Translations:  The first and third documents are translated by Jose M. and Clara M. Asensio; the second, by Alfonso de Salvio, of Harvard University, and Emma Helen Blair; the fourth, by Arthur B. Myrick, of Harvard University; the fifth, by James A. Robertson; the sixth, by Rev. T. C. Middleton, O.S.A., of Villanova College; the seventh, by Alfonso de Salvio.

LETTER FROM PENALOSA TO FELIPE II

Royal Catholic Majesty: 

There has now returned one of the ships by which I wrote in the year 80.  Until now no word has been received of the other ship to Nueva Espana, in which I sent a duplicate report.  Therefore in this letter I shall refer to some of the most essential points which I had written, and will give a report also of what is presented for the first time.

This country is advancing rapidly in the conversion of the natives, and they are quick to embrace baptism and the knowledge of our holy faith.  If the harvest is not greater, it is for lack of workers.  However, the repartimientos held by the Spaniards contain but few persons and yield small income; and thus they cannot assist in supplying all the instruction necessary, because of the cost of maintaining the religious.  In this ship sail two religious of the order of St. Augustine, in order to beseech your Majesty to grant them grace in several necessary points.  One is father Fray Juan Pimentel, in whom are found many excellent qualities.  Among the things that they desire, I consider it very important that your Majesty order convents to be built in all the villages and cities.  There should be a convent of six religious in each of the villages, and one of twelve in the cities.  May your Majesty see to it that these be provided, from the alms which are customarily given to those who serve in the instruction of your Majesty’s towns.  It is very inconvenient that for lack of the means of support, the priests who are sent here and are occupied in instructing the Indians, are not able to carry on their work.  If there were convents, none but the most approved persons would be sent to occupy them, as is necessary for the result that they strive to attain by their doctrine, lives, and examples.

It is very necessary that the friars who are sent to these islands come directly from Espana, and that they have not remained any length of time in Nueva Espana.  As that land is so prosperous and wealthy, and the affairs and teaching of the Indians have attained such progress, they become much discouraged in this country, and try to return to New Spain or go elsewhere.