him he could have done nothing, because of the mettle of the Portuguese, and the daring with which those of the vessel had closed with them.  In this case there would surely have been many disorders and deaths, if the said father, by his care and prudence, and the authority that he enjoys among all, had not appeased them, and reduced both of them.  In this, and in a year of contrary weather on strange seas and land, he suffered the hardships and dangers of which, likewise, your Majesty has been informed.

Since his return, in this last year of his stay here, your president and auditors, and the entire city and camp, have been forced to examine and deliberate upon the danger of these lands, the condition of which is daily becoming worse.  Both in private talks and in assemblies called for that purpose, the remedy for these troubles has been discussed; and all, with one voice and unanimously, agreed that there was nothing else to do but to send the said father to discuss these matters with your Majesty.  For they have this confidence in him through their long experience, not only in the two so grave affairs above mentioned, but in all the more common matters which have been generally attended to by the said father, since his arrival at these islands; and since all of them are satisfied as to his proved virtue and religion, the impartial manner in which he attends to matters, his energy and executive ability, and his learning, whenever these qualifications are needed.  Especially they recognize the love that he has ever manifested toward these lands, and the special eagerness with which he exerts himself in your Majesty’s affairs, and in establishing and increasing your titles and rights to new conquests and pacifications—­his reasons therefor being the great service that will accrue to God in this way, and your Majesty’s obligation to make the conquests for the welfare and remedy of so many souls.  For these and other reasons and motives which they know, all, unanimously—­secular, clergy, religious, municipal government, and Audiencia—­have requested most urgently that the said father go upon this mission to your Majesty.  After much hesitation—­because of the vacancy that his absence will cause in our religious community, and for the sake of the common welfare of all this country; and because of the dislike that I have ever found in him to meddle in such distractions and labors, so contrary to his inclination (which has ever been that of one desirous of retreat)—­I was willing to excuse him from such a duty, thinking that he would serve God, your Majesty, and these your lands, no less here.  But, in addition to the general demand of the whole community, I was ordered by a decree of your Audiencia, which I could not or ought not resist; and therefore he is going.  I beseech your Majesty to receive this little service from this religious order of yours, and from this house; and from my poor will and that which the father takes, to succeed in everything in serving your Majesty,