mentioned, and by keeping back one-half of their pay. With that half,
they could clothe themselves very comfortably, because at the time
of their arrival, the Chinese have come here with their merchandise;
and clothing is very cheap then, and to be had at moderate prices. In
this way they will be well dressed when they come here, and will
be considered, feared, and respected by these barbarians, and even
by ourselves. Then too, your Majesty will have more soldiers; for,
although they are not increased in respect to their number, this plan
will succeed in taking from them the causes for which they so quickly
desert, and their numbers are lessened. These causes are punishments,
and in a certain manner, the sickness and wretchedness that they
suffer--from which, together with the ordinary hardships and the
recklessness of some, many die.

It is advisable to bring the arms here on the account of your Majesty,
and not deliver them in Mexico to the soldiers; first that their
pay may not be lessened, and second that the soldiers may not lose
them on the way. Moreover, they will thus be brought from there,
and delivered to the men here, in better condition; and there will be
more weapons in this country. In conclusion, I assert that it is very
desirable that your Majesty order your governor and royal officials,
under very severe penalties, that this pay assigned by your Majesty to
the soldiers for the purposes indicated, be strictly and inviolably
kept separate in the treasury or in a separate account, and be paid
to the soldiers every four months, on the very day when it is due; and
that payment be not deferred or delayed for any reason or cause. For,
if the requisite system and order be observed in this, there can be
no lack of money; but, on the contrary, I think there will be a great
superabundance, if it is not spent for other things. Will your Majesty
order that this be not done for any reason whatever--unless, on some