in all matters of government and war, that both through experience and observation he can inform your Majesty as one who has seen both all these islands and the Malucas, and as far as Malaca; because he took part and embarked in all the fleets [sent against] the invasions of the Dutch enemy, that have been gathered in these islands since he was a young lad.  We assure ourselves of great results for the increase of Christianity in these islands, the welfare of this community, and your Majesty’s service, by his going and management. [In the margin:  “Seen.”]

Captain Juan Sarmiento, chancellor of this royal Audiencia, is the legitimate son of Captain Pedro Sarmiento (one of the first conquistadors and settlers of these islands), and one of the most valiant captains who has served your Majesty herein, as will appear more authoritatively by his papers.  He is married to a daughter of Licentiate Tellez de Almacan, who was an auditor who came to establish this Audiencia for the second time.  And even were he not so worthy in his person, he was sufficiently so to be worthy of your Majesty showing him very great favors.  For we recognize in the said auditor a judge truly upright and Christian, and so in harmony with divine and human laws, that these islands will ever cherish his memory.  God our Lord has given him abundance of sons and daughters, so that this city is ennobled by such progeny and posterity.  He deserves honor from your Majesty, and aid, in order that he may become more prosperous and not less. [In the margin:  “Consult the memorial.”]

Since we are so loyal vassals and chaplains of your Majesty, it grieves us and rends our soul to see the damage done to your Majesty’s royal treasury, because there are not any faithful officials to execute the so pious and excellent order that was decreed and determined by the royal decrees of your Majesty, and by the glorious progenitors of your Majesty; especially in regard to the money that passes annually from Nueva Espana to these islands.  We inform your Majesty that, besides the permission of the four hundred thousand pesos that your Majesty has given for the inhabitants of this city, it is certain that two millions are brought.  That sum is brought from Nueva Espana by companies and agents who call themselves inhabitants of Mexico; and your judges and officials [there] allow them to pass, and dis-simulate because of the great profit that falls to them in Acapulco.  The efforts are not made in this city either that could be made by those who ought to make them.  Accordingly, having seen this so great loss, both to your Majesty and to the inhabitants of this city, in assemblies of the orders that the reverend bishop, governor of this archbishopric, called on petition of the city, censures were issued, ordering no one to employ the money of the inhabitants of Nueva Espana or Piru, thinking that that would be an efficient remedy.  But experience has demonstrated that it has been of no effect, for all have employed that money and no one has been denounced.  This needs, a stringent remedy, and there is no other except to carry out fittingly what was ordered by your Majesty, by appointing trustworthy officials of Christian spirit and well-known zeal for your Majesty’s service. [In the margin:  “Let them be advised of what decision was made in this.”]