rnors and auditors, who certainly obtain them from
time to time. Such people alienate the residents here. Although I may
appear impertinent in saying it, it is true that I fear it is of more
advantage to be a servant, or married to a servant, of an auditor,
than to be bishop. I say this not alone regarding those who are here,
but also on account of the connection of the viceroy of Mexico with
affairs pertaining to this country. On this subject I am sending,
together with this, a clause of a letter written to me a few days ago
by the fiscal of your Majesty, the licentiate Geronimo de Salazar
y Salcedo, who went to inspect the ships which have just come from
Mexico. It is very important for the royal exchequer of your Majesty,
and to everyone, that neither the viceroy of Nueva [Espana] nor the
governor here should have any authority in such affairs, nor in any
in which they have an interest, or which concern the auditors; and
all matters in this state should be removed from their power.

I am informed that the cabildo of the church and that of the city
have written, and are now writing, in regard to the seating of the
wives and daughters of the auditors, and what should be conceded
to the city officials. It certainly appears unfitting that in the
main chapel of the cathedral, which is not very large, the priest,
the ministers, and the archbishop or bishop, when they are in the
most exalted part of the ministration at the altar, should encounter
immediately under their eyes, handsomely dressed women and girls. I
do not think that this is in accordance with the sacred canons, or
with the lofty contemplations which alone are fitting at the altar,
and the devil greatly prizes all that he may gain there. This has
come to such a pass that even the alcaldes-mayor desire that, in
their own districts, their wives should enter into the main chapels,
even though the bishop be present. One of them had a fierce quarrel
with me over the matter, but both he and his wife paid for it to
God, a short time after, and are still suffering for it; and we know
not when their punishment will end, for they pay with their honor
and peace of mind. Further, it is not right that the wives of the
auditors should be placed ahead of the city officials. They tell
me that even the children and brothers-in-law of the auditors are
sometimes seated on the bench of the city, and in the best seats. I
am told that in the days of the former Audiencia neither the