dians. And with this I think I shall be able to serve your
Majesty more, and to advance the cause of those who shall come with
the charge of bishop, although the one joined to the other is of very
great consequence. The Indians who have learned of it are very glad,
since the obligation which is due them from the Spaniards is of no
concern to the latter. And as it is from the hand of your Majesty,
this office, then, is of greater importance for the relief of the
conscience of your Majesty and the preservation of the natives,
than any other one of all that are provided for afterward by the
governor. I have not the wherewithal for the expenses which occur;
for there must necessarily be a notary, interpreter, and lawyer,
and persons who with my authorization shall be present to plead the
suits--which will not be a few, and cannot be carried through without
spending money--since I am not able, nor is it right that I should be
on hand to present the petition, or to plead the causes and business
of so much weight and authority. To take this task of being my agent,
some honest man, however honorable his station, should be glad to do
it. It is necessary that he be a person of great credit and of resolute
mind, that he may not fear to defend the Indians, although at the risk
of injury from those who harm them, and this seldom fails to come to
pass, as the disputes are often with those who are very powerful.

It will also be necessary to send persons from this city through
all the bishopric to investigate the injuries that the Indians
suffer. Before they go to do this, I shall have notice of what is
happening; and this is to be done at the cost of your Majesty's
treasury, in order not to give occasion for the robbery of the
Indians, if they should have to pay them. All this is necessary in
order that I should be able to perform well this office, and relieve
the conscience of your Majesty and my own; because many are the wrongs
which the Indians receive in this bishopric from your encomenderos,
the alcaldes-mayor, and the tax-receivers; and, the farther away they
are, the greater the wrongs and the more difficult the remedy. I humbly
beseech your Majesty to be pleased to command provision to be made as
I here request, because otherwise my protection will be only nominal
and ineffectual. I have already discussed this with the governor,
and I understand that he will make provision in some of these things,
because the necessity is ver