act as treasurer, as
was done before--I command you to send me a report of what would be
expedient in this matter; also, of the duties of the said treasurer,
and if, as it has been said, dispensing with the office, the factor
and the accountant could take sufficient care of the administration
of my exchequer.

I have learned that the governors, your predecessors, have often
interfered in the affairs pertaining to the administration of my
exchequer, which is entrusted to its officials; and that, contrary
to the orders given them, they have not allowed the said officials
suitable freedom in the exercise of their offices. Since in matters
of this nature it is right to keep in mind the necessary security
of my exchequer, I order you to observe and cause others to observe
the ordinances and decrees which were issued in regard to this. You
will maintain friendly relations with the officials of my exchequer
in everything, and will give them the favor and aid necessary in
the exercise of their offices, so that they may fulfil their charge
and see that nothing is lacking to my service, and to the security,
accounts, and order of my exchequer.

The accountant and the treasurer of my exchequer have written to
me that my storehouses in the city of Manila have been in charge of
the factor, who placed over them a man with the title of "lieutenant
of shipping," whose duty was to keep an account of the receipt and
distribution of what came under his supervision, thus relieving the
work of the factor. A few years ago, on account of an information sent
against the factor, it was ordained that each of the said officials
should have his own key, and a person at the said storehouses in order
to have all transactions pass through three hands, and that two hundred
pesos a year should be paid to each person. They complained of this,
saying that they were unable to furnish a man for this on account of
their small salaries, which they needed entirely for their own support;
and they besought me to free them from this obligation. Since I desire
to be informed of the facts and occurrences therein; and how and under
whose charge, and on whose account, the said storehouses have been
usually kept; and the reason for ordering each of the said officials
to have his own key to the said storehouses; and whether they are more
secure for that precaution; and what sort of persons are placed there
by the said officials and at what salaries--I command you t