se of this commonwealth;
for this year the community has allowed, without any remonstrance,
the owner of a small vessel to lade, for the freight-charges, eighty
toneladas for whomsoever he wished, besides the tonnage allotted to
the citizens. Consequently it may be believed that the community will
not object to applying the freight money to this conquest; but rather
that it will be done to the great satisfaction of all the public,
if no other burden is imposed, as in the past.

Then in regard to there being some person who would accomplish this
enterprise more advantageously by loading upon his own shoulders a
so heavy burden, there is the risk of his having to keep it for these
four or five years without any greater profit than the ordinary pay.

The emoluments, gains, and advantages to be derived from the enterprise
are very large. It seems very probable if it be not done in any
other way, or through us, it can be done only by those occupying the
positions that we now fill. For as regards the position of auditor,
the person appointed to the charge of the mountains [_montaraz_]
could serve in that capacity [_i.e._, as auditor], (although with
great inconvenience), in the labors of both peace and war, and can
remain quietly at home. But he cannot do that, except with great zeal
for the service of both majesties. As for the position of captain
of this camp, it can serve on this occasion, thus relieving the
royal treasury of his pay and of that of all the company--which,
agreeably to the stipulations, has to be paid from money received
for the eighty toneladas. In regard to our persons we shall be ready
for it, and trust that the divine Majesty, who placed this thought
in our hearts, will give us the needful ability--to one to counsel,
aid, and govern, since the pen never blunts the spear; and to the
other to execute with valor and courage what is most fit for these
states. And it is to be expected of him that he will do it well,
since, before he was twenty years of age, God made him once alferez
and twice captain, more by reason of his ability than of his being the
son of his father. From the age of twenty-three he must have been very
capable for any occasion. Hence, we believe, after considering these
reasons thoroughly, that no further reports or relations are needed,
and that we are not unreasonable in asking that answer be made to
us without awaiting them--especially since they are so dangerous in
this country, whe