These, although Indians, set forth arguments that must have shamed your Majesty's governors considerably; since, although the latter are so careful not only to collect their tributes, but to impose continually so many taxes, and to cause the Indians innumerable troubles, yet they do not defend them from their enemies.

Consequently the Indians say, "Let us be free, and let us have arms, and we shall be able to defend ourselves, as we did before the advent of the Spaniards." And, surely, did not the religious--especially those of the Society, who instruct nearly all those islands--entertain them with hopes and fair arguments, they would all have revolted, as some have done.

I have related this to your Majesty so that you may order your governor to remedy that matter, which is so incumbent upon your Majesty's royal conscience.

But how poorly he informs your Majesty; since at the very moment when those people were destroying your churches, the governor wrote that they were all peaceful and quiet.

It is very easy to conquer that island, if its inhabitants are made slaves, as I have said in special memorials..