have the greatest care possible in procuring the accomplishment of what
is ordained and enacted, since without that all the work will be lost.

33. Since I desire the welfare and conservation of the said Indians,
and their protection and defense, and as I think that the said bishop
can procure this better than anyone else, I am writing to him, and
charging him with their protection. I am quite sure that he will be
very glad to undertake this, inasmuch as it pertains to the service of
our Lord and the relief of his conscience. And in order that everything
may be done better and more smoothly, you shall maintain the best of
relations throughout with the said bishop; and on your part, you shall
have the greatest care to protect the said Indians and to aid them.

34. I have been informed that, because the soldiers who are stationed
in the said islands receive no pay, nor have any other remuneration,
they obey orders very unwillingly, and are discontented, since
they endure the greatest poverty and affliction; that they are all
spiritless, sick, necessitous, and compelled to become servants. Many
die from their discontent, hunger, lack of comfort, and less provision
for their sicknesses; and others escape by claiming to be married,
sick, or bound to religion. As a consequence, the country has fallen
into disrepute, and men of the requisite valor and quality do not
go there, but only a very few poor, unarmed, and worthless men. If
any of these do have weapons, they pawn or sell them for clothes and
food. Their needs constrain them to commit injuries upon the natives,
so that the latter are irritated. It is said that not only is there no
increase in what has been conquered, but that even that pacification
is becoming more doubtful each day; that domestic and neighboring
enemies are being aroused; and that all of this would be remedied by
giving pay to the said soldiers, who should be regularly and promptly
paid. Inasmuch as it is my will that this be done, it was decided,
after having considered how many soldiers it is necessary and advisable
to maintain usually in the said islands, that there be four hundred
soldiers; and that each one receive a monthly wage of six pesos,
the captains thirty-five, the ensigns twenty, the sergeants ten,
and the corporals seven. Also that the sum of one thousand pesos
additional pay be distributed annually and proportionally among all
of the companies, each person not to receive more than ten