ll follow that we are at fault, we will expiate it with no less
than our lives, for it is not just that those who are disloyal to
your Majesty's service in countries so remote should incur a lighter
punishment. Will your Majesty make certain of the intention of your
president, and whether he can find guilt in your auditors too grave
for pardon. Likewise your Majesty must understand that I do not
consider that I am serving you by detailing the shortcomings of my
colleagues; for there is no lack of writers better able to write and
tell them than I am. The one thing that gives me consolation is, that
when your Majesty sends some one to ascertain how we have served you,
then in truth, you will be able to see who has done and who has aided
in doing his duty. [53]

Although the father above mentioned is instructed to discuss the
matters pertaining to this country, it has seemed best to me not to
neglect writing your Majesty about the following matters.

It seems expedient for your royal service, as this country is so
ill-provided and poor, that the Audiencia should be suppressed, and
that in its place one man be sent who is fitted for the position. If he
be not such, the Audiencia should remain, in order to hear disputants
with justice, relieve the oppressed, remedy wrongs and grievances,
and prevent many wrong acts which, without it, an evil-minded governor
would commit; this would also do away with the appeals to Mexico,
by which the citizens suffer much loss. But if the governor were a
fit one, there would be no need for the Audiencia and for many other
institutions, for the reasons which the father will explain to you.

Such a governor should have authority and permission from your Majesty
so that, after having discussed and consulted (with such persons as
you may direct) on the affairs that seem to him most important for
your Majesty's service, he shall take such measures as appear to him
expedient, without other formality or consultation with your Majesty;
for in many cases the delay would entail losses, and in this way many
important opportunities are lost to your Majesty's service.

Such a governor should not give permission, without a special license
from your Majesty, for any person to go out of this country; for by
the lack of this, great losses in population have been suffered here;
in some years more Spaniards go hence than arrive. Besides, everyone
is confident that permission to go will be granted to him, an