A Spanish captain, Diego de Artieda, writes (1573) a “Relation of the Western Islands.”  He enumerates the islands thus far discovered by the Spaniards, describing their location, appearance, and natural resources.  He adds much curious information about the natives—­concerning their religious beliefs and rites, customs, mode of dress, weapons, food, industries, social condition, etc.  Artieda notes all that he has been able to learn concerning Japan and China, with interesting details as to their civilization, and the skill of the Chinese as artisans; he mentions the antiquity of printing among them.  He offers to conduct an armed expedition against the coast of China, if the king will supply him with two vessels and eighty soldiers.  He advises that Spain abandon the attempt to establish a footing in the Philippines, or else that she ignore the Treaty of Zaragoza and trade with the Moluccas.

Martin Enriquez, viceroy of New Spain, writes (December 5, 1573) to Felipe ii, announcing the arrival of ships with despatches from the Philippines.  With them has come the Augustinian friar Diego de Herrera, who is on his way to Spain to inform the king of the acts of violence and injustice which are being committed in the islands—­especially by the soldiers, who receive no pay and therefore maintain themselves by raids on the native villages.  Several Spanish officers have been sent thence to Mexico, by way of punishment for various misdemeanors; from them the viceroy has obtained much information, which he records for the king’s benefit.  The resources of the Philippines are great; but “every one asserts that the chief deficiency of that land is justice; and without justice there is no safety.”  A new governor is needed there.  Reenforcements and supplies have been sent thither from New Spain every year; but many persons die, and there has been little increase of population.  The riches of China incline some of the Spaniards to plan for its subjugation to Spanish power.  Commerce with that land would be very desirable; but the viceroy cannot persuade Spanish merchants to embark therein, on the uncertain and vague reports thus far received; moreover, the Chinese already possess all the goods that the Spaniards would export to them.  Enriquez asks that some large ships be provided for the Philippine trade, for which he has no vessels of adequate size.  He sends to the king a cargo of gold, spices, silks, wax, and other goods.  He asks that artillery and rigging be sent him, and supplies for a reenforcement which he is planning to despatch next year to the Philippines.  He requests the king to reward the faithful services rendered by Legazpi; and to do so by providing for his daughters, now of marriageable age, and giving to his son Melchior some grant in New Spain.  The viceroy asks for orders in various matters, especially in regard to the Inquisition; and enumerates the documents he sends with this letter.

Andres de Mirandaola writes (January 8, 1574) to the king.  He enumerates the gold mines thus far discovered in the Philippines, and the advantages possessed by the islands; and urges the establishment of Spanish power therein.  He describes, as well as he can from reports, the extent and resources of China, and hints that Spain might find it worth while to conquer that rich kingdom.