vessels, notwithstanding that he wrote me afterward that many difficulties stood in the way of the execution of this plan, since the religious opposed it, I caused him to be ordered by my decree, dated June 11, of last year—­the duplicate of which will be given you—­that in spite of that he should continue the plan, according to instructions, of selling by wholesale.  This is what is termed pancada there.  And inasmuch as it appears advisable now, you shall continue the same order.  You shall endeavor to traffic for the said merchandise with other products of the islands, so that the exportation of so much coin as is taken to foreign kingdoms may be avoided as far as possible.  However, since it is my royal purpose and will to have the government of the islands adjusted in this, as in all else, in the manner most conducive to their sure conservation, and desired advancement, I charge you to discuss this matter with the Audiencia and those persons who possess the greatest prudence and experience in those islands.  The latter must be quite disinterested, and anxious to serve God and myself.  After their opinions and yours shall have been heard and considered, you shall advise me specifically of them, so that the most advisable steps may be taken.

This plan in regard to the pancada seems so much more fitting and to be desired, as by means of it, the stay there of Indian retailers who store and retail the goods, will be avoided.  Also many other injuries, expenses, scarcities, secret sins, and witchcrafts, will be avoided, which, as I have been told, are taught there, especially in their shops.  It is said that these shops are necessary for retail trade, and from year to year.  They could be handed over to Spaniards, in order that the profits therefrom may remain among the Spaniards, and in order that the latter may be led to become citizens there in greater numbers.  The Chinese Christians who live there, and other old inhabitants, who are not transients, nor primarily traders, but workmen—­mechanics, carpenters, gardeners, farmers, or other producers of food—­might be allowed to remain.  Altogether this seems worthy of consideration, and hence you are advised to fulfil carefully the decree in regard to the heathen Chinese traders who go there for purposes of trade, not remaining there; and to take care that not so many of them become citizens in those islands.  This latter might be the cause of some trouble.  If you deem it advisable to grant permission and leave to the inhabitants of those islands to go to Japon, Macan, and the other Portuguese or pagan kingdoms and posts, in order to engage in commerce, you may do so, with the opinion and advice of the Audiencia.  You shall be very careful, so that those to whom you grant the said permission be such persons that no trouble or danger is caused to the said trades by their departure.

You shall endeavor to have the Indian chiefs and timaguas make just contracts and divisions with the farmers in order that they may become fond of, and learn our method of farming; and that the Spaniards may have those who can aid them with men and other necessities.  Those Indians are shrewd, and will know how to keep their contracts with the farmers, especially if the latter are simple men, as has been said.  You shall be very careful to procure the introduction of tilling and cultivation of the soil.