"No answer to be given."]

We received another decree, of the said month and year, directing
the order to be observed in the renunciations of clerical offices,
which will be executed as your Majesty commands. [_In the margin_:
"Let it be so done."]

We have received another decree of your Majesty, of the fifteenth
of the said month and year, to the effect that cases in which your
viceroys and prelates have by common consent vacated benefices shall
not be heard in the audiencias of the Yndias. In so far as regards
this Audiencia it shall be so done. [_In the margin_: "The same."]

Likewise there were received two other decrees, in which your
Majesty demanded information as to whether it were well to sell the
offices of depositaries of this city and of secretary of the cabildo
thereof. The office of depositary is of so little importance that it
is certain that no considerable price will be paid for it. That of
secretary of the cabildo brings three hundred pesos salary--which,
as they have no other funds worthy of consideration, the cabildo
gives from its own income and property. Besides, deserving persons
are kept in the office who have served in this country, where there
is very little to reward them with. Your Majesty will order according
to his pleasure. [_In the margin_: "Let the governor appoint to these
offices only deserving persons who have served his Majesty and are
very trustworthy, until his Majesty shall have ordered otherwise;
and let him inform us concerning the person whom he shall appoint."]

Your Majesty ordered by another decree of the sixteenth of the said
month and year that this Audiencia inform him whether it would be
expedient to deposit with the royal crown of your Majesty the sum of
about twelve thousand pesos, to pay the salaries of his servants. As
this despatch arrived so close upon the departure of the ships, there
was no time to make definite answer to your Majesty's command. The
number and value of the encomiendas in these islands are not exactly
known. On the first opportunity they will be ascertained, and your
Majesty advised thereof. [_In the margin_: "Let this be done, and
let them send the information if they have not done so."]

The decrees concerning personal services of the Indians, which are
dated November 22, 602, were received in this Audiencia. In all its
district there are no Indians held to personal service except when
there is wood-cutting and the like to be done for the