The Governor is very much hated by all of them, and it is to be feared that they may at some time rebel.

If this should occur, which God forbid, the remedy for the matter would then be difficult: and so it would be if injustice were used toward them, either here or in other places, with the great fame of the gold.

My opinion is that his Highness should investigate this affair quickly and by means of a person who is interested and who can go there with 150 or 200 people well equipped, and remain there until it is well settled and without suspicion, which cannot be done in less than three months: and that an endeavour be made to raise two or three forces there.

The gold there is exposed to great risk, as there are very few people to protect it.

I say that there is a proverb here which says that the presence of the owner makes the horse fat.