it to some one else.  This I did, giving the position to him who was sergeant-major of the camp.  After these changes, I had his property seized.  This compelled him to attend to the account, and he began to be willing to hand it in, as appears very clearly in the report of his trial, which accompanies this.  It might be well that I should not habitually show similar lenity; but in this case there could be naught but compassion felt, as he had no judgment whatever. [15] I was therefore moved; and, by his Majesty’s favor, this captain of artillery has an encomienda of more than a thousand men, near this city.  This I have had set aside for him, and have commanded that he support himself from half the tributes thereof; likewise his clothes, and weapons, and his servants, were left to him.  He asked permission to go to Espana, saying that he was married, and that he had not seen his wife for twenty years.  His Majesty will command what shall be provided in this case.

In the investigation of the former captain of artillery (appointed by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, at Puerto de la Navidad), inasmuch as no bonds were taken from this soldier, I have attached the property of Miguel Lopez, and that of the officials, for not having attended to their duty in this regard.  After seeing the account and investigation of this matter made by the officials of the royal estate, I decided to transfer the blame to the account of Miguel Lopez, and to seize his goods for the same reason.

At my arrival here, Guido de Lavazares had allotted Indians to the officials of the royal estate.  When I entered upon my office, they sent to ask his Majesty for permission to hold them.  They were answered by a decree, which was shown to me when I came, which declared that this could not be allowed.  For this reason I placed all their salaries to the account of the royal crown, to which they still belong.  Salvador de Aldave presented a petition, saying that he is not a proprietary official, but merely holds the office of treasurer until another shall be provided in his place.  This was done in order that his Indians should not be taken away; and on this account I have allowed him to keep them.  They have all appealed, asking that your Majesty declare his pleasure.  I wish that the officials of the royal estate would apply themselves more to their duties, and the exercise of diligence therein, as is very needful where there is so much to be administered; and that they should be free from other obligations and have no other means of earning a support.

As his Majesty will have already understood, I have declared that neither the officers nor other persons here can give bonds.  The labors here are and have been those of which your Majesty will have knowledge.  One and all have served your Majesty for many years, and as soldiers and among soldiers.  If there should be any fault in the papers, I beg your Majesty to extend his mercy to all, and to deign to forget these errors.  May your Majesty be pleased to pardon me this boldness, and to command that the accounts be examined.  May replies be sent by the first ship and any faults of mine which may be found therein be pardoned, and all necessary instructions be furnished to me.