As soon as
they left here, I sent some light craft after their ships, in order
to ascertain where they were going, and to return to me with the
information, being resolved to go in pursuit of them, and finishing
my preparations for it. The news which was soon brought me was that,
after taking the open sea, a storm struck them. According to that
news, and the report by some Chinese of a junk that was plundered,
and signs that were seen along the said coast, the enemy lost one of
their largest ships on that coast. These Chinese met them on their
way to Japon, so that they abandoned the islands. Although I should
be better satisfied had my toil and ardent desire been employed in
fighting and attaining some good result, with God's help, still I have
also enjoyed great happiness and give His Divine Majesty many thanks
because our vessels have arrived here, and those of the Dutch have
received less gain than loss, and have caused no considerable loss
[to us]. Likewise the despatches that I sent to China were important
for that, in which I advised the Sangleys when and where not to come,
and when and where they could come. I also sent an order and money to
Macan to buy a ship of more than medium size, which was there, from
the chief commandant of that city. According to the letters in which I
have been answered, the ship can arrive here soon. With it, those that
I have here, the other new one (which is now finished), and an _urca_
[83] sent me by the viceroy of Yndia, I shall have seven vessels,
counting larger and medium-sized ones, besides the large one and one
patache which are about to sail to Nueva Espana, which can direct a
good artillery fire.
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