this
matter, and obtain from it as much profit as you can; for the peaceful
products of the soil will always be certain, and it would be a great
pity to lose what might aid in so urgent a need. For this purpose you
will make an examination of all the mines that are or may be known,
offering rewards and other advantages, honors, and gratuities as may
appear expedient to you, in order that the mines may be discovered
and worked, as they should be, making the diligent endeavors that are
necessary in such an affair. In order that you may better manage it,
it has seemed well to me to send you the two papers inclosed, signed
by Juan Ruiz de Contreras, so that you can examine and consider them
with attention and careful consideration, in order that your mode
of procedure may be assured, since the facts in the case are already
so. As the most important point that you will have to guard is that
the Indians be not troubled or annoyed, and that no sort of injury,
or service, or annoyance be inflicted upon them, you will avoid so far
as possible these difficulties; and by prudent and cautious measures
will try to gain their good-will, until you have acquired suitable
knowledge of the situation and richness of the mines. It is also a
matter of great importance that the religious who give instruction
shall aid, as is explained in these papers--to which effect letters
are being written to the provincials of the orders of St. Dominic and
St. Augustine, which were sent to you with a copy of each, which they
are to receive from your hand. You will talk with them at the same
time, availing yourself of all means which may appear to you of use
to persuade them that they will thus do a great service to our Lord;
and that by so pious a work they will better the present condition of
affairs, and aid the public cause. You must see that this is the most
important part of your government, as if you were sent there for this
and for nothing else. For greater satisfaction and surer success,
I command you that as soon as you have received these letters you
shall--with the aid of the notary-public of the royal officials, or of
your secretary, as may appear best to you--compile a book, in which,
after you have inserted these letters and other documents, you will
enter the orders that you may give, and the decisions that you may
make. Accordingly, there will be evident from them both the time that
is gained or lost in the execution of your orders, so tha