her good results might be achieved. I beseech
your Majesty to have it examined, as it appears desirable to both the
archbishop and the bishop of Nueva Segovia, to whom I have communicated
it, and who thought it very good. [_In the margin of this paragraph
is an order which says_: "Let the governor and the Audiencia inform us
concerning this plan, sending them a copy thereof without issuing any
decree; and let them send an account of the advantages and difficulties
which may have occurred to them, with their opinion."]

It is more than eight years since your Majesty was pleased to do me
the favor of giving me a post as auditor of Mexico, with an order to
establish the Audiencia in these islands. I sat therein four years,
and I am now advised by way of Nueva Espana that the place in that
Audiencia which was occupied by the licentiate Francisco Alonso de
Villagra, who passed on to the royal Council of the Yndias, has been
given to me. Although the time for which I was to serve here is already
past, I have not dared to leave these islands this year, as I have
no order expressing the wish of your Majesty; and likewise because
the governor, Don Pedro de Acuna, is obliged to go on the expedition
to Maluco, and, if I go to Nueva Espana, only three auditors will
remain. The eldest of these, who, according to the ordinance, must take
up the duties of the captain-general, is so burdened and his health
so poor that he cannot attend to the affairs of war. On this account,
and because I understand that your Majesty would be better pleased
to have me in this country, I have not gone to enjoy the favor which
has been extended to me in Mexico--which is very great, and a notable
promotion--although the greatest favor that I can receive is to let me
serve in this Audiencia at a time when important affairs may occur,
whereby I may show my desire. I beseech your Majesty that what I am
doing in staying here to further serve your Majesty be permitted and
approved. [_In the margin is this order_: "Let him go immediately,
in accordance with the decree which was sent him." [45]]

During the whole time since I have been favored with this post in
Mexico, I have been occupied in your Majesty's service, and with
sitting in this royal Audiencia. I beseech your Majesty that, since
in similar offices of justice all the privileges are enjoyed from
the day of the nomination, as if the office were being exercised,
the favor may be done me that I may not