en
to all of them, as these fall vacant, if they prove to render the
services and possess the qualities that are requisite; and they could
be changed about in these offices, whenever advisable, so that they
might become experienced in the [various] departments. Whenever one
of these should assume the government because of the death of the
regularly-appointed governor, such should receive the same pay as he;
and, if during his absence, that which he should be receiving. I bind
myself to provide for all of them, so that they may be contented. I
entreat your Majesty to make this resolution, for it is expedient
for your royal service. All who should come should be knights of
the military orders; so that both the vassals who have rendered
homage, and the heathen and other inhabitants, may learn respect and
veneration for the persons whom your Majesty assigns to succeed in
the government. Your Majesty has many vassals who are soldiers, of the
above excellences and qualifications, who would come very willingly if
they were given such positions and hopes. If that happens in my time,
they will be so well established that many who have served your Majesty
well would desire it. The extraordinary expenses incurred by the royal
Audiencia and the greed for the wealth of Mexico will be avoided;
and the greed of both must oblige them to be honest and to govern well.

When the residencia is taken from the governors they give it as if
they had been imitating Moses or Joshua in their government. For as
nearly all the citizens of these islands have come from Nueva Espana to
serve for reasons of justice; and as there are others who do not wish
that the present governor should note them as men who swear against
the past governor, as he would think that they will do the same with
him at his residencia; or so that the governor might not complain of
them as having evil tongues; to tell the truth here is a great sin. No
one is willing that the governor, when his residencia is taken, should
impute any fault to him, or obtain any testimony as to the reason why
he came here as an exile. Many other disadvantages arise, that cannot
be written. In short, Sire, most people swear falsely; and those who
do not, hide themselves, or retire in order not to testify. There are
theologians who counsel them that they may deny the truth under oath,
in order not to do wrong. This condition ought to be closely examined,
and would be remedied by those commissions.