You will know my wishes in regard to the sale of the offices from the despatches that have been sent to you, and you shall observe them.

The bulls of crusades and composition, which you say might be applied in those islands, were sent to you; and my royal Council of the Crusade is writing in regard to it.

In remunerating and providing for the deserving, you shall continue to observe the instructions and orders given you.

In regard to what you say about the entrances and new discoveries, and their great necessity in order that the soldiers may be maintained, and their extreme poverty alleviated, this is not the principal end that must be observed, but that of the service of God, and the welfare of the Indians.  Inasmuch as you have the matter in hand, you shall consider what will be most advisable, and you shall accordingly ordain in it what you consider fitting, in accordance with the nature and condition of the country, and the people that you shall have.

You have done very well in applying the proceeds of the merchant’s peso on the Chinese merchandise, and the monopoly of playing-cards, to the wall of that city; and because you have made, for the same purpose, a two per cent assessment and contribution on the citizens and on the Peruvian and Mexican merchandise traded in that land.  And although you report that this two per cent assessment has been made for only one time, you shall continue the collection of this duty, and that on the playing-cards, and the merchant’s peso, until the said fortification is finished.

You shall be very careful to favor the cathedral and hospitals.  You shall advise me of what alms can be given, and to what amount, since you report their, necessity as so great.

I note what you say in regard to the change of lieutenant-governor that you advise, or my giving you permission to appoint another.  In the meantime, until what is deemed advisable is provided in regard to this (which is now being discussed) you shall endeavor to maintain pleasant relations; and shall proceed as is most desirable to the service of God and to mine, and to the welfare of the land.

What pertains to the navigation from those islands will be determined as soon as possible—­namely, whether it shall be at my account, or at that of private individuals, and you shall be advised of the resolution taken.  In either case, you shall send information, now and henceforth, upon all occasions, to my royal Council of the Indias, of all vessels leaving there, and of their registers, with itemized cargo—­as, so much in gold, and so much in merchandise, with the declaration of the different kinds.

You say that you have experienced difficulties and opposition on the part of the encomenderos in establishing the increase of two reals on the tribute of each Indian; and that notwithstanding that they afterward agreed to it, yet they petitioned that they be allowed to collect their tributes in the usual way.  As this does not seem to you advisable, but you desire that they collect with mildness, you shall ordain thus, and it will receive endorsement.