Gomez Perez Dasmarinas

[Endorsed:  “Manila.  To his Majesty. 1592.  Gomez Perez Dasmarinas.  June 11.”]

An Embassy from Japan

Letter from the King of Japan

It is more than one thousand years since Japon has been governed by one sovereign.  During this period the wars and dissensions among the rulers of the country were so many, that it was impossible to send a letter from one part to the other; until now the Lord of Heaven has willed that the country be united in my time, and that it be reduced to my obedience.  In accomplishing this, everything was so favorable to me, that as yet I have lost no battle, but have been victorious in every one for ten years.  Likewise I have conquered the island of Lequio, which was not under my sway, and Acoray [Korea]; [38] and even from Eastern Yndia embassies have been sent to me.  Now I am about to invade Great China in order to conquer it, for heaven, and not my forces, has promised it to me.  I am much surprised that that country of the island of Luzon has not sent me ambassador or messenger, and I was therefore of a mind, on my way to China, to attack Manila with my fleet, were it not that Faranda, a Japanese noble, told me of the good treatment accorded to my vassals, the Japanese traders, who go to those islands from here.  When I asked him if the ruler there was my friend, he answered and assured me that, if I should send a letter to the governor, he would send me an ambassador.  And should he not do it since I am well established in my kingdom, I am so powerful that I have men who can go to conquer any kingdom whatever.  Although this messenger is a man of low rank, I have accredited him, because of the good account he gives.  And also, since I am not sending the troops I thought to send, I shall descend, within two months, from where I am now, to Nanguaya, my seaport, where are stationed the forces composing my army; and if an ambassador comes to me there from those islands, and I ascertain that the governor is my friend, I shall lower my banner in token of friendship.  If an ambassador is not sent, I shall unfurl my banner [39] and send an army against that country to conquer it with a multitude of men; so that that country will repent at not having sent me an ambassador.  In order to become the friend of the Spaniards, I am sending this embassy from Miaco, in the year 19, [sic] from the country of Japon, to the country of Lucon. [40]

[Endorsed:  “Copy of the letter from the king of Japon.”]

Letter from the Chamberlain, Tiau Kit [41]