29th.  If it is true, as has been said in regard to these despatches of ships from Terrenate, India, and Nueva Espana, that the relatives and followers of him who made and managed them have profited, now, thanks to God, things are run more openly and honestly, at least in so far as I have authority, and in matters that I can prevent or remedy.  That I do, in such manner that well do my condition and that of my servants attest it; for the latter live on the rations and clothes that I give them now, and they will do so until they be entitled to more as citizens, and not by serving me, or by other merits.  Consequently, I can affirm that the offices that my predecessors have given to the citizens, in fulfilment of your Majesty’s orders, I have granted in the same manner; and have even given them others to which they had no right, either by custom or royal decree.

[Marginal note:  “It is well, and I trust that you will govern yourself in all matters as I expect from your person.”]

30th.  In regard to preferring one’s relatives, I have thus far not done anything that is not strictly in accordance with your Majesty’s service.  Two companies are under one of my cousins and a cousin of my wife, because of their many years of service when I gave those companies to them.  One of them I entrusted with the office of alcalde-mayor in a place where he was, for an interim of four days.  Outside of that I remember nothing more in this particular.

I shall not neglect to tell your Majesty what occurs to me in this matter, so that you may take what measures in it are deemed fitting:  namely, that eight out of ten of the influential men that come here come with the governors, and the other two in various ways and through various causes, and with honorable intents.  Of those other and common men who came to retail what they bought there [i.e., in Espana], those who established a place in order to gamble, and those who came under sentence (and these men are numerous), some, because of having acquired money, try to imitate the men of rank and merits here.  Of a truth there are many of the latter to esteem, and I shall do it, employing each one as he deserves and for what he is suitable.  For that reason, however, it is not advisable that the number of the influential, good and useful men should not continue to increase.  I assure your Majesty that not a few of those whom I brought with me were such, and some of them of qualities no less excellent than those above mentioned possess.  I believe that their deeds will remain and testify as to that.

[Marginal note:  “Observe in this matter what has been written you; and whenever there is any occasion for any of these persons to be employed, advise us of their qualities, and answer will be made regarding them.  In the meantime, furnish a good example, in your good life, discipline, and manner of governing, so that the other people, imitating you, may live as is proper and may obey and observe the commands given them.” In another hand:  “It is well.”]