To Madrid

The colonies require a steady stream of manpower, both free men and women of varying trades to continue setting up our colonial societies successfully, and the unfree. The islander natives have dwindled to a point that they will be nigh unusable soon enough. They are ill and weak, their settlements have become scarce and their inhabitants even fewer, whereas our expanding properties require a steady stream of working hands.

In other news, Santo Domingo wishes to inform His Grace that the colonial voyage to Jamaiqua has been a resounding success and a fortified settlement has been established on the island. A weathered plaque was found in the outskirts of the settlement however, claiming the territory for Louis of France. So far we've encountered no-one but natives. We will continue settling the island in due haste, hopefully with the help of immigrants from the homeland. We request the Crown outline a direction and general strategic guidelines for our expansion here. Specific concerns have arisen regarding the rising power of the Ligurian exiles on Cuba, and the seemingly swiftly expanding French settlement to the east.

Lastly, we regret to inform Your Grace that the commendable Nicolás de Ovando has passed way as of a few days ago. Acting in his stead, as was established at the beginning of his illness a year ago, is First Lieutenant of Santo Domingo, Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar. We request a royal approval to make the position of Senor Velázquez officially sanctioned, should Your Grace deem him worthy.

First Lieutenant of Santo Domingo, Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar.