tors
were not new, as they are. They make more trouble than even arises
from the ignorance of their duties, since that does not prevent them
from presuming that they know everything. For lack of another and
better remedy--and one from which no trouble would arise--it would
not be bad for those who come here to fill such places to be started
[in their duties] and to be taught methods and usages by the auditors
of Mexico, at least during the time while they are detained there;
for it is a pity to see their deficiencies in this regard, and even
more the qualifications that I have mentioned in this and other
letters. The eye that was left to us in this Audiencia, whereby we
could see and direct ourselves to the light, God chose to take from
us, by the death of Andres de Alcaraz. We were left with very great
grief at the loss of so wise and prudent an associate, and at his not
having had so great prudence at his death (at which time one needs
more) as he showed during his life and government, and in governing
himself; for he died without receiving the holy sacraments. However,
one who was sick so long, it is believed, would have often received
communion, since at the end he did not do so. Neither did he dispose
of his possessions, which were not few. Of that Doctor Don Alvaro
de Mesa, probate judge, will advise and inform your Majesty. May God
keep him in heaven, as we scarcely doubt He will.

[_Marginal note_: "This section is answered in the preceding ones. With
your prudence you shall try to direct affairs so that the service of
God our Lord shall be accomplished, and that the good results that
are demanded shall be secured by your person."]

18th. With this reason, I again represent to your Majesty and lay
before you, as I have done at other times, that I may die; for even
if my subjection to death were not so natural, and more liable to
accident, as in one who holds offices exposed to the dangers of sea
and war, I suffer at times from lack of health; and no matter how
poor may be the head, it leaves a lack in any body. Your Majesty has
no auditors here who can govern, even in affairs of only justice and
peace; for at times they prove deficient therein. Had Don Hieronimo
de Silva been absent at such a time--as he has told me that he desires
and has requested leave of your Majesty for it--I do not know to whom
I could leave the charge of military matters, who would bind himself
to such trouble (and even impossibility) a