the fleet had died, as might have happened, and each one would
have sought to take his place, as this was not specified. This
[same defect] was found in the ordinances which the Audiencia of
Mexico issued, with so many opinions, when the government was in its
charge, that your Majesty ordered them to be repealed and amended,
as they were so insufficient for such emergencies; and because it
was so evident and certain (as it likewise is to my knowledge) that
through the power which appoints those who serve, and punishes them
when they are in the wrong, they ought to be rewarded when they are
right. For otherwise the governor and captain-general would be the
man who persuades or compels them to serve and labor, and it would
be the auditors who must reward them; for it is in their power to say
who are competent and who not, without its remaining in the power of
the governor to do more than make a proposition in their favor--which
would be of no force if two auditors joined against his opinion,
as they almost always do. Such persons, therefore, would very seldom
succeed in obtaining the reward of their services; and this office
of governor and captain-general would become the most down-trodden,
wearisome, and undignified of all that your Majesty has in his pay
and service--and it should be well considered that the office today
is one of the most laborious and least profitable, when it is served
as it should be, considering its importance. Your Majesty will make
suitable provision, adding to these observations the fact that the
prestige of Espana has been greatly endangered by the lack of troops
and money in parts so distant from aid, and in a country which has so
many enemies--the worst in this respect being those who are nearest,
and who are able to make the most cruel thrusts at our honor, directed
and guided by the auditors, without their heeding truth or conscience,
and of which I have already often complained to your Majesty. If the
said auditors are to be given still greater authority, whether it be
for conferring benefits or taking them away, your Majesty will see how
they will treat his president and those who are helping him. Moreover,
if authority be taken away from him, in place of being given to him
for his greater honor and so that he may be able to carry on better
the labors and duties of this office [it may be doubted whether]
persons of the ability that is needed for that position will be
willing to risk incon