It must be allowed that the progressive improvement of the town was, under God, chiefly to be attributed to the industry and authority of Ychoalay: for the chief Cacique Ychamenraikin, although illustrious for his high birth and warlike actions, and endeared to his people by the gentleness of his disposition, contributed nothing of consequence to the establishment of the colony. He presided over all, but was of service to no one, the mere shadow of a magistrate, the useless image of power. He was addicted to drinking, and practised polygamy and divorce. Yet all bore him great good-will, because he connived at the vices of his hordesmen. The love of Christian knowledge had no place in his breast, nor did he ever enter public religious assemblies, or endeavour to make others do so. During his lifetime, no man would ever receive baptism, till on the point of death: when he died, no man refused it, which was brought about by the labours of Ychoalay, who, though not possessed of the chief command, managed all the affairs of the town by his own authority. He obliged others to attend the church, in order to learn the elements of religion, but for some time delayed entering it himself. After receiving daily admonitions on this subject from Joseph Brigniel, "Father," replied he, "permit me to think about slaying Oaherkaikin. My head is at present in a tumult with warlike cares. In time of peace I shall have leisure to attend to your religious discourses." After repeated excursions against Oaherkaikin, a truce being at length established, Brigniel reminded him of his promise, to which Ychoalay replied, "I must first make a fold for the security of the sheep in the estate, I will then become your disciple in the school of religion;" and he kept his word. A few days after, the Father, on entering the church, beheld Ychoalay kneeling on the ground and heard him praying, and making the responses. Thenceforward, no man was a more constant attender on places of worship, or displayed greater modesty and docility when there: and by his example they were daily crowded with pious hearers. He not only committed to memory the regular Christian prayers, and every thing relating to religion, but repeated them aloud to his domestics in the evening.