I have heard that some of the reports of services and merits that are generally made by order and officially, which your Majesty commands and orders to be made, as is fitting and as is ordered, have been too much exaggerated and favored by the opinions of the Audiencia.

By this new system, and by what I am attempting and shall attempt to fulfil, I hope this will be corrected--although since the making of these reports is usually divided among the auditors, each one appears to be favorable to his own client.

If they agree in their opinions, this difficulty would scarcely intervene.
Among the reports made and despatched this year are three, seemingly most justifiable.

One is that of Captain Francisco Moreno Donoso, a man of honorable character, and who, as I have understood, has fulfilled his obligations as he should--both in peace, where he has been esteemed and honored; and in affairs of war that have occurred and have been entrusted to him.

If your Majesty be pleased to occupy him in one of the posts that he desires, and of which the Audiencia expresses its opinion, my opinion is that he deserves it, and will give excellent service.
I cannot refrain from saying the same in the second report, that of Admiral Rodrigo de Guillestegui, for many reasons, especially those that have moved me to what I have written your Majesty in other letters, because of his honored abilities, services, and merits.
Admiral Joan Baptista Molina has no less, but as much as he who deserves them most.