Blas Ruyz Asks for Support

They have bestowed upon Captain Diego Belloso and myself the title of grandee, the highest in their kingdom, so that we may be more respected and feared, and better obeyed.

Only Ocuña Lacasamana, leader of the Malays, has the large forces to gain Cambodia.

The Spaniards have some encounters with his men, for which reason we hold aloof from one another.

I have informed your Grace of these wars so that you may judge whether his Majesty has any justifiable and legal right to seize this kingdom since your forces killed its usurper.

The Cambojan king will never give it up voluntarily.

He dreads that the Spanish will deprive him of his kingdom. His keeping his kingdom only requires his determination. Some of our enemies impress this fact on him, especially the Moros.

I beg your Grace to see that we do not lose our hold on Camboja, since so much has been accomplished in it, and it has been brought to a so satisfactory state.

Moreover it is very important to possess a fortress on the mainland, since it is the beginning of great things.

For if a fortress be built here, and the king see a large force in this land, he would have to do what he knows to be just, even if ill-disposed.

This is because Camboja is really ruled by the king’s mother, aunt, and grandmother.

He is a child and is addicted to wine more than his father.

He only thinks of sports and hunting, and cares nothing for the kingdom.

If he sees more Spaniards, he would do whatever they wished because he loves them; neither would our opponents dare to offer any opposition.

If there are few men in the Filipinas are available, at least send as many as possible with the friars, so as not to lose this jurisdiction and our share in anything.

Diego Belloso asked Malaca for religious, men, and documents, so that he can become chief justice of Camboja and rule over them through Malaca.

Since Camboja has been restored by Manila, your Grace should not allow others to reap the fruits of our labors.

If you send soldiers and the Cambodians refuse to maintain them because of their small number, I will maintain them.

These soldiers should come bound hard and fast by documents.

• This is because the country is very vast.

They should be disciplined because the lack of discipline caused our encounter with the Lao.

It has been very difficult for me to despatch this vessel, because:

• the Cambojan king receives very little for any purpose
• many opponents prevent it

The mandarins, whether native or foreign, are not pleased to foreigners.

The Spaniard whom I entrust with this mission is poor and an excellent soldier.

Your Grace may believe him, for he is a person disinterested in all respects, having just arrived from Macan.

On account of the many wars, the king does not have many things to send your Grace.

He sends 2 ivory tusks, and a slave.

I have persuaded him to send troops from Manila in order to complete the pacification of Camboja.

But his mothers do not want it.

I spent all my possessions in meeting the expenses that I incurred in that city [i.e., Manila], and in maintaining my men in this kingdom.

Will your Grace do me the favor to protect my affairs, so that they may gain some merit by your favor. Trusting to this, may our Lord preserve your Grace, and give you increase in your dignity, as this servant of your Grace desires in your affairs.

From Camboja, July 20, 1598.

Your Grace’s servant,

BLAS RUYZ DE HERNAN GONÇALES