with my approval, that in the interim before your Majesty should be
advised of the whole matter, everything should be paid for by accounts
kept separately for the royal hospital and by consequence for that
of the slaves likewise--as used to be done and as is done still;
so that they are not connected, though the connection is desired
because of the known advantages of it. But the greatest obstacle to
the execution of this plan is the fear and mistrust put forward to
requiring the Confraternity and deputies of La Misericordia to render
accounts, exposing them to disturbance, and perhaps to expense and
loss for matters their connection with which is voluntary--being
assumed for charity and the service of God, and not for duty, pay,
or advantage. This objection, however, was met by the consideration
that the expense with its account had to pass before so many persons of
honor, standing, and financial stability that there was not much ground
for hesitation; since just as one superintendent or administrator
paid and gave accounts, so the deputies can do the same as well or
better, being more in number, and of no less financial standing,
and making their expenditures with the system and general agreement
which are to be desired. With all, I could not bring them to make the
venture. But if this risk and obligation were absent, they would do
it; this I know from some who were desirous of undertaking this work.

I give your Majesty an account of this matter, because of the
importance that it may have for the service of God and your Majesty,
the good of the poor, and the advantage of a work of such public
necessity and importance in these regions. If your Majesty should
be pleased to command that the Confraternity of La Misericordia
should take charge of the administration of the royal hospital,
as aforesaid, it will be necessary to come to a statement of the
system to be observed in making payments for the royal hospital and