but, on the other hand, they have acted with great virtue and as very good ecclesiastics.  When I had consulted the Audiencia, in their session, about the purpose of this voyage, it appeared that it was not quite necessary, and that your Majesty therefore might not approve of it; accordingly, this opinion was stated to the archbishop, with many thanks for his zeal and his kind offer.  According to what I have heard, he was hurt by it; so it appears that he would have liked better that his desires should be realized. [In the margin:  “Examined.”]

I wrote to your Majesty concerning the auditor, Hieronimo de Legaspi, immediately upon arriving here and making his acquaintance, what I heard and saw of his proceedings; I will therefore dispense with repeating that, since I am fulfilling my obligation by what I have already written concerning him to your Majesty, and what I am doing here, on my own part, and shall do, to curb him in his way of life and his lawless acts.  And I do not repeat what might be added, as it is almost all of the same sort as those of which I have written—­being the effects of a depraved character, as is evident, for his will is governed by unfitting motives.  He has, moreover, a son who is accustomed to argue with him, increasing his covetous disposition, although there is no need for that. [In the margin:  “Let the papers in regard to this matter be examined.”]

[In accordance with] what your Majesty has commanded that the archbishop and I should do, calling together the provincials of the orders resident in these islands, notice has been given them concerning the things which your Majesty mentions concerning their methods of procedure, and the incidental exactions and excessive fees which some of them levy upon the Indians—­for masses, burials, and suffrages; [7] for the building of vessels, and of churches and their houses; and for repartimientos and new impositions with which they were loading down and harassing the natives; and charging them with the reformation of this.  It did not seem necessary to the archbishop, but for my part I shall nevertheless carry it out, informing each one of the provincials separately, and trying to further the royal will of your Majesty, without allowing scandal to result by making this public, and difficulties from such things becoming known.  I would already have done so if I were not waiting for an opportune occasion when I should be free from the occupations that I have had—­encounters with enemies, the equipment of vessels, procuring supplies, and the many other things for the service of your Majesty.  These can be attended to only with great difficulty, lacking the favor of the religious orders, [which much be considered] in order not to annoy them; for most of them are very easily irritated, especially those of the Order of St. Dominic.  For, even when they have no cause for displeasure, there is no one who can bring them to reason, since it appears