The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898: Volume
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Title: The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898: Volume XVI, 1609
Explorations By Early Navigators, Descriptions Of The Islands And
Their Peoples, Their History And Records Of The Catholic Missions,
As Related In Contemporaneous Books And Manuscripts, Showing The
Political, Economic, Commercial And Religious Conditions Of Those
Islands From Their Earliest Relations With European Nations To The
Close Of The Nineteenth Century
Author: H.E. Blair
Release Date: February 24, 2005 [EBook #15157]
Language: English
*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PHILIPPINE ISLANDS ***
Produced by Jeroen Hellingman & the PG Distributed Proofreaders Team
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898
Explorations by early navigators, descriptions of the islands and
their peoples, their history and records of the catholic missions,
as related in contemporaneous books and manuscripts, showing the
political, economic, commercial and religious conditions of those
islands from their earliest relations with European nations to the
close of the nineteenth century,
Volume XVI, 1609
Edited and annotated by Emma Helen Blair and James Alexander Robertson
with historical introduction and additional notes by Edward Gaylord
Bourne.
CONTENTS OF VOLUME XVI
Preface
Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas (_concluded_). Antonio de Morga;
Mexico, 1609.
Conqvista de las Islas Malvcas. Bartolomé Leonardo de
Argensola; Madrid, 1609.
Bibliographical Data
Appendix: Customs of the Pampangas in their lawsuits. Juan
de Plasencia, O.S.F.; [1589?]
ILLUSTRATIONS
Title-page of _Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas_ (Mexici ad
Indos, 1609), another edition of Morga's work; photographic
reproduction of the facsimile presented in Zaragoza's edition
(Madrid, 1887); from copy in possession of Edward E. Ayer,
Chicago, which is supposed to be the only copy extant of
Zaragoza's edition.
View of corcoa (the vessel known as "caracoa"); photographic
facsimile of engraving in John Stevens's _Collection of Voyages
and Travels_ (London, 1711), i.--in Argensola's "Discovery
and conquest of the Molucco and Philippine Islands," p. 61;
from copy in library of Wisconsin Historical Society.
Autograph signature of Antonio de Morga; photographic facsimile
from MS. in Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla.
Title-page of Conqvista de las Islas Malvcas, by Bartolome
Leonardo de Argensola (Madrid, 1609); photographic facsimile,
from copy in library of Harvard University.
PREFACE
In the present volume is concluded the notable work by Morga, _Sucesos
de las Islas Filipinas_, which was begun in _Vol_. XV. The reader is
referred to the preface of that volume for some account of the book,
and of the manner in which it is presented in this series. Another
book notable in the history of the Philippines is that of Argensola,
_Conqvista de las Islas Molvcas_ (Madrid, 1609). In presenting
here this work, the Editors follow the plan which proves to be
more or less necessary with many of the printed early histories of
the islands--that of translating in full only such parts of the
book as relate directly to the Philippines, and are of especial
value or importance; and furnishing a brief synopsis of all matter
omitted, in order that the reader may survey the book as a whole,
and understand the relations and connections of the parts that
are presented in full with those that are synopsized. This method
is rendered necessary by the limitations of this series in regard
to space, especially as most of the old histories--as Aduarte's,
San Agustin's, and La Concepción's--are exceedingly voluminous;
and, moreover, devote much space to the affairs of Japan, China,
and other countries outside the Philippines. All matter of this sort
must of course, be omitted; and much of what remains is more useful
for annotations, or is relatively unimportant for publication. The
Editors consider, as do many other persons interested in this series,
that it is desirable to present (especially in the early period of
the Philippine history) the larger part of these documents from the
manuscript and hitherto unpublished material largely conserved in
foreign archives; and that the needs of students and investigators
will thus be better served than by occupying the valuable and limited
space of this series with complete translations of books which can be
found in large American libraries. The location of all these will be
noted, so far as is possible, in the volume devoted to bibliographical
information at the end of this series; meanwhile the needs of most
readers will be suitably met by the synopses of omitted matter and the
free use of such works as those of La Concepción and San Antonio in
annotations. The Editors purpose to present a few of these histories,
especially in the earlier period, in very full form, so far as they
cover Philippine history; for these are original sources, from which
later writers obtained much of their material. These methods render
this series unusually rich in valuable historical material, all
carefully selected, and much of it greatly condensed by the excision
of extraneous, irrelevant, and unimportant matter. The parts thus
omitted and synopsized will be, as heretofore, indicated by enclosing
the synopses in brackets.
Continuing his narrative, Morga describes his voyage to Mexico,
whither he goes (1603) to be a member of the Audiencia there. He then
relates the events of the Chinese uprising in Luzón in that year,
which has been fully described in previous volumes of this series;
and his picturesque although plain narrative casts new light upon that
episode. Many Spaniards in Manila are so alarmed by this danger that
they remove, with all their households and property, to Nueva España;
but one of the ships carrying them is lost at sea, and the other is
compelled, after great injury and loss, to return to Manila--a serious
calamity for the colony there. The governor does his best to fortify
the city, and reënforcements and supplies are provided for him from
Nueva España. Bishop Benavides dies (1605). Friars from the islands
go to Japan, but the emperor of that country is offended at their
preaching, and advises Acuña to restrain them. In the summer of 1605
arrive supplies and men from Nueva España, and Acuña proceeds with his
preparations for the expedition against the Dutch in the Moluccas. In
the following spring he sets out on this enterprise, conducting it
in person; Morga describes this naval campaign in detail. Ternate is
captured by the Spaniards without bombardment, and with little loss to
themselves. The fugitive king of the island is persuaded to surrender
to the Spaniards and become a vassal of Felipe. Several other petty
rulers follow his example and promise not to allow the Dutch to engage
in the clove trade. Acuña builds a new fort there, and another in
Tidore, leaving Juan de Esquivel as governor of the Moluccas, with
a garrison and several vessels far their defense, and carrying to
Manila the king of Ternate and many of his nobles, as hostages. During
Acuña's absence a mutiny occurs among the Japanese near Manila, which
is quelled mainly by the influence of the friars. The governor dies,
apparently from poison, soon after his return to Manila. The trade
of the islands is injured by the restrictions laid upon it by the
home government; and the reduction of Ternate has not sufficed to
restrain the Moro pirates. The natives of the Moluccas are uneasy and
rebellious, especially as they have a prospect of aid from the Dutch,
who are endeavoring to regain their lost possessions there. Morga cites
a letter from a Spanish officer at La Palma, recounting the purpose
and outcome of van Noordt's expedition to the Indian archipelago.
The historical part of Morga's account ends here; and the final
chapter is devoted to a description of the islands and their people,
the customs and religious beliefs of the natives, and the condition at
that time of the Spanish colony and the city of Manila. He describes
the principal islands of the Philippine group, beginning with Luzón;
the various races of inhabitants--Moros, Negritos, and Visayans:
their mode of dress, their occupations and industries, their habits
of life; their weapons, their ships and boats; the trees and fruits of
the islands; the animals and birds, both wild and tame; the reptiles,
fishes, and other creatures; and various plants. Among these is the
buyo (or betel); the habit of chewing it has become universal among the
Spaniards, of all classes, and poison is often administered through
its medium. Various means and methods of poisoning are described,
as well as some antidotes therefor. Some account is given of the
gold mines and pearl fisheries, and of other products of the country
which form articles of commerce. Morga describes the two great lakes
of Luzón (Bombon and Bai), Manila and its harbor and approaches, and
other principal ports, with some neighboring islands; and gives some
account of the Visayan people and the larger islands inhabited by them,
and of the tides in the archipelago. Then follows an interesting and
detailed account of the Filipino peoples, their language, customs,
beliefs, etc. The language used in Luzón and other northern islands
is different from that of the Visayas; but all the natives write,
expressing themselves fluently and correctly, and using a simple
alphabet which resembles the Arabic. Their houses, and their mode
of life therein, arc fully described; also their government, social
organization, and administration of justice. The classes and status
of slaves, and the causes of enslavement are recounted. Their customs
in marriages and dowries, divorces, adoption, and inheritance are
described; also in usury, trading, and punishment for crimes. The
standard of social purity is described by Morga as being very low;
yet infamous vices were not indigenous with them, but communicated by
foreigners, especially by the Chinese. The natives of Luzón appear
to be superior, both intellectually and morally, to the Visayan
peoples. Their religious beliefs and practices are recounted by Morga,
who naturally ascribes these to the influence of the devil. He also
narrates the entrance of Mahometanism into the islands, and how it
was checked by the coming of the Spaniards.
Morga next sketches the condition at that time of Spanish colonies
in the islands. He describes the city of Manila in detail, with
its fortifications, arsenals, government and municipal buildings,
cathedral, and convents; also the seminary of Santa Potenciana, and
the hospitals. There are six hundred houses, mostly built of stone,
within the walls, and even more in the suburbs; "and all are the
habitations and homes of Spaniards." All the people, both men and
women, are clad and gorgeously adorned in silks; and nowhere is there
greater abundance of food, and of other necessaries of human life,
than in Manila. Morga enumerates the dignitaries, ecclesiastical
and civil, who reside in the city; and mentions it as the center
and metropolis of the archipelago. He then briefly describes the
other Spanish settlements in the Philippines; and mentions in their
turn the various orders and their work there, with the number of
laborers in each. He praises their efforts for the conversion,
education, and social improvement of the Indians. He defines the
functions of both the civil and the ecclesiastical authorities,
and the policy of the government toward the natives; and describes
the application and results in the Philippines of the encomienda
system imported thither from America. He deprecates the permission
given to the Indians for paying their tributes in kind or in money,
at their option; for it has led to their neglecting their former
industries, and thus to the general damage of the country. Slavery
still exists among them, but the Spaniards have been forbidden to
enslave the natives. Personal services of various sorts are due
from the latter, however, to their encomenderos, to the religious,
and to the king, for all of which they receive a moderate wage; and
all other services for the Spaniards are voluntary and paid. Close
restrictions are laid upon the intercourse of the Spaniards with
natives. Various information is given regarding appointments to
office, residencias, elections, town government, and finances; also
of the ecclesiastical organization, expenses, and administration,
as well as of the incomes of the religious orders. Morga recounts
the numbers, character, pay, and organization of the military and
naval forces in the islands. The bulk of the citizens are merchants
and traders, commerce being the chief occupation and support of the
Spanish colony. Manila is a market for all the countries of Eastern
Asia, from Japan to Borneo. The China trade is restricted to the
inhabitants of the Philippines; Morga describes its nature and extent,
and the manner in which it is conducted, as well as the character
and methods of the Chinese traders. A similar account is given of the
trade carried on with the Philippines by the Japanese, Borneans, and
other neighboring peoples, and of the shipment to Nueva España of the
goods thus procured. This last commerce is "so great and profitable,
and easy to control, that the Spaniards do not apply themselves to,
or engage in, any other industry," and thus not only they neglect to
avail themselves of and develop the natural resources of the country,
but the natives are neglecting and forgetting their former industries;
and the supply of silver in the country steadily flows out of it and
into the hands of infidels. Morga enumerates the officials, revenues,
and expenditures of the colonial government. As its income is too small
for its necessary expenses, the annual deficit is made up from the
royal treasury of Nueva España. But this great expense is incurred
"only for the Christianization and conversion of the natives, for
the hopes of greater fruits in other kingdoms and provinces of Asia."
The large extent of the Chinese immigration to the islands is
disapproved by Morga, as unsafe to the Spaniards and injurious to the
natives. Some Chinese are needed for the service of the Spaniards,
for all the trades are carried on by them; but the number of Chinese
allowed to live in the islands should be restricted to those who are
thus needed. Morga describes the character, dress, mode of life,
and settlements of the Chinese near Manila; they are cared for in
religious matters by the Dominican friars. The Christian Chinese live
apart from the heathens, in a settlement of some five hundred people;
Morga has but a poor opinion of even these converts. Some account is
also given of the Japanese who have settled in Manila; Morga commends
them, and states that they prove to be good Christians.
He ends his work by a detailed account of the navigation and voyage
to and from the Philippines. The Mexican port of departure for this
route has been removed from Navidad to Acapulco. Morga describes the
westward voyage; the stop at the Ladrone Islands, and the traffic
of the natives with the ships; and the route thence, and among the
Philippine Islands. The return route to Mexico is much more difficult
and dangerous; for the winds are varying and not always favorable,
and the ship must change its course more frequently, and go far north
to secure favoring winds, there encountering cold weather. These severe
changes cause much suffering, and even death; and the vessel makes this
voyage without once touching land until it reaches Acapulco, a period
of five or six months. Morga also describes the voyage to Spain by
way of Goa and the Cape of Good Hope, which also is long and dangerous.
Argensola writes a history of "the conquest of the Malucas," and
begins by describing the islands thus named, their inhabitants, and
the customs, mode of dress, and language of the people. He relates
the current stories of their origin and of their early intercourse
with Occidental peoples, mainly through the spice trade. The earlier
expeditions of the Portuguese to the Moluccas arouse the hostility of
the natives; and so much difficulty and expense to the government is
thus occasioned that his councilors advise Felipe II to abandon the
Philippines and Moluccas, as not worth so much cost. This he refuses
to do, on account of the necessity and duty of converting the pagans
in those lands--a decision confirmed also by Felipe III. Argensola
enumerates the various arguments pro and con regarding the retention
of the islands by Spain, which he justifies for the sake of converting
the heathen. The points thus far given are those of the brief synopsis
which results from our examination of books i-iv in the _Conqvista_,
Turning to book v, we find a brief outline of the conquest of the
Philippines by Legazpi, their peoples, their chief products, and their
fauna. The expedition of Peñalosa to conquer Ternate is described;
it proves a failure, for various causes. The king of Spain sends the
"invincible armada" against England (1588), desiring to check the
inroads of Northern heretics against Spanish commerce in the Orient;
but that fleet is defeated, and dispersed. Santiago de Vera also
sends an expedition against Ternate, but it also is a failure. One
of the princes that island asks for Spanish aid to gain its royalty
for himself--offering, in return, to become a vassal of Spain; but
his death prevents any further arrangement of this sort. Gomez Perez
Dasmariñas undertakes an expedition for the conquest of the Moluccas,
of which and of his tragic end a full account is given in book vi,
furnishing much interesting information thereon which is not elsewhere
to be obtained. Dasmariñas drafts rowers from among the Filipino
natives and the Chinese, by force; this causes much resentment among
them. He obtains full reports of affairs in the Moluccas, and advice
regarding the conduct of the campaign, from the Jesuits in those
islands. Dasmariñas sets out on this expedition (October 17, 1594),
his own galley being manned by Chinese rowers. These, being harshly
treated, mutiny, and murder all the Spaniards on the galley save two
(October 25), a friar and the governor's secretary. The governor's
death renders necessary the appointment of a temporary successor to his
office; this is his son, Luis Perez Dasmariñas. The murderers return
to Luzón, with armed vessels, hoping to find the country defenseless
and conquer it; but the forces at Manila are sufficient to overawe
the Chinese.
At this juncture, Langara, king of Camboja, asks for aid from the
Spaniards; and Dasmariñas sends for this purpose an expedition under
command of Gallinato. The Spaniards slay the usurper of the Cambojan
throne; this dignity is offered to Gallinato, but he refuses it, and
Ruiz and Velloso replace the rightful heir on the throne. Dasmariñas
himself undertakes another expedition to Camboja, at his own cost;
but he is driven by storms to the Chinese coast, some of his ships are
wrecked, and another is destroyed, with most of its crew, by Malays
at Camboja. These disasters put an end, for the time, to any further
attempts against Ternate.
Argensola relates the exploits of Figueroa and his successors in
subduing the Mindanaos, who are aided by the king of Ternate, as
being in a sense his vassals. Felipe II dies (1598), and for a time
the affairs of Moluccas are neglected. Book vii mainly relates to
Dutch voyages to the Eastern Archipelago; the presence of the Dutch
encourages the Ternatans to keep up their resistance to the Spaniards
and Portuguese. Governor Acuña arrives in the Philippines (May, 1602),
and for some time is occupied with the internal affairs of the colony
and the establishment of amicable relations with the Japanese. These
matters being settled, he turns his mind toward the conquest of
the Moluccas; and he coöperates with the expedition under Furtado
de Mendoza, which had been sent for this purpose from India. The
combined fleets meet with temporary successes at Ternate, but are
finally compelled to abandon the undertaking. The home government
finally decides that it must be again and effectively prosecuted;
and that Acuña himself shall conduct another expedition against the
Moluccas. The royal decree for this (dated June 20 1604) is given
in full.
