84.  The hospitals, especially that for the Spaniards, ought to be greatly favored, as they are the asylums for all the needy.  The same is true of the house of Santa Potenciana.

Affairs of war

85.  Those in authority must not give the companies or other garrisons into the charge of their relatives, friends, or servants, especially if they are mere youths and of but little experience.  This is a notorious wrong, since there are so many deserving men who are suffering and dying from hunger.

86.  Every man in the royal garrison must serve in case of war, and none should be excused because of being a relative, servant, or friend, or for any other reason.  There are many who are thus excused.

87.  The captains and officers ought to be more painstaking in disciplining and drilling their soldiers, and in knowing what arms they possess, and whether they are in good condition.  The men should be well treated, disciplined, and thoroughly under control.  They should not gamble away or sell their clothes or arms.

88.  When a soldier commits any crime for which he merits punishment, his captain must not hide or palliate the offense, in order to save him from prison or from being punished—­as is done quite commonly, to the great injury of all.

89.  It is indispensable that the walls and fort should be always kept in repair and garrisoned.

90.  The same is true in regard to the artillery, of which there should be a good supply, but of which there is at present a great lack.

91.  Warships ready for any emergency are needed; but at present we have none.

92.  There are but few arms in the armory, and those few are rotten and out of order.  This need is notorious; and all classes of weapons, especially muskets and arquebuses, must be made.

93.  Carrying arms out of the country must be prohibited.  This is done quite commonly by the Portuguese and by the natives, and is a proceeding which causes great injury.

94.  Gunners are greatly needed, as we have but few of them, and these few do not understand artillery.

95.  The artillery is badly mounted, and left exposed to sun and rain.  The caissons and wheels are rotted and of no use.  Balls and cartridges are all mixed up; besides, none of the other supplies are laid out so that they can be used when occasion (much more a sudden emergency) may require.

96.  The gunpowder should always be well refined, and stored in different places, and not in one house, in order to prevent accidents.  This should be done with the other ammunition.

97.  The soldiers’ lodgings at the garrison need rebuilding, as they are inadequate to the needs of the men, who will not then suffer their present necessities.  Also this will do away with their disorderly conduct in the city by day, and especially that at night.

98.  It is extremely necessary to adopt some system with regard to payment, so that the soldiers would not squander it in gambling.  A portion should be retained and paid out each day for food and clothing.  Through this lack of system much suffering has resulted, and many soldiers have died.  Consequently many are unfit to serve.