Moreover, he says that his host told him that four or five thousand men would come in large vessels to conquer these islands, and that this number was sufficient.  Only ten ships would be needed for this.

He declares that, in his opinion, it would be an advisable plan for the governor to contrive to despatch a couple of Japanese vessels without telling Faranda that he would give him any present, or any fathers to accompany him.  He should show signs that he wishes to detain Faranda, in order to ascertain his intention in this way; for the latter has said that his ship must leave these islands first.

He asserts also that the Japanese emperor admits in his letter that the sword which he sent by means of the same Japanese, is called guihoccan.  This is a Chinese word, which, being translated into our language, signifies:  “I am sending thee that token of brotherly love.  Cross the sea, so that thou mayst render submission to me.”  This letter gi, or word gui, signifies “love,” and a token of the love which exists between brothers.  This word hoc signifies subjection.  Finally this word can signifies sea.  Thus “the sword guihoccan” admits of the above explanation.

He declares also that his guest told him that the ships would not come to this bay; but that the soldiers would march here by land.

Miguel Onte declares that many Sangleys would buy catanas, but they did not dare, for fear lest the governor would take them away.  He says the Chinese would like to sail five days ahead of the Japanese.

Antonio Lopez says that the helmsmen of the ship have told him that they and the pilot had consulted together as to the way of reaching Manila in the quickest time, and says that they will come by way of Liuteui.  He declares also that he thinks that the Japanese have detained Pedro Solis’s vessel and another one, which were about to sail; for surely, had they not been detained, they would have arrived.  He says also that the reason why the helmsmen do not wish to return is because they know that the Japanese are coming next year, and that the latter will force them to bring them here.  On this account, they wish to remain here and return to China.  He says, too, that great care should be taken; for, in his opinion, it would be very advisable to detain the Japanese, and not allow them to return.  For it is certain that they will try to subdue us; but if these do not return, the Japanese in Japon will be as though blind.  He says further that Faranda told him yesterday that affairs were turning out well, and that they and we would be friends; and that it was very well that the governor had invited them.  He also said that because the inhabitants of Core refused their friendship, and endeavored to fortify themselves, the Japanese retreated, in such manner as their knowledge of the country permitted—­not being acquainted with the routes in the fortified part of the country, but only with those where it was not defended.