Argensola relates the great fire in Manila and the Chinese
insurrection, both in 1603; he gives some information thereon which
is not found in other accounts. This revolt, although quelled,
causes great disturbance of business and industry, and much want
and distress, in Manila, which had so largely been dependent
upon its Chinese population. Soon afterward reënforcements and
supplies are received there from Mexico. In February, 1605, a Dutch
fleet appears in the Eastern archipelago, and captures Amboina and
Tidore. Portuguese fugitives from Tidore inform Acuña of the purpose
of the Dutch to attack the galleons on the Mexican route and perhaps
other Spanish interests; and to drive out the Spaniards from that
quarter of the world. He immediately sends more men to the garrisons
in the Pintados, and takes other precautions. The arrival of numerous
reënforcements at Manila encourages him and checks the insolence of
surrounding peoples. The Dutch aid the Ternatans, while Acuña makes
vigorous preparations for the expedition to be made against these
foes. He sails with over three thousand men, in thirty-six vessels,
from Iloilo on January 5, 1606. The flagship is wrecked at La Caldera;
the other vessels mistake their course, and do not reach the Moluccas
until late in March. They besiege Ternate, and finally carry it by
assault; the city and fort are pillaged by the soldiers. Afterward the
king is induced to surrender and Acuña makes a treaty with him. The
king surrenders his forts and restores all captives; delivers up any
Dutchmen or Spanish renegades who may be in Ternate; and gives up
the villages of Christian natives in adjacent islands. Acuña leaves a
strong garrison in Ternate, and carries the king and other captives
to Manila. A few weeks after his return, Acuña dies--by poison,
according to popular rumor.
To this volume is appended (apropos of an allusion by Morga) an
interesting account of the ancient customs observed by the natives of
Pampanga in the administration of justice. These differed, according to
the social status of the parties concerned, and the kind of crime; but,
in general, certain fixed amounts were paid as the penalties for most
crimes, and in some cases the penalty was life for life. If the culprit
could not pay the fine, he was usually sold as a slave. Parricide and
infanticide were apparently unknown among them. Marriages, divorces,
inheritances, enslavements, disputes, etc., are all considered in this
account, obtained by the Franciscan Juan de Plasencia from the natives.
_The Editors_
June, 1904.
SUCESOS DE LAS ISLAS FILIPINAS (_concluded_)
By Dr. Antonio de Morga. Mexico: at the shop of Geronymo Balli in
the year 1609; printed by Cornelio Adriano Cesar.
SOURCE: The translation is made from the Harvard copy of the original
printed work.
TRANSLATION: This is made by Alfonso de Salvio, Norman F. Hall,
and James Alexander Robertson.
EVENTS IN THE FILIPINAS ISLANDS. [1]
Chapter Seventh (_concluded_)
On the tenth [of July] [2] of the same year, the vessels
"Espiritu-Santo" and "Jesus Maria" left the port of Cabit en route
for Nueva España--in the wake of two smaller vessels, which had been
despatched a fortnight before--with the Filipinas merchandise. Don Lope
de Ulloa was their commander, while Doctor Antonio de Morga left those
islands in the almiranta, the "Santo Espiritu," to fill the office of
alcalde of the court of Mexico. Before leaving the bay, both vessels
were struck head on by a storm, and went dragging upon the coast,
buffeted by the heavy seas and winds, and amid dark and tempestuous
weather, from three in the afternoon until morning of the next day,
notwithstanding that they were anchored with two heavy cables in the
shelter of the land, and their topmasts struck. Then they grounded
upon the coast, in La Pampanga, ten leguas from Manila. The storm
lasted for three more consecutive days. Consequently it was regarded
as impossible for those vessels to sail and make their voyage,
inasmuch as the season was now well advanced, and the vessels
were very large and heavily laden, and were deeply imbedded in the
sand. Advice was immediately sent overland to Manila, whence were
brought several Chinese ships, cables, and anchors. By dint of the
great efforts exerted, both vessels, each singly, were fitted with
tackle and cables, which were rigged at the stern. There awaiting the
high tide, the ships were drawn, by force of capstan and men, stern
first for more than one legua through a bank of sand, upon which
they had struck, until they were set afloat, on the twenty-second
of July, St. Magdelen's day. Immediately they set sail again,
as the vessels had sustained no injury, nor sprung any leak; and
they made their voyage and navigation, under light winds, to the
coast of Nueva España. A violent south-southwest gale, accompanied
by heavy showers, hail, and cold, struck the ship "Espiritu Sancto"
on the tenth of November, in forty-two degrees, and within sight of
land. The wind was blowing obliquely toward the shore, upon which the
vessel was almost wrecked several times. The vessel suffered distress
and lost its rigging, while the crew was worn out by the voyage and
with the cold. The storm lasted until November twenty-second. On the
morning of that day, while the ship was in the trough of the waves,
and with topmasts shipped, it was struck by a squall of rain and hail,
accompanied by great darkness. A thunderbolt, descending the mainmast,
struck the vessel amidships. It killed three men besides wounding and
maiming eight others; it had entered the hatches, and torn open the
mainhatch, with a blaze of light, so that the interior of the ship
could be seen. Another thunderbolt fell down along the same mast
among the entire crew, and stunned sixteen persons, some of whom
were speechless and unconscious all that day. It left the vessel
by the pump-dale. The next day, the wind veered to north-northeast,
whereupon the ship set sail, and went coasting along the land, with
sufficient winds until the nineteenth of the month of December,
when it made port at Acapulco. There were found the two smaller
vessels that had sailed first from Manila. Three days later, General
Don Lope de Ulloa entered the same port of Acapulco, in the ship
"Jesus Maria." That vessel had sustained the same storms as the ship
"Espiritu Sancto." From the time when the two vessels had separated,
on sailing out of the channel of Capul, in the Filipinas Islands,
they had not sighted one another again during the entire voyage.
In the same year six hundred and three, Governor Don Pedro de Acuña
sent the ship "Sanctiago" from Manila to Japon, with merchandise. It
was ordered to make its voyage to Quanto, in order to comply with the
desire and wish of Daifusama. As news had been already received of the
death of Fray Geronimo de Jesus, four of the most important religious
of his order in Manila--namely, Fray Diego de Bermeo [3] (who had been
provincial), Fray Alonso de la Madre de Dios, Fray Luys Sotello, [4]
and one other associate--sailed on that vessel for the said kingdom.
As soon as the ships "Jesus Maria" and "Espiritu Sancto" sailed for
Nueva España, and the ship "Sanctiago" with the religious for Japon,
there was more time to discuss further the matter started by the coming
of the Chinese mandarins. For finding themselves unoccupied with other
matters, fear of the Sangleys became universal, and the suspicions that
were current that the Sangleys were about to commit some mischievous
outbreak. This the archbishop and some religious affirmed and told,
publicly and privately. At this time, a considerable number of Chinese
were living in Manila and its environs. Some of them were baptized
Christians living in the settlements of Baibai and Minondoc, [5] on the
other side of the river, opposite the city. Most of them were infidels,
occupied and living in these same settlements and in the shops of
the parián in the city; [they were employed] as merchants and in all
other occupations. The majority of them were fishermen, stonecutters,
charcoal-burners, porters, masons, and day-laborers. Greater security
was always felt in regard to the merchants, for they are the better
class of people, and those who are most interested, because of their
property. So great security was not felt about the others, even though
they were Christians; because, as they are a poor and covetous people,
they would be inclined to any act of meanness. However, it was always
thought that it would be difficult for them to cause any commotion,
unless a strong fleet came from China, on which they could rely. Talk
continued to increase daily, and with it suspicion; for some of the
Chinese themselves, both infidels and Christians, in order to prove
themselves friends of the Spaniards, and clean from all guilt, even
told the Spaniards that there was to be an insurrection shortly,
and other similar things. Although the governor always considered
these statements as fictions and the exaggerations of that nation,
and did not credit them, yet he was not so heedless that he did not
act cautiously and watch, although with dissembling, for whatever
might happen. He took pains to have the city guarded and the soldiers
armed, besides flattering the most prominent of the Chinese and the
merchants, whom he assured of their lives and property. The natives
of La Pampanga and other provinces near by were instructed beforehand
to supply the city with rice and other provisions, and to come to
reënforce it with their persons and arms, should necessity arise. The
same was done with some Japanese in the city. As all this was done
with some publicity, since it could not be done secretly, as so many
were concerned, one and all became convinced of the certainty of the
danger. Many even desired it, in order to see the peace disturbed,
and to have the opportunity to seize something. [6] From that time,
both in the city and its environs, where the Sangleys were living
scattered, these people began to persecute the Sangleys by word and
deed. The natives, Japanese and soldiers of the camp took from them
their possessions and inflicted on them other ill-treatment, calling
them dogs and traitors, and saying that they knew well that they
meant to rebel. But they said they would kill all the Sangleys first,
and that very soon, for the governor was preparing for it. This alone
was sufficient to make it necessary for the Sangleys to do what they
had no intention of doing. [7] Some of the most clever and covetous
set themselves to rouse the courage of the others, and to make
themselves leaders, telling the Sangleys that their destruction was
sure, according to the determination which they saw in the Spaniards,
unless they should anticipate the latter, since they [the Sangleys]
were so numerous, and attack and capture the city. They said that
it would not be difficult for them to kill the Spaniards, seize
their possessions, and become masters of the country, with the aid
and reënforcements that would immediately come to them from China,
as soon as the auspicious beginning that they would have made in
the matter should be known. In order to do this when the time came,
it was advisable to build a fort and quarters in some retired and
strong place near the city, where the people could gather and unite,
and where arms and supplies could be provided for the war. At least
such a fort would be sufficient to assure there their lives from
the outrages that they were expecting from the Spaniards. It was
learned that the chief mover in this matter was a Christian Sangley,
an old-time resident in the country, named Joan Bautista de Vera. [8]
He was rich and highly esteemed by the Spaniards, and feared and
respected by the Sangleys. He had often been governor of the latter,
and had many godchildren and dependents. He had become an excellent
Spaniard, and was courageous. He himself, exercising duplicity and
cunning, did not leave the city, or the houses of the Spanish during
this time, in order to arouse less suspicion of himself. From there
he managed the affair through his confidants; and in order to assure
himself better of the result, and to ascertain the number of men of
his race, and to make a census and list of them, he cunningly had
each of them ordered to bring him a needle, which he pretended to
be necessary for a certain work that he had to do. These needles he
placed, as he received them, in a little box; and when he took them
out of it, he found that he had sufficient men for his purpose. They
began to construct the fort or quarters immediately at a distance of
slightly more than one-half legua from the village of Tondo, among some
estuaries and swamps, and in a hidden location. [9] They stored there
some rice and other provisions, and weapons of little importance. The
Sangleys began to gather there, especially the masses--the common
people and day-laborers; for those of the parián, and the mechanics,
although urged to do the same, did not resolve to do it, and remained
quiet, guarding their houses and property. The restlessness of the
Sangleys daily continued to become more inflamed. This, and the
advices given to the governor and the Spaniards, kept the latter
more anxious and apprehensive, and made them talk more openly of the
matter. The Sangleys, seeing that their intention was discovered, and
that delay might be of so great harm to them, determined, although the
insurrection was planned for St. Andrew's day, the last of November,
to anticipate that day, and to lose no more time. On Friday, the
third day of the month of October, the eve of St. Francis, they
collected very hurriedly in the above-mentioned fort; consequently,
by nightfall, there were two thousand men in it. Joan Bautista de
Vera--a thief in the rôle of an honest man, since he was the leader
and organizer of the treason--went immediately to the city and
told the governor that the Sangleys had risen, and that they were
collecting on the other side of the river. The governor, suspecting
the mischief, had him immediately arrested and carefully guarded;
and he was afterward executed. Then, without tap of drum, the governor
ordered the companies, both of the camp and the city, to be notified,
and all to hold their arms in readiness. Very shortly after nightfall,
Don Luys Dasmariñas, who was living near the monastery and church of
Minondoc, on the other side of the river, came hurriedly to the city
to advise the governor that the Sangleys had revolted. He asked for
twenty soldiers to go to the other side [of the river], where he would
guard the said monastery. Cristoval de Axqueta, sargento-mayor of the
camp, went with these men, together with Don Luys. As the silence
of night deepened, the noise made by the Sangleys grew louder, for
they were continuing to assemble and were sounding horns and other
instruments, after their fashion. Don Luys remained to guard the
monastery, with the men brought from Manila, where he had placed
in shelter many women and children of Christian Sangleys, with the
religious. The sargento-mayor returned immediately to the city,
where he told of what was being done. The call to arms was sounded,
for the noise and shouts of the Sangleys, who had sallied out to set
fire to some houses in the country, was so great that it was thought
that they were devastating that district. The Sangleys burned, first,
a stone country-house belonging to Captain Estevan de Marquina. The
latter was living there with his wife and children; and none of them
escaped, except a little girl, who was wounded, but who was hidden
in a thicket. [10] Thence the Sangleys went to the settlement of
Laguio, [11] situated on the shore of the river, and burned it. They
killed several Indians of that settlement, and the rest fled to the
city. There the gates were already shut and all the people, with
arms in hand, manned the walls and other suitable posts, ready for
any emergency, until dawn. The enemy, who now had a greater number
of men, retired to their fort, to make another sally thence with more
force. Don Luys Dasmariñas, who was guarding the church and monastery
of Minondoc, expected hourly that the enemy was about to attack him,
and sent a messenger to the governor to beg for more men. These were
sent him, and consisted of regulars and inhabitants of the city,
under Captains Don Tomas Brabo de Acuña (the governor's nephew),
Joan de Alcega, Pedro de Arzeo, and Gaspar Perez, by whose counsel and
advice Don Luys was to be guided on this occasion. All was confusion,
shouting, and outcry in the city, particularly among the Indians, and
the women and children, who were coming thither for safety. Although,
to make certain of the Sangleys of the parián, their merchants had
been asked to come into the city, and bring their property, they did
not dare to do so; for they always thought that the enemy would take
the city because of their great force of numbers, and annihilate the
Spaniards, and they would all be in danger. Consequently they preferred
to remain in their parián, in order to join the victorious side. Don
Luys Dasmariñas thought it advisable to go in search of the enemy
immediately with the reënforcements sent him by the governor, before
they should all assemble and present a strong front. He left seventy
soldiers in Minondoc, in charge of Gaspar Perez; while with the rest,
about one hundred and forty of the best picked arquebusiers, he
went to the village of Tondo, in order to fortify himself in the
church, a stone building. He arrived there at eleven o'clock in the
morning. The Chinese, in number one thousand five hundred, arrived
at the same place at the same time, bent on the same purpose. An
hour's skirmish took place between the two sides, as to which one
would gain the monastery. Captain Gaspar Perez came up with the
reënforcement of the men left at Minondoc. The enemy retired to his
fort, with a loss of five hundred men. Gaspar Perez returned to his
post, where Pedro de Arzeo was also stationed. Don Luys Dasmariñas,
exultant over this fortunate engagement, determined immediately to
press forward in pursuit of the enemy with his men, notwithstanding
the heat of the sun and without waiting to rest his followers. He sent
Alferez Luys de Ybarren to reconnoiter. The latter brought word that
the enemy was in great force, and near by. Although Juan de Alcega
and others requested Don Luys to halt and rest his men, and await
the governor's orders as to what was to be done, his desire not to
lose the opportunity was so great that, rousing his men with harsh
words, in order to make them follow him, he marched forward until
they reached a swamp. After leaving the swamp, they came suddenly
into a large clearing, where the enemy was stationed. The latter,
upon seeing the Spaniards, surrounded them in force on all sides,
armed with clubs, some with catans, and a few with battle-axes. Don
Luys and his men, not being able to retreat, fought valiantly, and
killed a number of Sangleys. But finally, as the latter were in so
great force, they cut all the Spaniards to pieces, only four of whom
escaped, badly wounded; and these carried the news to Manila. [12]
This result was of great importance to the Sangleys, both because so
many and the best Spanish soldiers were killed in this place, and
because of the weapons that the Sangleys took from them, and which
they needed. With these arms they flattered themselves that their
object was more certain of accomplishment. Next day, October five,
the Sangleys sent the heads of Don Luys, Don Tomas, Joan de Alcega,
and other captains to the parián; and they told the Sangleys there
that, since the flower of Manila had been killed, they should revolt
and join them, or they would immediately come to kill them. The
confusion and grief of the Spaniards in the city was so great that
it prevented them from taking the precautions and exercising the
diligence demanded by the affair. But the sight of their necessity,
and the spirit of their governor and officials made them all remain
at their posts on the walls, arms in hand. They fortified as strongly
as possible the gates of the parián and of Dilao, and all that part of
the wall where the enemy might make an assault. They mounted a piece of
artillery above each gate, and stationed there the best men, among whom
were religious of all the orders. Upon that day, Sunday, the enemy,
flushed with the victory of the preceding day and their army swelled
by the additional men that joined them, attacked the city. Burning
and destroying everything in their path, they went to the river, for
there was no vessel with which to resist them, as all those of the
fleet were in the provinces of the Pintados. They entered the parián,
[13] and furiously assaulted the city gate, but were driven back by
the arquebuses and muskets, with the loss of many Sangleys. They
went to the church of Dilao, and there assaulted the gate and walls
(which were there lower), by means of scaling-ladders, with the same
determination. But they experienced the same resistance and loss,
which compelled them, on the approach of night, to retire with great
loss to the parián and to Dilao. That whole night the Spaniards
spent in guarding their wall, and in preparing for the morrow. The
enemy passed the night in the parián and at Dilao, making carts,
mantelets, scaling-ladders, artificial fire, and other contrivances,
for approaching and assaulting the wall, and for burning the gates,
and setting fire to everything. At dawn of the next day, Monday, the
Sangleys came together with these arms and tools, and having reached
the wall with their bravest and best-armed men, attacked it with
great fury and resolution. The artillery destroyed their machines, and
caused them so great injury and resistance with it and the arquebuses,
that the Sangleys were forced to retire again to the parián and
to Dilao, with heavy loss. Joan Xuarez Gallinato, accompanied by
some soldiers and a Japanese troop, made a sally from the Dilao gate
upon the Sangleys. They reached the church, when the Sangleys turned
upon them and threw the Japanese into disorder. The latter were the
cause of all retreating again to seek the protection of the walls,
whither the Sangleys pursued them. At this juncture Captain Don Luys de
Velasco entered Manila. He came from the Pintados in a stout caracoa,
manned by some good arquebusiers, while others manned some bancas that
sailed in the shelter of the caracoa. They approached the parián and
Dilao by the river, and harassed the enemy quartered there on that and
the two following days, so that they were compelled to abandon those
positions. These vessels set fire to the parián, and burned everything,
and pursued the enemy wherever they could penetrate. The Sangleys,
upon beholding their cause waning, and their inability to attain the
end desired, resolved to retire from the city, after having lost more
than four thousand men; to advise China, so that that country would
reënforce them; and for their support to divide their men into three
divisions in different districts--one among the Tingues of Passic, the
second among those of Ayonbon, and the third at La Laguna de Bay, San
Pablo, and Batangas. On Wednesday they abandoned the city completely,
