managed to get together the men who
were on land, and sailed from the port, preferring rather to submit
to the risks of the sea than to the grave one which confronted him
in this treachery which accompanied their departure. But when the
Japanese saw that he was going out of this port and that their design
was known, they had recourse to arms, trying to do by force what they
had not been able to do by cunning. But our men defended themselves
so well, inflicting some loss on those of that kingdom, that they
returned to these islands, which was a very fortunate outcome. Those
who were left there, not being able to embark with their commander,
have all returned on the ships which come here to trade, together
with those who took the present to the emperor. The latter say that
they were well received. [_In the margin: "Idem_."]

On the eve of the feast-day of St. Philip and St. James, our Lord saw
fit to visit this city with a conflagration of such magnitude that
before nightfall half the city had burned, including one hundred
and fifty-nine buildings, many of stone and others of wood. Among
them were the Dominican convent and the hospital for the Spaniards
of which your Majesty is patron; and almost nothing that was in them
was saved. According to the investigations which we have been able
to make, the loss will amount to a great sum. It has caused general
consternation. Great care will be taken to procure safety from these
fires, with which we have been much afflicted. [_In the margin_:
"Let this be done."]

Your Majesty commands by decree of February 16, 92, that this Audiencia
should give information concerning the expediency of having more of
the churches in these islands of stone than of wood, as the latter
decays and does not last long. Having investigated and considered
this matter, the conclusion is that, although in some parts it would
be much better to build the churches of stone than of wood, as the
materials are found near at hand, yet in other parts it would be
more expedient to make them of wood and tiles, as these materials are
abundant there and the stone is at a distance. Beside, the cost which
the stone buildings entail would generally be much more than those
of wood; and, as your Majesty's treasury here is so embarrassed, it
could not bear the cost of building expensive edifices. It therefore
seems best that the governor should continue providing for this in
the manner most convenient. [_In the margin_: