112.  Although from the letter that I am writing to the viceroy of Mexico one can understand something of what concerns religious instruction and the friars in this country, still I state the matter here as I understand it.  Although, according to their rule, they may hold property in common, they cannot do so here; for the houses are built of wood and bamboo, while there are no other holdings for them.  To all friars, priests, and lay brethren something must be given, so they are each granted an annual income of one hundred pesos, and one hundred fanegas of rice.  I think there is a lack of religious instruction here; for there are only thirteen friars who can say mass, and I am not sure that any one of these understands the language of the natives.  I am told that these islands alone require one thousand priests.  Those friars who are to come here must be men who are missed elsewhere, since they come to lead an apostolic life.  It is very necessary for your Majesty to send friars from all the orders—­especially the Franciscans, and many of them, for they live among the Indians, and we need not support them.  Your Majesty’s only expense, so far as they are concerned, will be certain articles for their vestments, from Nueva Espana.  I entreat your Majesty to provide for this most carefully, for it is necessary.

113.  When I arrived, there were two ecclesiastics, one of whom died of disease, and one only is left.  Many are needed.  The ecclesiastics complain of the friars sent them.  During my term all will be peace.

114.  There is a decree of concession in these islands, issued by your Majesty, to the effect that for ten years your Majesty’s fifth of the gold should be made one-tenth. [11] The city claims that this concession is continued.  As all are soldiers and are poor, it is necessary and just that your Majesty concede this in this instance.  Likewise there is exemption for thirty years from customs.  This amounts to a mere pittance here, and what is brought hither or carried away belongs to the soldiers, who support themselves with this help; for they are given nothing, except a few encomiendas to some, and rations to others who are poor and sick; and these customs duties should be allowed to all, to prevent them from begging.

115.  Up to the present time there have been no duties on exports or imports, or any other duties.  And as I came during so hard times, and the people were so poor and few I did not dare to impose them.  It seems to me too soon to talk of duties until it can be made profitable.  This amounts to but a small sum, and whatever is brought from China by the vessels is but a small matter; and if we did not treat them well, they would not return.  Deprived of what they bring, we would suffer.  Therefore I mean to defer this until we have some galleys fitted up, and possess a firmer grip in this country,