ht to be observed since no harm will be
done. Pedro Goncalez carries the original letter and its translation,
together with the reply which was sent from here. Although, as I say,
the bearer goes ostensibly only to comply with the wishes of the king
of Japon (for I have already written to your Majesty respecting this
matter), yet your Majesty may, if such be his pleasure, hear from
Pedro Goncalez certain peculiarities of that kingdom which he has
observed. So, because he is an honorable man, prudent, straightforward,
of good reputation and abilities, and because he labored and incurred
heavy expenses on these voyages, kindly grant him some favor; for
he has deserved it, on account of the affection, good-will, and care
that he has displayed in everything which he has been ordered to do
in your Majesty's service. May our Lord preserve your Majesty for
many prosperous years. Manila, June 22, 1594.

_Luis Perez Dasmarinas_

Sire:

After despatching a letter to your Majesty in the vessel "Sant
Phelippe," which it was thought best to send first, as it was in
Cibu, I had other letters from Japon from father Fray Pedro Baptista,
the originals of which I send herewith. From these letters, and from
one from the emperor of Japon, a copy of which is enclosed, we can
easily infer how little security is assured us by his friendship and
promises, and be sure that any slight occasion would induce him to
break them. But I am continuing to treat with him, in order to gain
time to complete the fortifications of this city. I am showing kindness
to the Japanese ships that put in here. And, although I am sending
the emperor, as answer to his letter, the one which I transmitted
to your Majesty in the vessel "Sant Phelippe" (a duplicate of which
I enclose herewith), I am thinking of sending him a present because
of the treaty of amity he has made with us. In this way, as I say,
I shall dissimulate and keep him in good humor. For this purpose I am
striving to spread the rumor here that the peace is firm; but I am not
slackening work on the fortifications. On the contrary, I am speeding
them forward with added watchfulness. God be praised, the wall is now
completed, and the forts are in fair condition for defense. I hope,
God willing, that the enemy will find this quite different from what
they must be congratulating themselves that they will find. It is
decidedly important to have a large contingent of troops sent from
Mexico. This is the m