occasion, after the third due has been paid to the soldiers, it may be
necessary to spend some of the money; but the pay shall be left sure
and certain, so that it be not wanting or payment delayed. This would
be a great injury, and would cause or create risk of many wrongs,
and troubles of great consequence. I say once more, Sire, that it
is very important and very necessary that your Majesty order this
strictly under severe penalties, in order that it may be observed
and obeyed promptly--without admitting, under any consideration, any
excuses fof failure to perform it; for this would be greatly against
the service of God and of your Majesty, as the cause and occasion of
many wrongs, offenses, and evil deeds, as well as of wretchedness.

Whether the soldiers' pay be raised or not, it would also be a great
relief and assistance in many cases of need (which are usual in this
community), if your Majesty, for the love and service of our Lord
and that of your Majesty, would at least be pleased to institute in
the hospital--inasmuch as there is a hospital for soldiers, and the
sick poor--or in La Misericordia, a separate lodging and quarters for
needy well people. Those there who have not the means to obtain food,
should at least be given one meal a day. By such a course many needy
Spaniards and soldiers could be aided and relieved in their most
pressing necessity, and would not die of hunger, or have to commit
thefts or other evil acts, which cause their death and decrease. In
this your Majesty and this country are heavy losers, on account of
both the expense of bringing the soldiers here, and the want and
need of soldiers. The above could be done at but little expense,
by using for this purpose the said thousand pesos for gratuities
that your Majesty orders granted annually, inasmuch as the amount
of gratuity paid to one person does not exceed ten pesos. This sum
is of no moment or great value, if spent in that way, and amounts