Of the great earthquakes of the year 1645, and the events that happened
therein; losses of the house of the Misericordia in the works in its
charge, and the adjustment of the losses of its investments, which were
imposed on the houses demolished, in virtue of a general compromise.
[The first shock of the earthquake that occurs on November 30, 1645,
is followed by many other shocks more or less severe. By the general
appraisals made of the losses the Misericordia is declared in 1648
to have had 89,855 pesos invested in houses, of which only material
worth 23,177 pesos, 2 tomins, 6 granos is saved, the loss thus being
66,677 pesos, 5 tomins, 6 granos. The brotherhood further loses 2,739
pesos, 6 tomins, 2 granos, for the tearing down of ruined walls,
and spends 7,725 pesos, 2 tomins, 8 granos for the rebuilding of
the ruined houses, the total loss thus amounting to 77,142 pesos,
6 tomins, 4 granos. Thus the final assets of the brotherhood on the
old investment are 12,712 pesos, 1 tomin, 8 granos. However, the real
value of the investment of the association amounts to 159,365 pesos
more. A capital of 69,510 pesos which is invested in stockfarms and
farming lands of the religious orders is fortunately saved. Between
the years 1634-1660 the sum distributed by the Misericordia amounts to
220,770 pesos, 1 tomin; and between 1637-1651, 72,948 pesos, 7 tomins,
6 granos. After the earthquake the brotherhood rebuilds its church,
college, and the hospitals for the natives, poor women, and slaves of
the city. In addition, it gives 400 pesos toward the rebuilding of
the cathedral; 300 pesos for repairs on the Franciscan convent; 100
pesos for repairs on the chapel of San Antonio of the tertiary branch
of the said order located in the church of their convent; 150 pesos
to Fray Christoval del Castillo, definitor of the Franciscan order
(40 of them to be used for his support and that of the religious in
his charge in the hospital for the natives, and 110 pesos for pious
works and grave necessities, namely, aid in ransoming a Recollect
religious who has been captured by the Joloans); 200 pesos to the
father procurator of the Recollects; 200 pesos to Fray Juan de San
Antonio, provincial of the said order; and lastly many alms to all
the needy of the community.]