Phelippe," which it was thought best to send first, as it was in
Çibu, 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 most pressing need, and the viceroy of Nueva
España should be urgently ordered to attend to it. For if the Japanese
come, they may be able, in case help does not arrive, to gain the
land after a long siege and with a large force, and thus put us to
great straits. But to whatever extremities we come, we here will not,
at least, be found to lack the necessary energy and determination,
and we will give your Majesty a good account of your land and our
obligations. We trust matters to the omnipotent hand of our God and
Lord. May He ordain what is most befitting His service and the glory