[A rubric is seen at the bottom, which is that generally used by the
said judge.]
Before me:
Agustin de Valencuela, notary-public.
Thereupon, immediately on the said day, month, and year, the said
judge summoned Cosme Chacon, an artilleryman, before him for the said
investigation. An oath was taken from him in due form of law, before
God our Lord and with the sign of the cross, under which obligation he
promised to tell the truth. Being questioned according to the tenor
of the said act and the head of the process, he declared that what
he knows is, that it was said publicly and openly in that port, four
or five days ago, or thereabout, that certain persons of the port had
told the said judge that Captain Juan Dominguez was trying to absent
himself and go to Espana by way of Yndia, for which they had given the
judge a letter. This witness has spoken about this same matter, and
has no further information than what he has given. He was asked by the
said judge whether, some four or five days ago, when the chief gunner
of the fort at this port arrested him because he would not attend
to the duties of his post, the witness said that the chief gunner's
command over him would soon end. He declared that the words contained
in the above question are true, but that his meaning in saying them
was that his post of artilleryman would soon be exchanged for that
of soldier (which is the employment that this witness professes),
and that he made the aforesaid remark with no other meaning. This is
his answer, and he declared that it is entirely true, on his oath,
by which he affirmed and ratified his statement. He declared that he
is competent to act as a witness; that he is twenty-seven years old;
and that he does not know how to sign the above. The said judge signed
it. [At the foot appears the rubric of the judge.]
Agustin de Valencuela, notary-public.
Collated with the original, which is in the archives of my office, and
I refer to it. At the order of General Don Andres Pacheco de Toledo,
lieutenant-governor and captain-general, castellan, commandant and
justice of this port, I give the present in Cavite, April twenty-five,
one thousand six hundred and thirty-six. Witnesses, Agustin de
Carranca, Christobal de Molina, and Captain Juan Despinosa. In
testimony of the truth, I seal it.
Agustin de Valencuela, notary-public.
_Letter written by Bartolome Dominguez to Juan Romero_
Dear comrade:
I trust that this letter will find your Grace in the enjoyment of as
good health as I wish for myself. Mine is good, and at your Grace's
service. In regard to my return, your Grace must know that, when I
parted from your Grace in Manila, I did not have any such thought;
nor did I know of it until I reached Cavite, when Estacio talked with
me. Seeing myself so out of favor and my brother dead, I resolved to
return, on account of those changes. We went in a small champan--ten
men and one friar--to a distance eight leguas from Maribeles. There
we found a large champan and two religious. We all embarked, and went
to a district belonging to the fathers, to deck the champan over. We
have provisions for two years; powder and balls, muskets, and two small
pieces of bronze artillery [_esmeriles_]. They give each of us three
hundred pesos and our expenses to Espana. Esteves has your Grace's new
doublet; and your Grace can get it [from him]. Francisco Cachata owes
[me] three pesos and Bartolo two--all to be used in saying masses for
my brother. Juan de Palacios owes me four pesos, which he may spend in
his mess; and my silver spoon and mirror. Will your Grace get them? and
they are to be used in saying masses for my brother. Will your Grace
tell him that if he shall bring any cloth, he must do his best for
his soul. The three mantas of Pedro Castaneda must be paid for,
according to what is right. Tell Senora Juana that I beg her pardon
for not having gone to say goodbye to her uncle and aunt, and give
her my regards. And will your Grace tell Captain Juan Dominguez, when
he comes from Terrenate, that I send him my regards. Now I shall say
nothing further except that may God preserve your Grace for many years,
and take you to your home; and, if I reach there first, I shall say
that you are well. Given on this new year's. From your Grace's comrade,