four months. But, as it happened that the pirates came after them,
as we suspected that they were not all of the same understanding
and alliance, several investigations were made in regard to them,
and their commanders arrested, although nothing of importance was
found. I sent General Don Joan Ronquillo and Captain Joan de Alcega to
attack the enemy with a galley and a galliot; and although they came
within sight of them, they did not effect the desired purpose, because
their vessels were not suitable, and heavy storms were threatening. I
sent Captain Gaspar Perez to ... with some vireys and small ships;
he had better luck, for, having met with two of the Xaponese ships,
he overcame the one which awaited him, and killed the whole crew. He
brought one Xaponese of this city here alive, who was executed in the
sight of the Xaponese and Chinese. I also sent Captain Christoval de
Azqueta with what ships were suitable. The enemy did not wait, but
fled. I am quite certain that they will return the coming year with
a large number of ships, and a large force of men, on account of the
booty which they found aboard a Chinese trading-vessel that they seized
on the high sea, and some robberies committed on the native Indians.

With the death of Taico Samar, the lord of all Xapon, the state of some
affairs may be changed, but not the government--for this, they say,
is well conducted. Although I have not declared him who governs an
enemy, there is little to hope for in this affair of Xapon, because
about one hundred thousand men, Xaponese soldiers, who were employed
in the war with Corea, have returned to their own country, who are
now idle and poor. Some of them may try to invade this land, which is
so coveted by them on account of their thirst for gold. I have sent
letters to Xapon on the two trading-vessels, advising the Xaponese
of the arrival of the pirates, and requesting their punishment, and
the prevention of any ships from leaving Xapon without permission. I
also asked them not to send more than three Xaponese trading-vessels,
for they are quite enough to supply this community with flour. A
relation of the condition of Xapon accompanies this.

[_In the margin_: "Have the new governor directed to display
great care in meeting expenses which are to be disbursed from his
Majesty's treasury; to prevent any trouble which might arise from the
presence and residence of foreigners there, even under the pretense
of trading; that a we