there, they could send their goods to this land.  These with what they themselves bring, would render it quite unnecessary for the Portuguese to come here.  I thanked them heartily for the suggestion, and in reply, said that, next year, they should bring a chapa, or passport from their viceroy of Chincheo, so that Castilians could go there; and that, as the people of Canton had lent the island of Macao, that the Portuguese might settle there, so they should lend us another island, very near Chincheo, on which we could settle and construct a fortress.

At present, I could say [no] more than this, but I told them that your Majesty wished to favor them, and had given me orders to that effect; and that, if they would keep their promises, your Majesty would send Spaniards to protect and aid them in their wars, and to defend them from their enemies.  They were exceedingly glad at hearing this, and agreed to bring the chapa; for the viceroy is very anxious to increase the incomes there [at Chincheo] by the duties that the Spanish vessels would pay.  I am continuing to inspire them with love and affection for your Majesty’s service, and they are already very favorably inclined toward our nation.  And beyond even the mandarins and viceroys, I understand that all the people wish to see us in their country.  I beseech your Majesty, in case these men keep their word, to order me to execute what is most advisable for your service as quickly as possible, for it would be of very great importance not to lose such an opportunity.

The trade continues to increase, so that, were vessels not lacking, a great quantity of goods would be sent to Nueva Spana.  The Chinese are so careful merchants, that they bring goods in proportion to the vessels that come to the port.  Although I have built one very fine galley of five hundred toneladas—­at so slight a cost that the sum does not amount to eight thousand pesos—­and your Majesty has four other useful vessels, still two more would be necessary for the trading fleet.  If your Majesty so pleases, they can be constructed very easily, and at but little expense; and if there were any money in your royal chest, I would have had them built already.  I entreat your Majesty to have some concession granted us from Mexico, and advise me of your pleasure.

In a former letter, I informed your Majesty of the arrival of a Japanese vessel laden with flour and horses (which they were bringing to this city), at the city of Segovia, in the province of Cagayan, in these islands.  They had been driven upon the coast there, and some of the crew and horses escaped death.  As soon as I learned of this, I sent a vessel for them, and, upon their arrival, showed them great hospitality; for this they were so grateful that they published in their country great praises of this land, and of the kind treatment accorded them.  Certain of them, together with others—­both Christians and pagans, up to about forty—­returned with