and, divided as above stated, marched inland. Don Luys de Velasco,
with some soldiers and armed Indians who came from all sides to the
relief of Manila, accompanied by some Spaniards who guided them, and
the religious from their missions, went by way of the river in pursuit
of them, and pressed them, so that they killed and annihilated the
bands bound for the Tingues of Passic and for Ayombon. The majority
and main body of the Sangleys went to La Laguna de Bay, the mountains
of San Pablo, and Batangas, where they considered themselves more
secure. Burning towns and churches, and everything in their path, they
fortified themselves in the above-mentioned sites. Don Luys de Velasco,
with seventy soldiers, continued to pursue them, killing each day a
great number of them. On one occasion Don Luys was so closely engaged
with the enemy, that the latter killed him and ten soldiers of his
company, and fortified themselves again in San Pablo and Batangas,
where they hoped to be able to sustain themselves until the arrival
of reënforcements from China. [14]
The governor, fearful of this danger, and desirous of finishing
the enemy, and giving entire peace to the country, sent Captain
and Sargento-mayor Cristoval de Axqueta Menchaca with soldiers
to pursue and finish the enemy. This man left with two hundred
Spaniards--soldiers and volunteers--three hundred Japanese, and one
thousand five hundred Pampanga and Tagál Indians, [15] on the twentieth
of October. He was so expeditious, that with little or no loss of
men, he found the Sangleys fortified in San Pablo and Batangas, and,
after fighting with them, killed and destroyed them all. None escaped,
except two hundred, who were taken alive to Manila for the galleys. The
captain was occupied in this for twenty days, and with it the war was
ended. Very few merchants were left in Manila, and they had taken the
good counsel to betake themselves, with their possessions, among the
Spaniards in the city. At the beginning of the war there were not
seven hundred Spaniards in the city capable of bearing arms. [16]
After the end of the war, the need of the city began, for, because
of not having Sangleys who worked at the trades, and brought in
all the provisions, there was no food, nor any shoes to wear,
not even at excessive prices. The native Indians are very far from
exercising those trades, and have even forgotten much of farming, and
the raising of fowls, cattle, and cotton, and the weaving of cloth,
which they used to do in the days of their paganism and for a long
time after the conquest of the country. [17] In addition to this,
people thought that Chinese vessels would not come to the islands
with food and merchandise, on account of the late revolution. Above
all, they lived not without fear and suspicion that, instead of
the merchant vessels, an armed fleet would attack Manila, in order
to avenge the death of their Sangleys. All conspired to sadden the
minds of the Spaniards. After having sent Fray Diego de Guevara,
prior of the monastery of St. Augustine in Manila, to the court of
España by way of India, with news of this event--but who was unable
to reach Madrid for three years, because of his various fortunes
in India, Persia, and Italia, through which countries he went--they
immediately sent Captain Marco de la Cueva, together with Fray Luys
Gandullo of the Order of St. Dominic, to the city of Macao in China,
where the Portuguese were living, with letters for the chief captain
and the council of that city. These letters advised the latter of
the revolt of the Sangleys, and of the result of the war, so that,
if they should hear any rumors of a Chinese fleet, they could send
word. At the same time letters were taken from the governor to the
Tutons, Aytaos, and visitors of the provinces of Canton and Chincheo,
recounting the outbreak of the Chinese, which obliged the Spaniards
to kill them. Upon their arrival at Macao, Marcos de la Cueva and
Fray Luys Gandullo found no news of a fleet, but that everything was
quiet--although the Chinese had already heard of the insurrection and
much of the result, from some Sangleys who had fled from Manila in
champans, upon that occasion. It was immediately learned in Chincheo
that these Spaniards were in Macao, whereupon Captains Guansan Sinu
and Guachan, wealthy men and usually engaged in trade with Manila,
went to look for them. Having learned the truth of the event, they
took the letters for the mandarins and promised to deliver them. They
urged other merchants and vessels of Chincheo, who were afraid, to go
to Manila that year. This was very useful, for through them much of the
necessity that the city [of Manila] was suffering was supplied. With
this result and with some powder, saltpeter, and lead which Marcos
de la Cueva had provided for the magazines, the latter left Macao,
and sailed to Manila, which he reached in May, to the universal joy
of the city over the news that he brought--which began to be verified
immediately by the coming of the fleet of thirteen Chinese vessels
bearing food and merchandise.
In the month of June of this year six hundred and three, [18] two
vessels were despatched from Manila to Nueva España, under command
of Don Diego de Mendoça who had been sent that year by the viceroy,
Marques de Montesclaros, with the usual reënforcements for the
islands. The flagship was "Nuestra Señora de los Remedios" and the
almiranta "Sant Antonio."
Many rich men of Manila, warned by the past troubles, took passage
in these vessels with their households and property, for Nueva
España--especially in the almiranta--with the greatest wealth that
has ever left the Filipinas. Both vessels experienced so severe
storms during the voyage, in the altitude of thirty-four degrees,
and before having passed Japon, that the flagship, without masts and
greatly lightened and damaged, put back in distress to Manila. The
almiranta was swallowed up in the sea, and no one was saved. This was
one of the greatest shipwrecks and calamities that the Filipinas have
suffered since the past ones.
During the rest of that year and that of six hundred and five, until
the sailing of the vessels which were to go to Castilla, [19] the
governor occupied himself in repairing the city, and supplying it with
provisions and ammunition, with the special object and care that the
decision which he was awaiting from the court for making an expedition
to Maluco--of which he had been advised and warned--should not find
him so unprepared as to cause him to delay the expedition. In this
he was very successful, for at that same time, the master-of-camp,
Joan de Esquivel, had arrived in Mexico with six hundred soldiers
from España. In Mexico more men were being enrolled, and a great
preparation was made of ammunition, food, money, and arms, which the
viceroy sent to the governor from Nueva España in March of that year,
by order of his Majesty, in order that he might go to Maluco. All
this arrived safely and in due season at Manila.
Shortly after the ships had left Manila for Nueva España, and those
despatched thence by the viceroy had entered, Archbishop Don Fray
Miguel de Benavides died of a long illness. His body was buried
amid the universal devotion and grief of the city. [20] At this same
time, Don Pedro de Acuña received three letters, by the ships that
continued to come from China that year, with the merchandise and
with their principal captains. They were all of the same tenor--when
translated into Castilian--from the Tuton and Haytao, and from the
inspector-general of the province of Chincheo, and were on the matter
of the insurrection of the Sangleys and their punishment. They were
as follows:
[This letter occupies folios 113b-115a of the original edition of
Morga. We have already presented that document in our V0L. XIII,
p. 287, which is translated from a copy of the original manuscript. The
answer of Acuña to this letter will be found in V0L. XIV, in the
second document of that volume.]
The letter of the inspector-general was written on the twelfth of
the second month--which according to our reckoning is March of the
twenty-third year of the reign of Vandel [_i.e._, Wanleh]. The eunuch's
[21] letter was written on the sixteenth of the said month and year;
and that of the viceroy, on the twenty-second of the month.
The governor answered these letters through the same messengers,
civilly and authoritatively. He gave an explanation of the deed and
justified the Spaniards, and offered friendship and trade anew with the
Chinese. He said that their property, which had remained in Manila,
would be restored to the owners, and that those imprisoned in the
galleys would be freed in due season. First, however, he intended to
use them for the Maluco expedition, which he was undertaking.
The entrances into various provinces of Japon by the discalced
religious of St. Francis and those of St. Dominic and St. Augustine,
continued to be made, both in the Castilian vessel itself which was
despatched that year to the kingdoms of Quanto, [22] and in other
Japanese vessels which came to Manila with the silver and flour of the
Japanese, in order to trade. This was permitted and allowed by Daifu,
now called Cubosama, who that year sent the governor, through one of
his servants, certain weapons and presents, in return for others which
the governor had sent him. He answered the latter's letter as follows:
_Letter from Daifusama, lord of Japon, to governor Don Pedro
de Acuña, in the year one thousand six hundred and five._
I received two letters from your Lordship, and all the
gifts and presents mentioned in the memorandum. Among them,
when I received them, the wine made from grapes pleased
me greatly. During former years, your Lordship requested
permission for six vessels, and last year for four, and I
always granted your request. But, what angers me greatly is
that among the four vessels that your Lordship requested was
that one called "Antonio," which made the voyage without my
orders. This was a very lawless act, and in contempt of me. Can
it be, perhaps, that your Lordship would send to Japon without
my permission any vessel that you wished? Besides this, your
Lordship and others have often negotiated about the sects
of Japon, and requested many things in regard to them. This
likewise I cannot concede; for this region is called Xincoco
[Shinkoku], or "dedicated to the idols." These have been
honored with the highest adoration from the time of our
ancestors until now, and their acts I alone cannot undo or
destroy. Consequently, it is not at all advisable that your
religion be promulgated or preached in Japon; and if your
Lordship wish to preserve friendship with these kingdoms
of Japon and with me, do what I wish, and never do what is
displeasing to me. Lastly, many have told me that many wicked
and perverse Japanese, who go to that kingdom and live there
for many years, afterward return to Japon. This makes me
very angry. Consequently, your Lordship will, in the future,
allow no one of the Japanese to come here in the vessels that
come from your country. In other matters, your Lordship shall
act advisedly and prudently, and shall so conduct affairs,
that henceforth I may not be angered on account of them.
The governor, carrying out his dearest wish, was to make the
expedition to Terrenate in the Malucos, which should be done quickly,
before the enemy could gather more strength than he had then; for
he had been informed that the Dutch, who had seized the island
and fortress of Amboino, had done the same with that of Tidore,
whence they had driven the Portuguese who had settled therein, and
had entered Terrenate, where they had established a trading-post for
the clove-trade. Accordingly, as soon as the despatches in regard to
this undertaking arrived from España, in June of six hundred and five,
and the men and supplies from Nueva España, which were brought at the
same time by the master-of-camp, Joan de Esquivel, the governor spent
the balance of this year in preparing the ships, men, and provisions
that he deemed necessary for the undertaking. Leaving behind in
Manila sufficient force for its defense, he went to the provinces of
Pintados, where the fleet was collected, in the beginning of the year
six hundred and six.
By the fifteenth day of the month of March, the governor had
thoroughly prepared the fleet--which consisted of five ships, four
galleys with poop-lanterns [_galeras de fanal_], three galliots, four
champans, three funeas, two English lanchas, two brigantines, one
barca chata [23] for the artillery, and thirteen fragatas with high
freeboard. There were one thousand three hundred Spaniards, counting
regulars, captains and officers, substitutes [_entretenidos_], and
volunteers. Among them were some Portuguese captains and soldiers,
under charge of the chief captain of Tidore, [24] who was at that
island when the Dutch seized it. These Portuguese came from Malaca
to serve in the expedition. There were also four hundred Indian
pioneers--Tagáls and Pampangos of Manila--who went to serve at their
own cost, under their own officers, and with their own weapons. There
was a quantity of artillery of all kinds, ammunition, tools, and
provisions for nine months. [25] Don Pedro de Acuña left the point of
Hilohilo, which is near the town of Arevalo in the island of Panai,
[on the above day] with all this equipment, and coasting the island
of Mindanao, made port at La Caldera, in order to replenish his water,
wood, and other necessaries.
The governor embarked in the galley "Santiago" and took under
his charge the other galleys and oared vessels. The ship "Jesus
Maria" acted as flagship of the other vessels, and was commanded
by the master-of-camp, Joan de Esquivel. Captain and Sargento-mayor
Cristoval de Azcueta Menchaca acted as admiral of the fleet, which,
after attending to its necessities at La Caldera, left that port. On
setting sail, the flagship, which was a heavy vessel, was unable to
leave port, and the currents drove it shoreward so that, without the
others being able to help it, it grounded. It was wrecked there, but
the crew, artillery, and a portion of its ammunition and clothing,
were saved. After setting fire to the ship, and taking what nails and
bolts they could, so that the Mindanaos could not make use of them,
the fleet continued its voyage. The galleys coasted along the island
of Mindanao, and the ships and other deep-draught vessels sailed in
the open sea, all making for the port of Talangame, in the island of
Terrenate. The vessels, although experiencing some changes of weather,
first sighted the islands of Maluco, after they had been reconnoitered
by a large Dutch ship, well equipped with artillery, which was anchored
at Terrenate. This vessel fired some heavy artillery at our vessels,
and then immediately entered the port, where it fortified itself under
shelter of the land, and with its artillery and crew and the people
of Terrenate. The master-of-camp went with his vessels to the island
of Tidore, where he was well received by the Moro chiefs and cachils;
for the king was away, as he had gone to the island of Bachan to be
married. The master-of-camp found four Dutch factors there, who were
trading for cloves. He learned from them that the ship at Terrenate
was from Holland, and was one of those which had sailed from Amboino
and seized Tidore, whence it had driven the Portuguese, and that it was
being laden with cloves. It was awaiting other vessels of its convoy,
for they had made friendship and treaties with Tidore and Terrenate,
in order to be protected against the Castilians and Portuguese. The
master-of-camp had the king of Tidore summoned immediately, and,
while awaiting Don Pedro de Acuña, rested his men and cleaned the
ships, and made gabions and other things necessary for the war. Don
Pedro de Acuña, through his pilots' fault, had gone thirty leguas
to leeward of the island of Terrenate toward the island of Celebes,
otherwise called Mateo. Recognizing that island, he returned to
Terrenate, and passing in sight of Talangame, discovered the Dutch
vessel. He tried to reconnoiter it, but after seeing that it was
harming his galleys with its artillery, and that the master-of-camp
was not there, he proceeded to Tidore, where he found the latter,
to the great joy of all. There they spent the remainder of the month
of March. At this juncture the king of Tidore arrived, with twelve
well-armed caracoas. He expressed joy at the governor's coming, to
whom he complained at length of the tyranny and subjection in which
he was kept by Sultan Zayde, [26] king of Terrenate, who was aided
by the Dutch. He offered to go in person to serve his Majesty in the
fleet, with six hundred men of Tidore. Don Pedro received him and
feasted him. Then, without any further delay at Tidore, or any more
concern about the ship at Talangame, he set about the chief purpose
for which they had come. On the last of March he started to return to
Terrenate. On that day he anchored in a harbor between the settlement
and the port, as did also the king of Tidore with his caracoas. That
same night the Dutch ship weighed anchor and went to Amboino. At dawn
of next day, April first, soldiers were landed with some difficulty,
with the intention of marching along the shore (which was a very close
and narrow stretch) to the fort, in order to plant the artillery,
with which to bombard it. As the governor thought that mischief would
ensue because of the narrowness and closeness of the pass, he landed
a number of pioneers on the high ground, to open another road, so
that the remainder of the army might pass, and the enemy be diverted
in several directions. By these efforts, he placed his camp under
the walls, although a great number of Terenatans came from various
directions to prevent him. The vanguard of the camp was in charge
of Joan Xuarez Gallinato and Captains Joan de Cuevas, Don Rodrigo
de Mendoça, Pasqual de Alarcon, Joan de Cervantes, Captain Vergara,
and Cristoval de Villagra, with their companies. The other captains
were in the body of the squadron. The rearguard was under command of
Captain Delgado, while the master-of-camp aided in all parts. The
army came up within range of the enemy's artillery, which suddenly
began to play. The governor came to see how the troops were formed,
and, leaving them at their post, returned to the fleet to have the
pieces brought out for bombarding, and to obtain refreshment for
the soldiers. Some high trees intervened between the troops and the
wall, in which the enemy had posted some scouts to reconnoiter the
field. They were driven down, and our own scouts posted there, who gave
advice from above of what was being done in the fort. Captain Vergara,
and after him, Don Rodrigo de Mendoça and Alarcon, went to reconnoiter
the walls, the bastion of Nuestra Señora, and the pieces mounted on
the ground there, and a low wall of rough stone which extended to
the mountain, where there was a bastion in which the wall ended. It
was called Cachiltulo, and was defended with pieces of artillery and
a number of culverins, muskets, arquebuses, and pikes; while many
other weapons peculiar to the Terenatans were placed along the wall
for its defense. Having seen and reconnoitered all this, although not
with impunity, because the enemy had killed six soldiers with the
artillery and wounded Alferez Joan de la Rambla in the knee with a
musket-ball, the Spaniards returned to the army. A trifle past noon,
a lofty site was reconnoitered, in the direction of the bastion of
Cachiltulo, whence the enemy could be attacked and driven from the
wall; and Captain Cuevas was ordered to occupy it with twenty-five
musketeers. Having done this, the enemy sent out a crowd of men
to prevent him from occupying it. A skirmish ensued, and the Moros
turned and retreated to their wall. Cuevas followed them so closely
and persisted so long, that he needed reënforcement. The scouts in
the trees gave information of what was being done, whereupon Captains
Don Rodrigo de Mendoça, Alarcon, Cervantes, and Vergara reënforced
him with their light-armed pikemen and halberdiers. They pursued
the enemy with so great rapidity and resolution that they entered
the walls behind them. However, some of the Spaniards were wounded,
and Captain Cervantes was pushed down from the wall and his legs
broken, which caused his death. Captain Don Rodrigo de Mendoça,
pursuing the enemy, who were retiring, ran inside the wall as far
as the cavalier of Nuestra Señora, while Vergara ran in the opposite
direction along the curtain of the wall to the bastion of Cachiltulo,
and went on as far as the mountain. By this time the main body of the
army had already assaulted the wall. Mutually aiding one another,
they mounted the wall and entered the place on all sides, although
with the loss of some dead and wounded soldiers. The soldiers were
stopped by a trench beyond the fort of Nuestra Señora, for the enemy
had retreated to a shed, which was fortified with a considerable number
of musketeers and arquebusiers, and four light pieces. They discharged
their arquebuses and muskets at the Spaniards, and threw cane spears
hardened in fire, and _bacacaes_, [27] after their fashion. The
Spaniards assaulted the shed, whereupon a Dutch artilleryman trying to
fire a large swivel-gun, with which he would have done great damage,
being confused did not succeed, and threw down the linstock, turned,
and fled. The enemy did the same after him, and abandoned the shed,
fleeing in all directions. Those who would do so embarked with the king
and some of his wives and the Dutch in one caracoa and four _juangas_
[28] which they had armed near the king's fort. Captain Vergara entered
the fort immediately, but found it deserted. Don Rodrigo de Mendoça and
Villagra pursued the enemy toward the mountain for a long distance,
and killed many Moros. With this, at two o'clock in the afternoon,
the settlement and fort of Terrenate was completely gained. The
Spanish banners and standards were flung from it, without it having
been necessary for them to bombard the walls, as they had expected;
and the fort was taken at so slight cost to the Spaniards. Their dead
numbered fifteen men, and the wounded twenty more. The whole town was
reconnoitered, even its extremity--a small fort, called Limataen--which
contained two pieces of artillery, and two other pieces near the
mosque on the seashore. The loot of the place was of small importance,
for already the things of most value, and the women and children,
had been removed to the island of Moro, whither the king fled and
took refuge in a fort that he had there. Some products of that land
were found, and a great quantity of cloves. In the factory of the
Dutch were found two thousand ducados, some cloth goods and linens,
and many weapons, while in many places were excellent Portuguese and
Dutch artillery, a number of culverins and a quantity of ammunition,
of which possession was taken for his Majesty. [29] A guard was
placed over what was gained, and the place was put in a condition
for defense with some pieces taken from the fleet, while the governor
ordered and provided whatever else was advisable.
