the next vessel, which will sail next month. I
have gathered articles of barter, in order to send a commander of
troops to Mindanao for next year's barter; then I will advise you of
what is in that island.

127. A book will also be found in the box which is a narration of the
country, rents, and tributarios of China, which is in substance what
is contained on the Chinese map. There is also another small book
resembling a collection of sea-charts, and some papers upon which
are depicted their officials of justice, which are sold in the shops
of that land. Because I am writing to the viceroy in Mexico and am
sending your Majesty a copy of the letter, where what I do not write
here is written, I close, beseeching your Majesty to be so kind as
to order that this country be provided for, since it is so easy; and
to grant favors to all of us who are serving you here. May our Lord
preserve the Royal Catholic person of your Majesty, and bestow upon
you greater kingdoms and seigniories, as is the wish of your servants
and vassals. Manila, in the island of Lucon, in the Filipinas, June 7,
1576. Royal Catholic Majesty, your Majesty's loyal vassal and servant,
who kisses your royal hands.

_Doctor Francisco de Sande_

[In the same legajo, there is a letter from the city of Manila,
dated June 2, 1576, which also contains an account of the affair of
the pirate Limahon. It is endorsed thus: "Let it be abstracted in a
report. Done." The abstract of the letter follows, and is doubtless
the work of one of the royal clerks or secretaries. Certain
instructions and remarks of the king or council appear in the
margin of the abstract. Opposite that for clauses 71-81, which
discuss the proposed conquest of China, are the following remarks:
"Reply as to the receipt of this; and that, in what relates to the
conquest of China, it is not fitting at the present time to discuss
that matter. On the contrary, he must strive for the maintenance of
friendship with the Chinese, and must not make any alliance with the
pirates hostile to the Chinese, nor give that nation any just cause
for indignation against us. He must advise us of everything, and if,
when the whole question is understood better, it shall be suitable to
make any innovation later, then he will be given the order and plan
that he must follow therein. Meanwhile he shall strive to manage what
is in his charge, so that God and his Majesty will be served; and he
shall and must adhere stri