One of the things that have seemed most surprising in Don Juan de Gama
is the following. When decrees were published by order of the viceroy;
Don Duarte, [12] in your Majesty's name, prohibiting navigation to
China and Luçoens [Luzón], which he [Juan de Gama] as captain-general
should have executed, he did the contrary. Jheronimo Pereira, captain
of the expedition to Japon, had already done likewise; thus those in
authority, who were under obligation to execute your Majesty's laws
and commands, were the first to break them, to the great scandal
of all. Therefore, as soon as possible, I ordered a remedy for such
disorders. For this purpose I appointed certain chief magistrates,
who excused themselves, either through fear of Don Juan or dread of
the sea. Things came to such a pass that, it was necessary to send by
schooner, outside the monsoon season, the licentiate Ruy Machado who
came from the kingdom this year, and who had been appointed to that
auditorship; his adjutant was Ynacio Nuñez de Mancelos, the captain of
the said vessel. The latter had a few soldiers, and is also to remain
as captain of the city, since an order for the voyage will not have
arrived from India. I think that these two vessels will suffice in
every respect for this matter, both to extend the voyage for Don Juan,
and to quiet various disturbances arising in the country, on account
of the navigation from Nueva España. I also hope that everything will
turn out well, and that your Majesty will bestow upon him great favor
and honor for this service alone. Among the despatches brought by the
auditor is a decree ordering, the embarcation for India and Luçoens of
all Castilians, both religious and secular, so that only the original
Portuguese citizens shall remain in Machao. That will do away with
any further occasion for vessels to go there from Nueva España. From
this last has resulted great injury to your Majesty's vassals in these
regions, to the royal exchequer, and religion itself. Peradventure
the Castilians were the cause of again closing the door to the
preaching of the gospel, being moved by indiscreet eagerness or too
much solicitude. They are so unrestrained in this particular, that, by
trading in China without your Majesty's permission, they are the first
who broke your decrees, under pretense of religion itself. No easier
remedy can be applied than preventing them from entering this trade,
which your Majesty should have for the advantage of your own service.
We might describe here the great inconveniences and hindrances to your
Majesty from a longer continuance of this navigation. But since this
letter will, be despatched by land, and the viceroy Don Duarte has
described these matters so fully, I refrain from doing so here. I say
only that, even if there were no other reason than not opening the
way to the English and other nations to resort to those regions (as
they did last year and this) that alone would be sufficient reason
to stop this intercourse entirely. The Englishman Don Thomas, who
came to these regions lately, has caused us much anxiety here. For
this reason the people of India are very confident that your Majesty
will order assistance in this case and apply the fitting remedy,
for the common good of these states and that of your service.
Don Thomas, the Englishman, sailed from England with three ships in
the year 87. Entering the straits of Magallanes, he sailed to the
South Seas. Having made some prizes of large and small vessels, he
loaded two of his own vessels and sent them to that kingdom [England]
by the same route. Nearing the Philipinas, he took his course to
Java, and entered the port of Balambuao in Java itself. At that
time two Portuguese were at that port, who came immediately to the
ship thinking it was from India. The Englishman received them well,
and gave them some church ornaments and other valuable articles,
together with a letter for the bishop of Malaca and another for the
captain, the substance of which was, that he had come to explore
those regions. From the questions asked these men by the auditor of
Malaca, it was ascertained that the purpose of their coming was none
other than trade, exploration, and prizes. He asked particularly about
Achen, the straits of Meca and Malaca, and their fortifications. It is
thought that this Englishman came especially to explore the channels
of Bale, whence these men said that he would sail in March of this
year to the island of Sant Lorenzo, from which place he would lay
his course to the island of Santa Helena, following the course taken
by the Portuguese vessels. Pray God he come not hither again, as an
example for the daring of others--although the interest they have in
doing so is so great, that I fear this navigation cannot be stopped
without much trouble, and the prohibition of navigation by Castilians
and Portuguese to Nueva España. A blockade will be established again,
so that foreign nations will not undertake this navigation. On this
account alone, it seems to me that this navigation should always be
rigorously prohibited.