EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM THE ARCHBISHOP TO FELIPE IV


10. The chief argument that induced his Majesty Philippo Second,
our sovereign, to reëstablish in these islands, during the term
of Don Francisco Tello's government, the royal Audiencia which he
had suppressed some years before, was in order that the governors
might not be so absolute in regions so remote and so far separated
from his royal presence, but that there might be a superior arm to
restrain them, without allowing extortions on the innocent. That is a
most pious act, and one experienced by all this community during the
time of that sovereignty and superintendency in all things pertaining
to justice, government, and war. If your Majesty be pleased to have
it restored and reëstablished with the majesty and power with which
it was founded, it will be of great service to God and your Majesty,
and the consolation and relief of your vassals. For it is certain that
three or four men view a cause which does not concern them with more
impartial eyes than does one man who is sole and absolute, who is at
times governed by passion, and consequently blind in what he orders
executed. Although it be said that demands for justice may be made in
the residencia--as if the poor man who suffers in person, property,
honor, and at times in his life, would appear at the residencia; and,
even if he were alive, could go to obtain satisfaction at that court
[_i.e._, of Mexico], or have method or means to do so, even though
his grievances were enormous and cried out to the heavens--well do
I know that there are testimonies in that royal Council (since they
have been sent from here) that say the contrary. But I equally affirm
this to be the truth, as, to my positive knowledge, it actually
occurs--more true than I would indeed wish, for it would be well