Salt, 1575 
103 
where to visit them; moreover, the Indians began to flee for the purpose 
of preventing interference with their manner and custom of life, and 
of securing better opportunities to assault, rob, and kill both Spaniards 
and peaceful Indians on the highways as they had repeatedly done. De la 
Peña supplicated me to order as a remedy for this that the Indians of that 
province who are wandering about in the mountains should be gathered 
together and made to live in established towns where they might have 
political organization for their better instruction in the things of the faith, 
and not be allowed to live as they do in the mountains and out-of-the-way 
places, because of the difficulties which would result. The plan suggested 
has been discussed by the members of our Council of the Indies, who con¬ 
sidered how much benefit to the Indians would accrue from it; I have 
therefore approved it, and do now command you to issue orders and in¬ 
structions for gathering the Indians of that province who are wandering 
in the mountains into towns where they may live in a civilized manner 
and have their organized government, that they may better communicate 
with each other, have order and system in their living, be more advantage¬ 
ously converted and indoctrinated, and escape the dangers and difficulties 
which may attend the opposite mode of living in the mountains and 
deserts. Whatever you may do in this matter above your ordinary obli¬ 
gation we shall accept as service to us, and you will report to us how this 
order is complied with and executed. Dated at El Carpió, May 26, 1570. 
I the King. 
The King to the governor of the province of Vizcaya concerning the salt 
deposits of that country. [1575.] 
To Francisco de Ibarra, our governor of the province of Nueva 
Vizcaya. It has been reported to us that there are in your government 
some salt deposits which, if they were taken as part of our estate, as they 
really are, and were worked in our name, would be a source of income to 
our royal treasury. Since this matter concerns the good of our service, I 
command you to consult with intelligent persons concerning the method 
of working these salt deposits and the profit which can be obtained from 
them either by leasing them or working them for our account. You will 
send us a detailed report of what you do and what your opinion may be, 
so that after proper deliberation suitable orders may be issued. You will 
also communicate with our royal Audiencia of the province of Nueva 
Galicia concerning this business, in order that the most harmonious action 
may be taken in the matter. Dated at Villaseca, April 27, 1575. I the 
King. 
