Spanish to English Social Sciences Archaeology Mexico

Another phrase, but modern, which I cannot figure out:

Para las últimas décadas del siglo XVI Felipe II se interesa por tener una rica y precisa visión de las numerosas poblaciones que conformaban su imperio americano, de ahí que ordena a las autoridades locales o en su caso a los vecinos más distinguidos ***a que respondieran una instrucción y memoria*** donde pormenorizaran los puntos más notables de las Indias.

(Here's my take on it:
In the final decades of the 16th century, Philip II wanted to have a full and precise idea of the number of population centers within Spain’s empire in the Americas. He ordered the local authorities, or sometimes the most distinguished of the local residents, to respond to [his orders with a report?], in which they would provide details on the most notable features of the Indies"