ce, and they are already very
favorably inclined toward our nation. And beyond even the mandarins
and viceroys, I understand that all the people wish to see us in their
country. I beseech your Majesty, in case these men keep their word,
to order me to execute what is most advisable for your service as
quickly as possible, for it would be of very great importance not to
lose such an opportunity.

The trade continues to increase, so that, were vessels not lacking,
a great quantity of goods would be sent to Nueva Spana. The Chinese
are so careful merchants, that they bring goods in proportion to
the vessels that come to the port. Although I have built one very
fine galley of five hundred toneladas--at so slight a cost that the
sum does not amount to eight thousand pesos--and your Majesty has
four other useful vessels, still two more would be necessary for the
trading fleet. If your Majesty so pleases, they can be constructed
very easily, and at but little expense; and if there were any money
in your royal chest, I would have had them built already. I entreat
your Majesty to have some concession granted us from Mexico, and
advise me of your pleasure.

In a former letter, I informed your Majesty of the arrival of a
Japanese vessel laden with flour and horses (which they were bringing
to this city), at the city of Segovia, in the province of Cagayan,
in these islands. They had been driven upon the coast there, and some
of the crew and horses escaped death. As soon as I learned of this,
I sent a vessel for them, and, upon their arrival, showed them great
hospitality; for this they were so grateful that they published in
their country great praises of this land, and of the kind treatment
accorded them. Certain of them, together with others--both Christians
and pagans, up to about forty--returned with letters from the king
of Firando, and from Don Gaspar, his brother, the originals of which
are enclosed here. They brought some merchandise and weapons to
sell. They say that war is being waged in those kingdoms, and that
of Miaco, [60] to which sixty-three kingdoms are subject, has given
a passport to the fathers of the Society who reside there, so that
they may preach the gospel freely throughout Japon, and permission,
to all who wish, to become Christians. This is certified by one of
the fathers to the members of the Society who reside here, as your
Majesty may cause to be seen by the copy of his letter. This so good
news has