sing in population
because of the good and healthful character of that country.

This year I have sent people to settle the city of Segovia in a
province called Cagayan, in this island, a hundred leagues from this
city. It is the frontier of China, and much benefit is expected from
its settlement--for it is the best-situated port, with a harbor of
greater depth, for the ships which sail in the line from Nueva Espana
and Peru; and it is so near to China that one can cross thence in
three days. For the sake of the future I consider it very important to
have that frontier settled. I sent for the settlement thereof Captain
Juan Pablos de Carrion, with about a hundred picked men. They go in
good order, well provided with artillery, vessels, ammunition, and
with the approbation and blessing of the church. God will be served
through them, and your Majesty as well.

In the years 80 and 81 there came to these islands some pirate ships
from Japan, which is located about four hundred leagues from here. They
did some injury to the natives. This year, as warning was received that
ten ships were being prepared to come to these islands, I have sent
a fleet to the place where they are accustomed to come. This fleet is
composed of six vessels, among them a ship and a galley well supplied
with guns. I will send later advices of the outcome. The Japanese are
the most warlike people in this part of the world. They have artillery
and many arquebuses and lances. They use defensive armor for the body,
made of iron, which they have owing to the subtlety of the Portuguese,
who have displayed that trait to the injury of their own souls.

Although I have had no letter or advices of the state of affairs
with Portugal, it seemed to me in the year 80, that we should live
with great care and circumspection on account of what might happen,
as the Portuguese are so quarrelsome, and especially if Don Antonio,
the Prior of Crato, [3] should come here. In order to try to ascertain
the state of affairs at Maluco and at Macau, the post held by the
Portuguese in China, I have sent for this purpose to the islands of
Maluco the sub-lieutenant Francisco de Duenas with four companions. He
is well-instructed as to what course to pursue. Likewise I sent to
Macau Father Alonso Sanchez of the Society of the Name of Jesus, a
person in whom are combined many admirable traits. [4] They are going
to try to prepare and calm the people for the time when certain news
wi