The period of Xavier's history on which we now enter extends from the summer of the year 1545, when he left India in hopes of a more fruitful Missionary field at Macassar, till his return to India in the early part of 1548. The account of his proceedings is contained in twelve copious letters, four written from Malacca in 1545; four from Amboyna, written in May 1546; and four from Cochin, after his return to India in January 1548.

The exciting news from Malacca and Macassar, which Xavier received while yet in India, it will be remembered, drew his heart towards those countries. A Portuguese historian has preserved an account of the matter, which is thus recorded in Millar's history of the propagation of Christianity.

“Manuel di Faria says, that about the year 1544, in the government of Martin Alfonso de Sousa, one Anthony de Payva, who went as a merchant, but proved more preacher than merchant, had some conference with the King of Supa, who was seventy years of age, and was very near being converted. Payva, sailing thence, went to the port of Siam, where he explained the articles of religion to the King, and urged the absurdity of the adoration of idols, pressing him to embrace the Christian faith ; but the King desired time to consider. Meantime the King of Supa arrived at Siam, and hearing what had passed, said, ‘a work so good ought rather to be put in execution than delayed,’ He was only sorry for the time he himself had lost, and would atone by being the first convert, and desired immediately to be baptized.