s you have been informed and
instructed in other letters concerning the purpose of the factory at
Terrenate--that all the benefit received from the islands of Maluco by
the enemy is by way of barter; and that so vast profits are obtained
by them in this that these enable them to be on the offensive and
defensive, and convey to their own country the wealth that we see in
the Malucas, the value of which is evident in the armies and other
expenses that are incurred. From this example, since the expenses of
my royal treasury are so heavy--inasmuch as the trade is carried on
only by conquest and force of arms--everything is reduced to expense,
and nothing to gain. In order to make profit you are advised that the
factory of Terrenate should barter and negotiate, in order that the
profit obtained by the enemy might follow, and more if possible. And
if the natives of those islands see that their property is not taken
from them, and if they are paid in the ordinary form, they will
grow fond of us and become converted to our friendship. From that
it will be possible to pass to other objects, the chief one being
the evangelical preaching. Consequently, setting aside the universal
gain that might come to the royal treasury for the gain in a specific
case, the chief thing, and one which you are to push thoroughly (or
rather two things), is the operation of mines and of factories for
trade. Fourth, that since you have already experienced the utility
that follows from sending those cloves to the East, and using this
merchandise for other purposes and trade, you shall continue to
do so. You shall always send the detailed account about which you
have been advised, of everything that will be of importance in this
matter. Whenever any case of doubt occurs to you in regard to the
ceremonious observance due your office, send the proposition that
you shall have made in the assembly, together with what resolution
shall have been made regarding it, so that after examination here,
just measures may be ordered; for in no other manner could any
decision be reached without depending on the Audiencia. In order to
gain time, letters are being written to the Audiencia ordering them,
in accordance with what has been done at other times, to maintain with
you, in the condition of affairs at present, the amicable relations
and the respect due your office and person; and to observe toward you
and your wife such ceremonies as have been observed hitherto, an