ss of the ship from
Macan, they brought some money and spent it. I have overlooked this
for the present, and allowed it to be done in order not to displease
them. But I have warned them not to bring any more, or I shall not
give them any chance to employ it.

The accountant Juan de Bustamante, who acts in that capacity for
the royal exchequer of your Majesty in these islands, is very old,
infirm, and crippled, for which reason the affairs of his office are
not so well expedited as they should be. I last year besought your
Majesty to order him retired and pensioned, and to appoint a person
in his place. At present I shall again make the same suggestion,
as it appears to me important for the service of your Majesty.

The Marques of Montes Claros, [31] viceroy of Nueva Hespana, last year
made the allotment of the money which your Majesty has graciously
permitted to be assigned to the citizens of these islands. As this
cannot be done punctually in Mexico, and there are in that country
interested persons--perchance the very ones who are apportioning
the money, or giving their advice therein--there have been many
complaints. This could not be otherwise, as Mexico is so far away
and they cannot know there what each of the citizens here has and
deserves, and what ought to be given them. The viceroy writes that
he did the best he could, and could do no better, and accordingly
I believe him. He likewise wrote me to send him some information in
regard to this matter. What I have done is to appoint eight persons
from the most honored of this colony, and disinterested in the matter
of partnership, to make the allotment among the citizens, as is done
with the cargo, considering what is most expedient and most just
and satisfactory for the people; and it has been so done. I have
allotted to the distributers themselves their own part because I was
not willing that they should allot it. I have sent the memorandum
to the viceroy. Your Majesty will be pleased to order that the said
allotment be made in accordance therewith, as well as the licenses; and
that, this be continued from year to year; for it is most expedient,
and with it there will be less uncertainty and fraud.

The royal treasury of these islands is in great need of inspection
and reform. It should be put in good order and well regulated; for,
according to the officials, there are no ordinances, nor is there
proper government and administration for the property. Although