er 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 as for the poor. In this
case I have not spent from the royal estate until after reviewing
all other expenses of like nature, and consulting your Majesty. This
expense seems to be as necessary as the first provision of weapons
and clothing to the soldiers. Nevertheless, it is wise to warn them
to be more careful in navigation, and more resolute in guarding
their belongings. In my opinion it will be convenient for your
Majesty to have the goodness to send instructions on this point,
stating especially whether it is possible to give aid, in weapons and
clothing, in a moderate quantity, from the royal treasury. It should
be always forbidden to give money from the royal treasury even once,
although it may thus happen that some soldiers, nobles, and cavaliers
may suffer want, for lack of money with which to clothe themselves. It
is not convenient to grant encomiendas to all; and although they
may ask for food at the houses of their friends, they are in need
of clothing. The