other auditor.  Both were without capacity for these positions:  and I was confident that they could fill them, because of love for the person who sent them to me.  They both became more vain than they had been.  I forgave them many incivilities, more than I would do with a relation, and their offences were such that they merited another punishment than a verbal reprimand.  Finally they reached such a point that even had I desired, I could not have avoided doing what I did.  The records of the case will prove whether I lie or not.  They rebelled on the island of Jamaica, at which I was as much astonished as I would be if the sun’s rays should cast darkness.  I was at the point of death, and they martyrised me with extreme cruelty during five months and without cause.  Finally I took them all prisoners, and immediately set them free, except the captain, whom I was bringing as a prisoner to their Highnesses.  A petition which they made to me under oath, and which I send you with this letter, will inform you at length in regard to this matter, although the records of the case explain it fully.  These records and the Notary are coming on another vessel, which I am expecting from day to day.  The Governor in Santo Domingo took this prisoner.—­His courtesy constrained him to do this.  I had a chapter in my instructions in which their Highnesses ordered all to obey me, and that I should exercise civil and criminal justice over all those who were with me:  but this was of no avail with the Governor, who said that it was not understood as applying in his territory.  He sent the prisoner to these Lords who have charge of the Indies without inquiry or record or writing.  They did not receive him, and both brothers go free.  It is not wonderful to me that our Lord punishes.  They went there with shameless faces.  Such wickedness or such cruel treason were never heard of.  I wrote to their Highnesses about this matter in the other letter, and said that it was not right for them to consent to this offence.  I also wrote to the Lord Treasurer that I begged him as a favour not to pass sentence on the testimony given by these men until he heard me.  Now it will be well for you to remind him of it anew.  I do, not know how they dare to go before him with such an undertaking.  I have written to him about it again and have sent him the copy of the oath, the same as I send to you and likewise to Doctor Angulo and the Licentiate Zapata.  I commend myself to the mercy of all, with the information that my departure yonder will take place in a short time.

“I would be glad to receive a letter from their Highnesses and to know what they order.  You must procure such a letter if you see the means of so doing.  I also commend myself to the Lord Bishop and to Juan Lopez, with the reminder of illness and of the reward for my services.

“You must read the letters which go with this one in order to act in conformity