Our relations with Japon are broken up, because the Dutch with their accustomed scheming—that king having been irritated on account of the religious who have preached the holy gospel from these provinces, and fearful of new conquest—have converted into hate the old-time friendship. The Japanese employ extraordinary harshness toward the Catholics; and although your Majesty has ordered my predecessors in so prudent and Christian a manner, by your royal decrees, not to allow the religious to go to Japon until the times change, they have been unable to prevent it; for the religious have imprudently embarked in secret, thereby causing more trouble than good. They have thus left a deficiency in the missions of these provinces, where they have sufficient in which to busy themselves, since whole nations are heathens. The measure that I believe to be practical is for your Majesty to command the provincials of the orders not to allow any religious to go to Japon for the present; for they only serve to irritate one who, if placated, will some day, when undeceived in regard to the Dutch malice, grant the liberty which he now denies. Now and henceforth I shall endeavor to give Japon to understand your Majesty’s desire of good friendship and relationship. In accordance with this I shall attempt the same with the provincials, and have them concern themselves in converting the Japanese and Sangleys who live among us, until your Majesty be pleased to order otherwise, [In the margin: “This was provided for by writing to the governor to pay attention to this matter, and to arrange matters as may be most advisable.”]
The trade with Great China has also declined, because the Portuguese of Macan have become masters of it, as they are so near. Being admitted here, contrary to all good government, they come here to retail the products which the said Sangleys formerly brought directly, whereby these provinces are suffering a great scarcity. All of that results to our damage and to the advantage of China, because of the great advance in price over the [former] cheapness of their goods—[an excess] which, moreover, they carry to their own land. The relief that I believe can be had, although at its beginning some privation may be felt, is for your Majesty to prohibit the trade of Macan with Manila, and decree that no Portuguese be admitted in this government. Besides the attainment of the aforesaid object, your Majesty’s duties will increase—which is a matter worth consideration; for until now all has been expense. [In the margin: “Collect the papers that we have upon this matter and those written upon it, and bring them here.”]
I have found these islands in need of men, whose numbers are decreasing because of the poor climate. The need of them requires that your Majesty provide a remedy; for the reënforcements from Nueva España are costly. Although the governors have exceeded their authority by giving licenses [to leave the country], I can not avoid representing to your Majesty that the inhabitants of Manila are worthy of the favors that your Majesty may be pleased to show them, provided it does not result in disservice to your Majesty—as I warn you by a separate letter touching revenue matters, in order that I may not confuse those matters in this letter; and in another letter touching military matters, I advise your Majesty of certain points, which also depend on the same thing. [In the margin: “Write to the governor to avoid giving licenses; and to the viceroy [of Nueva España] that he send some men there, as is ordered.”]
The governors whom your Majesty shall provide for these islands should be as experienced in nautical matters as in those of the land; and should at the same time understand judicial and legislative matters. [In the margin: “Seen.”]
Licentiate Don Francisco de Rojas finished his visit, and has proceeded in it as an honest and good minister. He has done considerable in so brief a term, when one considers his poor health. He goes well informed on the affairs of these regions, in order to inform your Majesty of what he has seen. Although he has borne himself with discretion, he leaves these provinces afflicted, because he has taken away encomiendas from very poor persons who have served well, and who by virtue of these grants have become citizens. They have been condemned because they did not secure the confirmation of your Majesty within the time set. Their excuse is, not only that it is not more than two years since your Majesty’s decree requiring that the confirmation be given was proclaimed, but that, besides their living in the most remote provinces in the world, the advice-ships from Nueva España were wrecked this year. The ships sailing hence have put back to port, and their despatches have not arrived; and as they are soldiers, with careless agents who employ but little effort in soliciting their causes, will your Majesty be pleased to show them the favor that is agreeable to you. [In the margin: “It was provided.”]
Two auditors have remained in this royal Audiencia, because the visitor suspended the other two. There is a lack of officials, for I also found that the fiscal, Don Juan de Quesada, was dead. The government appointed in his place, before my arrival, Don Juan Fernandez de Ledo, until your Majesty order otherwise. I am informed that he is a capable person, and that he is very learned and of praiseworthy morals. Will your Majesty be pleased to show him the favor that you may deem advisable. [In the margin: “It was provided.”]
Because of my having taken possession of this government so late, although your Majesty had ordered that the ships that sail annually to Nueva España should depart on the first of June I have found, on the second of August, their despatch so delayed that it has been impossible to make it before now, although I have not endeavored to accomplish any other thing since my arrival. I desire to have your Majesty informed that this despatch is not chargeable to me. [In the margin: “Seen.”]
May God preserve your Majesty, etc. Manila, August 14, 1633. Don Juan Cerezo Salamanca
Revenue matters
Sire: