The sureties have not fulfilled their agreements; and, although I have commanded them to give bonds, they do not nor can they do so, as all are soldiers in this country.  The best remedy is for his Majesty to command that accounts be audited every year.  Thus I have ordered, and they have been audited to the year seventy-six, and accompany this present report.  For this reason most of all should the officials give bonds, that they are in charge of various small matters and transactions for which I am not sufficient security.  Accordingly, although they have not yet furnished bonds, I have refrained from enforcing this order, until his Majesty shall decide what he wishes done.  Guido de Lavazares had appointed Salvador de Aldave as treasurer; and he still holds the position until your Majesty shall make provision therefor.  Guido de Lavazares does not wish the office; nor do I think that he is capable of filling an office which requires the keeping of documents.

In investigating the accounts of the officials, execution was levied on their goods, some of which have been entered in the royal treasury.  I have commanded half of their salaries to be issued them for their support, and no more, until your Majesty shall provide accordingly.  Some slaves, clothing, and bedding were left to them, the same being considered as deposits in the name of the royal estate.  His property was left to Guido de Lavazares, but no salary, since that is drawn by another man, who holds his office.  I offered to give him an encomienda for his support; but he did not wish it, and asked me for permission to leave this country.  I showed to him a clause of the instructions regarding the accounts, which said that close watch must be kept over those who were under surveillance; that, if it were not for that clause, I would permit him to go; and that I would immediately inform your Majesty thereof.  I also give information regarding the tributes from the provinces of Bites and Lubao, and elsewhere, which Guido de Lavazares collected for himself.  His property was confiscated, to which act his wife was opposed, and also the properties of persons deceased of which there were many.  Some of these were placed in the royal treasury, together with another portion, sent from the payments from the valley of Purao.  All is set down in the accounts, as is everything concerning this matter, with the proceedings therein.

On continuing the investigation, it was found that property had been delivered to the person serving in the office of captain of artillery.  When an account was demanded from him, it was many months before he was obliged to give it, as may be seen by his petitions accompanying the record of his trial.  After waiting six or seven months (I shall not mention here all the words spoken), and on seeing that he was so reluctant to present his account and explanation, I took advantage of a petition which he had made—­in which he resigned his office, and begged that I give