neighbors. Hence I desire that the Order of St. Francis, because it
seems to me suitable on account of its self-denial, barefootedness,
and freedom from self-interest, may unite with the Confraternity of
La Misericordia [2] in the charge of the hospital. I suggest that
they place there four friars--two priests and two laymen; for this
can be done without interfering with the conversion of the natives,
and will be a thing of great service to God and your Majesty, the
good of the poor and of this state, and the good order, service,
and system of the said hospital. It will also remedy many of the
inconveniences that may arise, and of the deficiencies from which
the hospital suffers, from the want of such persons in charge of
it. For these reasons I have asked that this order, associated with
the Confraternity of La Misericordia, may attend to this matter,
and may take under its care the government and administration of the
hospital. Therefore I have set forth and enclosed separately some of
the reasons for this, and the advantages which I see in this course
and in joining the hospital for the slaves, which the Confraternity
of La Misericordia has founded, with the royal hospital. The plan
involves establishing separate quarters in the said royal hospital,
that there may be a definite place for the slaves, and that slaves
and Spaniards may not be mingled. In these quarters there may be a
separate ward or room for needy Spanish women, mestizas, and the like,
in such a way that they may be kept in separation and distinct from
the slaves. There is a great need of this ward for women, for there
is no place to put them in the royal hospital, and hence they are not
received there. By joining the royal hospital with the hospital of
the Confraternity of La Misericordia a place may be provided--which
will be of great importance, help, and benefit to the necessities of
poor and needy women who have not wherewithal to care for themselves
in their sicknesses. It must be no little that they suffer in these