will
be given you. This decree provides carefully and assiduously for
the reduction of the said Indians in settlements in very convenient
districts, hamlets, and localities, as has been done in those of Peru,
and as in being done in those of Nueva Espana.

As the suits and controversies between the citizens and between the
Indians themselves constitute one of the things most conducive to
the waste of property, cause difficulties, and may cause harm in a
country so new, because of the ill-will and anger resulting from them,
I charged the said Gomez Perez, in his instructions, that although my
will was to preserve full justice for both classes, yet that he should,
as far as he could do so in a proper manner, endeavor to settle the
controversies and suits that should arise, without recourse to law,
or proceeding by the ordinary terms, or penalizing the parties with
money fines. Now in order that all may enjoy the blessings which must
follow from a government so mild; so that all may live in tranquillity
and ease; and so that the great purposes that, God willing, are to be
attained hereafter, may not be hindered or disturbed--I charge you and
the Audiencia that, in all that you shall do, you shall act with the
prudence advisable in the cases and affairs, and bring about results
that can end only in the happiness and welfare of my vassals, together
with the spread and knowledge of the faith and gospel that I desire.

As I was informed that the said islands had but little instruction,
and that great difficulty was encountered in providing it--a difficulty
that was rendered much greater because of the nature of the country,
as it consists entirely of islands, most of which are so small that
they contain from three to five hundred islanders and above, while some
contain but one or two hundred; and likewise it is hindered by the long
and dangerous voyage, the heat, rains, and poor roads of the country--I
ordered and commanded the said Gomez Perez in his instructions that,
upon his arrival at the said islands, he should investigate very
carefully matters in regard to the outlook for instruction. I ordered
him to confer with the bishop (whom he should charge in my name to
aid him on his part), and, in accordance with his advice, to provide
what was most advisable, so that the instruction might be distributed
even to the bounds of the sea, to the extent possible in all parts. I
charge you likewise that this be accomplished with a