The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803; explorations by early navigators, descriptions of the islands and their peoples, their history and records of the Catholic missions, as related in contemporaneous books and manuscripts, showing the political, economic, commericial and religious conditions of those islands from their earliest relations with European nations to the beginning of the nineteenth century; [Vol. 1, no. 44]

1700-1736] LETTER BY SPANISH OFFICER

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because since his coming he has proved the truth of
all that is contained in them.
I am very thankful to your Grace for the news
which you send me in regard to the condition in
which affairs are there [i.e., in Espaina]. I cannot
express my feelings at the death of the Count, not
only because I know the same things that you mention, but on account of the especial circumstance of
the personal favor and affection for which I owe
him the gratitude for which I shall always be under
obligation; and I am equally grieved that it happened thus, in the prime of [his] life, on account of
what concerns Don Pedro his nephew. For the present, then, since for lack of time it is not possible for
me to write, your Grace will please present my condolences for both these casualties to the lord Count
Mozo, and to my lady Dofia Ge[r]trudes, assuring
them that I sympathize with them very sincerely.
Will your Grace please also convey my kind remembrances to the other acquaintances and friends who
favor us, as also to all our relatives- and especially
to our Don Matheo, and to my lady Doina Antonia,
telling them how sorry I am for the impaired health
that they have suffered, and that I shall be exceedingly delighted if they regain their health.
A little while ago, God took away the eldest child
of Don Luis and Dofia Rosa, after a tedious and lingering illness with diarrhcea. They are exceedingly
grateful to your Grace for your expressions of kindness, which they very cordially reciprocate; and
Don Luis places at the disposal of your Grace [whatever he can do for you in] the new office which he
holds, that of chief notary (in proprietary appointment) of the cabildo of this city, with accompanying