[The bishop replies (March 8) to the foregoing letter, which he
accuses of being inspired by others than the governor--presumably
by the Jesuits, since the name of Joseph de Acosta rouses Salazar
to anger; he declares that "the doctrine contained in that book [1]
is exceedingly pernicious, and erroneous in regard to the Indias,"
and warns the governor that under their guidance he will infallibly
plunge into many errors. The land will go to ruin, and the governor and
his advisers will be responsible therefor. He defends himself against
what he considers unjust aspersions on his character, and remonstrates
against the governor's neglect of his counsels. He promises to put
a stop to the preaching by his clergy on public matters. The salary
due him is greatly in arrears, which has caused him much privation;
but he does not wish to receive it if it shall proceed from unjust
collection of the tributes.]