Cachil Amuxa, the king's nephew and the greatest chief of Terrenate,
came with other cachils to make peace with the governor. He said
that he and all the Terenatans wished to be vassals of his Majesty,
and that they would have rendered homage long before, but the king
prevented them. The latter as a proud man, and, confident in his
own opinion, although he had been advised to surrender the fort to
his Majesty and render him homage, had steadily refused to do so,
having been encouraged and emboldened by the success that he had
gained upon other occasions. That was the reason that he found himself
in his present wretched condition. He offered to induce the king to
leave the fort of Moro if given assurance of life. Don Pedro de Acuña
received this Moro well, and as a Portuguese, Pablo de Lima--one of
those whom the Dutch had driven from Tidore, a man of high standing,
and well acquainted with the king--offered to accompany him, the
governor despatched them with a written passport as follows:
_Passport from Don Pedro de Acuña to the king of Terrenate_
I, Don Pedro de Acuña, governor, captain-general, and president
of the Filipinas Islands, and general of this army and fleet,
declare that, over my signature, I hereby give security of
life to the king of Terrenate, in order that he may come to
talk with me--both to him and those whom he may bring with
him--reserving to myself the disposal of all the others as
I may see fit. I certify this in his Majesty's name. And
I order that no person of this fleet molest him or any
of his possessions, and that all observe what is herein
contained. Given in Terrenate, April six, one thousand six
hundred and six.
_Don Pedro de Acuña_
Within nine days Cachilamuja and Pablo de Lima returned to Terrenate
with the king, the prince, his son, [30] and others of his relatives,
cachils and sangajes, [31] under the said passport. They placed
themselves under the governor's power, and he received them with
great affection and respect. He lodged the king and his son in a
good house in the settlement, under guard of a company. The king
restored the villages of Christians that his Majesty had possessed
in the island of Moro, when the fort of Terrenate was lost by the
Portuguese. He placed his person and kingdom in his Majesty's power,
and surrendered a quantity of muskets and heavy artillery that he had
in some forts of the said island. The governor did not despoil him
of his kingdom, but on the contrary allowed him to appoint two of his
men to govern, whose choice was to be ratified by himself. The king,
his son the prince, and their cachils and sangajes swore homage to his
Majesty. The kings of Tidore and Bachan, and the sangaje of La Bua did
the same, and covenanted and promised not to admit either the Dutch
or other nations into Maluco for the clove-trade. They promised, as
his Majesty's vassals, to go on all occasions to serve him with their
persons, men, and ships, whenever summoned by whomever commanded the
fort of Terrenate; that they would oppose no obstacles to the Moros
who wished to become Christians; that if any wicked Christian went
to their lands to turn renegade, they would surrender him; and other
suitable things. Therewith great and small were content and pleased,
since they were freed from the tyranny of the king of Terrenate. The
governor remitted to them the third part of the tributes which they
were wont to pay their king, and gave the Moros other advantages. Then
he planned a new and modern fort, in a very conspicuous and suitable
location, and began to build it. In order that the old fort might be
better defended while the new one was being completed, he reduced it
to a less size, by making new cavaliers and bastions, which he finished
and furnished with ramparts and stout gates. He commenced another fort
in the island of Tidore, on a good location near the settlement. After
placing in order whatever he judged necessary in Terrenate and Tidore,
and in the other towns and fortresses of Maluco, he returned with
his fleet to the Filipinas. He left the master-of-camp, Joan de
Esquivel, with a garrison of six hundred soldier--five hundred,
in five companies, for Terrenate--in the fort of Terrenate to act
as his assistant and as governor of Maluco; he also left there one
large forge and a number of smiths, sixty-five pioneers, thirty-five
stonecutters, two galliots, two well-armed brigantines, and crews of
rowers. The other company of soldiers [was to be stationed] in Tidore
under command of Captain Alarcon; while ammunition and provisions for
one year were left in both forts. In order to be more assured of the
[peaceful] condition of the country, he took the king of Terrenate
from it and carried him to Manila, as well as his son the prince, and
twenty-four cachils and sangajes, most of them the king's relatives,
to whom he showed every honor and good treatment. He explained to
them why he took them, and that their return to Maluco depended upon
the security and tranquillity with which the Moros should conduct
themselves in their obedience and service to his Majesty. [32] The
three Portuguese galliots returned to Malaca, taking with them the
Dutch who were in Maluco and the Portuguese captains and soldiers who
had come to take part in this expedition. The governor entered Manila
in triumph with the remainder of the fleet, on the last day of May,
six hundred and six. He was received there with acclamations of joy
and praise from the city, who gave thanks to God for so happy and
prompt result in an undertaking of so great weight and importance.
During the governor's absence in Maluco, the royal Audiencia of
the islands governed the Filipinas. The Audiencia wished to drive
a number of Japanese from the city, for they were a turbulent
people and promised little security for the country. When this
was attempted and force employed, the Japanese resisted, and the
matter came to such a pass that they took arms to oppose it, and
it was necessary for the Spaniards to take their arms also. The
affair assumed definite proportions, and some on either side wished
to give battle. However, it was postponed by various means until,
through the efforts of certain religious, the Japanese were quieted;
and afterward as many as possible were embarked in vessels, although
they resented it greatly. This was one of the greatest dangers that
has threatened Manila, for the Spaniards were few in number, and the
Japanese more than one thousand five hundred, and they are a spirited
and very mettlesome race. Had they come to blows on this occasion,
the Spaniards would have fared ill. [33]
The governor, upon entering Manila, took over immediately the affairs
of his government, especially the despatching of two vessels about to
sail to Nueva España. He was present in person in the port of Cabit
at the equipment and lading of the ships, and the embarcation of the
passengers. He was seized by some indisposition of the stomach which
compelled him to return to Manila and take to his bed. His pain and
vomiting increased so rapidly that, without its being possible to
relieve him, he died in great anguish on St. John's day, to the great
sorrow and grief of the country. Especially did the king of Terrenate
show and express his grief, for he had always received great honor
and kind treatment from the governor. It was suspected that his death
had been violent, because of the severity and the symptoms of his
illness. The suspicion increased, because the physicians and surgeons,
having opened his body, declared, from the signs that they found,
that he had been poisoned, which made his death more regrettable. [34]
The Audiencia buried the governor in the monastery of St. Augustine
at Manila, with the pomp and ostentation due to his person and
offices. Then, again taking charge of the government, the Audiencia
despatched the vessels to Nueva España, whence advice was sent to
his Majesty of the taking of Maluco and the death of the governor.
The flagship, in which Don Rodrigo de Mendoça was sailing as general
and captain, reached Nueva España quickly with this news. The
almiranta, notwithstanding that it left the islands at the same
time, delayed more than six months. Eighty persons who perished
from disease were buried in the sea, while many others stricken by
the disease died of it upon landing at the port of Acapulco. Among
these was the licentiate Don Antonio de Ribera, auditor of Manila,
who had been appointed auditor of Mexico.
At the arrival of these vessels, it was learned that since the death
of Don Pedro de Acuña, and the taking over of the government by the
Audiencia, no change had occurred in the affairs of the islands;
but that their commerce was restricted because of the prohibition
which forbade sending to the islands more than five hundred thousand
pesos each year of the proceeds from the sale of the merchandise in
Nueva España. On account of this the people were in need, as this
amount appeared little for the many Spaniards and for the extent
of the trade--by which all classes are sustained, as they have no
other resources or capital. Also, although the gaining of Maluco had
been so important for affairs in those islands themselves, and their
punishment for the reduction of the other rebels--especially those
of Mindanao and Jolo, from whom the Filipinas had received so great
injury--the desirable quiet and stability had not been secured. For
the Mindanaos and the Joloans were not yet discontinuing their
descents upon the provinces of the Pintados in their war-vessels, to
seize booty according to their custom--and this will continue until
a suitable expedition be sent against them--and Maluco affairs were
not failing to give Joan de Esquivel, the master-of-camp, sufficient
to do. He was acting as governor there and had but little security
from the natives, who, being a Mahometan people, and by nature easily
persuaded and fickle, are restless, and ready for disturbances and
wars. Daily and in different parts the natives were being incited
and aroused to rebellion; and although the master-of-camp and his
captains were endeavoring to punish and pacify them, they could not
do what was necessary to quiet so many disturbances as arose. The
soldiers were dying, and the food giving out; and the aid sent from
Manila could not arrive at the time or in so great quantity as was
requested, because of the perils of the voyage and the straits of
the royal treasury. [35] The coming of vessels to Maluco at this
time from Holanda and Zelanda was not less prejudicial to all our
interests; for the Dutch, having so great interests in the islands,
and having established their interests there so firmly, were coming
in squadrons by the India route, to recover what they had lost in
Amboino, Terrenate, and other islands. With their countenance, the
Moros were revolting against the Spaniards, who had their hands full
with them, and more so with the Dutch, for the latter were numerous,
and more dangerous enemies than the natives.
The Dutch interest in these regions is so vast--both in the clove-trade
and that of other drugs and spices, and because they think that
they will have a gateway there for the subjugation of the whole
Orient--that, overcoming all the toil and dangers of the voyage,
they are continually coming to these islands in greater numbers and
with larger fleets. If a very fundamental and timely remedy be not
administered in this matter, it will increase to such an extent in
a short time that afterward no remedy can be applied.
The English and Flemish usually make this voyage by way of the strait
of Magallanes. Francisco Draque [Drake] was the first to make it,
and some years later Tomas Liscander [Candish or Cavendish], who
passed by Maluco.
Lately Oliver del Nort, a Fleming, made the voyage. The Spanish fleet
fought with his fleet amid the Filipinas Islands, at the end of the
year one thousand six hundred. In this fight, after the capture of
his almiranta (which was commanded by Lamberto Biezman) the flagship,
having lost nearly all its crew, and being much disabled, took to
flight. And as it afterward left the Filipinas, and was seen in Sunda
and the Java channels, so disabled, it seemed impossible for it to
navigate, and that it would surely be lost, as was recounted above
when treating of this.
This pirate, although so crippled, had the good fortune to escape from
the Spaniards, and, after great troubles and hardships, he returned
to Amstradam with his ship "Mauricio," with only nine men alive,
reaching it on the twenty-sixth of August in the year six hundred
and one. He wrote the relation and the events of his voyage, and gave
plates of the battle and of the ships. This was afterward translated
into Latin and printed by Teodoro de Bri, a German, at Francfort, in
the year six hundred and two. Both relations are going the rounds,
and the voyage is regarded as a most prodigious feat and one of so
great hardships and perils. [36]
Bartolome Perez, a pilot, gave the same news from the island of La
Palma. He, having come from England by way of Holanda, conversed
with Oliver del Nort, and the latter narrated to him his voyage
and sufferings, as mentioned by Licentiate Fernando de la Cueva in
a letter from the island of La Palma, [37] on the last of July, of
the year six hundred and four, to Marcos de la Cueva, his brother,
who was a resident of Manila, and one of the volunteers who embarked
on the Spanish flagship which fought with the pirate. This letter is
as follows.
I answer two of your Grace's letters in this: one dated July,
six hundred and one, and the other July, six hundred and
two. In both of them your Grace relates to me the shipwreck
that befell you and how you saved yourself by swimming. Long
before I saw your Grace's letters, I had learned of your
mishap, whereat I was very anxious and even quite grieved;
because of what was reported here, I imagined that your Grace
had a part in it. Consequently, I was singularly overjoyed
at the assurance that your Grace still possessed life and
health. Having them, one can conquer other things; and
without them human treasure has no value. By way of Flandes
(whence ships come daily to this island), I learned much,
nay, all the event, although not so minutely. For Oliver de
Nort, who was the Dutch general, with whom the engagement
occurred, arrived safely in Holanda, with eight men--and he
made nine--and without money. His purpose when he left the
rebellious states of Holanda and Zelanda, with five armed
vessels laden with merchandise--which were worth, principal
and merchandise, one hundred and fifty or two hundred thousand
ducados--was to trade and carry on commerce through the strait
(and such were his orders), in whatever parts he should
be, with friends or enemies. He was not to attack anyone,
but only to defend himself and to incline the Indians to
trade and exchange with him. All the vessels having reached
the strait together, three of them became separated there
because of storms, and must have been wrecked; for up to the
present nothing has been heard of them. Having seen himself so
abandoned, and that he could not restore his loss by trade,
or else because he did not receive a hospitable reception
from the inhabitants of Piru, he determined to exceed his
orders, and make that voyage one of plundering. Accordingly
he stationed himself at the mouth of the river to await
ships. The rest that befell, your Grace knows. Oliver de Nort
is a native of the city of Roterdam, and he reached it with
an anchor of wood. [38] He had no other with which to anchor,
nor indeed had he any other left. It is said that this is a
very heavy wood of the Indias, and he has placed it at the
door of his house, as a mark of distinction. He arrived,
as I say, with nine men, all told, very much worn out,
and as by a miracle. He has printed a book of his voyage,
with engravings of his vessels, and many other details of
what happened to him, and the hardships that they endured
in the fight and throughout the voyage, both to show his own
glory and to incite others to similar deeds. A pilot of this
island, one Bartolome Perez, was seized and taken to Inglaterra
before the peace or truce. He came through Holanda, where he
conversed at great length with Oliver. The latter told him
all that had happened to him, which is known to all, and was
discussed in this island before that voyage. Bartolome Perez
says that Oliver de Nort praised the Spaniards greatly, and
said they were the bravest men he had seen in his life. They
had gained the deck of his ship, and all the upper works,
when he cried out from below deck to set fire to the powder,
whereupon he believes that the Spaniards left for fear of
being blown up. The Dutch then had an opportunity to escape,
but so crippled were they that their reaching port seems a
miracle. The pilot says that he saw the anchor and the book,
and what pertains to the book is stated here. I have recounted
this to your Grace, because of the statements in your letter,
namely, that people considered them as lost, and so that so
singular a case may be known there.
