e margin_: "Place the decree with the letters of the governor
and Audiencia."]

The troops of war which are raised in Nueva Espana to be taken to
these islands would best be taken by the captains who levied them to
the port of Acapulco, one of the captains being commissioned for this,
with some moderate addition for expenses. In the said port they should
hand them over to the general of those ships, and the said captain
should not come to these islands. In this way would be obviated the
damage which is done by their bringing cargoes, and the cost of their
coming and returning, which are not necessary for so few troops as
come. When the troops arrive here they should be allotted among the
companies of infantry of this camp.

[_In the margin_: "Conformably to this, let the viceroy be ordered
to do so."]

There is great carelessness in appointing artillerymen for the said
ships, for a ship which carries one piece of artillery has had
six artillerymen appointed, whereas one ordinary gunner would be
sufficient. If your Majesty be pleased, it would be well to command
that for each piece of artillery no more than one artilleryman should
be appointed; because, besides their cost to the royal exchequer, they
are likewise a damage to this community, on account of the quantity
of money which they bring and carry back invested to Nueva Espana.

[_In the margin_: "Have a letter written to the viceroy together with
this report, that, if this be so, it appears excessive, and he shall
correct it."]

In the ships which come from Nueva Espana a great deal of money is
brought which is not registered. Beside not paying in Acapulco the
duties of two and a half per cent, which are due to your Majesty,
there results to this commonwealth a great deal of damage; for this
money belongs for the most part to merchants and citizens of Piru
and Mexico. Although in the sale which is made of the said ships,
when they arrive at the port of Cavite, investigation is made--as I
did this year, when I asked permission from the Audiencia to go to the
inspection of the ships which came--and although I went there, only a
very small quantity of this money was found, on account of the great
care which was taken to hide it. At times, it even belongs to the most
powerful people here; consequently those who are bringing it are very
bold, and it is necessary to inspect the vessels before they arrive
at the said port. It would be expedient for your Majesty to c