had experience in the conduct of war in besieged
cities--as it was expected this one must be so in a short time, and
as we had very few or none to whom we could have recourse in such a
case. It was necessary for me to urge and coax him, and he accepted
it because it was on such an occasion, and to please me. Although the
auditors were in the midst of so many cares, and I was hard at work
fortifying the weak places, erecting bulwarks and opening trenches,
they issued an act in which they commanded me to make appointments
according to the royal ordinances, and that in the meantime there
should be no changes--as if that were the time for such offices to be
filled by whomsoever the auditors wish and ask to do it, or in which
to be considering ordinances, instead of what was most fitting for your
Majesty's service and the good of the cause. It was necessary in order
to make them understand this, or make them willing to understand it,
to use much time and energy; and they finally approved of it as if
they were doing me some great honor. By this event your Majesty may
see to what tune the affairs of war were going, with demands and
responses. God was pleased to bring it about that the information
which I sent from Macan caused the Chinese not to collect any
fleet in China for the present, and that the merchant ships came;
I accordingly dismissed Captain Villacon, giving him his discharge,
seeing that the reason for his accepting the said company had ceased;
I have thought best to give an acount of this to your Majesty, that
you may be informed thereof, and may have given such order as may be
expedient in similar cases which may arise in the future.

The decree which your Majesty ordered to be sent to me with the
declaration of the places which must be taken in the processions and
public acts by the president, auditors, and prelates when they take
part therein together, arrived at a very opportune time, and has been
necessary to avoid the troubles which have arisen with the archbishop
in this regard, as he would not be persuaded that this was the will
of your Majesty; but he is satisfied with the decree.

We are on good terms with the emperor of Japon, and likewise with
his vassals who come here to trade and to make money on flour, hams,
tunny-fish, nails, iron, weapons, and other things which they bring to
sell. They go back with loads of deerskins and Chinese merchandise, as
they have always done. This year, owing to the lo