As a
consequence, Ceron and Diaz were reinstated in their respective
offices, and they were on their way back to San Juan a few months
after Ponce's final success over the rebellious Indians.
Before their departure from Spain they received the following
instructions, characteristic of the times and of the royal personage
who imparted them:
"1. You will take over your offices very peaceably, endeavoring to
gain the good-will of Ponce and his friends, that they may become
_your_ friends also, to the island's advantage.
"2. This done, you will attend to the 'pacification' of the Indians.
"3. Let many of them be employed in the mines and be well treated.
"4. Let many Indians be brought from the other islands and be well
treated. Let the officers of justice be favored (in the distributions
of Indians).
"5. Be very careful that no meat is eaten in Lent or other fast days,
as has been done till now in la Espanola.
"6. Let those who have Indians occupy a third of their number in the
mines.
"7. Let great care be exercised in the salt-pits, and one real be paid
for each celemin[21] extracted, as is done in la Espanola.
"8. Send me a list of the number and class of Indians distributed, if
Ponce has not done so already, and of those who have distinguished
themselves in this rebellion.
"9. You are aware that ever since the sacraments have been
administered in these islands, storms and earthquakes have ceased.
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