“Most Serene Emperor of the kingdoms and provinces of Japan:--
“Sebastian Viscaino, General and Ambassador of his Majesty
the King of Spain, Phillip III, and also of the Marquis of
Salinas, Viceroy of New Spain and the King’s Lieutenant, as
well as the Friar, Peter Baptist, of the Order of St. Francis,
make known unto your Majesty that, to-day, Saturday, the 10th
of June, 1611, we have reached this Port of Uraga in a vessel
in which we sailed from the Port of Acapulco, in New Spain, on
the 22nd of March of this year. We have come to this kingdom
directly for the sole purpose of bringing you the news that
said Marquis received the embassy and presents which you sent
through Friar Alonzo Munoz, and also to bring to this realm
Josquendono and your other vassals who went last year with Don
Rodrigo de Vivero to New Spain, as well as to return the money
which by your order was lent to Don Vivero and the value of
the ship ‘San Buenaventura,’ which said Marquis purchased in
the name of my lord and king. It was not considered expedient
to return here in said vessel for reasons of which Josquendono
and the other Japanese will inform you. They will tell you at
the same time how, during their voyage to and from New Spain,
they were respected and honored and given presents on account
of their being your servants and vassals. While the said
Marquis could have sent them back by the Islands of Luzon,
he did not do so, considering that voyage would be long and
dangerous, not only on account of difficult navigation but
because they, the money and the value of the ship which we are
bringing to your Majesty, in the name of my lord and king,
might have been endangered on account of the number of Dutch
pirates, whose vessels are in the vicinity of the Islands, and
who are going about robbing and in revolt against my lord and
king.”
Viscaino closes his letter by humbly begging permission to go to
court in order to “kiss the emperor’s hands,” and by an allusion to
the existing relations of peace and good understanding which it is
his mission to promote.
Notwithstanding these relations, the general found it necessary,
before landing his Spanish crew, to confer with the governor of the
port and the commander of the Japanese fleet of junks as to the best
method of avoiding quarrels and disputes between the Spaniards and
Japanese. He issued orders that, under penalty of death, no Spaniard
was to draw his sword or any other arm against the Japanese--nor
use violence against Japanese women, nor take anything from any one
against his will.
A great number of Japanese visited the Spanish vessel, among them
many noblemen. These were received with honors by Viscaino, who
“offered them chairs and gave them sweets, which they soaked in
sherry, which they liked extremely.”
He records complacently that the Japanese merchants and their leader,
Josquendono, departed at once for the court of the emperor, in order
to give him an account of their voyage, in which they expressed
the excellent treatment they had received from the Spaniards. But
since we know the nature of the official report of their voyage,
made by some of these same merchants, who must also have harbored
resentment at the threats employed by Viscaino on ship-board, we may
be prompted to doubt whether all accounts were as favorable as that
of Josquendono, who had been won over by Viscaino. An insight into an
existing undercurrent of ill will towards the Spaniards is afforded
by Viscaino’s remark, “that it was indeed well that they had come
directly to Japan, for their arrival with the Japanese merchants
contradicted the rumors which had been rife, and which had spread the
belief that the Spaniards had deceived the emperor; that the money
lent to Vivero would never be returned, and that the Japanese who
went to New Spain were enslaved and made to serve the Spaniards.”
In a few days Viscaino received a gracious communication, signed by
several court officials, informing him that the shogun, Hidedata, had
received his letter with great pleasure, and granted him permission
and all facilities to visit him immediately at his court. In the five
junks placed at his disposal Viscaino at once embarked with an escort
of thirty Spaniards, armed with muskets and arquebusses, and with the
friars and a few of the Japanese whom he had brought from New Spain.
At the mouth of the river Yedo he was met by the commander of
the junks, who made great demonstrations of joy and offered him
a Japanese collation. The Spaniards responded by a salutation of
musketry and arquebusses and by the beating of the drum. On the main
mast of the ambassador’s junk they flew the royal standard, and at
the stern floated another royal standard, made of Castilian silk,
along with an infantry flag with its streamers, all of which, it is
related, gave great pleasure to the Japanese beholders who crowded
the banks of the river that was filled with innumerable junks.
On landing, the Spaniards were hospitably entertained at the house
of the commander, and were assigned a fine residence, whither a
nobleman, followed by a numerous suite, came with a message from the
shogun. The general went out to meet him at the door, his escort
being drawn up in line. The Japanese nobleman was most polite, bowing
to the ground, according to native usage. The ambassador followed the
Spanish mode, and made a great display of politeness--particularly
at the door, where there was much discussion as to who should enter
first.
The nobleman expressed the shogun’s hope that the Spaniards were
resting and contented in his domain. He informed them that his
messenger had orders to provide amply for the general and his escort,
and that they would be given six meals a day, for the expenses of
which he was sending gold and silver instead of the customary rice,
which was used in barter. On the following day he sent two cooks,
many servants and an abundance of game and fish. Two kitchens were
set up in which meals were respectively prepared in Spanish and
Japanese styles. The shogun’s messenger returned to investigate
whether all was being attended to, and was invited to dine by the
ambassador, who found that his guest cared less for his meat than
for his sherry, but was unwilling or unable to respond when his host
drank his health for the second time.
On the next day, Tuesday, another messenger was sent by the shogun,
announcing that on Wednesday, if the weather were fine, Viscaino
would be permitted to deliver his embassy. This message was
communicated by two noblemen, who then inquired whether Viscaino had
it in mind to adapt himself to the ancient court etiquette of the
rulers of Japan, which required that, in the imperial presence, he
would have to kneel on both knees and remain with his hands and head
on the floor until the shogun gave the sign for him to rise. The
Spanish ambassador promptly answered that he did not intend to do
any such thing, but would adhere to Spanish court etiquette, would
make the bows and render homage to the emperor in the same way as he
would to his own lord, the King of Spain. He also announced that he
would refuse to lay aside his sword and dagger, or remove his boots,
and that the chamberlain would have to assign him a seat near enough
to the shogun to be able to hear what the latter said. This answer
caused much consternation and discussion and an exchange of messages.
Finally the general threatened that if he were not allowed to deliver
his embassy according to Spanish etiquette, he would return to New
Spain without delivering the viceroy’s letter or presents, and would
merely report that he had brought back the Japanese merchants, and
returned the money lent to Vivero. Upon this the shogun’s counsellors
courteously reminded him that, when received at the Japanese court,
Don Rodrigo Vivero, who was not only a cavalier and relative of the
viceroy, but had also been governor of Luzon, had made no objections,
and had entered the presence of the shogun in the way that was
required of him. Ambassador Viscaino replied that all this was
perfectly true in the case of Don Vivero, who personally was worthy
of the highest consideration, but the latter had come to this court
because he had been ship-wrecked and lost, and because necessity
compelled him to seek aid and means to proceed to New Spain. He was
then in such dire necessity that he was not to blame for any act of
submission he may have made, since he came to implore succor and
naturally was grateful to the ruler of this country who afforded
him aid. It was in consideration of all this that the viceroy had
dispatched the present embassy to escort the Japanese merchants home
and to express the good will of their Catholic majesties. He added,
what was not quite true, that he had not come to ask for anything,
nor to bring merchandise, nor to reap gain or profits, but solely for
the purpose of delivering his embassy. He repeated, however, that he
would sooner depart without delivering it than allow the authority of
king and viceroy to be lowered one fraction of its grandeur, for his
king was the greatest lord on earth. Viscaino’s arrogant utterances
naturally gave offense to the shogun’s messengers; they returned to
the palace greatly nonplussed, and affairs came to a standstill.
It was then that the shogun wisely summoned a meeting of the
presidents of the councils of state and government, and other high
officials, who, after lengthy debates, finally formulated the
decree that the Spanish ambassador was to be permitted to fulfill
his “mission according to his own usage as best he could.” It was
moreover decided that it was only when he spoke in the name of his
king that he was to be permitted to occupy the same platform as the
shogun who, seated, would receive the viceroy’s letter and presents.
Having delivered these, the ambassador was to descend a step, and
there deliver his present to the shogun, after which he was to seat
himself. The decree concluded with the resolution that as much honor
and mercy as possible was to be conceded to the first ambassador from
New Spain. All difficulties having thus been overcome by the good
will and courtesy of the Japanese, the audience took place on the
following morning.
