father’s abrupt action, and attributed it to the influence of his counsellors. Notwithstanding Viscaino’s report against the emperor, he boasts further on of his embassy not having cost his king one hundred pesos, or dollars--a fact, however, which he attributes to the shogun’s generosity and to his own practical wisdom and industry, which enabled him, as he said, “to make a quarter of a dollar of his Majesty’s treasury appear like a million.” A series of disappointments awaited the Spaniards at Uraga. Their sale of stuffs did not yield as much as they expected, for being unknown to them, the Japanese did not appreciate the real value of the finest woolen cloths and friezes, and would not buy them. Then, when the cost of building a vessel was estimated, it was found to exceed by far the means at their command; so it was determined to repair and strengthen the vessel they had come in, and to make the survey of the ports in it alone. It was found necessary before starting to apply to the shogun not only for credentials to the lords and princes who resided in the north of Japan and were not on good terms with the emperor, but also for the escort of a high official, who, in the name of the shogun, was to oblige people to furnish the necessary provisions and all assistance needed in making the survey. The shogun, who was under the influence of Friar Luis Sotelo, and showed a decided leaning towards Christianity, sent kindly messages to Viscaino, and expressed the wish to see and speak with him at length on his return concerning the friendly relations between his country and the Spanish nation. He also sent word, through the commander of the junks, that he had heard that Viscaino had given up building the vessel for lack of means, and he deplored his father’s parsimoniousness. He expressed the desire that the emperor’s license to build the vessel be transferred to him, as he would like to carry out the plan himself. Viscaino states that he gave him the imperial permit on account of being under obligations to him, and as it was important not to offend him on account of his friendliness towards Christians. Viscaino caused, however, a document to be drawn, in which he ventured to impose the following conditions upon the shogun:-- “The ship was not to carry more than one hundred tons. It was to be placed under his entire command; only two Japanese were to go as stewards of the ship and of its cargo. Not a cent was to be spent on the vessel by the Spaniards, but, on arrival at Vera Cruz, if the viceroy desired to buy the ship, it was to be given him at a moderate price. If not wanted, it was to sail for Manila, or wherever the viceroy might command.”