I have not found anyone who understands the smelting of it; for those who tested it are Indians, who do not smelt it in bulk.

[58] I beseech your Majesty to please have some founders and workmen sent to make artillery, for what we have here is of iron, and quite old and useless.
In the city of Macan, China, where the Portuguese have settled, and in the city of Sian, there is an abundance of saltpeter.

If your Majesty were pleased to have it brought from there--for it is quite near by, and an easy voyage thither--the great expenses annually incurred by your Majesty by having it brought from Mexico would be contracted; for there is sulphur in this country, [59] and the Chinese bring it to sell, while excellent charcoal is made here.

Your Majesty will order such provision to be made as suits the royal pleasure.
Many vessels have come to these islands from China this year, and especially to this city--more than thirty of considerable burden, laden with a quantity of merchandise, horses, cows, and more than three thousand men.

I have treated them hospitably and given them a kind reception.