Item:  The governors have appointed captains, masters-of-camp, and all sorts of military officers among the natives.  They allow them to have company colors, and finally are teaching them how to fight after our manner.  That means, even if we should need the Indians, naught else than to awaken one who sleeps, until what he has practiced becomes his purpose.

Item:  The Portuguese of Malaca carry to the islands many slaves—­negroes, for the most part.  Those are generally the worst ones that they have, and they are drunkards, thieves, and fugitives, who take to highway robbery; and they endanger the country considerably, because of their number.  Will your Highness be pleased to order that no one of the said negroes or slaves be carried thither, when twelve years old or over, under penalty of confiscation; and that that order be rigorously executed.

Item:  That when the governor or auditors leave their offices they give their residencias in person; for this is of great importance, so that they may have fear in giving the residencia. [97] It it also advisable that public suits, both civil and criminal, be prosecuted and concluded in course of appeal and petition in the royal Chancilleria of Manila; for it disheartens all to have to come so many thousands of leguas, or to send with so great expense and hardship.  Consequently their grievances continue; and many, although they seek redress, have not the means to obtain it.  The said governors, inasmuch as they represent your Highness, should treat the citizens with respect, and not use abusive language to them, nor insult and affront them—­as they have often done, so that certain men have all but died of grief.  The governors have even exposed the citizens to great danger, by not treating them well by word of mouth.  Will your Highness please order the said governors to be very restrained; and, should any merit it, that he be punished as your Highness has ordered by your laws.

Item:  Because of the increase of business in the city of Manila, and the number of inhabitants, it is necessary for the proper despatch of business to have one or two more notaries-public.

In regard to the prompt despatch and equipment necessary for your Highness’s two vessels that sail on that line with the trade and merchandise of that kingdom for Nueva Espana (which involves the most important affairs of that kingdom), the reform and careful management required by that despatch are very necessary and worthy of great consideration; for during the last ten years they have managed that just as they pleased, most often despatching the ships beyond the time when they were formerly despatched, and often poorly equipped and overladen.  Consequently many vessels were wrecked with a great amount of property, in which your Highness has also lost much.  And the citizens of Manila, when they might be very prosperous and wealthy, are, thanks to him who has despatched the vessels, very needy and poor—­so much so, that they could not collect a gratuity to give me.  Since it is a matter of so great importance, if your Highness be pleased to order the observance of the plan that I shall set forth in these articles, as a person who has so great experience in it, and which has been for some time in my charge, the necessary remedy will be applied in the following manner.