On the next day at the house of the emperor’s secretary, the latter and the president of the council listened attentively to Viscaino’s representations. He asked them, in the first place, for a written acknowledgment that he had faithfully brought back the Japanese who had gone to New Spain, and that they themselves had testified that they had been well treated during their voyage. He added that if any one had any complaint to make, he would certainly give him satisfaction. He also wished a written acknowledgment of his having paid all that was lent to Don Rodrigo de Vivero, and the proceeds of the sale at Acapulco of the Japanese ship in which Vivero had made the voyage to New Spain. He here volunteered to pay any debt that might be found remaining due, and then asked for a return of the bonds or bills which Vivero had left as guarantees for the payment of the debt. The Japanese officials told him that they considered his requests just ones, and that both of them would immediately report to the emperor on the subject. After having thus emphasized the faithfulness and honesty with which he had performed his mission, Viscaino made an attack upon the Dutch, which was to cost him and his countrymen dear. He accused certain Dutch traders who had made a mercantile contract with the emperor a year previous, of being pirates, who, after committing many robberies, had been pursued and chastised by the governor of the Philippines. He affirmed that they certainly would not be able to fulfill their contract with the emperor, and asked “what friendship could the latter have with people who were not only thieves, but were disobedient and in revolt against their lord, the King of Spain!” He requested his auditors to reflect upon what he had already written on this subject to the emperor, and also requested an answer as to whether the Japanese intended to tolerate Dutch trade or not. He expressed a wish not to have to leave Japan without knowing the result of his embassy, so as to report it to the King of Spain. Viscaino’s listeners expressed great surprise at his accusations against the Dutch traders and withdrew. On the following day they sent a message, saying that they had reported all he had told them to the emperor; that as they knew he intended to spend some time in Japan, an answer would be sent him before his departure for New Spain; that he was to go in God’s name to the Port of Uraga. On his return to that port, he found that the emperor had cut off the free supply of food and lodgings which had heretofore been given to Viscaino. Viscaino interprets this act as a token of the displeasure the emperor was said to have felt at the Spanish embassy having visited the court of his son, the shogun, before his. He also accuses the emperor of an avarice which was increasing with advancing years, and makes other derogatory remarks concerning the aged monarch. A few days later the Spaniards entered the domain of the shogun, who sought to make amends for his