it was destined. And, in order that it may be so carried out, duties should be charged here, similar to those existing in Manila, at the time of shipment.

Your Excellency should be pleased to declare what you may deem just concerning the said payment or the exemption from duties.

(The originator, by purchase or acquisition, of all this correspondence has recovered from his illness at San Diego and he now again lakes part in it).

The above mentioned religious, Father Pedro Benito Cambon, remained in San Diego through illness and from there he asks me to send him the referred-to goods to Monterrey on the first ship sailing there. To do this a definite order from Your Excellency seems necessary to me.

Our Lord keep Your Excellency the many years that is in His power.

San Bias 17th of January, 1781.

(Signed! (by) Francisco Trujillo y Vermudes— (To) Your Excellency—Don Martin de Mayorga (Viceroy) (Comment): Mexico February 9th, 1782. Have this account sent to the Royal Tribunal of Accounts to be included in the file it is holding, reporting on the matter at the earliest possible moment—Signed with His Excellency’s rubric.

Report: The file referred to has been acted upon by the Royal Tribunal of Accounts, who returned it on the 6th inst. to the Fiscal of the Royal Treasury. Mexico, 11th of February 1782—Posada.

Decree: Mexico 12th of February 1782—To the Fiscal of the Royal Treasury— Signed with the rubric of His Excellency the Viceroy.

Your Excellency—The Fiscal of the Royal Treasury says that the goods contained in the invoice presented by the devout Father Guardian (Father Pangua) of the Apostolic College of San Fernando of this capital (Mexico City) marked on the margin with a “P” are by their nature for profane use, and as such, ought to pay the royal duties, as defined by Law in the Code of the Indies, especially is this so for the thirty rolls of tobacco leaves and two thousand cigars.

16

But the case is established, as out of the ordinary, for the reasons ex pressed in the petition of the 25th of January with which the said invoice was presented, and by the reports made on the 16th and 17th inst. by the officials in charge of affairs pertaining to the Royal Funds of Acapulco and the Royal Tribunal of Accounts. In view of these facts, once the said articles have bWn evaluated and appraised in the regular way, and the duties, de termined (in case His Majesty is pleased to declare that duly must be paid) and once they are guaranteed by a reliable person, Your Excellency will be pleased to order them to be shipped from the port (of Acapulco) to the Missions of St. Francis at Monterrey His Majesty is to be informed with affidavits of the papers in quadruplicate. Mexico, 14th of February, 1782— Posada. (Royal Treasurer).

Decree: Mexico, 18lh February, 1782—As the Fiscal of the Royal Treasury requests; having arranged the official papers relative to Reverend Father Guardian of San Fernando and Commissary of San Bias, have affidavits of this file made in quadruplicate in order to render account to His Majesty—Mayorga.

(Viceroy) Report: Done It agreed with the original which I returned to the Secretariat of Chamber and Viceroyship of this New Spain, which 1 affirm. And in order that it may be vouched for wherever necessary, in virtue of the preceding superior decree (of the Viceroy), I give these presents in Mexico on the 27th of Feb ruary 1782. Official— Joseph de Gorraez (signed) We testify that Don Jose de Gorraez Beaumont y Navarra, by whom this affidavit is signed is the senior and oldest scrivener of Government of this New Spain appointed by the King our Lord and as such uses and exer cises said office; and that all affidavits, decrees, certificates, and the rest of what have passed and do pass before him, have been given and are given in complete faith and credit judicially and extra-judicially. Mexico, 27th of February, 1782. de Alva Royal Scrivener

Josef de Condaneo y Nanexes Royal Scrivener Joachin Guerrero Royal Scrivener

(Official action was requested by Father Pangua on January 29th and a favourable decision was given by 27th of February. Quick work for any Government Department.—(Ed.)

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NOTICIA5 QUARTERLY BULLETIN OF THE SANTA BARBARA HISTORICAL SOCIETY OLD MISSION SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA

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