are for the great
importance of paying the soldiers, and look only to their private
interests, I have had many complaints from the said royal officers,
as they must have written you.

The soldiers, captains, master-of-camp, and military officials are
greatly discontented and grieved at the ill-treatment which the said
auditors accord them; and at seeing that they are hindered by them,
an auditor commanding at his will the arrest of a captain, official or
soldier, without cause or reason, and interfering in all the details of
service--even going so far as to inspect their quarters, and send them
to the public prison, for very trivial affairs, against all military
precedents. If affairs are going in an orderly and concerted way, it
is when the auditors do not meddle with them; for all this concerns
primarily the chief commander and officers provided therefor. Judging
by the state in which things are in the Filipinas today, and in the
opinion of right-thinking men, soldiers are of more use and benefit
in the commonwealth than are judges, for the former do more than
their share, and the others are deficient. Considering the evil which
results to the soldiers from seeing themselves punished and checked by
so many magistrates; the hardships which they so commonly endure, and
the occasions which are every day arising where these are necessary;
and in view of the scant and poor pay which is given them, and as
they are the defenders of the land, and are so far distant and little
favored; and seeing the great hindrance which the Audiencia is for
military affairs--for they will give no opportunity for the execution
of edicts, nor do they attend to what is necessary, as it appears
to them that they are sufficient for everything; and that they can
manage this matter like those which they have studied--we may fear
some irreparable injury. We should immediately prepare for this,
especially as the enemies which we have here are not like those in
other parts of the Yndias, but much greater in number and more skilful
in war, and accordingly more adroitness and prudence are necessary
to maintain us; and the soldiers must be content and well paid,
and ordered by their leaders, of whom they should not have so many.

The property which your Majesty has here is very little for the
ordinary expenses which every day arise; and if it is not brought
here from Mexico with more care and punctuality than hitherto,
affairs cannot be maintained here