The seminary for girls of Sancta Potenciana which was commenced by my father in pursuance of your Majesty’s orders is now finished, thanks be to God.  It is one of the most splendid buildings of this city, and for some days the cloister has been occupied by the mother superior and by some good women of this town, who with holy zeal and in the desire of serving God in retreat and solitude, have entered there.  Their sincerity and integrity of life was proved before their entering the convent, which is thereby greatly benefited.  By the good example of these women, and the influence of their virtue, retirement, and modesty, I have no doubt that the girls who are now there, and those who shall enter hereafter, will be greatly benefited and improved in the service of God.  The advantage of such good surroundings must aid in their improvement and help them in marriage, thus accomplishing the end for which the holy zeal of your Majesty was striving in founding this work so pleasing to God.  In this connection it should be said, that since this establishment is so meritorious and necessary in this commonwealth, which is young and poor, and greatly in need of a general fund for the public honor and welfare, its maintenance and perpetuity should be assured.  The establishment entails little expense, and the work has been carried on according to your Majesty’s orders, without burdening the royal exchequer; and hence the gain has been great.  The opportunity is no less favorable which is now offered your Majesty to employ your liberal and royal hand in favoring and aiding this seminary with an income.  Thus by its increase will God our Lord, be glorified, by the exercise of charity.  Daily prayers are held there for your Majesty, that God may grant you many happy years of this life, and life everlasting.  There are now about thirty persons in the seminary, and others are entering every day.

Another holy work has, by the favor of the Lord, been established in this town in these days; and I hope that His Divine Majesty is no less pleased by it, than by that which I have just described.  It is very similar to that and is a confraternity of mercy in which there have entered as brethren the most illustrious and prominent persons of this city.  The object thereof, in conformity with its appellation of mercy, is to exercise the latter in all the works and occasions which may arise, of which there is no lack, as this land of yours is so poor.  As I say, this confraternity is occupied in feeding all the worthy poor, of whom there are many; and in arranging marriages for orphan girls, the daughters of the conquistadors and of persons who have served your Majesty and died in the royal service, leaving their children without inheritance, in poverty and bereavement.  These are persons to whom your Majesty owes a recompense; and any favor to this confraternity is granted to them and to all this community.  It also persuades people to come willingly to settle here from other parts, as they