o the
natives, since of the few who were here a large number have died,
this year and last. There are many places without instruction, and
in still others there are ecclesiastics who do not know the language,
from which it results that the natives cannot be well instructed. It is
of much importance for the welfare and pacification of this land that
religious should come here, because in those places where they are now
stationed the Indians live more peaceably and with less license. I
beseech your Majesty to be pleased to give orders for their prompt
despatch, since their coming is so necessary for the service of God
and the good of souls. They should be of the three orders already here.

In this city there are two hospitals, one for Spaniards and the
other for the natives. That of the natives is under the charge of a
Franciscan friar, [18] who cares for them and ministers to them with
much charity. It seems as if God supports them as by a miracle; for
there are usually more than a hundred patients, sick with all kinds
of diseases, and they are maintained by alms, as they have no other
income. It would be very injurious if the Franciscan friars should
abandon it; and thus it will be expedient for your Majesty to order
that they hold and administer it, as has been done hitherto. Moreover,
license should be given for said hospital to send four toneladas
of pepper as cargo on the ships which sail every year from these
islands to Nueva Espana. There should be levied on them neither
duties in these islands, nor freight charges at Acapulco; for with
this privilege, which would little affect your Majesty's interests,
they can further the work, and support themselves.

Those who are serving your Majesty in this royal Audiencia are:
the doctor Santiago de Vera, your president; the licentiate Melchior
Davalos, the licentiate Pedro de Rrojas, and the licentiate Don Antonio
de Rribera, your auditors. The first two suffer from many ailments
and infirmities. There are also myself, a secretary, a reporter,
three attorneys, and interpreters and other officials of the Audiencia.

The persons who have been provided with offices this year are the
following: Don Fernando de Villafana, alcalde-mayor of La Laguna, with
a salary of three hundred pesos, the amount usually given to other
alcaldes-mayor; Pedro Manrique, alcalde-mayor at Pangansinan, who has
served your Majesty nine years, in these islands; Cristoval de Leon,
chief magistrate a