hem
to resentment, and to prefer the friendship of the Dutch, on account of
the many presents which they give to the Japanese from the spoils they
have taken. You say that since there are some advantages in retaining
friendly intercourse with that country, and for other reasons, you
give me an account of this that I may order what is most fitting for my
service. This consists in the measures suggested by your own prudence,
with the information that you have of the present state of affairs,
and the ordinary relations with Japon; and to whom, how, when, and
in what quantity it is best to make these gifts, in such manner that
they shall only serve to win back their friendship, and not appear a
regular and settled thing, in the manner of an acknowledgment [_i.e._,
of subjection to them]--for that, in the course of time, might be
troublesome in other matters. Accordingly, examining into this in
conformity with your obligation for the benefit of my royal estate,
you will do in this matter what, considering the time and occasion,
you shall judge suitable for the interests of our religion, which is
introduced into Japon, and for peaceful intercourse and friendship,
and the greatest benefit to the traffic and commerce of those islands.

All you say in regard to the affection with which the citizens
of that city came forward to serve me on the occasion of the last
year--offering not only their persons and servants, but lending the
slaves that they have and a hundred and ninety-five thousand pesos--is
very gratifying. To these persons in especial, and to all generally,
you will show this reply, that they may understand how grateful I
am for their loyal service and fidelity; and that on occasions which
may arise for their advancement and benefit in property, they will be
remunerated, as will be seen in future. As to what you say in regard
to Don Juan Ronquillo no resolution will be adopted in regard to him
until the termination of the suit in which he is engaged. The affair
will be settled as soon as possible after the arrival of the papers,
and on that will depend what shall be done with this person--of whose
service and their good results I am well informed, and for which I
wish to show him favor. In regard to Rodrigo de Guilestegui you will
advise me more fully in what way provision can be made for him. I
have been advised of the good qualities and merits which you say are
displayed in Don Fernando Centeno Maldonado. You mention