Now the Dutch make the voyage more quickly and more safely, going
and coming, by way of India, but not touching at its ports or coasts,
until they reach the islands of the Javas [39]--Java major and Java
minor--and Samatra, Amboino, and the Malucas. Since they know the
district so well, and have experienced the immense profits ensuing to
them therefrom, it will be difficult to drive them from the Orient,
where they have inflicted so many losses in both spiritual and
temporal affairs.
¶ _Relation of the Filipinas Islands and of their natives, antiquity,
customs, and government, both during the period of their paganism
and after their conquest by the Spaniards, and other details._
¶ _Chapter Eighth_
The islands of the eastern Ocean Sea, adjacent to farther Asia,
belonging to the crown of España, are generally called, by those who
navigate thither by way of the demarcation of Castilla and Castilla's
seas and lands of America, "the Western Islands;" for from the time
that one leaves España, he sails in the course of the sun from east
to west, until he reaches them. For the same reason they are called
"Eastern Islands" by those who sail from west to east by way of
Portuguese India, each of them circumscribing the world by voyaging
in opposite directions, until they meet at these islands, which are
numerous and of varying size; they are properly called Filipinas,
and are subject to the crown of Castilla. They lie within the tropic
of Cancer, and extend from twenty-four degrees north latitude to the
equinoctial line, which cuts the islands of Maluco. There are many
others on the other side of the line, in the tropic of Capricorn,
which extend for twelve degrees in south latitude. [40] The ancients
affirmed that each and all of them were desert and uninhabitable, [41]
but now experience has demonstrated that they deceived themselves;
for good climates, many people, and food and other things necessary
for human life are found there, besides many mines of rich metals,
with precious gems and pearls, and animals and plants, which nature
has not stinted.
It is impossible to number all the islands--counting larger and
smaller--of this vast archipelago. Those comprised in the name and
government of Filipinas, number about forty large islands, besides
other smaller ones, all consecutive. The chiefest and best known are
Luzon, Mindoro, Tendaya, [42] Capul, Burias, Mazbate, Marinduque,
Leite, Camar, Ybabao, Sebu, Panay, Bohol, Catenduanes, Calamianes,
Mindanao, and others of less renown.
The first island conquered and colonized by the Spaniards was
Sebu. [43] From there the conquest was started and continued in all
the neighboring islands. Those islands are inhabited by people,
natives of the same islands, called Viçayas; or by another name,
Pintados--for the more prominent of the men, from their youth, tattoo
their whole bodies, by pricking them wherever they are marked and then
throwing certain black powders over the bleeding surface, the figures
becoming indelible. But, as the chief seat of the government, and the
principal Spanish settlement, was moved to the island of Luzon--the
largest island, and that one nearest and opposite to Great China and
Japon--I shall treat of it first; for much that will be said of it is
similar in the others, to each of whose particulars and distinctive
details I shall pass in due time.
This island of Luzon extends lengthwise, from the point and head where
one enters the Filipinas Islands (by the channel of Capul, which
lies in thirteen and one-half degrees north latitude) to the other
point in the province of Cagayan, called Cape Bojeador (and located
opposite China, in twenty degrees), more than two hundred leguas. In
some parts its width is more constricted than in others, especially in
the middle of the island, where it is so narrow that it is less than
thirty leguas from sea to sea, or from one coast to the other. The
whole island is more than four hundred leguas in circumference.
The climates of this island are not harmonious; on the contrary, they
present a great diversity in its different districts and provinces. The
head and beginning of the island, in the region of the channel, is more
temperate in the interior, although the coasts are hot. The site of
the city of Manila is hot, for it is on the coast and is low; but in
its vicinity, quite near the city, there are districts and settlements
much cooler, where the heat is not oppressive. The same is true of the
other head of the island, opposite China, named Cagayan. The seasons
of the year--winter and summer--are contrary to those in Europe; for
the rains generally last in all these islands from the month of June
until the month of September, and are accompanied by heavy showers,
whirlwinds, and storms on sea and land. The summer lasts from October
to the end of May, with clear skies and fair winds at sea. However,
the winter and rainy season begins earlier in some provinces than
in others. [44] In Cagayan winter and summer almost coincide with
those of España, and come at the same seasons.
The people inhabiting the province of Camarines and almost as far as
the provinces of Manila, in this great island of Luzon, both along
the coast and in the interior, are natives of this island. They are
of medium height, with a complexion like stewed quinces; and both
men and women are well-featured. They have very black hair, and
thin beards; and are very clever at anything that they undertake,
keen and passionate, and of great resolution. All live from their
labor and gains in the field, their fishing, and trade, going from
island to island by sea, and from province to province by land.
The natives of the other provinces of this island as far as Cagayan are
of the same nature and disposition, except that it has been learned
by tradition that those of Manila and its vicinity were not natives
of this island, but came thither in the past and colonized it; and
that they are Malay natives, and come from other islands and remote
provinces. [45]
In various parts of this island of Luzon are found a number of
natives black in color. Both men and women have woolly hair, and their
stature is not very great, although they are strong and robust. These
people are barbarians, and have but little capacity. They possess no
fixed houses or settlements, but wander in bands and hordes through
the mountains and rough country, changing from one site to another
according to the season. They support themselves in certain clearings,
and by planting rice, which they do temporarily, and by means of the
game that they bring down with their bows, in the use of which they
are very skilful and certain. [46] They live also on honey from the
mountains, and roots produced by the ground. They are a barbarous
people, in whom one cannot place confidence. They are much given to
killing and to attacking the settlements of the other natives, in which
they commit many depredations; and there is nothing that can be done
to stop them, or to subdue or pacify them, although this is always
attempted by fair or foul means, as opportunity and necessity demand.
The province of Cagayan is inhabited by natives of the same complexion
as the others of the island, although they are better built, and more
valiant and warlike than the others. They wear their hair long and
hanging down the back. They have been in revolt and rebellion twice
since the first time when they were pacified; and there has been plenty
to do, on different occasions, in subduing them and repacifying them.
The apparel and clothing of these natives of Luzon before the
entrance of the Spaniards into the country were generally, for the
men, certain short collarless garments of _cangan_, sewed together
in the front, and with short sleeves, and reaching slightly below
the waist; some were blue and others black, while the chiefs had
some red ones, called _chinanas_. [47] They also wore a strip of
colored cloth wrapped about the waist, and passed between the legs,
so that it covered the privy parts, reaching half-way down the thigh;
these are called _bahaques_. [48] They go with legs bare, feet unshod,
and the head uncovered, wrapping a narrow cloth, called _potong_ [49]
just below it, with which they bind the forehead and temples. About
their necks they wear gold necklaces, wrought like spun wax, [50]
and with links in our fashion, some larger than others. On their arms
they wear armlets of wrought gold, which they call _calombigas_,
and which are very large and made in different patterns. Some wear
strings of precious stones--cornelians and agates; and other blue
and white stones, which they esteem highly. [51] They wear around
the legs some strings of these stones, and certain cords, covered
with black pitch in many foldings, as garters. [52]
In a province called Zambales, they wear the head shaved from the
middle forward. On the skull they have a huge lock of loose hair. [53]
The women throughout this island wear small jackets [_sayuelos_]
with sleeves of the same kinds of cloth and of all colors, called
_varos_. [54] They wear no shifts, but certain white cotton garments
which are wrapped about the waist and fall to the feet, while other
dyed cloths are wrapped about the body, like kirtles, and are very
graceful. The principal women have crimson ones, and some of silk,
while others are woven with gold, and adorned with fringe and other
ornaments. They wear many gold necklaces about the neck, calumbigas
on the wrists, large earrings of wrought gold in the ears, and rings
of gold and precious stones. Their black hair is done up in a very
graceful knot on the head. Since the Spaniards came to the country many
Indians do not wear _bahaques_, but wide drawers of the same cloths and
materials, and hats on their heads. The chiefs wear braids of wrought
gold containing many designs, while many of them wear shoes. The chief
women also wear beautiful shoes, many of them having shoes of velvet
adorned with gold, and white garments like petticoats.
Men and women, and especially the chief people, are very clean and neat
in their persons and clothing, and of pleasing address and grace. They
dress their hair carefully, and regard it as being more ornamental when
it is very black. They wash it with water in which has been boiled
the bark of a tree called _gogo_. [55] They anoint it with aljonjoli
oil, prepared with musk, and other perfumes. All are very careful of
their teeth, which from a very early age they file and render even,
with stones and iron. [56] They dye them a black color, which is
lasting, and which preserves their teeth until they are very old,
although it is ugly to look at. [57]
They quite generally bathe the entire body in the rivers and creeks,
both young and old, without reflecting that it could at any time be
injurious to them; [58] for in their baths do they find their best
medicines. When an infant is born, they immediately bathe it, and
the mother likewise. The women have needlework as their employment
and occupation, and they are very clever at it, and at all kinds of
sewing. They weave cloth and spin cotton, and serve in the houses
of their husbands and fathers. They pound the rice for eating,
[59] and prepare the other food. They raise fowls and swine, and
keep the houses, while the men are engaged in the labors of the
field, and in their fishing, navigation, and trading. They are not
very chaste, either single or married women; while their husbands,
fathers, or brothers are not very jealous or anxious about it. Both
men and women are so selfish and greedy that, if they are paid, they
are easily won over. When the husband finds his wife in adultery,
he is smoothed and pacified without any trouble--although, since they
have known Spaniards, some of those who assume to be more enlightened
among them have sometimes killed the adulterers. Both men and women,
especially the chiefs, walk slowly and sedately when upon their
visits, and when going through the streets and to the temples; and
are accompanied by many slaves, both male and female, with parasols
of silk which they carry to protect them from the sun and rain. The
women walk ahead and their female servants and slaves follow them;
behind these walk their husbands, fathers, or brothers, with their
man-servants and slaves. [60]
Their ordinary food is rice pounded in wooden mortars, and cooked--this
is called _morisqueta_, [61] and is the ordinary bread of the whole
country--boiled fish (which is very abundant), the flesh of swine,
deer, and wild buffaloes (which they call _carabaos_). Meat and fish
they relish better when it has begun to spoil and when it stinks. [62]
They also eat boiled camotes (which are sweet potatoes), beans,
_quilites_ [63] and other vegetables; all kinds of bananas, guavas,
pineapples, custard apples, many varieties of oranges, and other
varieties of fruits and herbs, with which the country teems. Their
drink is a wine made from the tops of cocoa and nipa palm, of which
there is a great abundance. They are grown and tended like vineyards,
although without so much toil and labor. Drawing off the tuba, [64]
they distil it, using for alembics their own little furnaces and
utensils, to a greater or less strength, and it becomes brandy. This is
drunk throughout the islands. It is a wine of the clarity of water,
but strong and dry. If it be used with moderation, it acts as a
medicine for the stomach, and is a protection against humors and all
sorts of rheums. Mixed with Spanish wine, it makes a mild liquor,
and one very palatable and healthful.
In the assemblies, marriages, and feasts of the natives of these
islands, the chief thing consists in drinking this wine, day and night,
without ceasing, when the turn of each comes, some singing and others
drinking. As a consequence, they generally become intoxicated without
this vice being regarded as a dishonor or disgrace. [65]
The weapons of this people are, in some provinces, bow and arrows. But
those generally used throughout the islands are moderate-sized spears
with well-made points; and certain shields of light wood, with their
armholes fastened on the inside. These cover them from top to toe,
and are called _carasas_ [_kalasag_]. At the waist they carry a
dagger four fingers in breadth, the blade pointed, and a third of
a vara in length; the hilt is of gold or ivory. The pommel is open
and has two cross bars or projections, without any other guard. They
are called _bararaos_. They have two cutting edges, and are kept in
wooden scabbards, or those of buffalo-horn, admirably wrought. [66]
With these they strike with the point, but more generally with the
edge. When they go in pursuit of their opponent, they show great
dexterity in seizing his hair with one hand, while with the other
they cut off his head with one stroke of the bararao, and carry
it away. They afterward keep the heads suspended in their houses,
where they may be seen; and of these they make a display, in order
to be considered as valiant, and avengers of their enemies and of
the injuries committed by them. [67]
Since they have seen the Spaniards use their weapons, many of the
natives handle the arquebuses and muskets quite skilfully. Before the
arrival of the Spaniards they had bronze culverins and other pieces
of cast iron, with which they defended their forts and settlements,
although their powder is not so well refined as that of the Spaniards.
Their ships and boats are of many kinds; for on the rivers and creeks
inland they use certain very large canoes, each made from one log,
and others fitted with benches and made from planks, and built up
on keels. They have vireys and barangays, which are certain quick
and light vessels that lie low in the water, put together with little
wooden nails. These are as slender at the stern as at the bow, and they
can hold a number of rowers on both sides, who propel their vessels
with _bucçeyes_ or paddles, and with _gaones_ [68] on the outside
of the vessel; and they time their rowing to the accompaniment of
some who sing in their language refrains by which they understand
whether to hasten or retard their rowing. [69] Above the rowers is
a platform or gangway, built of bamboo, upon which the fighting-men
stand, in order not to interfere with the rowing of the oarsmen. In
accordance with the capacity of the vessels is the number of men on
these gangways. From that place they manage the sail, which is square
and made of linen, and hoisted on a support or yard made of two thick
bamboos, which serves as a mast. When the vessel is large, it also
has a foresail of the same form. Both yards, with their tackle, can be
lowered upon the gangway when the weather is rough. The helmsmen are
stationed in the stern to steer. It carries another bamboo framework
on the gangway itself; and upon this, when the sun shines hot,
or it rains, they stretch an awning made from some mats, woven from
palm-leaves. These are very bulky and close, and are called _cayanes_
[70] Thus all the ship and its crew are covered and protected. There
are also other bamboo frameworks for each side of the vessel, which
are so long as the vessel, and securely fastened on. They skim the
water, without hindering the rowing, and serve as a counterpoise,
so that the ship cannot overturn nor upset, however heavy the sea,
or strong the wind against the sail. It may happen that the entire
hull of these vessels, which have no decks, may fill with water and
remain between wind and water, even until it is destroyed and broken
up, without sinking, because of these counterpoises. These vessels have
been used commonly throughout the islands since olden times. They have
other larger vessels called caracoas, _lapis_, and _tapaques_, which
are used to carry their merchandise, and which are very suitable,
as they are roomy and draw but little water. They generally drag
them ashore every night, at the mouths of rivers and creeks, among
which they always navigate without going into the open sea or leaving
the shore. All the natives can row and manage these boats. Some are
so long that they can carry one hundred rowers on a side and thirty
soldiers above to fight. The boats commonly used are barangays and
vireys, which carry a less crew and fighting force. Now they put
many of them together with iron nails instead of the wooden pegs and
the joints in the planks, while the helms and bows have beaks like
Castilian boats. [71]
The land is well shaded in all parts by trees of different kinds,
and fruit-trees which beautify it throughout the year, both along
the shore and inland among the plains and mountains. It is very full
of large and small rivers, of good fresh water, which flow into the
sea. All of them are navigable, and abound in all kinds of fish,
which are very pleasant to the taste. For the above reason there
is a large supply of lumber, which is cut and sawed, dragged to the
rivers, and brought down, by the natives. This lumber is very useful
for houses and buildings, and for the construction of small and large
vessels. Many very straight thick trees, light and pliable, are found,
which are used as masts for ships and galleons. Consequently, vessels
of any size may be fitted with masts from these trees, made of one
piece of timber, without its being necessary to splice them or make
them of different pieces. For the hulls of the ships, the keels,
futtock-timbers, top-timbers, and any other kinds of supports and
braces, compass-timbers, transoms, knees small and large, and rudders,
all sorts of good timber are easily found; as well as good planking
for the sides, decks, and upper-works, from very suitable woods. [72]
There are many native fruit-trees, such as the _sanctors_, _mabolos_,
tamarinds, _nancas_, custard-apples, papaws, guavas, and everywhere
many oranges, of all kinds--large and small, sweet and sour;
citrons, lemons, and ten or twelve varieties of very healthful and
palatable bananas. [73] There are many cocoa-palms bearing fruit
of pleasant taste--from which is made wine and common oil, which
is a very healing remedy for wounds; and other wild palms of the
forests--that do not yield cocoa-nuts, but serve as wood, and from
whose bark is made bonote, a tow for rigging and cables, and also for
calking ships. Efforts have been made to plant olives and quinces,
and other fruit-trees of España, but as yet they have had no success,
except with pomegranates and grapevines, which bear fruit the second
year. These bear abundance of exceedingly good grapes three times a
year; and some fig-trees have succeeded. Vegetables of every kind
grow well and very abundantly, but do not seed, and it is always
necessary to bring the seeds from Castilla, China, or Japon.
