look for it as well as they do in Nueva Espana.  It has been a thankless task to make this ruined land profitable, for he who has Indians, or some wealth, keeps it for himself; everyone else comes, with loud complaints, to ask the governor to give them enough to eat from the royal estate.  Accordingly, when I came here the royal treasury had no possibility of income, as his Majesty will see from the accounts and from a memorandum which I am sending.  Although but a short time has passed, the condition of things has improved, and the affairs of the royal estate have been put into as good order as in Mexico, considering their extent.

I have succeeded in obtaining for the royal crown all the Indians possible, especially those who are useful, and whose tributes are increasing.  They are conveniently near Spaniards, so that the latter can more easily make collections, and also profit by the supplies.  Thus I will always do, although I have had, and still have, considerable trouble in it.

These natives have not been able to pay their tributes, on account of living scattered and far away; and their country has been at war until now.  They have not been taxed, as the number of people is not known.  They are so skilful in hiding themselves, that private soldiers have to be sent from here for the collection of the money.  These latter collect what they wish, and say that they have collected so much, and not a penny more, and that the entire village is composed of honest men.  Whoever goes brings back the same account of these peoples.  Therefore little is paid, and the returns to the royal treasury are few I have made investigations, however, and have imprisoned some of the soldiers, and prevented others from collecting the tributes; but it is only vain endeavor.  On account of the few people in this country justice cannot be executed for this or any of the offenses common here.

No one here is willing to accompany a man who goes on horseback, or serve him in any way.  Therefore, I am served only by my servants; but, nevertheless, I have in my house all who wish to come there to live and to eat; and I help them to the extent of my ability.  They are served by my slaves and servants in due order.  There are many of them, but in my house permission is not given to live with the liberty that is desired by young men.  In due season, or when your Majesty may be pleased to provide more troops, the present customs may be suitably changed—­my intention being only to establish a reform in this direction.

Item:  The voyages to this country are all by sea, and in ships which are often wrecked, many soldiers being thus lost.  Those who have the good fortune to escape with their lives lose their arquebuses, coats-of-mail, swords, and daggers, which constitute their military equipment.  Since I have been here, I have often helped many of those thus left destitute, who had no other means of succor, although not at so moderate cost to the royal estate