to cause them to abandon that kingdom, as has been done--leaving the
members of the Society alone in this work of conversion, as they are,
much to their satisfaction. Yet the barefoot friars and their following
met death with great fervor for the faith and the defense thereof,
and God has since worked many marvels and miracles by means of their
bodies. Therefore we of this country have reason to be consoled and
happy to have produced in it such fruit for heaven and such honor
for Christianity. The loss of this ship was a very great one. She
was worth a million and a half--a mighty loss for so small a country;
hence it is more needy than ever and more wretched, and your Majesty
will have pity on it.

Herewith I send your Majesty again the despatches which it has been
possible to copy, in the short time allowed, from those sent last
year in the "San Phelipe." They dealt with the residencias and other
local affairs which it seemed essential for your Majesty to know,
because of their importance. I do not lack those who are ill-disposed
toward me because I pay attention as I ought to your Majesty's service;
but I care not, for truth must prevail. In the coming year there will
be sent at the first opportunity other official documents pertaining
to the same residencia in which I have been pleading, and which has
been undertaken for these islands.

It is said that your Majesty intends to command the reestablishment of
the royal Audiencia which used to be in these islands, which, according
to the disposition of affairs in it, will be the most necessary of
all things. I accordingly repeat my assurances to your Majesty that
on my conscience there never was so great a necessity thereof as
now; and I declare that it will be well received by all. I am here
very ready to serve your Majesty in all things in which my personal