The shogun sent four thousand soldiers of his guard to escort the
Spaniards to his palace. The latter formed a group and proceeded in
solemn procession, headed by the captain and pilot of the Spanish
vessel, followed by members of its crew, and a sergeant, who bore
the banner with three streamers, each held by a man. The standard
came next, with its three streamers, the ambassador holding it with
his right hand. Friar Luis Sotelo, the commissary of the Franciscan
order, walked at one side with General Viscaino, and two Franciscan
friars at the other, this group being preceded by the commander of
the junks and another Japanese nobleman.
The rear-guard was formed by the secretary of the expedition, a
sergeant, and the general’s negro drummer, whose appearance and
drumming made a great commotion, and attracted a numerous crowd. A
detachment of the Japanese guard marched in front of the Spaniards
and another behind. At the fifth door of the palace they were met by
the chamberlain and other officials and were led into a waiting room,
where the ambassador sat for a little while. Thence they were ushered
through an inner, richly decorated hall, into a great court-yard,
where stood more than a thousand royal princes and knights, each one
wearing a helmet on which his insignia of rank was displayed. To them
the ambassador made the courtesies and bows which he considered they
were entitled to, beginning with the highest in rank. He records that
they responded by folding their hands and bowing until their heads
touched the ground. Passing on to another square, the ambassador
came into the presence of the shogun, seated in his royal robes on
cushions and rich carpets. To his right, at a distance, sat his nine
counsellors, and, at a lower level, his steward, chamberlain, and
secretary. A sign was made to the ambassador to approach, and he
did so, all present observing him in profound silence. First of all
he made three bows, which were not very deep, and lowered the staff
he carried until it nearly touched the ground. He then advanced six
paces to a lower platform and made three bows, which were slightly
lower than the preceding ones. The next three bows he made, while
standing on the lowest platform, were still more profound. Then he
placed on his head the viceroy’s letter, and, after making three
more bows, deposited it on the platform. During all this time the
shogun and his counsellors were observing the ambassador and his
extraordinary performances with unconcealed merriment, which the
Spanish attributed entirely to the fact that before this the Japanese
had never seen a full dress Spanish costume. Viscaino’s raiment is
described as being very fine. His cap was adorned with feathers and a
gold band. His sword and dagger were gilt, his boots were white with
buttons, and his frill was of the finest lace.
Showing evidence of being pleased, the shogun beckoned to his
secretary, and gave him an order to lead the ambassador to the
seat prepared for him, also to tell him that the shogun was glad to
have seen him--especially after all the hardships of the long sea
voyage. The thought of not seeing land for eighty-one days seemed
to the shogun to be truly dreadful. The ambassador replied, through
the interpreter, that he kissed his Highness’ hands for the great
condescension that he was showing him, and that, as far as the
hardships were concerned, which he had undergone and was yet to
undergo on the return voyage, he had come to regard them as gifts
ever since he had come into the presence of such a prince. When
this speech was translated by the secretary, the prince bowed his
head several times towards the ambassador to express his thanks.
Viscaino then arose, and after a very profound obeisance presented
the viceroy’s gifts. Up to the present the Spanish ambassador had
had everything his own way, but now occurred an episode which was
probably unexpected. After a moment’s silence, the prince waved
his hand with great majesty, and two chamberlains approached the
ambassador and led him out of the audience chamber. After a little
while, during which the shogun examined the vice-regal presents,
Viscaino was again led into the hall, which he entered as he had made
his exit, performing the same series of triple bows. This time, it is
related, these bows were more profound, a sign that the ambassador
had been impressed with great respect for the shogun’s authority.
The latter informed him, through his chief counsellors, that he much
esteemed the gifts, and that, if the general would like the Spanish
soldiers and servants to see him, they would be permitted to enter
the audience room. The ambassador then made another bowing exit, and
returned with his men, who were, as he takes pains to record, “booted
and armed.” The shogun examined them with evident curiosity. The
friars were then presented, and offered him their gifts themselves,
two of them being excellent interpreters.
