Catholic sovereigns and of their faithful vassals,
the Spanish nation, be neglected.

2. _The great importance of paying the soldiers._ Second: All this
will be remedied, provided that his Majesty order that, inasmuch as
there is an evident and imperative need here for troops, and for their
participation, as now, in the exercise and labors of war--conquering,
pacifying, conserving, controlling, and anticipating dangers; carrying
the responsibilities of presidios [i.e., fortified towns], garrisons,
and sentries; and enduring other duties and hardships, greater in this
country than in any other--they be granted what is just and necessary,
either from the treasury of Mexico or of some other country, or
in such manner and method as his Majesty may consider better; and
that the pay be the ordinary rate that is paid in the Yndias--or,
if he chooses, even less. This will not only put an end to the said
evils and annoyances, but will give rise to so great blessings; since
the country will be quiet and settled, and there will be continual
necessity for subduing and converting more lands, and conquering all
of the neighboring islands and kingdoms. These will have the fear and
respect that they ought to have for the power and might of his Majesty,
and for the Spanish people--of which much has been lost and little
gained of late years, because we have been so shut in and abandoned.

3. _That three hundred and fifty soldiers with six captains, six
standard-bearers, sergeants, and corporals are sufficient for that
country._ Third: For the above object, it will be sufficient that
his Majesty maintain here three hundred or three hundred and fifty
soldiers, with six captains, six standard-bearers, six sergeants,
and twelve corporals, well drilled and equipped. This can be done
in the Yndias at the price of fifteen pesos [to each soldier], and
to the captains fifty, to the standard-bearer twenty-five, and one
thousand pesos of additional pay, to be distributed annually at the
will of the general.

4. _That the soldiers should have no other duty or occupation_. Fourth:
We recommend that any one of the soldiers, on receiving an encomienda
or other appointment, shall draw no more pay; and that while he
draws pay, he shall not be allowed to trade or traffic, under severe
penalties--for this lure and anxiety is the destruction of soldiers;
it lessens and intimidates their resolution, and occupies them and
distracts them from their proper