s that they never fail to gather in a harvest of
some kind--either in services, or some other thing. Being so near the
governor, no collector would dare to treat the Indians badly. For
the above reasons I think that I shall place this in execution as
opportunity offers, unless I am so strongly opposed in this as in
other things, that I would be embarrassed in it--although I cannot
see what arguments they would have for doing so.

[_Marginal note_: "Council. This scheme and method of management that
you present is excellent, and thus you shall do. In the council of the
treasury, you shall always continue to deliberate on what could be of
greater advantage to my royal revenues. Thus shall you do and advise,
since it will all be so proper and justifiable, as I expect from
you. You have noted one matter of unjust government, namely, excess
[in the collections.] Accordingly, you ought to censure and punish
it, and not permit any officer of justice or collector, whether for
himself or for third persons, to be able to collect in public auction,
or secretly outside of public auction, any products or articles that
are owed by tributarios, landlords, Indians, or debtors. For great
frauds are wont to ensue in that, and the laws punish and prohibit
such acts as you are advised. For greater justification in the matter,
the above shall be set forth as a clause in the patents made out for
each one of these collectors, with a penalty of four times the amount
of any excess that they might obtain."]

36th. All the letters and decrees directed to this royal Audiencia,
and your Majesty's orders therein, will be punctually fulfilled,
although in the sale of offices, the city declares that it has sent
a petition to your Majesty with representations of the justice in
not diminishing here the little that there is with which to reward
services. However, those that might bring a considerable price will
be sold, and likewise those that might cause no great difficulty.

[_Marginal note_: "It is well. In these matters of difficulties,
you shall observe the order written to you in the preceding section."]

37th. I have heard that some of the reports of services and merits
that are generally made by order and officially, which your Majesty
commands and orders to be made, as is fitting and as is ordered,
have been too much exaggerated and favored by the opinions of the
Audiencia. By this new system, and by what I am attempting and shall
attempt to