accountant of the royal exchequer; and Captain Francisco de Mercado,
whom the father of the minors left as their guardian, and in whose
hands was the said property. The said Don Antonio, with this object,
began to favor the causes of the above-named persons, and communicated
his intention to Andres Duarte de Figueroa, their uncle, the brother of
their father--whom he considered a safe person, as he was his intimate
friend, and a claimant for the guardianship of the girls. He proceeded
so artfully that the guardianship of the minors was denied to all the
others by the Audiencia, who commanded that they be given over to the
said Andres Duarte, who was an unmarried man. Owing to the pretensions
which the said Don Antonio entertained in regard to this marriage,
he decided the said cases in favor of the said minors, which greatly
pleased their uncle, and caused much complaint on the part of those
who were present. He used to go at night to visit the said minors,
causing a great deal of talk by his intentions. Although his purpose
was well understood by the public, it became more apparent when Don
Juan de Tello was negotiating a marriage with the said Doña Margarita,
who is now his wife. On this account the said Don Juan, fearing that
Don Antonio will be as much opposed to him in the said suits now,
as he was formerly favorable to the said minors, has accused him,
and is furnishing information against him. My proceedings in this
case, and in one of those which I mention in a paragraph before this,
are sent by this mail, by which your Majesty will see the results of
the investigation. It is held as certain that the said Don Antonio
has brought great pressure to bear on the said Andres Duarte that
he may not betray him in the matter of the said marriage, but shall
say that he was asking it for his brother, and not for himself; and
that the said Andres, on account of his friendship, and, knowing Don
Antonio's temper, fearing that the latter will do him some harm, would
not declare against him. I believe that he is going to España, where