in countries so new the rigor of the law should not
be applied in all cases; and, when some punishment must be applied,
they say that it shall not be done, and are of no use except to undo
what the governor and captain-general orders (as well in matters of
war as of government), although these things may be quite just.

All the resources of this land are scanty, but if there is anything
good the auditors also say that they want it for themselves; and when
there is a Chinese embroiderer, tailor, carver, or other workman,
they proceed to take him into their houses and have him do much
work--in such a way that the Sangley himself has no freedom. Such
benefits do not extend to the citizens; but rather, if any of these
things are available, the said auditors demand them and by entreaty
or intimidation get possession of them. It is the same thing in
regard to jewels, slave men and women, articles of dress, and other
things--in such manner that, as experience has proved to me since
I have considered it very well, when there were very few officers
in this colony affairs went more smoothly, and the affairs of the
service of God and your Majesty in a more orderly manner. Aid could
be given to the one or the other, and to the defense of this land,
with fewer hindrances and less difficulty; for in my opinion there
is no one who in one way or another is not seeking his own gain and
private interest, and the more there are of them the greater injury
is wrought. We are compelled to overlook these things, and others of
more importance, that we may not experience worse trouble; for we are
unable to do more, as your Majesty is five thousand leguas from here,
and redress comes so slowly.

The same trouble arises in the matter of provisions, each one looking
after the care of his own house without considering the needs of others
or of the poor, who should be looked after; consequently nothing can
be heard but complaints and clamors from the people--poor and rich,
and of all conditions--loudly asserting that the auditors are seeking
everything for themselves.

Since in what regards the payment of their salaries they consider
and assert that these must be preferred and the first paid even
if it be from the stated fund for the religious orders, bishops,
ministers of instruction, and for the military forces, who are before
them in order--they have difficulties and misunderstandings with the
royal officials; and as the said auditors do not c