Each time that the friars addressed a word to the ambassador, he,
although in the presence of the shogun, arose and made them an humble
and respectful bow, thus demonstrating his reverence for their
priesthood, an observance which, he says, impressed the shogun and
his counsellors. At the end of a quarter of an hour, during which
the prince contemplated the Spaniards, he made a sign to two of his
chief counsellors, who again went to the ambassador and led him out
of the hall. He was then requested to allow the shogun to view the
portraits of the King and Queen of Spain, which were intended for
the emperor. When these were sent for and brought before the shogun,
he arose and dismissed every one from the audience room and sent a
message to the ambassador, telling him that he was to return to his
lodgings, and that the portraits would be sent back to him later.
It is recorded that he and his consort and the ladies of the palace
particularly enjoyed seeing the portrait of the Spanish queen, on
account of her beauty and rich costume, which to them seemed very
strange.
On receiving his dismissal, the ambassador set out as he had come,
but received the injunction that no volleys of musketry were to be
fired as long as he was inside the palace precincts. Once outside, to
the great delight of the Japanese, the Spanish soldiers began to fire
loud volleys of musketry, with such rapidity that in an hour they had
used a whole barrel of powder.
The following days were spent in making visits and presents to the
court officials, and on St. John’s day the ambassador and his men
went in state to mass, at the Convent of San Francisco, in order,
as is stated, to honor the feast of the Saint, and also to give an
example to the Japanese to go to church and respect the priests.
At mass they offered a thanksgiving for the mercy that during their
stay in the city there had been no accident or bloodshed such as
might have been expected. At the Elevation of the Host, volleys were
fired and the royal standard and banner were lowered to the base of
the altar. On their way to the convent the Spaniards were met by
Masumane, the mighty Lord of the Province of Oxo, who was awaiting
them on horseback, accompanied by two thousand soldiers and many
mounted horsemen. This noble prince, who was to become the friend and
protector of the Spaniards and all Christians, is described as so
powerful that, in case of warfare, he could command the services of
eighty thousand men. As soon as he saw the ambassador he dismounted
and sent him a message, asking him as a favor to order the Spanish
soldiers to discharge their firearms, because he wanted to see and
hear them do so. Acceding to this request, they discharged two such
loud volleys that he put his hands to his ears in alarm. Frightened
by the noise a number of horses threw their riders, or rolled on
the ground. Viscaino relates that the prince and his suite were so
amused at this that they nearly died of laughter. When order was
restored, the prince approached the ambassador, and bowing to the
ground, offered him thanks and his services, and passed on with such
demonstrations of politeness and courtesy that the Spanish ambassador
was led to state that the Japanese nobility excelled in politeness
all of the nations of the world.
The return journey to the Port of Uraga was made at the expense of
the shogun and with a large escort of people. About a week later
the embassy set out for the court of the emperor, Iyeyasu, at
Shizuoka, in the Province of Suraga. On their way the Spaniards met
nothing but hospitality, and on arriving at “Corunga,” were lodged
in houses adjacent to the palace. On the following day the emperor
sent a gracious message, expressing the hope that the ambassador
was sufficiently rested to come to the palace. If not, he would be
granted an audience whenever it suited him best. Viscaino, who, it
is said, was always ready to guard his dignity and impose his will,
sent answer that he was ready to deliver his embassy, but that he
first desired to know how the ceremony was expected to be. He, for
his part, refused to remove his sword, dagger and boots, nor would
he kneel upon the floor; what is more, it was his wish and intention
to be accompanied by his armed men bearing the insignia of war, the
standard, banner and drum. The answer was that the emperor graciously
permitted him to deliver his embassy according to his own usage, but
that on no account would he be permitted to fire volleys of musketry
in the imperial court. Possibly as a means of giving the emperor an
opportunity of expressing his displeasure at the arrogance of the
Spanish ambassador, it was decided that he was to enter and leave the
audience chamber twice,--the first time as the ambassador of the king
and viceroy, the second time in his capacity of captain general.
On arriving at the palace, Viscaino was notified of this arrangement,
and when he made his first entrance the emperor bowed his head in
silent acknowledgment of the series of bows with which he advanced
and presented the letter and viceregal gifts.[3]