tain number of farmers to cultivate the
land, who should be associated with the natives, and teach them
agriculture. This he did not then do, because the instructions did
not reach him there. I wrote, however, to the viceroy of Nueva Espana
to send them at the first opportunity; but, if he has not done so,
you will endeavor to have the said farmers conveyed to the islands,
because they are so necessary to make that land productive. You will
also make diligent efforts to introduce there, and carry over from
Nueva Espana, mares and horses of good blood for breeding purposes,
since this is of great importance for the service of the people.

The copy of a portion of a letter which accompanies this, which
was written to me by the said Don Francisco Tello, will show you
how he wished to enter the kingdom of Siam; and how he despatched
Captain Juan de Mendoza on an embassy to the king of that country,
requesting him to consent that four monks should go there, of the
Order of St. Domini, of which order the king had already a friar with
him. You will inform me how the matter stands, and report the answer
which the king will have given you. You will notify me of it, and
will encourage, so far as you can, the conversion of those infidels
and the preaching of the gospel to them.

The said Don Francisco Tello writes that, although it has been decreed
that the Indians shall not be condemned to pay money fines, it would be
advisable to make them, although with due moderation, pay some fines in
money, because on account of their disobedience and natural disposition
they feel more the punishment of paying one real than that of a hundred
lashes; the result is that we do not gain the expected result--namely,
to have them engaged in cultivating the fields and raising fowls,
cattle and other articles for the general need and welfare. Since I
desire to learn from you the facts, and what takes place in regard
to the aforesaid matter, and what measures are expedient in regard
to punishing them for their crimes and offenses by money fines,
and whether this causes or may cause some difficulties, I order you,
after having examined the question thoroughly and discussed it with
the Audiencia, archbishops, and ecclesiastical cabildo, to let me
know the result and the opinion of all.

I have heard that the buildings which have been erected for the
Audiencia and for the president's residence are in great need of a
hall in which the president and th