Having found the magazines so empty of everything needed (which supplies, it seems, have been stolen from them), I was accordingly forced to send a ship to Japon with products that are esteemed there, in order to exchange them for things needed here. [In the margin:  “Seen.”]

Affairs in that kingdom are so bloody because of the matter of religion, that it is a lamentable thing.  Ships are sent with great danger because of the close scrutiny that the Japanese make, in their fear lest religious are conveyed in them.  The embassy returned, after so heavy expenses, without those barbarians having been willing to receive it.  It sailed very late, since it gave the Dutch opportunity to believe, and to give that emperor to understand, that your Majesty’s vassals were entering under pretense of religion to despoil them of their kingdoms.

Sargento-mayor Don Fernando de Silba, who returned with the reenforcements that he took to Macan, put in at the kingdom of Sian with one of your Majesty’s ships, some artillery, and seventy Spaniards.  As I have been informed, endeavor was made to carry matters with so high a hand that the natives, aided by Japanese, decapitated him and most of his men; while about thirty of them are in prison, and most of the property of your Lordship from this place, quite a large amount, is in the power of that king.  I shall endeavor with all my power to collect them peaceably; for the enemy, since they are on the lookout for us, give no opportunity to punish the deed.

We have heard that Nun Albaros Botello has had good results in two battles in East India with the Dutch, over Ormus; and that he expected the recovery of those forts.  However, I doubt it, because of the scant obedience of the Portuguese to the officers who commanded them in war, [In the margin:  “Seen.”]

The province of Cagayan has continued in revolt.  I shall immediately provide a remedy, and hope to obtain one, by ordering those troops for its conquest not to leave it, as they have done hitherto, but to fortify and maintain themselves; for by their leaving the natives their fields and palm plantations, two consecutive years are necessary to reduce them. [In the margin:  “Seen.”]

The bishop of that province, Don Juan de Rrenteria, to whom your Majesty committed the general inspection of this royal Audiencia, died November 4 of last year.  If your Majesty should decide to send another person for this place rather than for another place, it is necessary, as also that he be one who has experience, and is disinterested and conscientious. [In the margin:  “Seen.”]