learned that the land is very rich and thickly populated. The king is well prepared for war and the frontiers are well fortified with many forts with artillery and garrisons wherein strict watch is kept. They say that from the city of Canton, one of the strongest towns on the coast of the mainland, there is a distance of one year's travel before arriving at Paquin [Pekin], the residence of the king; this means from coast to coast of the land. There are many very populous cities on the way, but if his Majesty would be pleased so to command, they could be subdued and conquered with less than sixty good Spanish soldiers.
There are a few other small matters to be mentioned concerning Xolo, which will be made clear by what is sent in these ships. The matter most essential to this country is what I have already referred to today, regarding trade. May the good prospect of riches and traffic be all to the service of our Lord.
Relation of what was brought by the two ships which came from the islands of the West, and other things referring thereto given that the resources of those provinces may be better understood.[1]
448 marcos of gold, of different degrees of purity.
712 pieces of all kinds of silks.
312 quintals of cinnamon.
22,300 pieces of fine gilt china, and of other kinds of porcelain ware.
11,300 pieces of cotton cloth, each worth 2 pesos or more of common gold.
930 arrobas of wax, each arroba worth 15 pesos of common gold.
- ↑ This and what follows was apparently added by the officials in Mexico.
