are very shrewd traders, and are skilful in alloying the gold which
they obtain in that island. This practice causes the governor much
perplexity regarding the currency question. He has succeeded, during
the past two years, in putting "the affairs of the royal estate into as
good order as in Mexico;" and has reformed various abuses, small and
great. He explains the manner in which he has aided needy soldiers
and other persons in want, and reassigned encomiendas of persons
deceased. As for the natives, Sande says that they are not simple,
foolish, or timorous; "they can be dealt with only by the arquebuse,
or by gifts of gold or silver." He has maintained good discipline
among the soldiers, and reformed them from the vicious habits which
had been prevalent among them. He asks that the concessions made
regarding the customs duties and the royal fifths be continued,
on account of the poverty of the colony. He renews his request for
more religious teachers, and asks not only for secular priests,
but more friars--especially those who cannot own property, as the
Indians will have more regard for such. He explains in detail his
difficulties regarding the proper disposal of the crown funds by the
royal officials, and the heroic treatment made necessary by their
inefficiency and mismanagement. The property of Guido de Lavezaris
is confiscated, and the goods of other wrong-doers are seized. The
city is now surrounded by a palisade and rampart; and the river-bank
has been protected against the action of the waves. He has built,
or has now in the shipyards, vessels worth in New Spain one hundred
thousand ducats, which have cost him less than fifteen thousand. The
resources of the land are being developed; the rebellious natives
have been pacified; churches, and a house for the friars, have been
erected; and a residence for the governor has been built. In all
these undertakings, he finds it necessary to watch everything, and
superintend the workmen; this care and oversight has enabled him to