Most honorable Lord Ashikaga:

Your scouts have completed their explorations of the Hojo lands. A number of minor skirmishes were had, especially where they had to travel through Uesugi land, but many of your men have returned with a little something to tell. Lord Hojo has issued a heavy mobilization throughout all his provinces, but in particular Kazusa. Here are some 40-50,000 troops, mostly foot samurai and archers. Izu and Sagami also have around 30,000 troops, mostly spearmen. Lord Hojo has access to decent naval forces. Each Hojo province is well fortified with three castles in Kazusa, one in Sagami and two in Izu. There are also many border forts and checkpoints studded throughout his lands. The people of Hojo Soun love their ruler for he treats them well and has reduced taxes. In fact some of our scout troubles were from loyal peasants!

Lord, we have also noted that avid communication seems to be going on between Lord Soun and Lord Uesugi. What this means exactly is unknown.

Troop training and fort construction are ongoing. The winter season make both difficult, and some of your troops seem to be taking the winter exercises most difficult. Some are falling ill and are fatigued.

Also in the winter season, there is little shipping, but we have had fortune. A cargo heading for a merchant based in Izu was attacked and 7,500 koku worth of spoil in the form of weapons, tools and copper ore were apprehended. The ships attacked were junks of Chinese design and unusable for war but we have 4 more of them in our harbor now. We have not been able to catch any other ships since then.



Sir, an emissary from Lord Hojo has arrived and wishes to speak to you. He demands to know why we are attacking his shipping and wants to let you know that he has no ill will towards our clan. However if you continue you attacks he will be forced to declare war on you.