ithstand them much damage is experienced; and we
see ourselves in great troubles and hardships, tied hand and foot,
because the ecclesiastics and religious interfere in everything. They
rebel against and hinder the accomplishment of your Majesty's
commands; and even among themselves they have many dissensions and
disagreements. It is a pitiable state of affairs, and even if it were
for no other purpose than to moderate these excesses and licenses of
powerful persons, it would be best to have here the royal Audiencia,
which your Majesty ordered to be suppressed. I beseech your Majesty,
as I likewise urged from Nueva Spana, in the report which your Majesty
already has, that in case the royal Audiencia is not reestablished, a
remedy be provided. There should be someone to oppose the ecclesiastics
in a land so far away from the Audiencia of Mexico; for, no matter
what question is sent there for decision, at least two years must
elapse before despatches can be returned.

The bishop is very much missed in this land by all the ecclesiastics;
and it would be very beneficial for the future if he should come
this year with the arms sent from Nueva Spana. May God bring them,
although they are already late in arriving. If they should fail to
come, great need would be felt everywhere. All these islands are
now pacified, and the only need is for ministers of the gospel,
on account of the many heathen who are without instruction. Many
of the Spaniards who people the land and come here for its defense,
die here. Thus we are in need, as I have said.

The college [36] founded by the fathers of the Society for the
education of Spaniards in this city, at the expense of your Majesty's
exchequer, is now closed, by the new contract which was made with
Captain Estevan Rodriguez de Figueroa regarding the patronage which
was given him from this house and college. According to the wish of
your Majesty, this work was changed into a college for natives which
they wished to found. The same income of one thousand pesos a year has
been assigned them, in addition to the fourth of the tribute paid where
there is no instruction, and other sums from similar sources. I think
it would be well to further this work; for besides the receiving of
a good education by the sons of natives, which would strengthen them
greatly in the things of the Christian religion and right living, it
would be a hidden blessing to have the sons of the principal natives
in this c