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.

[_Endorsed_: "Ancient fears of Japon, 1593."]

_Copy of the letter written by Gomez Perez Dasmarinas to the emperor
of Xapon._

Last year I wrote to your Grandeur through father Fray Juan Cobo,
in reply to a letter given to me here in your royal name, although I
had good reason to doubt the authenticity of the embassy as well as
the meaning of the words, and I have waited almost a year to receive
your statement and reply; and have only received a very short and
general letter from Father Cobo, stating that he sailed away from
there six months ago, highly favored and with his mission expedited
by your royal hands, which I kiss therefor. Two Xaponese vessels,
which have been hospitably received by me, have arrived here--one
of them bringing Faranda, who claims to be your ambassador, but who
brings neither a chapa nor your letter, nor an answer to mine, nor
anything to clear up my doubt. And now, considering the uncertainty
of the sea-voyage, and the fact that Father Cobo has not come, I am
more in the dark than ever, and more desirous of learning your royal
intentions and wishes. For, although Faranda brings me no credentials,
yet I cannot believe that a vassal of your Grandeur, and one to all
appearance so honored, would dare to appropriate and use your royal
name without your order. Therefore, in such uncertainty, I cannot do
otherwise than hear him and speed him in his mission. I answered a
memorial which he gave me, as he will show you. At present, to clear
up the doubt and uncertainty, I am sending father Fray Pedro B