the receipts and expenses
than those of my predecessors. [_In the margin:_ "Seen."]

Neither have the men come who are needed; for the past year came
eighty-odd soldiers, and this year ninety. That is but a scant
number for the many men who die here, for our forces are steadily
diminishing. I can do no more, for money has not been coined here,
nor do the people multiply. I ask, Sire, for what is needed to fulfil
my obligations. The viceroy does not send the orders which are given
him from there; they can not be so illiberal. As this is a case of
need, I give notice of it, in order that blame may not be cast on me
at any time. [_In the margin:_ "Have letters to the viceroy written,
charging him with this." "The viceroy has been charged with this by
a decree which was despatched at the petition of the city."]

The visitor, Don Francisco de Rojas, is proceeding with his visit
with excellent judgment, and with his personal efforts and close
occupation. This community grieves over the results, for they are
many. I trust that he may administer justice so fully in all things
that only the liquidations and the balances should be those which are
collected. He has attempted (as he thinks that he bears authority for
it) to make the final decision of what may be spent by councils of
the treasury, and in fact has begun it with this royal Audiencia and
with me. That has appeared a strong course to us, for his commission
does not extend to that. Neither would it be right for only one judge
to declare as improper any expense which the governor, auditors,
and royal officials had approved by their opinions. The councils of
the treasury were established for expenses of government and war. If
there were no authority for those expenses, it would be an evil,
and nothing could be accomplished. That will be the case on the
day when we shall be subject to have one accountant proceed, in the
visitation, against those who gave their opinion as to the expenses
which may have been incurred. Who would dare give his opinion freely,
if he had to fear that it might be amplified or not? Your Majesty
already does not trust your governor alone for this responsibility,
and orders him to meet in council with the Audiencia and the royal
officials, and that the majority of votes shall rule. That has so
many inconveniences that the service of your Majesty comes to suffer
greatly from them. If the more important things are entrusted to your
governor, why not