lead an apostolic
life. It is very necessary for your Majesty to send friars from all
the orders--especially the Franciscans, and many of them, for they
live among the Indians, and we need not support them. Your Majesty's
only expense, so far as they are concerned, will be certain articles
for their vestments, from Nueva Espana. I entreat your Majesty to
provide for this most carefully, for it is necessary.

113. When I arrived, there were two ecclesiastics, one of whom died
of disease, and one only is left. Many are needed. The ecclesiastics
complain of the friars sent them. During my term all will be peace.

114. There is a decree of concession in these islands, issued
by your Majesty, to the effect that for ten years your Majesty's
fifth of the gold should be made one-tenth. [11] The city claims
that this concession is continued. As all are soldiers and are
poor, it is necessary and just that your Majesty concede this in
this instance. Likewise there is exemption for thirty years from
customs. This amounts to a mere pittance here, and what is brought
hither or carried away belongs to the soldiers, who support themselves
with this help; for they are given nothing, except a few encomiendas to
some, and rations to others who are poor and sick; and these customs
duties should be allowed to all, to prevent them from begging.

115. Up to the present time there have been no duties on exports
or imports, or any other duties. And as I came during so hard
times, and the people were so poor and few I did not dare to impose
them. It seems to me too soon to talk of duties until it can be made
profitable. This amounts to but a small sum, and whatever is brought
from China by the vessels is but a small matter; and if we did not
treat them well, they would not return. Deprived of what they bring,
we would suffer. Therefore I mean to defer this until we have some
galleys fitted up, and possess a firmer grip in this country,

116. In this island the natives have a quantity of gold, in the form
of jewelry, with which they trade. There are many reports of gold
mines. Because it is reported that the best mines are those in the
province of Ylocos, I sent thither the sergeant-major from this camp
with forty arquebusiers. He reached those mines, and reports that they
are located in a very rough country, twenty leagues inland; that the
way thither is obstructed by great forests; and that the country is
very cold, and has great pine fore