They make more trouble than even arises from the ignorance of their duties, since that does not prevent them from presuming that they know everything.  For lack of another and better remedy—­and one from which no trouble would arise—­it would not be bad for those who come here to fill such places to be started [in their duties] and to be taught methods and usages by the auditors of Mexico, at least during the time while they are detained there; for it is a pity to see their deficiencies in this regard, and even more the qualifications that I have mentioned in this and other letters.  The eye that was left to us in this Audiencia, whereby we could see and direct ourselves to the light, God chose to take from us, by the death of Andres de Alcaraz.  We were left with very great grief at the loss of so wise and prudent an associate, and at his not having had so great prudence at his death (at which time one needs more) as he showed during his life and government, and in governing himself; for he died without receiving the holy sacraments.  However, one who was sick so long, it is believed, would have often received communion, since at the end he did not do so.  Neither did he dispose of his possessions, which were not few.  Of that Doctor Don Alvaro de Mesa, probate judge, will advise and inform your Majesty.  May God keep him in heaven, as we scarcely doubt He will.

[Marginal note:  “This section is answered in the preceding ones.  With your prudence you shall try to direct affairs so that the service of God our Lord shall be accomplished, and that the good results that are demanded shall be secured by your person.”]

18th.  With this reason, I again represent to your Majesty and lay before you, as I have done at other times, that I may die; for even if my subjection to death were not so natural, and more liable to accident, as in one who holds offices exposed to the dangers of sea and war, I suffer at times from lack of health; and no matter how poor may be the head, it leaves a lack in any body.  Your Majesty has no auditors here who can govern, even in affairs of only justice and peace; for at times they prove deficient therein.  Had Don Hieronimo de Silva been absent at such a time—­as he has told me that he desires and has requested leave of your Majesty for it—­I do not know to whom I could leave the charge of military matters, who would bind himself to such trouble (and even impossibility) as would be the necessity of obeying, pleasing, and satisfying such leaders.

Until your Majesty shall appoint persons to the government of Terrenate or to the position of master-of-camp of this place, who, in such case [i.e., the death of the governor], might act in this capacity—­providing for it by the usual methods and appointments, or as might be more pleasing to your Majesty—­I cannot find here any person whose ability for this is equal to that of the archbishop.  He is a man of force, system, and executive ability; and, in my