[Marginal note:  “It is well.  In these relations and reports made by the Audiencia, charge them in the assembly that they try to make them with the exactness and integrity that the case requires.  Inasmuch as the importunity and presumption of the parties necessitates at times that unsuitable things be said or done, the remedy for that will be for you to send—­in a separate letter, that treats only of this matter—­an annual relation of the persons who have had their reports taken under color of remuneration for services.  You shall say of each one whatever offers; and here the necessary secrecy will be maintained.  Although you have been informed at length regarding this matter, inasmuch as it is an essential point you are again charged with it.”]

38th.  On finishing the present despatch, I shall do what your Majesty orders me to do, together with the archbishop, both of us summoning the provincials of the orders who reside here, and charging them with the reformation of the matters contained in the section that treats of this.

He who made such a relation to your Majesty might have made it more complete by saying what is so true, that there are in these orders (in which also there are those of every sort, as in all countries), religious so virtuous and exemplary that if laymen did not divert and engage them in their affairs, they would, I believe, work miracles.  But they are so importuned that many cannot stay in their cells; nor do those who go to their cells to disturb them leave them until they negotiate with them what they desire.  It might easily happen that any one who had received an unmerited favor from their hand, gave pay for it by such a relation, which is the one practiced here.  The relation that I can make for your Majesty is, that there are among them men very pentitent and of most exemplary life, and of great utility for souls; and also others who render vain any merits in one who does not fulfil their command and will.  If it has been said that they distress the Indians, this is not to be believed of all of them, for most of them at most times respond with great charity and love to the defense of the natives of their districts, even when the latter are of such a nature that almost all do not care to have this protection.

In what pertains to your Majesty’s service, according to what I have experienced, I can say that thus far all the orders—­each one in what concerns it generally—­have often responded well, for which I render them many thanks.  The fact is, that since that does not keep them satisfied in all matters (for that is impossible), I have found the secret for this particular, namely, to refer everything to the religious of the district where such [i.e., personal, by the Indians] service is rendered to your Majesty, making them masters and intermediaries in the pay, which takes precedence of all else, as I have done.  Everything is executed in a wonderful and perfect manner; but without this expedient, there