Since my arrival, I have had the care of the hospitals of this city, ordered to me by your Majesty in one of your royal decrees received this year.  The hospitals are in charge of the discalced religious of St. Francis.  I do not doubt that if there were some brothers of [St.] John of God here, they would administer them better; but I have not found them in these islands as yet.  I am charging the fathers to look after them carefully, and I personally visit and aid the sick whenever my occupations admit; and I wish that that were often. [In the margin:  “Thank him, and tell him to continue what he is doing, since it is not advisable to send any of those brothers at present.”]

I wrote at length my opinion in regard to the spiritual matters of the convents and orders, and at present nothing especial occurs 10 me of which to advise your Majesty. [In the margin:  “Seen.”]

The characters of Juan Ruiz de Escalona, treasurer of the royal revenues of these islands, and of the accountant, Martin Ruiz de Salazar, are excellent.  They attend to their duties with all punctuality and earnest zeal, which deserve from your Majesty the favor that all who comply with their obligations may hope from your royal hand.  They are informing you of their especial petitions, and hence I shall not go into greater detail. [In the margin:  “Let persons of these abilities be kept in mind.”]

The inspector who was assigned to this royal Audiencia has not come this year because of his lack of health, according to what he writes me.  That is a pity, for it is important to the service of your Majesty that these islands be inspected. [But that should be done] with the mildness and prudence that is proper; for I do not consider it advisable to unearth old matters that now have no redress, and to investigate them will have no other result than to disturb this community. [In the margin:  “That this is already provided.”]

This despatch is being made August 4, one day after the arrival at this port of the ships from Nueva Espana.  Those ships spent just four months in a voyage that can be and usually is made in less than three, and after suffering innumerable storms and maladies—­with the evident risk of leaving these islands without help, because they had not left Nueva Espana a fortnight earlier.  Sire, this government, notwithstanding the strenuous efforts of him who may govern here, will be only, what the viceroys of Nueva Espana wish.  If aid comes in time and is abundant (or at least sufficient), all goes well and affairs progress, for everything is obtained.  If the aid comes late, and does not contain what is necessary, everything is lost and destroyed, as was pointed out more minutely to your Majesty in the letters of war and revenue.  I petition you humbly that—­although I have come to these islands so desirous of furthering their prosperity, but have found them tied down by undertakings and expenses greater than in the time of my predecessors—­since