fulfil, I hope this will be corrected--although since
the making of these reports is usually divided among the auditors,
each one appears to be favorable to his own client. If they agree in
their opinions, this difficulty would scarcely intervene.

Among the reports made and despatched this year are three, seemingly
most justifiable. One is that of Captain Francisco Moreno Donoso,
a man of honorable character, and who, as I have understood, has
fulfilled his obligations as he should--both in peace, where he has
been esteemed and honored; and in affairs of war that have occurred
and have been entrusted to him. If your Majesty be pleased to occupy
him in one of the posts that he desires, and of which the Audiencia
expresses its opinion, my opinion is that he deserves it, and will
give excellent service.

I cannot refrain from saying the same in the second report, that of
Admiral Rodrigo de Guillestegui, for many reasons, especially those
that have moved me to what I have written your Majesty in other
letters, because of his honored abilities, services, and merits.

Admiral Joan Baptista Molina has no less, but as much as he who
deserves them most. He is an old soldier, having served from his
youth, and is as obedient and attentive as when a youth. He deserves
thoroughly what is said in the opinion, but I would be sorry to have
him go from here before me, for I am glad to have the aid of soldiers
who have always professed the trade of arms. On that account your
Majesty should not neglect to concede him the favor that he requests,
for he has also deserved it, as appears from his papers.

[_Marginal note_: "It is well. In these relations and reports made by
the Audiencia, charge them in the assembly that they try to make them
with the exactness and integrity that the case requires. Inasmuch as
the importunity and presumption of the parties necessitates at times
that unsuitable things be said or done, the remedy for that will be for
you to send--in a separate letter, that treats only of this matter--an
annual relation of the persons who have had their reports taken under
color of remuneration for services. You shall say of each one whatever
offers; and here the necessary secrecy will be maintained. Although
you have been informed at length regarding this matter, inasmuch as
it is an essential point you are again charged with it."]

38th. On finishing the present despatch, I shall do what your Majesty
orders me to do, to