late
provincial and as secretary of the province I became acquainted, and
which still continue to exist, to the great harm and diminution of
the province. I am encouraged to do this, although it is the first
time that I address you, by reasons which demand a remedy; and by
considering, with the certain proofs which I have, that your Majesty
as a king and father most benevolent and most Christian will not be
indignant that a chaplain, servant, and vassal such as I should give
information, by means of these and other just suggestions, in order
that reform may result from them. Ever since father Fray Lorenso de
Leon returned to this province, it has steadily degenerated from the
harmony and influence which it had previously gained, as a result of
the great improvement shown in all things under the control of the
virtuous superior of the previous term. It now grows worse and worse
the more it has of him who is at present the superior, the father
already mentioned. The plan and the tricks with which he was elected I
do not write to your Majesty, since they have already been recounted
in a common letter, to which I refer. As a result of his election
the religious from Mexico who are here, and have assumed the habit
in this country have recovered their strength. They are nearly all
of little ability, ignoramuses, uncontrolled, and of most perverse
inclinations. Out of the respect and reverence due your Majesty I
do not enter into details; I only state particularly that the games
of cards have been revived among them. The one who has especially
distinguished himself is a certain Fray Jhoan de Amorin, who with
the said father Fray Lorenco de Leon went from this province to the
province of Mexico, returning again with a very bad reputation and the
name of having a restless disposition, ambitious and injurious to all,
and personally vicious and dissolute, unrestrained in all respects.

The said father being in Mexico took under his charge the conduct of
some religious intended for this province, and recruited from that
one. He was in charge of the clothing and other possessions of these
religious, and even of the fund granted from your Majesty's treasury
of that kingdom for such conveyance of friars. He deceitfully affirmed
that it has been spent, but rendered no account for it; and tells
different stories about it, such as to condemn him. He has always
been under the protection of the said father Leon, who has received
his pay f