In the Cagayan provinces are found chestnut-trees, which produce
fruit. In other districts are found pines and other trees which yield
certain very large pine-nuts, with a hard shell and a pleasant taste,
which are called piles. [74] There is abundance of cedar which is
called _calanta_, a beautiful red wood called _asana_, [75] ebony of
various qualities, and many other precious woods for all uses. The meat
generally eaten is that of swine, of which there is a great abundance,
and it is very palatable and wholesome.
Beef is eaten, cattle being raised abundantly in stock-farms in
many different parts of the islands. The cattle are bred from those
of China and Nueva España. [76] The Chinese cattle are small, and
excellent breeders. Their horns are very small and twisted, and some
cattle can move them. They have a large hump upon the shoulders, and
are very manageable beasts. There are plenty of fowls like those of
Castilla, and others very large, which are bred from fowls brought
from China. They are very palatable, and make fine capons. Some of
these fowls are black in feather, skin, flesh, and bones, and are
pleasant to the taste. [77] Many geese are raised, as well as swans,
ducks, and tame pigeons brought from China. There is abundance of
flesh of wild game, such as venison, and wild boars, and in some parts
porcupines. There are many buffaloes, which are called carabaos, which
are raised in the fields and are very spirited; others are brought
tame from China; these are very numerous, and very handsome. These
last are used only for milking, and their milk is thicker and more
palatable than that of cows.
Goats and kids are raised, although their flesh is not savory, because
of the humidity of the country. These animals sicken and die for that
reason, and because they eat certain poisonous herbs. Ewes and rams,
although often brought from Nueva España, never multiply. Consequently
there are none of these animals, for the climate and pasturage has not
as yet seemed suitable for them. [78] There were no horses, mares, or
asses in the islands, until the Spaniards had them brought from China
and brought them from Nueva España. Asses and mules are very rare,
but there are many horses and mares. Some farms are being stocked with
them, and those born there (mixed breeds for the most part) turn out
well, and have good colors, are good tempered and willing to work, and
are of medium size. Those brought from China are small, very strong,
good goers, treacherous, quarrelsome, and bad-tempered. Some horses
of good colors are brought from Japon. They have well-shaped bodies,
thick hair, large fetlocks, large legs and front hoofs, which makes
them look like draft-horses. Their heads are rather large, and their
mouths hard. They run but slowly, but walk well, and are spirited,
and of much mettle. The daily feed of the horses consists throughout
the year of green provender, [79] besides rice in the husk, which
keeps them very fat. [80]
There are many fowls and field birds, and wild birds of wonderful
colors and very beautiful. There are no singing birds suitable for
keeping in cages, although some calendar larks [_Calandrias_] called
_fimbaros_, [81] smaller than those of España, are brought from Japon,
whose song is most sweet. There are many turtle-doves, ring-doves;
other doves with an extremely green plumage, and red feet and beaks;
and others that are white with a red spot on the breast, like a
pelican. Instead of quail, there are certain birds resembling them,
but smaller, which are called _povos_ [82] and other smaller birds
called mayuelas. [83] There are many wild chickens and cocks, which
are very small, and taste like partridge. There are royal, white, and
grey herons, flycatchers, and other shore birds, ducks, lavancos, [84]
crested cranes, sea-crows, eagles, eagle-owls, and other birds of prey,
although none are used for hawking. There are jays and thrushes as in
España, and white storks and cranes. [85] They do not rear peacocks,
rabbits, or hares, although they have tried to do so. It is believed
that the wild animals in the forests and fields eat and destroy them,
namely, the cats, foxes, badgers, and large and small rats, which
are very numerous, and other land animals. [86]
Throughout these islands are found a great number of monkeys, of
various sizes, with which at times the trees are covered. There are
green and white parrots, but they are stupid in talking; and very
small parroquets, of beautiful green and red colors, which talk as
little. The forests and settlements have many serpents, of various
colors, which are generally larger than those of Castilla. Some have
been seen in the forests of unusual size, and wonderful to behold. [87]
The most harmful are certain slender snakes, of less than one vara
in length, which dart down upon passersby from the trees (where they
generally hang), and sting them; their venom is so powerful that
within twenty-four hours the person dies raving.
There are many very large scorpions in the rivers and creeks, and a
great number of crocodiles, which are very bloodthirsty and cruel. They
quite commonly pull from their bancas the natives who go in those
boats, and cause many injuries among the horned cattle and the horses
of the stock-farms, when they go to drink. And although the people fish
for them often and kill them, they are never diminished in number. For
that reason, the natives set closely-grated divisions and enclosures
in the rivers and creeks of their settlements, where they bathe. There
they enter the water to bathe, secure from those monsters, which they
fear so greatly that they venerate and adore them, as if they were
beings superior to themselves. All their oaths and execrations, and
those which are of any weight with them (even among the Christians)
are, thus expressed: "So may the crocodile kill him!" They call the
crocodile _buhaya_ in their language. It has happened when some one
has sworn falsely, or when he has broken his word, that then some
accident has occurred to him with the crocodile, which God, whom he
offends, has so permitted for the sake of the authority and purity
of the truth, and the promise of it. [88]
The fisheries of sea and rivers are most abundant, and include all
kinds of fish; both of fresh and salt water. These are generally used
as food throughout the entire country. There are many good sardines,
sea-eels, sea-breams (which they call _bacocos_), daces, skates,
_bicudas_, _tanguingues_, soles, _plantanos_, [89] _taraquitos_,
needle-fish, gilt-heads, and eels; large oysters, mussels, [90]
_porçebes_, crawfish, shrimp, sea-spiders, center-fish, and all kinds
of cockles, shad, white fish, and in the Tajo River of Cagayan, [91]
during their season, a great number of _bobos_, which come down to
spawn at the bar. In the lake of Bonbon, a quantity of tunny-fish,
not so large as those of España, but of the same shape, flesh, and
taste, are caught. Many sea-fish are found in the sea, such as whales,
sharks, _caellas_, _marajos_, _bufeos_, and other unknown species
of extraordinary forms and size. In the year of five hundred and
ninety-six, during a furious storm in the islands, a fish was flung
into shallow water on one of the Luzon coasts near the province of
Camarines. It was so huge and misshapen, that although it lay in
more than three and one-half braças of water, it could not again
get afloat, and died there. The natives said that they had never
seen anything like it, nor another shaped like it. Its head was of
wonderful size and fierce aspect. On its frontal it bore two horns,
which pointed toward its back. One of them was taken to Manila. It
was covered with its skin or hide, but had no hair or scales. It was
white, and twenty feet long. Where it joined the head it was as thick
as the thigh, and gradually tapered proportionally to the tip. It
was somewhat curved and not very round; and to all appearances,
quite solid. It caused great wonder in all beholders. [92]
There is a fresh-water lake in the island of Luzon, five leguas from
Manila, which contains a quantity of fish. Many rivers flow into this
lake, and it empties into the sea through the river flowing from it
to Manila. It is called La Laguna de Bay ["Bay Lake"]. It is thirty
leguas in circumference, and has an uninhabited island in its middle,
where game abounds. [93] Its shores are lined with many native
villages. The natives navigate the lake, and commonly cross it in
their skiffs. At times it is quite stormy and dangerous to navigate,
when the north winds blow, for these winds make it very boisterous,
although it is very deep.
Twenty leguas from Manila, in the province of Bonbon, is another lake
of the same name [Bonbon], not so extensive as the former, but with
a great abundance of fish. The natives' method of catching them is
by making corrals [94] of bejucos, which are certain slender canes
or rushes, solid and very pliant and strong; these are employed
for making cables for the natives' boats, as well as other kinds
of ropes. They catch the fish inside these corrals, having made the
enclosures fast by means of stakes. They also catch the fish in wicker
baskets made from the _bejucos_, but most generally with _atarrayas_,
[95] _esparaveles_, other small _barrederas_, [96] and with hand
lines and hooks. [97] The most usual food of the natives is a fish
as small as _pejerreyes_. [98] They dry and cure these fish in the
sun and air, and cook them in many styles. They like them better than
large fish. It is called _laulau_ among them. [99]
Instead of olives and other pickled fruit, they have a green fruit,
like walnuts, which they call _paos_. [100] Some are small, and others
larger in size, and when prepared they have a pleasant taste. They also
prepare _charas_ [101] in pickle brine, and all sorts of vegetables
and greens, which are very appetizing. There is much ginger, and it
is eaten green, pickled, and preserved. There are also quantities
of _cachumba_ [102] instead of saffron and other condiments. The
ordinary dainty throughout these islands, and in many kingdoms of
the mainland of those regions, is _buyo_ [betel]. This is made from
a tree, [103] whose leaf is shaped like that of the mulberry. The
fruit resembles an oak acorn, and is white inside. [104] This fruit,
which is called _bonga_, is cut lengthwise in strips, and each strip is
put into an envelope or covering made from the leaf. With the _bonga_
is thrown in a powder of quick lime. [105] This compound is placed
in the mouth and chewed. It is so strong a mixture, and burns so
much, that it induces sleep and intoxication. It burns the mouths of
those not used to it, and causes them to smart. The saliva and all
the mouth are made as red as blood. It does not taste bad. After
having been chewed [106] for a considerable time it is spit out,
when it no longer has any juice, which is called çapa [sapá]. They
consider very beneficial that quantity of the juice which has gone
into the stomach, for strengthening it, and for various diseases. It
strengthens and preserves the teeth and gums from all inflammations,
decay, and aches. They tell other wonderful effects of it. What has
been seen is that the natives and Spaniards--laymen and religious,
men and women--use it so commonly and generally that mornings and
afternoons, at parties and visits, and even alone in their houses,
all their refreshments and luxuries consist of buyos served on
heavily-gilded and handsomely adorned plates and trays like chocolate
in Nueva España. In these poison has been often administered from
which the persons eating them have died, and that quite commonly.
The natives (especially the chiefs) take whenever they leave their
houses, for show and entertainment, their boxes of buyos--which they
call _buccetas_ [107]--ready to use, and the leaf, _bonga_, and quick
lime, separately. With these handsome boxes, which are made of metal
and of other materials, they carry the scissors and other tools for
making the buyo with cleanliness and neatness. Wherever they may stop,
they make and use their buyo. In the pariáns, or bazars, buyos are
sold ready made, and the outfit for making them. [108]
The natives of these islands quite commonly use as venoms and poisons
the herbs of that class found throughout the islands. They are so
efficacious and deadly that they produce wonderful effects. There
is a lizard, commonly found in the houses, somewhat dark-green in
color, one palmo long, and as thick as three fingers, which is called
_chacon_. [109] They put this in a joint of bamboo, and cover it
up. The slaver of this animal during its imprisonment is gathered. It
is an exceedingly strong poison, when introduced as above stated, in
the food or drink, in however minute quantities. There are various
herbs known and gathered by the natives for the same use. Some of
them are used dry, and others green; some are to be mixed in food,
and others inhaled. Some kill by simply touching them with the hands
or feet, or by sleeping upon them. The natives are so skilful in
making compounds from these substances, that they mix and apply them
in such a manner that they take effect at once, or at a set time--long
or short, as they wish, even after a year. Many persons usually die
wretchedly by these means--especially Spaniards, who lack foresight,
and who are tactless and hated because of the ill-treatment that they
inflict upon the natives with whom they deal, either in the collection
of their tributes, or in other matters in which they employ them,
without there being any remedy for it. There are certain poisonous
herbs, with which, when the natives gather them, they carry, all ready,
other herbs which act as antidotes. In the island of Bohol is one herb
of such nature that the natives approach it from windward when they
cut it from the shrub on which it grows; for the very air alone that
blows over the herb is deadly. Nature did not leave this danger without
a remedy, for other herbs and roots are found in the same islands, of
so great efficacy and virtue that they destroy and correct the poison
and mischief of the others, and are used when needed. Accordingly,
when one knows what poison has been given him, it is not difficult,
if recourse be had in time, to cure it, by giving the herb that is
antidotal to such poison. At times it has happened that pressure has
been put upon the person suspected of having committed the evil to
make him bring the antidote, by which it has been remedied. There are
also other general antidotes, both for preservation against poison and
for mitigating the effects of poison that has been administered. But
the most certain and efficacious antidotes are certain small flies or
insects, of a violet color, found on certain bushes in the islands
of Pintados. These are shut up in a clean bamboo joint, and covered
over. There they breed and multiply. Ground rice is put in with them,
and they exist thereon. Every week they are visited [110] and the old
rice removed and new rice put in, and they are kept alive by this
means. If six of these insects are taken in a spoonful of wine or
water--for they emit no bad odor, and taste like cress--they produce
a wonderful effect. Even when people go to banquets or dinners where
there is any suspicion, they are wont to take with them these insects,
in order to preserve and assure themselves from any danger of poison
and venom.
All these islands are, in many districts, rich in placers and mines
of gold, a metal which the natives dig and work. However, since the
advent of the Spaniards in the land, the natives proceed more slowly
in this, and content themselves with what they already possess in
jewels and gold ingots, handed down from antiquity and inherited from
their ancestors. [111] This is considerable, for he must be poor and
wretched who has no gold chains, calombigas [bracelets], and earrings.
Some placers and mines were worked at Paracali in the province of
Camarines, where there is good gold mixed with copper. This commodity
is also traded in the Ylocos, for at the rear of this province,
which borders the seacoast, are certain lofty and rugged mountains
which extend as far as Cagayan. On the slopes of these mountains,
in the interior, live many natives, as yet unsubdued, and among whom
no incursion has been made, who are called Ygolotes. These natives
possess rich mines, many of gold and silver mixed. They are wont to
dig from them only the amount necessary for their wants. They descend
to certain places to trade this gold (without completing its refining
or preparation), with the Ylocos; there they exchange it for rice,
swine, carabaos, cloth, and other things that they need. [112] The
Ylocos complete its refining and preparation, and by their medium it
is distributed throughout the country. Although an effort has been
made with these Ygolotes to discover their mines, and how they work
them, and their method of working the metal, nothing definite has
been learned, for the Ygolotes fear that the Spaniards will go to
seek them for their gold, and say that they keep the gold better in
the earth than in their houses. [113]
There are also many gold mines and placers in the other islands,
especially among the Pintados, on the Botuan River in Mindanao,
and in Sebu, where a mine of good gold is worked, called Taribon. If
the industry and efforts of the Spaniards were to be converted into
the working of the gold, as much would be obtained from any one of
these islands as from those provinces which produce the most in the
world. But since they attend to other means of gain rather than
to this, as will be told in due time, they do not pay the proper
attention to this matter.
In some of these islands pearl oysters are found, especially in
the Calamianes, where some have been obtained that are large and
exceedingly clear and lustrous. [114] Neither is this means of profit
utilized. In all parts, seed pearls are found in the ordinary oysters,
and there are oysters as large as a buckler. From the [shells of the]
latter the natives manufacture beautiful articles. There are also
very large sea turtles in all the islands. Their shells are utilized
by the natives, and sold as an article of commerce to the Chinese
and Portuguese, and other nations who go after them and esteem them
highly, because of the beautiful things made from them.
On the coasts of any of these islands are found many small white
snail shells, called _siguei_. The natives gather them and sell them
by measure to the Siamese, Cambodians, Pantanes, and other peoples
of the mainland. It serves there as money, and those nations trade
with it, as they do with cacao-beans in Nueva España. [115]
Carabao horns are used as merchandise in trading with China; and
deerskins and dye-wood with Japon. The natives make use of everything
in trading with those nations and derive much profit therefrom.
In this island of Luzon, especially in the provinces of Manila,
Panpanga, Pangasinan, and Ylocos, certain earthenware jars [_tibores_]
are found among the natives. They are very old, of a brownish color,
and not handsome. Some are of medium size, and others are smaller,
and they have certain marks and stamps. The natives are unable to
give any explanation of where or when they got them, for now they are
not brought to the islands or made there. The Japanese seek them and
esteem them, for they have found that the root of a plant called _cha_
[tea]--which is drunk hot, as a great refreshment and medicine, among
the kings and lords of Japon--is preserved and keeps only in these
tibors. These are so highly valued throughout Japon, that they are
regarded as the most precious jewels of their closets and household
furniture. A tibor is worth a great sum, and the Japanese adorn them
outside with fine gold beautifully chased, and keep them in brocade
cases. Some tibors are valued and sold for two thousand taes of
eleven reals to the tae, or for less, according to the quality of
the tibor. It makes no difference if they are cracked or chipped,
for that does not hinder them from holding the tea. The natives of
these islands sell them to the Japanese for the best price possible,
and seek them carefully for this profit. However, few are found now,
because of the assiduity with which the natives have applied themselves
to that search. [116]
At times the natives have found large pieces of ambergris on the
coasts. When they discovered that the Spaniards value it, they gathered
it, and have made profit from it. The past year of six hundred and
two, some natives found in the island of Sebu a good-sized piece of
ambergris, and when their encomendero heard of it, he took it, and
traded with them secretly for it, on the account of their tribute. It
is said that it weighed a good number of libras. Afterward he brought
it out and sold it by the ounce at a higher rate. [117]
In the province and river of Butuan--which is pacified and assigned
to Spaniards, and is located in the island of Mindanao--the natives
practice another industry, which is very useful. As they possess
many civet cats, although smaller than those of Guinea, they make
use of the civet and trade it. This they do easily, for, when the
moon is in the crescent, they hunt the cats with nets, and capture
many of them. Then when they have obtained the civet, they loose the
cats. They also capture and cage some of them, which are sold in the
islands at very low prices. [118]
Cotton is raised abundantly throughout the islands. It is spun and
sold in the skein to the Chinese and other nations, who come to
get it. Cloth of different patterns is also woven from it, and the
natives also trade that. Other cloths, called medriñaques, are woven
from the banana leaf. [119]
The islands of Babuytanes [120] consist of many small islands lying
off the upper coast of the province of Cagayan. They are inhabited
by natives, whose chief industry consists in going to Cagayan, in
their tapaques, with swine, fowls, and other food, and ebony spears,
for exchange. The islands are not assigned as encomiendas, nor is
any tribute collected from them. There are no Spaniards among them,
as those natives are of less understanding and less civilized [than
the others]. Accordingly no Christians have been made among them,
and they have no justices.
