After my arrival in this government I received a letter from the king of Sian, a copy of which will go with this.  In it he told me of his desire for commerce and trade with these islands of your Majesty.  Seeing how well disposed this king was, in the year past (1598) I despatched Captain Joan Tello with an embassy for the king in answer to his, indicating great esteem for the friendship which he offers me, and for his desire for the trade of the Spaniards in his kingdom.  I offered him in the name of your Majesty the closest friendship.  Captain Joan Tello made the voyage, and, having fulfilled his embassy, made an agreement also that a port should be left open for trade, so that the Spaniards could go there and settle freely, and be exempt from taxes.  They brought in their ship ivory, benzoin, and stone for the citizens of this city.  He came back here with the response of the king of Sian, a copy of which will go with this.  I have understood, indeed, from Captain Joan Tello that the king of Sian has in his house a religious of the Order of St. Dominic, who was sent from Malaca to administer the sacraments to the Christians who come there from India on their commercial voyages.  Seeing what a good opportunity and opening there was to begin preaching the holy gospel in that kingdom, I sent another ship this year, very well supplied, having as captain Joan de Mendoca, with an embassy to the king beseeching him to consent to have sent from here four religious of the said order, for if they also were with the one who was residing there, it would further much the end which was sought; and asking that he would admit these religious.  Once settled there, they will succeed in obtaining good results.  Captain Joan de Mendoca is now expected, and whatever news he brings on his arrival I shall communicate to your Majesty.  May God further these affairs, as they are especially for His service and for the advantage of the royal crown of your Majesty.

32. That the city of Cebu sent a ship to Castilla, in the year 1597, which was lost on the sea.

Your Majesty having granted the city of Cebu authority to despatch a ship to Mexico, it did so; and the ship left Cebu about two years ago, carrying merchandise both for the citizens of that city and of Manila, which was considered best; but, from the time when it left until now, there has been no word of it.  It is thought that it was lost, which is no slight matter for this country, coming in addition to the loss of the ship “San Phelipe”—­with which, and the retention of their money which the citizens of Manila have suffered, and other hardships, this commonwealth is hard smitten, as is the courage of its people.  If there is any way in which to resuscitate it, it will be for your Majesty to give permission for the citizens thereof to despatch a ship of three hundred toneladas to Peru every two or three years, with the products of this country; they will not undertake to carry anything more than flagstones, ivory, and other things which are not carried from Espana, and this will not cause any loss to the royal customs duties of your Majesty.