In 1651 this university and its rector wrote to the said university of Mexico giving an account of its erection, stating that in it was born their obligation of attentive respect as daughter of that royal university, since the king our sovereign had given that university to it as mother and mistress. Consequently, it yielded and dedicated itself to that university and in regard to this the father concluded his letter with all due consideration and affection. In the year of 53, that most noble and ever famous university wrote this our university the following letter, which was written in full cloister. Very illustrious Sirs: This royal university of Mexico was greatly favored by the letter of your Lordship the past year of 51, in which was expressed the appreciation and estimation which is right and which is fitting for so illustrious a cloister, and with the greatest pleasure received your adoption; which if it is the teaching of the Holy Spirit (Proverbs xvii), Gloria filiorum patres eorum, immediately before it had said: Corona senum filii filiorum. [74] Consequently, it will consider that royal university as its crown and glory, and as such will venerate it forever. It will give his Majesty (whom may God preserve) thanks for the favors which he concedes to your Lordship by his decree of the rights to enjoy the privileges which are enjoyed in this royal university. What may be necessary for it, in so far as documents and papers are concerned, and for the pretension of your Lordship, will be delivered to the reverend father master, Fray Francisco de la Trinidad, so that we may carry them and present them to his Majesty in his royal Council of the Indias. In all the other things which may offer themselves for the service of your Lordship for its greater luster and increase, this royal university and its entire cloister will assist it with all promptness. May God preserve your Lordship in all happiness, etc. Mexico, February 7, 1653. Master Fray Juan de Ayrolo y Flores, rector. After his signature were those of eight doctors and masters and lastly that of the blessed secretary, Christoval Bernardo de la Plaza. This university erected with so fortunate beginnings with all that luster worthy of all estimation, has continued to advance. There have been and are very learned persons who have studied there, who have occupied prebends and dignities in the holy church of Manila, and in other churches of our España, and it has had three sons, most worthy bishops, one of whom ascended to the archiepiscopal see of this city, of whom we shall treat in due time. II ROYAL DECREE GRANTING TITLE OF "ROYAL" TO THE COLLEGE OF SANCTO TOMAS