Other islands, called the Catenduanes, lie off the other head of
the island of Luzon, opposite the province of Camarines, in fourteen
degrees of north latitude, near the strait of Espiritu Santo. They
are islands densely populated with natives of good disposition, who
are all assigned to Spaniards. They possess instruction and churches,
and have an alcalde-mayor who administers justice to them. Most of
them cultivate the soil, but some are engaged in gold-washing, and
in trading between various islands, and with the mainland of Luzon,
very near those islands. [121]
The island of Luzon has a bay thirty leguas in circumference on
its southern coast, situated about one hundred leguas from the cape
of Espiritu Santo, which is the entrance to the Capul channel. Its
entrance is narrow, and midway contains an island called Miraveles
[_i.e._, Corregidor] lying obliquely across it, which makes the
entrance narrow. This island is about two leguas long and one-half
legua wide. It is high land and well shaded by its many trees. It
contains a native settlement of fifty persons, and there the watchman
of the bay has his fixed abode and residence. There are channels at
both ends of the island, where one may enter the bay. The one at the
south is one-half legua wide, and has a rock in its middle called El
Fraile ["the friar"]. The one on the north is much narrower, but any
ships of any draft whatever can enter and go out by both channels. The
entire bay is of good depth, and clean, and has good anchorages in all
parts. It is eight leguas from these entrances to the colony of Manila
and the bar of the river. A large harbor is formed two leguas south
of Manila, with a point of land that shelters it. That point has a
native settlement called Cabit, [122] and it gives name to the harbor,
which is used as a port for the vessels. It is very capacious and well
sheltered from the vendavals--whether the southeast, and southwest, the
west, and west-southwest, or the north-northeast and north winds. It
has a good anchorage, with a clean and good bottom. There is a good
entrance quite near the land, more than one and one-half leguas wide,
for the ingress and egress of vessels. All the shores of this bay are
well provided with abundant fisheries, of all kinds. They are densely
inhabited by natives. Above Manila there is a province of more than
twenty leguas in extent called La Pampanga. This province possesses
many rivers and creeks that irrigate it. They all flow and empty
into the bay. This province contains many settlements of natives, and
considerable quantities of rice, fruits, fish, meat, and other foods.
[123]
The bar of the river of Manila, which is in the same bay, near the
colony of Manila on one side and Tondo on the other, is not very deep
because of certain sand shoals on it, which change their position at
the time of the freshets and obstruct it. Consequently, although the
water is deep enough for any vessel past the bar, still, unless they
are fragatas, vireys, or other small vessels, they cannot pass the bar
to enter the river. In respect to galleys, galliots, and the vessels
from China, which draw but little water, they must enter empty, and
at high tide, and by towing. Such vessels anchor in the bay outside
the bar, and, for greater security enter the port of Cabit.
There is another good port called Ybalon, [124] twenty leguas from
the channel of the same island of Luzon, which is sheltered from the
vendavals, and has a good entrance and anchorage. There the vessels
that enter to escape the vendaval find shelter, and wait until the
brisa returns, by which to go to Manila, eighty leguas away.
On the coasts of Pangasinan, Ylocos, and Cagayan, there are some
ports and bars, where ships can enter and remain, such as the harbor
of Marihuma, [125] the port El Frayle ["the friar"], [126] that of
Bolinao, the bar of Pangasinan, that of Bigan, the bar of Camalayuga,
at the mouth of the Tajo River (which goes up two leguas to the
chief settlement of Cagayan)--besides other rivers, bars, harbors,
and shelters of less account for smaller vessels throughout the coasts
of this island.
Quite near this large island of Luzon, many other islands, large
and small, are located; they are inhabited by the same natives as
Luzon, who have gold placers, sowed fields, and their trading. Such
are Marinduque, Tablas Island, Mazbate, Burias, Banton, Bantonillo,
and others of less importance. The nearest of them to Manila is the
island of Mindoro. It is more than eighty leguas long and about two
hundred in circumference. It has many settlements of the same natives,
and the side lying next the provinces of Balayan and Calilaya is so
near and close to the island of Luzon, that it forms a strait which
contains powerful currents and races, through which the ships going
to and from Manila enter and leave. The winds and currents there are
very strong. It is about one-half a legua wide. In that part is the
chief town of this island of Mindoro. It has a port that is called El
Varadero ["the place for laying up ships"] for large vessels. There
are also other anchorages and bars throughout this island for smaller
vessels; and many settlements and natives on all the coasts of this
island. All of the settlements abound in rice, food, and gold-placers,
and all kinds of game and timber. [127]
The cape of Espiritu Santo, which is sighted by ships entering the
Filipinas Islands on the way from Nueva España, is in an island called
Tendaya, [128] in about thirteen degrees. Twenty leguas south after
turning this cape of Espiritu Santo lie the island of Viri, and many
others which are sighted. Through them an entrance opens to the island
of Sebu by a strait called San Juanillo, which is formed by these
islands. It is not very good or safe for the larger ships. But toward
the north after leaving this course, one reaches the island of Capul,
which forms a strait and channel of many currents and rough waves,
through which the ships enter. Before reaching the strait there is a
rock, or barren islet, called San Bernardino; this strait is formed by
the coast of the island of Luzon and that of the island of Capul. Its
channel is about one legua long and less wide.
On leaving this strait, after having entered by it, three small islets
form a triangle. They are called the islands of Naranjos ["Oranges"],
and are lofty and inaccessible with steep rocks. Upon them ships are
wont to be driven by the powerful currents, even though they try to
escape them. These are not inhabited, but the others [Capul, Viri,
etc.] are large islands containing many settlements of natives and
all kinds of provisions and food.
South of this district lie the islands of Biçayas, or, as they are
also called, Pintados. They are many in number, thickly populated with
natives. Those of most renown are Leite, Ybabao, [129] Camar [Samar],
Bohol, island of Negros, Sebu, Panay, Cuyo, and the Calamianes. All
the natives of these islands, both men and women, are well-featured,
of a good disposition, and of better nature, and more noble in their
actions than the inhabitants of the islands of Luzon and its vicinity.
They differ from them in their hair, which the men wear cut in a cue,
like the ancient style in España. Their bodies are tattooed with many
designs, but the face is not touched. [130] They wear large earrings
of gold and ivory in their ears, and bracelets of the same; certain
scarfs wrapped round the head, very showy, which resemble turbans,
and knotted very gracefully and edged with gold. They wear also a
loose collarless jacket with tight sleeves, whose skirts reach half
way down the leg. These garments are fastened in front and are made
of medriñaque and colored silks. They wear no shirts or drawers, but
bahaques [_i.e._, breech-clouts] of many wrappings, which cover their
privy parts, when they remove their skirts and jackets. The women are
good-looking and graceful. They are very neat, and walk slowly. Their
hair is black, long, and drawn into a knot on the head. Their robes
are wrapped about the waist and fall downward. These are made of all
colors, and they wear collarless jackets of the same material. Both
men and women go naked and without any coverings, [131] and barefoot,
and with many gold chains, earrings, and wrought bracelets.
Their weapons consist of large knives curved like cutlasses, spears,
and caraças [_i.e._, shields]. They employ the same kinds of boats as
the inhabitants of Luzon. They have the same occupations, products,
and means of gain as the inhabitants of all the other islands. These
Visayans are a race less inclined to agriculture, and are skilful
in navigation, and eager for war and raids for pillage and booty,
which they call _mangubas_. [132] This means "to go out for plunder."
Near the principal settlement of the island of Sebu, there is a fine
port for all manner of vessels. It has a good entrance and furnishes
shelter at all times. It has a good bottom and is an excellent
anchorage. There are also other ports and bars of less importance
and consideration, as in all these islands, for smaller vessels.
This island of Sebu is an island of more than one hundred leguas in
circumference. It has abundance of provisions, and gold mines and
placers, and is inhabited by natives.
Beyond it lie other islands, very pleasant and well populated,
especially the island of Panay. Panay is a large island, more
than one hundred leguas in circumference, containing many native
settlements. [133] It produces considerable quantities of rice,
palm-wine, and all manner of provisions. It has flourishing and
wealthy settlements, on what is called the river of Panay. The
chief one is Oton, which has a bar and port for galleys and ships,
shipyards for building large ships, and a great amount of timber for
their construction. There are many natives, who are masters of all
kinds of shipbuilding. Near this island lies an islet eight leguas
in circumference, which is densely populated by natives who are all
carpenters. They are excellent workmen, and practice no other trade
or occupation; and, without a single tree of any size on this whole
islet, they practice this art with great ability. From there all the
islands are furnished with workmen for carpentry. The island is called
that of the Cagayanes.
After the island of Sebu follow immediately the island of Mindanao,
an island of more than three hundred leguas in circumference, and
Joló, which is small. Lower down is the island of Borneo, a very
large island, more than five hundred leguas in circumference. All of
these islands are densely populated, although that of Borneo is not
subdued. Neither is that of Mindanao in entirety, but only the river
of Botuan, Dapitan, and the province and coast of Caragan.
Below this island [Mindanao], before reaching that of Borneo, lie
the islands of the Calamianes. They are very numerous, and consist of
islands of various sizes, which are densely inhabited with natives;
they have some supply of provisions and engage in certain kinds
of husbandry. However the most usual occupation is that of their
navigations from island to island in pursuit of their trading and
exchange, and their fisheries; while those who live nearest the island
of Borneo are wont to go on piratical raids and pillage the natives
in other islands.
The flow- and ebb-tides, and the high and low tides among these
islands are so diverse in them that they have no fixed rule,
either because of the powerful currents among these islands, or
by some other natural secret of the flux and reflux which the moon
causes. No definite knowledge has been arrived at in this regard,
for although the tides are highest during the opposition of the moon,
and are higher in the month of March than throughout the rest of the
year, there is so great variation in the daily tides that it causes
surprise. Some days there are two equal tides between day and night,
while other days there is but one. At other times the flow during the
day is low, and that of the night greater. They usually have no fixed
hour, for it may happen to be high-tide one day at noon, while next day
high-tide may be anticipated or postponed many hours. Or the tide of
one day may be low, and when a smaller one is expected for next day,
it may be much greater.
The language of all the Pintados and Biçayas is one and the same,
by which they understand one another when talking, or when writing
with the letters and characters of their own which they possess. These
resemble those of the Arabs. The common manner of writing among the
natives is on leaves of trees, and on bamboo bark. Throughout the
islands the bamboo is abundant; it has huge and misshapen joints,
and lower part is a very thick and solid tree. [134]
The language of Luzon and those islands in its vicinity differs widely
from that of the Bicayas. [135] The language of the island of Luzon
is not uniform, for the Cagayans have one language and the Ylocos
another. The Zambales have their own particular language, while the
Pampangos also have one different from the others. The inhabitants of
the province of Manila, the Tagáls, have their own language, which
is very rich and copious. By means of it one can express elegantly
whatever he wishes, and in many modes and manners. It is not difficult,
either to learn or to pronounce.
The natives throughout the islands can write excellently with certain
characters, almost like the Greek or Arabic. These characters are
fifteen in all. Three are vowels, which are used as are our five. The
consonants number twelve, and each and all of them combine with
certain dots or commas, and so signify whatever one wishes to write,
as fluently and easily as is done with our Spanish alphabet. The method
of writing was on bamboo, but is now on paper, commencing the lines
at the right and running to the left, in the Arabic fashion. Almost
all the natives, both men and women, write in this language. There
are very few who do not write it excellently and correctly.
This language of the province of Manila [_i.e._, the Tagál] extends
throughout the province of Camarines, and other islands not contiguous
to Luzon. There is but little difference in that spoken in the various
districts, except that it is spoken more elegantly in some provinces
than in others. [136]
The edifices and houses of the natives of all these Filipinas
Islands are built in a uniform manner, as are their settlements;
for they always build them on the shores of the sea, between rivers
and creeks. The natives generally gather in districts or settlements
where they sow their rice, and possess their palm trees, nipa and
banana groves, and other trees, and implements for their fishing
and sailing. A small number inhabit the interior, and are called
tinguianes; they also seek sites on rivers and creeks, on which they
settle for the same reasons.
The houses and dwellings of all these natives are universally set upon
stakes and _arigues_ [_i.e._, columns] high above the ground. Their
rooms are small and the roofs low. They are built and tiled with wood
and bamboos, [137] and covered and roofed with nipa-palm leaves. Each
house is separate, and is not built adjoining another. In the lower
part are enclosures made by stakes and bamboos, where their fowls
and cattle are reared, and the rice pounded and cleaned. One ascends
into the houses by means of ladders that can be drawn up, which are
made from two bamboos. Above are their open _batalanes_ [galleries]
used for household duties; the parents and [grown] children live
together. There is little adornment and finery in the houses, which
are called _bahandin_. [138]
Besides these houses, which are those of the common people and those
of less importance, there are the chiefs' houses. They are built
upon trees and thick arigues, with many rooms and comforts. They are
well constructed of timber and planks, and are strong and large. They
are furnished and supplied with all that is necessary, and are much
finer and more substantial than the others. They are roofed, however,
as are the others, with the palm-leaves called nipa. These keep out
the water and the sun more than do shingles or tiles, although the
danger from fires is greater.
The natives do not inhabit the lower part of their houses, because
they raise their fowls and cattle there, and because of the damp
and heat of the earth, and the many rats, which are enormous and
destructive both in the houses and sowed fields; and because, as
their houses are generally built on the sea shore, or on the banks of
rivers and creeks, the waters bathe the lower parts, and the latter
are consequently left open.
There were no kings or lords throughout these islands who ruled over
them as in the manner of our kingdoms and provinces; but in every
island, and in each province of it, many chiefs were recognized by
the natives themselves. Some were more powerful than others, and
each one had his followers and subjects, by districts and families;
and these obeyed and respected the chief. Some chiefs had friendship
and communication with others, and at times wars and quarrels. [139]
These principalities and lordships were inherited in the male
line and by succession of father and son and their descendants. If
these were lacking, then their brothers and collateral relatives
succeeded. Their duty was to rule and govern their subjects and
followers, and to assist them in their interests and necessities. What
the chiefs received from their followers was to be held by them in
great veneration and respect; and they were served in their wars and
voyages, and in their tilling, sowing, fishing, and the building of
their houses. To these duties the natives attended very promptly,
whenever summoned by their chief. They also paid the chiefs tribute
(which they called _buiz_), in varying quantities, in the crops that
they gathered. The descendants of such chiefs, and their relatives,
even though they did not inherit the lordship, were held in the
same respect and consideration. Such were all regarded as nobles,
and as persons exempt from the services rendered by the others, or
the plebeians, who were called _timaguas_. [140] The same right of
nobility and chieftainship was preserved for the women, just as for
the men. When any of these chiefs was more courageous than others
in war and upon other occasions, such a one enjoyed more followers
and men; and the others were under his leadership, even if they were
chiefs. These latter retained to themselves the lordship and particular
government of their own following, which is called _barangai_ among
them. They had _datos_ and other special leaders [_mandadores_]
who attended to the interests of the barangay.
The superiority of these chiefs over those of their barangai was so
great that they held the latter as subjects; they treated these well
or ill, and disposed of their persons, their children, and their
possessions, at will, without any resistance, or rendering account
to anyone. For very slight annoyances and for slight occasions, they
were wont to kill and wound them, and to enslave them. It has happened
that the chiefs have made perpetual slaves of persons who have gone
by them, while bathing in the river, or who have raised their eyes
to look at them less respectfully and for other similar causes. [141]
When some natives had suits or disputes with others over matters of
property and interest, or over personal injuries and wrongs received,
they appointed old men of the same district, to try them, the parties
being present. If they had to present proofs, they brought their
witnesses there, and the case was immediately judged according to
what was found, according to the usages of their ancestors on like
occasions; and that sentence was observed and executed without any
further objection or delay. [142]
The natives' laws throughout the islands were made in the same manner,
and they followed the traditions and customs of their ancestors,
without anything being written. Some provinces had different customs
than others in some respects. However, they agreed in most, and in
all the islands generally the same usages were followed. [143]
There are three conditions of persons among the natives of these
islands, and into which their government is divided: the chiefs,
of whom we have already treated; the timaguas, who are equivalent to
plebeians; and slaves, those of both chiefs and timaguas.
