letters from the king of Firando, and from Don Gaspar, his brother, the originals of which are enclosed here.  They brought some merchandise and weapons to sell.  They say that war is being waged in those kingdoms, and that of Miaco, [60] to which sixty-three kingdoms are subject, has given a passport to the fathers of the Society who reside there, so that they may preach the gospel freely throughout Japon, and permission, to all who wish, to become Christians.  This is certified by one of the fathers to the members of the Society who reside here, as your Majesty may cause to be seen by the copy of his letter.  This so good news has gladdened these islands.  May God direct this, and grant that this new world may be saved by your direction and order.  The many kingdoms, the infinite number of people, and the wealth of those realms, is incredible.  The Japanese are an energetic race, skilled in the use of our weapons.  All the other nations lack that spirit, and are cowardly, dastardly, and abject.

As above remarked, two vessels came this year from the islands of Macan, whence the Portuguese brought provisions, a quantity of raw silk, taffetas, damasks, and other merchandise.  I showed them much hospitality and friendship, for which they were very grateful; and they desired to come here again, because they had derived much profit, and the voyage, in fair weather, can be accomplished in two weeks.  I did not allow any duties to be collected on what they brought, or on the merchandise of the Japanese, not only as it was very premature to impose these, but to inspire them with desire for our commerce and trade; also because your Majesty ordered us to have friendly intercourse and communication with them, but chiefly because of having no order from your Majesty for such collection.  Besides, as this land is so new, and must be treated like a sprout, I thought it advisable, in order that it may increase daily, to try not to burden it, but to maintain it—­especially by means of the Portuguese, so that they may lose the ill-will that they bear toward us; and so that other foreigners may desire our trade and the Christian religion.  I beseech your Majesty to give orders regarding what should be done for the future.

I have informed your Majesty that some of the Chinese Sangleys, upon coming to this city, become citizens and Christians.  The bishop thereupon orders their hair to be cut, in accordance with our custom; but they, following their own custom, wear it very long, and braided and tied in a certain manner.  They so dislike this, that, in order not to be compelled to cut their hair, many of them are not baptized; for, in their country, it is a great insult to them, and is regarded as a great crime to cut off their hair, and without it, they do not dare to return in order to bring their property, and their wives and children, to settle here.  I have told the bishop that, inasmuch as that is not a religious rite, but a custom, just as it is a custom of ours to wear short hair, he should not have it cut.  But he refuses to observe this, saying that he fears lest they go back to their country and return to their idolatries.  Will your Majesty please have this matter examined and provided for.  Because of its extreme importance, I reiterate this supplication here.