considered in this matter, but it is not for the service of God and
your Majesty to abandon what is of so much import for this country on
account of it. That objection is that there would not be so many posts
and offices for claimants, and for the governors to provide and supply
people with. But as for this, it has been said that for those who have
served and merit reward there would be appointments and rewards--and
for others too, in the offices left. Hence, even if the deputies be
dismissed, and the number of offices be reduced, your Majesty has not
suppressed opportunities or posts for rewards, but exchanged them;
so that anyone who ought to receive a deputyship or corregidorship
would have a better allowance and reward, and more gain, without
so much trouble and loss--even for the very persons who hold them,
because for many this reformation is a sentence. What your Majesty
suppresses by this method and plan is only sins, offenses against the
service of God and of your Majesty, and great wrongs inflicted on
these natives. This is the most Christian and royal design of your
Majesty. Whichever is most advisable should be enacted now; namely,
that there be or be not rewards, at your Majesty's pleasure.


_That there should be a city storehouse and granary_

That there should be a city storehouse and granary, wherein should be
stored annually thirty or forty thousand fanegas of rice in the hull,
so that it may keep longer--which cleaned would amount to half as
much--besides a quantity of wine, vinegar, and oil. At the very least,
it is advisable to store the rice in this way, in preparation for a
siege or the coming of an enemy, or for any expedition that should be
undertaken. If these supplies are thus kept in store, the harassing of
the natives on such occasions to obtain a supply of provisions will be