e de Mascarenas, is the one who has solicited it; and he
aids me very punctually with what I ask from him. I am trying to
have some ships built there for the Nueva Espana line. I request your
Majesty to thank him, and to encourage him to pay careful attention
to the quick building of the new ships; for this would effect much,
and relieve the islands of one of the greatest burdens that they
endure, namely, the shipyards and shipbuilding. [_In the margin_:
"Let his Majesty be consulted, so that the same be done in such manner
as he prefers." "Consultation was held October 17."]

_9. Embassy sent to the king of Camboja; the building of ships;
and the trade that has been established with him_.

For the same purpose I despatched an embassy this year to the kingdom
of Camboja, in order to ascertain whether it has suitable timber. I
have heard that those who went there have been well received by
the king, and that he is answering me by another embassy composed
of his vassals. They say that he has never done so with anyone
else, and that the building of a ship was already being begun. I am
momentarily expecting a patache which was bought there, in which the
ambassadors are coming. I trust that very many matters for relief for
these islands and saving for your Majesty will be arranged with them
besides the shipbuilding, as well as the advantage which the Catholic
faith may obtain in this commerce. For some Dominican fathers whom
I sent as chaplains for the Spaniards write me that they were very
cordially received by the king, and that the latter had given them
permission to build a church, and to baptize those who wished to
be converted. [_In the margin:_ "Have him advise us of the result,
and approve what he is doing."]

_10. Embassy and trade with the king of Cochinchina_

I also sent a message to the king of Cochinchina, with letters and
presents, in order to establish a factory in his kingdom, both for the
building of ships and for the exporting of iron and other metals--which
can be imported from there at much less cost than what is now incurred
here in the islands. I have already received a reply from the king,
which contains many expressions of desire that what I am trying to do
will be effected; and I am in hopes of accomplishing it this year. [_In
the margin_: "Approve it and tell him to continue these efforts."]

11. _Message to the king of Sian, and the condition in which the
punishment meted out