and grounds for these animosities, and the justice and reason on either side, for thus can I come to a just decision.  In the meanwhile, since the result of wars (even when they are victorious ones), is for the most part ruin, death, destruction, and depopulation of kingdoms and vassals; and my good will and affection toward the king of Camboja binds me to desire to see him freed from these difficulties and this uneasiness, so that he may live tranquilly, and that we may have intercourse and friendship, and that commerce and harmony may increase among all of us everywhere, to the common advantage of all—­I have tried to provide the easiest and best method.  This is for me to become arbitrator, in order to try to adjust these differences.  Therefore I have written a letter and sent an ambassador to the king of Sian, without informing him that the king of Camboja is in need of aid and has begged it from me, and I think that he will accept.  If so just a cause should fail, then your and my cause is more reasonable and justifiable, in order to do what you beg of me.  In any event, you can be certain of my being a friend to the king of Camboja—­as your ambassador, who is returning well-treated and happy, will tell you in greater detail.  Let us consult and discuss over the road already opened.  Those of Camboja will always receive the same hospitable treatment as in their own land.  I am sending you some emeralds, and a horse, which is an excellent animal, in token of affection, besides some hunting dogs, for Belosso told me that they were much esteemed in Camboja.  Because of the lack of certain Spanish curiosities, I am not sending such; but I shall procure them for another time.  If another rose diamond from this country would be acceptable, I shall be very glad to give it to you.  To fulfil more completely our friendship, I am sending you the copy of the letter that I wrote to the king of Sian.  May God preserve and prosper you.  From Manila, September 27, in the year 1593 since our Lord Jesus Christ’s birth.

Gomez Perez Dasmarinas

[Endorsed:  “1594.  Copy of a letter to the king of Camboja from Governor Gomez Perez.”]

Documents of 1594

List of Philippine villages reduced by the Spaniards. [1594?] Letter to king of Canboja.  Luis Perez Dasmarinas; February 8.  Investigation of the hospital.  Hernando de los Rios, and others; February-April.  Report concerning the Filipinas Islands, and other papers.  Francisco de Ortega.  Decree for despatch of missionaries.  Felipe II; April 27.  Reply to the Japanese emperor’s letter.  L.P.  Dasmarinas, and others; April 22—­28.  Three letters to Felipe II.  L.P.  Dasmarinas; June 15—­23.

Sources:  The royal decree of April 27 is taken from Santa Ines’s Cronica, ii, p. 607; the remaining documents are obtained from MSS. in the Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla.