Finally, in 1582, Presbyter Ponce de Leon and Bachelor-at-Law Santa Clara, in a communication to the authorities, stated:  “At the time when this island was taken there were found here and distributed 5,500 Indians, without counting those who would not submit, and to-day there is not one left, excepting 12 or 15, who have been brought from the continent.  They died of disease, sarampion, rheum, smallpox, and ill-usage, or escaped to other islands with the Caribs.  The few that remain are scattered here and there among the Spaniards on their little plantations.  Some serve as soldiers.  They do not speak their language, because they are mostly born in the island, and they are good Christians.”  This is the last we read of the Boriquen Indians.

* * * * *

With the gradual extinction of the natives, not only the gold output ceased, but the cultivation of ginger, cotton, cacao, indigo, etc., in which articles a small trade had sprung up, was abandoned.  The Carib incursions and hurricanes did the rest, and the island soon became a vast jungle which everybody who could abandoned.

“We have been writing these last four years,” wrote the crown officers, February 26, 1534, “that the island is becoming depopulated, the gold is diminishing, the Indians are gone.  Some new gold deposits were discovered in 1532, and as much as 20,000 pesos were extracted.  We thought this would contribute to the repeopling of the island, but the contrary has happened.  The people, ruined by the hurricanes of the year 1530, thinking that they might find other gold deposits, bought negroes on credit at very high prices to search for them.  They found none, and have not been able to pay their creditors.  Some are fugitive in the mountains, others in prison, others again have stolen vessels belonging to the Administration and have gone with their negroes no one knows where.  With all this and the news from Peru, not a soul would remain if they were not stopped.”

When the news of the fabulous riches discovered in Peru reached this island, the desire to emigrate became irresistible.  Governor Lando wrote to the emperor, February 27, 1534:  " ...  Two months ago there came a ship here from Peru to buy horses.  The captain related such wonderful things that the people here and in San German became excited, and even the oldest settlers wanted to leave.  If I had not instantly ordered him away the island would have been deserted. I have imposed the death penalty on whosoever shall attempt to leave the island.”

On July 2d he wrote again:  " ...  Many, mad with the news from Peru, have secretly embarked in one or other of the numerous small ports at a distance from the city.  Among the remaining settlers even the oldest is constantly saying:  ‘God help me to go to Peru.’  I am watching day and night to prevent their escape, but can not assure you that I shall be able to retain the people.