is closed to notable evils and
troubles, and benefits of the utmost importance, both spiritual and
temporal, through which God our Lord and your Majesty will be well
served, the Christian faith and the extension of the gospel will
be assured and increased in these regions; and the crown and royal
possessions of your Majesty, and the reputation of Espana, well
maintained and accredited, as is not the case now. Other important
undertakings and expeditions which may hereafter be made will be
facilitated; for that place is the capital, and has most reputation;
and it rules as subjects and tributaries many surrounding peoples,
who may be easily reduced after the conquest of this stronghold, and
after those who so greatly fear and respect us have been vanquished and
chastised. Moreover, expenses for supplies and garrisons which must be
maintained, and which are necessary until this is accomplished, will
be saved; and a large amount of property and income will be left for
other expenses and affairs in the service of your Majesty. In short,
until this is once for all assured and established, a certain amount
of damage must be expected, and will inevitably result; and it is very
evident that for the aforesaid reasons it is necessary sooner or later
to undertake this expedition for the preservation and security of these
regions. It is also better not to postpone it, and not to wait until
that place has greater fortification, strength, and defense, thereby
rendering its conquest more difficult and costly. I conclude, Sire,
by saying that as God and your Majesty have sent Don Pedro de Acuna
to this government, and he has inclination and desire for military
service, and for the faithful fulfilling his performance of what
pertains to his office and to the service of your Majesty, (as has been
observed), and besides has experience and the qualifications suitable
and necessary for this undertaking, may your Majesty not defer it, or
wait for another governor to perform this most important service. The
opportunity of having a person so well fitted for such a contingency
(which is by no means unimportant) is not to be lost. To say this
and what else pertains to this matter, Sire, I am constrained only
by the duty which I owe to the service of God and His church, and to
your Majesty and your crown, and to the general welfare of these most
important regions. If this were not so, nothing in this matter would
concern or could influence me; fo