did the best he could, and could do no better, and accordingly I believe him.  He likewise wrote me to send him some information in regard to this matter.  What I have done is to appoint eight persons from the most honored of this colony, and disinterested in the matter of partnership, to make the allotment among the citizens, as is done with the cargo, considering what is most expedient and most just and satisfactory for the people; and it has been so done.  I have allotted to the distributers themselves their own part because I was not willing that they should allot it.  I have sent the memorandum to the viceroy.  Your Majesty will be pleased to order that the said allotment be made in accordance therewith, as well as the licenses; and that, this be continued from year to year; for it is most expedient, and with it there will be less uncertainty and fraud.

The royal treasury of these islands is in great need of inspection and reform.  It should be put in good order and well regulated; for, according to the officials, there are no ordinances, nor is there proper government and administration for the property.  Although I do what I can to maintain it, some measure must be taken in this regard which will be more radical and put it on an entirely different footing from the present one.  The original inspection made in past years was by the factor, Francisco de las Missas, alone.  I have this in my possession, and a copy of it was sent to the Council by Doctor Morga, who took it.  As the commission for the inspection of the other officers—­delivered to me in order that the late licentiate Cambrano, might make it—­covers only the time of four months (which is not even a long enough period to look over the papers), I instructed them to take a further adjournment, so that this vacancy in the inspector’s office should not cause the neglect of necessary work; and accordingly I am doing so at present.  Your Majesty will command according to your pleasure.

It has likewise seemed best to give your Majesty an account of the inexpediency of appointing as inspector of the auditors any of their companions, especially those who have exercised that office at the same time with them, and given judgment in the same affairs; for if one of them has acted unjustly, the other one may have done so as well, and might not perform his duty in reprimanding or inspecting those whom he should.  Your Majesty will order as is most expedient.

In the despatches which I have sent from here since I arrived via Nueva Hespana, I have advised your Majesty of the great difficulty which lies in the appointment by the viceroy of Mexico of persons there, as the commanders, admirals, and other officials who come and go on the ships; and how important it was that they should be appointed here from those who have here served your Majesty, for the reasons which I there gave, as your Majesty will command to be examined.  The same matter confronts me now, and every day I