ch I find myself, and the
little assistance that I have had from Nueva Espana this year for
the great dangers which confront us, and the number of affairs which
it is necessary to attend to and provide, not only do I not think of
sending him any help, but with the consent of the royal Audiencia,
I advised him to return here so that I could avail myself of the men
that he had there, for occasions which are expected in the future. He
was not strictly ordered, considering the expense to his own estate,
and the hardships which he has endured upon this expedition. When he
arrives at Camboxa he will see whether the king there is in great
need of his person and troops to defend him. After considering the
state of affairs there, Don Luis will do whatever is most necessary
for the service of God and your Majesty. [29]

[_In the margin_: "That everything necessary regarding Camboxa is
already attended to."]

_That, considering that there are poor citizens who have served well,
they should be given some support from the royal treasury, setting
aside for it, a fund of two thousand pesos, besides one thousand
pesos from saleable offices_.

XII. Considering the distress of the troops here, and how little there
is here for their support--and I assure your Majesty that this is an
expensive land, although in the midst of plenty--and as it was seen
that there are not enough encomiendas or offices for everyone, and that
some of your deserving citizens, not being rewarded, do not fill them,
it was the custom to give them false musters [_plazas muertas_], so
that these people secured a living. Your Majesty has ordered this to
be stopped, and this has been done. Also further, in regard to your
Majesty's order to divide one thousand pesos of additional pay among
the soldiers, there is no one who will accept anything, on account of
its being so small a sum, as ten pesos a year, and I do not dare to
exceed your Majesty's orders. I should be of the opinion that these
thousand pesos and as many more, amounting in all to two thousand
a year, should be distributed as a deferred allowance to old and
deserving men, who can serve no longer. One thousand pesos is good,
and may serve until another greater reward is given them. This may
be under the title of pay, up to one hundred pesos, or whatever your
Majesty may order. May God preserve your Majesty's Catholic person,
as is needful to these kingdoms, and as we your vassals desire. Manila,
July 12,