Note 5 — Letter from Dasmarinas to the Ruler of Japan

“A corruption of Kuwambaku, the Japanese designation of a regent appointed by the Mikado. The holder of this office at the time here referred to was Hideyoshi, one of the most notable rulers of Japan. Born in 1536, he entered the army when a youth, and rapidly rose to its head. He was appointed regent in 1586, but in 1591 abdicated in favor of his adopted son, Hidetsugu—retaining, however, actual authority until his death in 1598. This embassy to the Spaniards in the Philippines was but one evidence of Hideyoshi's insatiate arrogance and ambition; for he planned to subjugate China and all the other countries within his reach. For the history of his reign, see J.J. Rein's Japan (London, 1884), pp. 277–294; David Murray's Story of Japan (N.Y., 1894), pp. 184, 190–226; and W.E. Griffis's Mikado's Empire (5th ed., N.Y., 1887), pp. 236–243.