er. This gives much occasion for those who are here
to lose respect for me. The most serious thing is, that no matter
how small the affair may be, they do not listen to me, or to my side
of the story. They impose grave penalties upon me and threaten that
I will be obliged to defray the expenses of the judge. I send some
copies of the commands to your Majesty so that the royal council may
consider and provide what is most fitting for your royal service.

Moreover, I have heard news in regard to Captain Graviel de Ribera,
who was the attorney of this city; he was one of Doctor Sande's chief
enemies, and most accused him in his residencia, as will appear by
his own deposition therein. On the way from here to Mexico, he became
an ally and confederate of the said Doctor Sande; and together, with
false reports and some witnesses who were tools of the said doctor,
they preferred many charges against me in that royal Audiencia. With
these charges the said Grabiel de Ribera went to Espana, without a
hearing having been accorded to me or to anyone in my behalf. It is
just to believe that in that supreme tribunal, in the presence of your
Majesty, injustice will be done to no one--least of all to me, who
have served and am now serving your Majesty with so great integrity
and solicitude, and who have had so long an experience. I am sure
that your Majesty will first give me a hearing, and afterwards command
that amends be made for my wrongs, by punishing those who have tried
to stain my honor and my good reputation in life and character. This
I beseech your Majesty to do, in consideration of my services.

I have great need of an educated assistant, as there is much to be
done here in the business of war and government, as well as a great
amount of work that must be done in affairs of justice, both civil
and criminal. The trouble here is that the people are of such a nature
that, at the same time when justice is done to one, an enemy is made
of another person. I beseech your Majesty to command such provision
to be made as shall be fitting for the royal service.

The sub-lieutenant Francisco de Duenas, who, as I have explained in
another letter, was sent as envoy to Maluco, came to this city on the
twenty-second current. He brought very good returns, which have given
us all great satisfaction, as your Majesty will see by the letters of
the chief captain and other private persons, which I am sending through
your viceroy of Nueva Espan