are common and ignorant, and care very little for the circumstances.  The Governor is very much hated by all of them, and it is to be feared that they may at some time rebel.  If this should occur, which God forbid, the remedy for the matter would then be difficult:  and so it would be if injustice were used toward them, either here or in other places, with the great fame of the gold.  My opinion is that his Highness should investigate this affair quickly and by means of a person who is interested and who can go there with 150 or 200 people well equipped, and remain there until it is well settled and without suspicion, which cannot be done in less than three months:  and that an endeavour be made to raise two or three forces there.  The gold there is exposed to great risk, as there are very few people to protect it.  I say that there is a proverb here which says that the presence of the owner makes the horse fat.  Here and wherever I may be, I shall serve their Highnesses with joy, until my soul leaves this body.

“Above I said that his Highness is the head of the Christians, and that it is necessary for him to occupy himself in preserving them and their lands.  For this reason people say that he cannot thus provide a good government for all these Indies, and that they are being lost and do not yield a profit, neither are they being handled in a reasonable manner.  In my opinion it would serve him to intrust this matter to some one who is distressed over the bad treatment of his subjects.

“I wrote a very long letter to his Highness as soon as I arrived here, fully stating the evils which require a prompt and efficient remedy at once.  I have received no reply, nor have I seen any provision made in the matter.  Some vessels are detained in San Lucar by the weather.  I have told these gentlemen of the Board of Trade that they must order them held until the King, our Lord, makes provision in the matter, either by some person with other people, or by writing.  This is very necessary and I know what I say.  It is necessary that the authorities should order all the ports searched diligently, to see that no one goes yonder to the Indies without licence.  I have already said that there is a great deal of gold collected in straw houses without any means of defence, and there are many disorderly people in the country, and that the Governor is hated, and that little punishment is inflicted and has been inflicted upon those who have committed crimes and have come out with their treasonable conduct approved.

     “If his Highness decides to make some provision, it must be done at
     once, so that these vessels may not be injured.

“I have heard that three Bishops are to be elected and sent to Espanola.  If it pleases his Highness to hear me before concluding this matter, I will tell in what manner God our Lord may be well served and his Highness served and satisfied.

     “I have given lengthy consideration to the provision for Espanola:”