by Guido de Lavesares, did I make, nor have I made, any innovation; for there are so few people here.  Juan de Saucedo, master-of-camp, went to Ylocos to collect tribute from some Indians of an encomienda that he had there.  There he had an attack of illness, from which he died in a short time.  This is the sickness that kills old and young.  Upon this occasion of the death of the master-of-camp the Chinese fabricated their lie, and complained that we did not give them anything; while in reality we spent a considerable sum from your Majesty’s royal exchequer to supply them with provisions, ship’s stores, and other articles, in order that they might take the fathers to China.  I believe that God wills it thus, and that it is well that they owe something, so that they may pay it at once.  It is not safe to go unarmed or carelessly in that country, or in this; nor must one begin an attack without having a fort to receive the return blow, and be able to sustain it.  I refer to what I have said above, and I beseech your Majesty once more to have this expedition undertaken.  As I before remarked, two merchant-ships remained here, and we treated them kindly and with justice.  When they were leaving, they asked me what message I had for their country.  I told them to convey my compliments to the said captains, and to say that I had very kind feelings for all the people of China; and that this was my message.

119.  Since this letter was written, we have received word that the ship sent by the viceroy this year with the usual help was lost.  It was the pilot’s fault, or at least they say that it was.  May God find a remedy for this loss, for I dare not speak of it.

120.  With this I enclose a copy of the letter that I have written to the viceroy.  With it I send a list of all that is needed here.  This ship sets sail at a favorable season, the beginning of June of 76; and, please God, another will leave in about a month, as it lacks but a little carpenter-work.  We have been working at it five months.

121.  In the investigation and accounts, the officials excused themselves, saying that they had no instructions; so I made a few ordinances adapted to the life here.  I am sending these with the present letter.

122.  I am sending also the investigations that were made in regard to no ship leaving last year; and about not compelling any one to assay gold that is mined and traded with here.

123.  I am sending the originals, and translations of the letters from China, together with the residencias; and other papers, consisting of a Chinese map and another small map that I had made here, some stories of China, and those that they call “Flowers of Silver”—­all in a box directed to the viceroy of Nueva Espana, so that it may be sent to your Majesty.  It may be, as I believe, that, in the accounts of the officials of your Majesty’s royal treasury, I also have not fulfilled well the duty of accountant, as is done at court.  I humbly