the least to
the sum above named, and in the form most pleasing to your Majesty,
or in the following mode. Let your Majesty order ten posts to be
provided, of the value of one hundred and fifty pesos apiece, for men
of moderate rank who have served well, and are unmarried; another ten
posts, of two hundred pesos apiece, for others who, besides having
performed good service, and being deserving men, are in greater need
because of being burdened with a wife and children and a household;
and another ten posts, with three hundred and fifty pesos apiece,
for other men, who have performed greater duties and services. Still
another ten posts, with three hundred and fifty pesos apiece, should
be set aside for men of rank and service, who are not remunerated
or employed, and have served, in either these or other regions; and
who come hither, as aforesaid, with the desire of continuing in your
Majesty's service, and who are in need--either by reason of not having
provision for so many, or because of the short time that they have
spent here. These last complain much, and beg that something be given
them, or that they be given employment, for they think that they are
deprived of it. Therefore I beg that your Majesty will command this,
as it is of so great importance, and a matter by which God and your
Majesty will be so well served. Thus these men will be kept in hope,
and come here willingly, with the resolution to serve upon all
occasions that arise; while others will be incited to come to these
regions, and to serve in them, by the knowledge of this provision. And
if some of these men should go upon expeditions, or be given employment
in other greater things, others will take their places and posts. In
this way the governor will be able to provide and remunerate those
for whom there are no judicial posts to be given. Also this plan will
do away with annoyance to the governor, and even the danger that, if
this plan be not followed, he might be persuaded or incited, by the
importunity of claimants, to make appointments differently from what
is advisable. It will be well to specify and note that such rewards
and gratifications are not to be given only to those who have spent
years of service in the country; for some have been engaged for the
most part in making collections in the encomiendas and in services
that can be paid and rewarded with very little, and perhaps they even
deserve punishment rather than reward, for some of their