The trade and commerce of the Japanese Islands has always been
considered of great importance in these islands; for, as the former
are rich in metals and foods, what is needed here can be brought
thence at moderate prices. Formerly the Manila traders made much
more profit by sending their goods to Japon than to Espana, for
they saw the returns from them more quickly and at less risk. The
governors have sought this trade very earnestly. Don Alfonso Fajardo
sent two ambassadors, namely, Don Juan de Arceo and Don Fernando
de Ayala, who were very influential men of Manila; they carried a
goodly present with them. But that barbarian refused to admit them,
whereupon they returned abashed, without effecting anything. All
this rancor has arisen through his expulsion of the orders [from
Japan], and his prohibition against preaching any new religion in his
country. Although the emperors have done this in their zeal for their
idolatries, the credence given to a falsehood told them by the Dutch
has aided greatly in it. The Dutch told the emperor, in short, that
he should beware of the European religious, for that by their means
the king of Castilla made himself sovereign of foreign kingdoms; for
after they had entered the country and reduced it to their religion,
the rest was easy. It is not necessary to prove the falsity of this,
so apparent is it. Disguised religious have not on that account
discontinued going to Japon, but continue that work, although the
severity of the persecution is ever increasing.

In the year 30, the governor sent out two large galleons, with five
hundred soldiers, besides the sailors; they were ordered to capture
and bring to Manila any Dutch vessel found on the coasts of Siam and
Camboja. Don Juan de Alcarazo was commander of the galleons, and Don
Pedro de Mendiola was admiral. They sailed the seas at signal risk,
as they were not extra large ships, and the city was very anxious. For
should those galleons be lost, then was lost the strength of the
islands. But, finally, the Lord brought them safely home, which
was not a little fortunate. In the course of their wanderings they
seized two ships or junks, one belonging to Siamese, the other to
Japanese. They sent the Siamese vessel to Manila, but sacked and even
burned the Japanese vessel. It is said they found great riches on
it. Who could know the truth? This was learned in Japon, whereupon
the hate and ill-will of that people toward us redoubled. They t