entire city and camp, have been forced to examine
and deliberate upon the danger of these lands, the condition of which
is daily becoming worse. Both in private talks and in assemblies called
for that purpose, the remedy for these troubles has been discussed;
and all, with one voice and unanimously, agreed that there was nothing
else to do but to send the said father to discuss these matters with
your Majesty. For they have this confidence in him through their long
experience, not only in the two so grave affairs above mentioned,
but in all the more common matters which have been generally attended
to by the said father, since his arrival at these islands; and since
all of them are satisfied as to his proved virtue and religion,
the impartial manner in which he attends to matters, his energy and
executive ability, and his learning, whenever these qualifications are
needed. Especially they recognize the love that he has ever manifested
toward these lands, and the special eagerness with which he exerts
himself in your Majesty's affairs, and in establishing and increasing
your titles and rights to new conquests and pacifications--his reasons
therefor being the great service that will accrue to God in this way,
and your Majesty's obligation to make the conquests for the welfare
and remedy of so many souls. For these and other reasons and motives
which they know, all, unanimously--secular, clergy, religious,
municipal government, and Audiencia--have requested most urgently
that the said father go upon this mission to your Majesty. After much
hesitation--because of the vacancy that his absence will cause in
our religious community, and for the sake of the common welfare of
all this country; and because of the dislike that I have ever found
in him to meddle in such distractions and labors, so contrary to his
inclination (which has ever been that of one desirous of retreat)--I
was willing to excuse him from such a duty, thinking that he would
serve God, your Majesty, and these your lands, no less here. But, in
addition to the general demand of the whole community, I was ordered
by a decree of your Audiencia, which I could not or ought not resist;
and therefore he is going. I beseech your Majesty to receive this
little service from this religious order of yours, and from this
house; and from my poor will and that which the father takes, to
succeed in everything in serving your Majesty, knowing how great is
the service done to Go