  Most illustrious Sir, As God alone is the true master of all things and knows what He says, arranging all things according to His will and pleasure, although I wrote to you the other day, by Diego Lopez de Segura, that we should enter Guamanga on the day that you received the letter, He was not served that we should do so. For on the following Tuesday, in the night, after I had despatched Segura, we were to sleep at Lucumaes, I had a pain in the stomach followed by a severe pain in the side, with which I was unable to take the road, though there was no want of doctors and medicines. Feeling a little better I left Lucumaes where I was taken ill, and came to Andahuaylas. I was there attacked again so severely that it would have been desperation to continue the journey, so I remained to be cured. I give your honour an account of this, that you may not think I am enjoying myself. Your honour’s page Burgos arrived at Andahuaylas, who gave me two despatches sent by you, and I saw all that they contained. Your honour need have no anxiety, for I have brought Cuzco to a healthy state as well in one part as another, bringing with me all those who are suspected and can do anything, that they may be known to you and serve you, and leaving there the sowing that seemed convenient. In fine, until I can see your honour, and can tell you all by word of mouth that seems advisable for the From this same place I sent Burgos to Cuzco to accompany the escort bringing some treasure from your Honour’s estate, and I shall send it forward with the care that is necessary, doing all in my power to forward your service. With regard to the pikes which you ordered me to burn, I have sent for them that they may be brought to Guamanga by little and little, and thence they shall be sent to Lima. I beseech your Honour that you will deem that I do well in this. For the kingly crowning with which we are, in a few days, to crown your Honour there will be a great concourse of people, and on that occasion I wish to have charge of such details as may be convenient. I assure your Excellency that the most terrible war that can be made for the security of your army and your person, and for the rout of an enemy, is with pikes, and I know very well what I am saying. Rodrigo de Zamudio arrived here last night, who resides at Chuquiapu (La Paz). He came with Father Ortun Sanchez from your Honour’s estates, bringing 35,000 pesos of gold from Chuquiapu and in silver from Potosi, respecting which the Father informed me. I have sent it from here with the best escort I could arrange. I pray that you will give the bearers good treatment and presents, for it is true that much work is done each day, backwards and forwards, in your Honour’s service, and I will look upon it as a reward to myself. May the illustrious person of your Honour be maintained with all the health and increase of prosperity that you can desire. From this station of Andahuaylas to-day Thursday the 17th of March 1547. Your Servant who kisses |
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