our
Majesty. Seeing how well disposed this king was, in the year past
(1598) I despatched Captain Joan Tello with an embassy for the king
in answer to his, indicating great esteem for the friendship which
he offers me, and for his desire for the trade of the Spaniards in
his kingdom. I offered him in the name of your Majesty the closest
friendship. Captain Joan Tello made the voyage, and, having fulfilled
his embassy, made an agreement also that a port should be left open
for trade, so that the Spaniards could go there and settle freely,
and be exempt from taxes. They brought in their ship ivory, benzoin,
and stone for the citizens of this city. He came back here with the
response of the king of Sian, a copy of which will go with this. I
have understood, indeed, from Captain Joan Tello that the king of
Sian has in his house a religious of the Order of St. Dominic, who
was sent from Malaca to administer the sacraments to the Christians
who come there from India on their commercial voyages. Seeing what a
good opportunity and opening there was to begin preaching the holy
gospel in that kingdom, I sent another ship this year, very well
supplied, having as captain Joan de Mendoca, with an embassy to the
king beseeching him to consent to have sent from here four religious
of the said order, for if they also were with the one who was residing
there, it would further much the end which was sought; and asking that
he would admit these religious. Once settled there, they will succeed
in obtaining good results. Captain Joan de Mendoca is now expected,
and whatever news he brings on his arrival I shall communicate to your
Majesty. May God further these affairs, as they are especially for
His service and for the advantage of the royal crown of your Majesty.

32. _That the city of Cebu sent a ship to Castilla, in the year 1597,
which was lost on the sea_.

Your Majesty having granted the city of Cebu authority to despatch
a ship to Mexico, it did so; and the ship left Cebu about two years
ago, carrying merchandise both for the citizens of that city and of
Manila, which was considered best; but, from the time when it left
until now, there has been no word of it. It is thought that it was
lost, which is no slight matter for this country, coming in addition
to the loss of the ship "San Phelipe"--with which, and the retention
of their money which the citizens of Manila have suffered, and other
hardships, this commonwealth is hard smitt