Since my arrival, I have had the care of the hospitals of this city, ordered to me by your Majesty in one of your royal decrees received this year. The hospitals are in charge of the discalced religious of St. Francis. I do not doubt that if there were some brothers of [St.] John of God here, they would administer them better; but I have not found them in these islands as yet. I am charging the fathers to look after them carefully, and I personally visit and aid the sick whenever my occupations admit; and I wish that that were often. [_In the margin_: "Thank him, and tell him to continue what he is doing, since it is not advisable to send any of those brothers at present."] I wrote at length my opinion in regard to the spiritual matters of the convents and orders, and at present nothing especial occurs 10 me of which to advise your Majesty. [_In the margin_: "Seen."] The characters of Juan Ruiz de Escalona, treasurer of the royal revenues of these islands, and of the accountant, Martin Ruiz de Salazar, are excellent. They attend to their duties with all punctuality and earnest zeal, which deserve from your Majesty the favor that all who comply with their obligations may hope from your royal hand. They are informing you of their especial petitions, and hence I shall not go into greater detail. [_In the margin_: "Let persons of these abilities be kept in mind."] The inspector who was assigned to this royal Audiencia has not come this year because of his lack of health, according to what he writes me. That is a pity, for it is important to the service of your Majesty that these islands be inspected. [But that should be done] with the mildness and prudence that is proper; for I do not consider it advisable to unearth old matters that now have no redress, and to investigate them will have no other result than to disturb this community. [_In the margin_: "That this is already provided."]