from interest and passion, and with the sole desire
of fulfilling my duty as a vassal. I shall endeavor with all truth to
give a succinct relation of all that I have found, so that, after your
Majesty has read them, you may have the most advisable measures taken.

This government and the preservation of its provinces consists in
that the commerce of Great China and Japon be current, and especially
that of Japon. In truth this is more considerable, both as it is a
powerful neighbor, and because they are wont to bring from that kingdom
many products which are needed [here]--namely, iron, copper, lead,
saltpeter, flour, salt pork, vegetables, drugs, and silver--and which
it costs your Majesty considerable to have to supply from Nueva Espana.

Our relations with Japon are broken up, because the Dutch with their
accustomed scheming--that king having been irritated on account of
the religious who have preached the holy gospel from these provinces,
and fearful of new conquest--have converted into hate the old-time
friendship. The Japanese employ extraordinary harshness toward the
Catholics; and although your Majesty has ordered my predecessors
in so prudent and Christian a manner, by your royal decrees, not
to allow the religious to go to Japon until the times change, they
have been unable to prevent it; for the religious have imprudently
embarked in secret, thereby causing more trouble than good. They
have thus left a deficiency in the missions of these provinces,
where they have sufficient in which to busy themselves, since whole
nations are heathens. The measure that I believe to be practical is
for your Majesty to command the provincials of the orders not to allow
any religious to go to Japon for the present; for they only serve to
irritate one who, if placated, will some day, when undeceived in regard
to the Dutch malice, grant the liberty which he now denies. Now and
henceforth I shall endeavor to give Japon to understand your Majesty's
desire of good friendship and relationship. In accordance with this
I shall attempt the same with the provincials, and have them concern
themselves in converting the Japanese and Sangleys who live among us,
until your Majesty be pleased to order otherwise, [_In the margin_:
"This was provided for by writing to the governor to pay attention
to this matter, and to arrange matters as may be most advisable."]

The trade with Great China has also declined, because the Portuguese of
Macan hav