that, therefore, the conquest of these
islands presented no difficulty. They declared that the natives of
Cagayan were ill-disposed toward us; and that the Japanese would no
sooner land in Cagayan, than the natives would deliver the Spaniards
to them. Antonio declared further that three large ships were being
built in Japon; and he could not understand why, unless for these
islands, as they had no need of them for other purposes.

Antonio Lopez declares further that he heard in Japon that the king
ordered this ambassador to return with the news, if the people of
Lucon should submit. But if they did not submit, then he should order
none of the Japanese here to return to Japon; as he would kill those
who did return, for he wished them to live here. Antonio thinks that
caution regarding the Japanese here should still be maintained--for,
as I understand, there are three hundred or more Japanese here,
and one hundred and fifty came in the ambassador's ship. According
to Antonio's opinion, no confidence should be placed in the infidel
Sangleys; for many of them have been in Japon, and those most evil and
most opposed to the Chinese are those very Chinese. He declares that
a Japanese, named Don Baltasar, conspired with Don Agustin at the time
of the revolt. This was told to Antonio Lopez by a Christian Sangley in
Firando. He declares that there are many of the Japanese here who came
to Cagayan seven years ago, and that the pilot who has just arrived in
this ship also went to Cagayan, to plunder. He has many times heard
the Japanese say that they would go to Ciuteui, thence to Cagayan;
and that the king of Japon ordered the inhabitants of Liutai not to
render homage any longer to China. They recognized that country to
the extent that, when the reigning king died, his successor had to be
approved by China. All the trees in Japon are assigned to the king;
and no one may cut them without his permission. Antonio declares
that little confidence can be placed in the Sangleys, in the Parian;
for many of them, having been promised some vassals by the Japanese,
are in rebellion. In Japon there is universal talk of the abundance
of gold in this land. On this account, the soldiers are anxious to
come here; and are coming, as they do not care to go to Core, which
is a poor country. Those who come from Core say: "Formerly when we
were going to plunder their country, the Chinese immediately united
with us; but now there is no one in Core who