But, in the case of the Chinese [it is] the greed for the eight pesos that each one pays for the license to remain in the country, and the excessive profits gained by the numerous agents of justice whom the governors have introduced, unnecessarily and in violation of what your Majesty has so piously ruled and ordained—­namely, that only those remain who cannot be spared for the service of the country, and it is certain that we cannot live without them.  If your Majesty’s decrees were observed, all would be well managed, and we would live more comfortably and in less fear of them than we now have.  I do not know, Sire, what expedient can be adopted in this.  I know only that it is advisable to execute the orders of your Majesty’s royal decrees, for that was the care and anxiety of the former archbishops and of the entire community, who always petitioned for this same thing.  Hence I am surprised that your Majesty has not ordered that what restraint you are able to place should be imposed, so that your royal decrees be obeyed.  I do not know for what reason (since all or nearly all of them concern the good government and advantage of these wretched inhabitants) they are directed either against the governors, the Audiencia, or their agents, tying their hands with their prohibitions.  Since they are the executors of the decrees, it results that nothing is done.  Even the city is very much interested in this matter of the Chinese remaining, in order to get their profits and rents in their alcaicerias.  Hence I do not think that it would be worth while to petition for [limitation of] the number of the Chinese, unless your Majesty assign that number.  Truly, with four or five thousand Chinese, the community would be well served and the country free from danger. [Marginal note:  “Have a letter sent to the governor, telling him of this, but not the writer; and that since he has charge of so important a matter, he must see that the decrees and orders that have been issued regarding this be obeyed.  He shall advise us of what shall be done, so that the Council may understand the matter.”]

There have been many complaints, in regard to the allotment of encomiendas, from the old and worthy soldiers who have spent their lives and blood in your Majesty’s service.  It has already been enacted in this matter, by royal decrees, what must be done.  The relief that I find is for your Majesty to be pleased to order strictly that the regulations made in regard to it be obeyed. [Marginal note:  “Have the governor notified to obey what is decreed regarding this.”]

For the last two years it has been customary in these islands for private persons residing here who have money and protection to despatch their own small ships both to Macan and to Malaca, Sian, Camboja, and other parts of this archipelago.  Since they have the authority, they send the best sailors that we have here in those ships.  Thus it occurs that we can get no hands, nor even the best soldiers, when it