36th.  All the letters and decrees directed to this royal Audiencia, and your Majesty’s orders therein, will be punctually fulfilled, although in the sale of offices, the city declares that it has sent a petition to your Majesty with representations of the justice in not diminishing here the little that there is with which to reward services.  However, those that might bring a considerable price will be sold, and likewise those that might cause no great difficulty.

[Marginal note:  “It is well.  In these matters of difficulties, you shall observe the order written to you in the preceding section.”]

37th.  I have heard that some of the reports of services and merits that are generally made by order and officially, which your Majesty commands and orders to be made, as is fitting and as is ordered, have been too much exaggerated and favored by the opinions of the Audiencia.  By this new system, and by what I am attempting and shall attempt to fulfil, I hope this will be corrected—­although since the making of these reports is usually divided among the auditors, each one appears to be favorable to his own client.  If they agree in their opinions, this difficulty would scarcely intervene.

Among the reports made and despatched this year are three, seemingly most justifiable.  One is that of Captain Francisco Moreno Donoso, a man of honorable character, and who, as I have understood, has fulfilled his obligations as he should—­both in peace, where he has been esteemed and honored; and in affairs of war that have occurred and have been entrusted to him.  If your Majesty be pleased to occupy him in one of the posts that he desires, and of which the Audiencia expresses its opinion, my opinion is that he deserves it, and will give excellent service.

I cannot refrain from saying the same in the second report, that of Admiral Rodrigo de Guillestegui, for many reasons, especially those that have moved me to what I have written your Majesty in other letters, because of his honored abilities, services, and merits.

Admiral Joan Baptista Molina has no less, but as much as he who deserves them most.  He is an old soldier, having served from his youth, and is as obedient and attentive as when a youth.  He deserves thoroughly what is said in the opinion, but I would be sorry to have him go from here before me, for I am glad to have the aid of soldiers who have always professed the trade of arms.  On that account your Majesty should not neglect to concede him the favor that he requests, for he has also deserved it, as appears from his papers.