The slaves were of several classes. Some were for all kinds of work
and slavery, like those which we ourselves hold. Such are called
_saguiguilires_; [144] they served inside the house, as did likewise
the children born of them. There are others who live in their
own houses with their families, outside the house of their lord;
and come, at the season, to aid him in his sowings and harvests,
among his rowers when he embarks, in the construction of his house
when it is being built, and to serve in his house when there are
guests of distinction. These are bound to come to their lord's house
whenever he summons them, and to serve in these offices without any
pay or stipend. These slaves are called _namamahays_, [145] and their
children and descendants are slaves of the same class. From these
slaves--_saguiguilirs_ and _namamahays_--are issue, some of whom are
whole slaves, some of whom are half slaves, and still others one-fourth
slaves. It happens thus: if either the father or the mother was free,
and they had an only child, he was half free and half slave. If they
had more than one child, they were divided as follows: the first
follows the condition of the father, free or slave; the second that
of the mother. If there were an odd number of children, the last was
half free and half slave. Those who descended from these, if children
of a free mother or father, were only one-fourth slaves, because of
being children of a free father or mother and of a half-slave. These
half slaves or one-fourth slaves, whether saguiguilirs or namamahays,
served their masters during every other moon; and in this respect so
is such condition slavery.
In the same way, it may happen in divisions between heirs that a slave
will fall to several, and serves each one for the time that is due
him. When the slave is not wholly slave, but half or fourth, he has
the right, because of that part that is free, to compel his master to
emancipate him for a just price. This price is appraised and regulated
for persons according to the quality of their slavery, whether it be
saguiguilir or namamahay, half slave or quarter slave. But, if he is
wholly slave, the master cannot be compelled to ransom or emancipate
him for any price.
The usual price of a sanguiguilir slave among the natives is, at most,
generally ten taes of good gold, or eighty pesos; if he is namamahay,
half of that sum. The others are in the same proportion, taking into
consideration the person and his age.
No fixed beginning can be assigned as the origin of these kinds of
slavery among these natives, because all the slaves are natives of
the islands, and not strangers. It is thought that they were made in
their wars and quarrels. The most certain knowledge is that the most
powerful made the others slaves, and seized them for slight cause or
occasion, and many times for loans and usurious contracts which were
current among them. The interest, capital, and debt, increased so much
with delay that the borrowers became slaves. Consequently all these
slaveries have violent and unjust beginnings; and most of the suits
among the natives are over these, and they occupy the judges in the
exterior court with them, and their confessors in that of conscience.
[146]
These slaves comprise the greatest wealth and capital of the natives
of these islands, for they are very useful to them and necessary
for the cultivation of their property. They are sold, traded, and
exchanged among them, just as any other mercantile article, from one
village to another, from one province to another, and likewise from
one island to another. Therefore, and to avoid so many suits as would
occur if these slaveries were examined, and their origin and source
ascertained, they are preserved and held as they were formerly.
The marriages of these natives, commonly and generally were, and
are: Chiefs with women chiefs; timaguas with those of that rank; and
slaves with those of their own class. But sometimes these classes
intermarry with one another. They considered one woman, whom they
married, as the legitimate wife and the mistress of the house; and
she was styled _ynasaba_. [147] Those whom they kept besides her
they considered as friends. The children of the first were regarded
as legitimate and whole heirs of their parents; the children of the
others were not so regarded, and were left something by assignment,
but they did not inherit.
The dowry was furnished by the man, being given by his parents. The
wife furnished nothing for the marriage, until she had inherited it
from her parents. The solemnity of the marriage consisted in nothing
more than the agreement between the parents and relatives of the
contracting parties, the payment of the dowry agreed upon to the father
of the bride, [148] and the assembling at the wife's parents' house of
all the relatives to eat and drink until they would fall down. At night
the man took the woman to his house and into his power, and there she
remained. These marriages were annulled and dissolved for slight cause,
with the examination and judgment of the relatives of both parties,
and of the old men, who acted as mediators in the affairs. At such
a time the man took the dowry (which they call _vigadicaya_), [149]
unless it happened that they separated through the husband's fault;
for then it was not returned to him, and the wife's parents kept
it. The property that they had acquired together was divided into
halves, and each one disposed of his own. If one made any profits in
which the other did not have a share or participate, he acquired it
for himself alone.
The Indians were adopted one by another, in presence of the
relatives. The adopted person gave and delivered all his actual
possessions to the one who adopted him. Thereupon he remained
in his house and care, and had a right to inherit with the other
children. [150]
Adulteries were not punishable corporally. If the adulterer paid the
aggrieved party the amount adjudged by the old men and agreed upon
by them, then the injury was pardoned, and the husband was appeased
and retained his honor. He would still live with his wife and there
would be no further talk about the matter.
In inheritances all the legitimate children inherited equally from
their parents whatever property they had acquired. If there were any
movable or landed property which they had received from their parents,
such went to the nearest relatives and the collateral side of that
stock, if there were no legitimate children by an ynasaba. This was
the case either with or without a will. In the act of drawing a will,
there was no further ceremony than to have written it or to have
stated it orally before acquaintances.
If any chief was lord of a barangai, then in that case, the eldest son
of an ynasaba succeeded him. If he died, the second son succeeded. If
there were no sons, then the daughters succeeded in the same order. If
there were no legitimate successors, the succession went to the
nearest relative belonging to the lineage and relationship of the
chief who had been the last possessor of it.
If any native who had slave women made concubines of any of them,
and such slave woman had children, those children were free, as was
the slave. But if she had no children, she remained a slave. [151]
These children by a slave woman, and those borne by a married woman,
were regarded as illegitimate, and did not succeed to the inheritance
with the other children, neither were the parents obliged to leave
them anything. Even if they were the sons of chiefs, they did not
succeed to the nobility or chieftainship of the parents, nor to their
privileges, but they remained and were reckoned as plebeians and in
the number and rank of the other timaguas.
The contracts and negotiations of these natives were generally illegal,
each one paying attention to how he might better his own business
and interest.
Loans with interest were very common and much practiced, and the
interest incurred was excessive. The debt doubled and increased all
the time while payment was delayed, until it stripped the debtor of
all his possessions, and he and his children, when all their property
was gone, became slaves. [152]
Their customary method of trading was by bartering one thing for
another, such as food, cloth, cattle, fowls, lands, houses, fields,
slaves, fishing-grounds, and palm-trees (both nipa and wild). Sometimes
a price intervened, which was paid in gold, as agreed upon, or in metal
bells brought from China. These bells they regard as precious jewels;
they resemble large pans and are very sonorous. [153] They play upon
these at their feasts, and carry them to the war in their boats instead
of drums and other instruments. There are often delays and terms for
certain payments, and bondsmen who intervene and bind themselves,
but always with very usurious and excessive profits and interests.
Crimes were punished by request of the aggrieved parties. Especially
were thefts punished with greater severity, the robbers being enslaved
or sometimes put to death. [154] The same was true of insulting words,
especially when spoken to chiefs. They had among themselves many
expressions and words which they regarded as the highest insult,
when said to men and women. These were pardoned less willingly and
with greater difficulty than was personal violence, such as wounding
and assaulting. [155]
Concubinage, rape, and incest, were not regarded at all, unless
committed by a timagua on the person of a woman chief. It was
a quite ordinary practice for a married man to have lived a long
time in concubinage with the sister of his wife. Even before having
communication with his wife he could have had access for a long
time to his mother-in-law, especially if the bride were very young,
and until she were of sufficient age. This was done in sight of all
the relatives.
Single men are called _bagontaos_, [156] and girls of marriageable age,
_dalagas_. Both classes are people of little restraint, and from early
childhood they have communication with one another, and mingle with
facility and little secrecy, and without this being regarded among
the natives as a cause for anger. Neither do the parents, brothers,
or relatives, show any anger, especially if there is any material
interest in it, and but little is sufficient with each and all.
As long as these natives lived in their paganism, it was not known
that they had fallen into the abominable sin against nature. But after
the Spaniards had entered their country, through communication with
them--and still more, through that with the Sangleys, who have come
from China, and are much given to that vice--it has been communicated
to them somewhat, both to men and to women. In this matter it has
been necessary to take action.
The natives of the islands of Pintados, especially the women, are very
vicious and sensual. Their perverseness has discovered lascivious
methods of communication between men and women; and there is one to
which they are accustomed from their youth. The men skilfully make
a hole in their virile member near its head, and insert therein a
serpent's head, either of metal or ivory, and fasten it with a peg of
the same material passed through the hole, so that it cannot become
unfastened. With this device, they have communication with their wives,
and are unable to withdraw until a long time after copulation. They are
very fond of this and receive much pleasure from it, so that, although
they shed a quantity of blood, and receive other harm, it is current
among them. These devices are called _sagras,_ and there are very few
of them, because since they have become Christians, strenuous efforts
are being made to do away with these, and not consent to their use;
and consequently the practice has been checked in great part. [157]
Herbalists and witches are common among these natives, but are not
punished or prohibited among them, so long as they do not cause any
special harm. But seldom could that be ascertained or known.
There were also men whose business was to ravish and take away
virginity from young girls. These girls were taken to such men, and
the latter were paid for ravishing them, for the natives considered it
a hindrance and impediment if the girls were virgins when they married.
In matters of religion, the natives proceeded more barbarously and
with greater blindness than in all the rest. For besides being pagans,
without any knowledge of the true God, they neither strove to discover
Him by way of reason, nor had any fixed belief. The devil usually
deceived them with a thousand errors and blindnesses. He appeared to
them in various horrible and frightful forms, and as fierce animals,
so that they feared him and trembled before him. They generally
worshiped him, and made images of him in the said forms. These they
kept in caves and private houses, where they offered them perfumes
and odors, and food and fruit, calling them _anitos_. [158]
Others worshiped the sun and the moon, and made feasts and
drunken revels at the conjunction of those bodies. Some worshiped a
yellow-colored bird that dwells in their woods, called _batala_. They
generally worship and adore the crocodiles when they see them, by
kneeling down and clasping their hands, because of the harm that
they receive from those reptiles; they believe that by so doing
the crocodiles will become appeased and leave them. Their oaths,
execrations, and promises are all as above mentioned, namely, "May
_buhayan_ eat thee, if thou dost not speak truth, or fulfil what thou
hast promised," and similar things.
There were no temples throughout those islands, nor houses generally
used for the worship of idols; but each person possessed and made
in his house his own _anitos_, [159] without any fixed rite or
ceremony. They had no priests or religious to attend to religious
affairs, except certain old men and women called _catalonas_. These
were experienced witches and sorcerers, who kept the other people
deceived. The latter communicated to these sorcerers their desires
and needs, and the catalonas told them innumerable extravagancies and
lies. The catalonas uttered prayers and performed other ceremonies to
the idols for the sick; and they believed in omens and superstitions,
with which the devil inspired them, whereby they declared whether the
patient would recover or die. Such were their cures and methods, and
they used various kinds of divinations for all things. All this was
with so little aid, apparatus, or foundation--which God permitted, so
that the preaching of the holy gospel should find those of that region
better prepared for it, and so that those natives would confess the
truth more easily, and it would be less difficult to withdraw them
from their darkness, and the errors in which the devil kept them for
so many years. They never sacrificed human beings as is done in other
kingdoms. They believed that there was a future life where those
who had been brave and performed valiant feats would be rewarded;
while those who had done evil would be punished. But they did not
know how or where this would be. [160]
They buried their dead in their own houses, and kept their bodies
and bones for a long time in chests. They venerated the skulls of the
dead as if they were living and present. Their funeral rites did not
consist of pomp or assemblages, beyond those of their own house--where,
after bewailing the dead, all was changed into feasting and drunken
revelry among all the relatives and friends. [161]
A few years before the Spaniards subdued the island of Luzon,
certain natives of the island of Borneo began to go thither to trade,
especially to the settlement of Manila and Tondo; and the inhabitants
of the one island intermarried with those of the other. These Borneans
are Mahometans, and were already introducing their religion among the
natives of Luzon, and were giving them instructions, ceremonies, and
the form of observing their religion, by means of certain _gazizes_
[162] whom they brought with them. Already a considerable number,
and those the chiefest men, were commencing, although by piecemeal,
to become Moros, and were being circumcised [163] and taking the
names of Moros. Had the Spaniards' coming been delayed longer, that
religion would have spread throughout the island, and even through the
others, and it would have been difficult to extirpate it. The mercy
of God checked it in time; for, because of being in so early stages,
it was uprooted from the islands, and they were freed from it, that
is, in all that the Spaniards have pacified, and that are under the
government of the Filipinas. That religion has spread and extended
very widely in the other islands outside of this government, so that
now almost all of their natives are Mahometan Moros, and are ruled
and instructed by their _gaçizes_ and other _morabitos_; [164] these
often come to preach to and teach them by way of the strait of Ma[la]ca
and the Red Sea, through which they navigate to reach these islands.
The arrival of the Spaniards in these Filipinas Islands, since the
year one thousand five hundred and sixty-four, the pacification and
conversion that has been made therein, their mode of governing, and
the provisions of his Majesty during these years for their welfare,
have caused innovations in many things, such as are usual to kingdoms
and provinces that change their religion and sovereign. The foremost
has been that, besides the name of Filipinas which all the islands
took and received from the beginning of their conquest, they belong
to a new kingdom and seigniory to which his Majesty, Filipo Second,
our sovereign, gave the name of Nuevo Reyno de Castilla ["New Kingdom
of Castilla"]. By his royal concession, he made the city of Manila
capital of it, and gave to it as a special favor, among other things,
a crowned coat-of-arms which was chosen and assigned by his royal
person. This is an escutcheon divided across. In the upper part is a
castle on a red field, and in the lower a lion of gold, crowned and
rampant, holding a naked sword in its right paw. One-half of the body
is in the form of a dolphin upon the waters of the sea, to signify
that the Spaniards crossed the sea with their arms to conquer this
kingdom for the crown of Castilla. [165]
The city of Manila was founded by the adelantado Miguel Lopez de
Legazpi, first governor of the Filipinas, in the island of Luzon. It
occupies the same site where Rajamora had his settlement and fort--as
has been related more at length--at the mouth of the river which
empties into the bay, on a point between the river and the sea. The
whole site was occupied by this new settlement, and Legazpi apportioned
it to the Spaniards in equal building-lots. It was laid out with
well-arranged streets and squares, straight and level. A sufficiently
large main square [_Plaza mayor_] was left, fronting which were erected
the cathedral church and municipal buildings. He left another square,
that of arms [_Plaza de armas_], fronting which was built the fort, as
well as the royal buildings. He gave sites for the monasteries, [166]
hospital, and chapels which were to be built, as being a city which
was to grow and increase continually--as already it has done; for,
in the course of the time that has passed, that city has flourished
as much as the best of all the cities in those regions.
The city is completely surrounded with a stone wall, which is more
than two and one-half varas wide, and in places more than three. It
has small towers and traverses at intervals. [167] It has a fortress
of hewn stone at the point that guards the bar and the river, with a
ravelin close to the water, upon which are mounted some large pieces
of artillery. This artillery commands the sea and river, while other
pieces are mounted farther up to defend the bar, besides some other
moderate-sized field-pieces and swivel-guns. These fortifications
have their vaults for storing supplies and munitions, and a magazine
for the powder, which is well guarded and situated in the inner
part; and a copious well of fresh water. There are also quarters
for the soldiers and artillerymen, and the house of the commandant
[alcayde]. The city has been lately fortified on the land side at the
Plaza de armas, where it is entered by a strong wall and two salient
towers, defended with artillery, which command the wall and gate. This
fortress is called Santiago, and has a company of thirty soldiers
with their officers, and eight artillerymen who guard the gate and
entrance by watches--all in charge of a commandant who lives inside,
and has the guard and custody of the fort.
There is another fortress, also of stone, in the same wall, within
culverin range, located at the end [168] of the curtain, which extends
along the shore of the bay. It is called Nuestra Señora de Guia, and
is a very large round tower. It has its own court, well, and quarters
inside, as well as the magazine, and other rooms for work. It has a
traverse extending to the beach, on which are mounted a dozen large and
moderate-sized pieces, which command the bay and sweep the wall, which
extends along the shore to the gate and to the fort of Santiago. On
the other side the fortress has a large salient tower, mounted with
four large pieces, which command the shore ahead in the direction of
the chapel of Nuestra Señora de Guia. The gate and entrance is within
the city and is guarded by a company of twenty soldiers and their
officers, six artillerymen, and one commandant and his lieutenant,
who live inside.
On the land side, where the wall extends, there is a rampart called
Sant Andres, which mounts six pieces of artillery that command in
all directions, and some swivel-guns. Farther on is another traverse
called San Gabriel, opposite the parián of the Sangleys, with a like
amount of artillery. Both have some soldiers and an ordinary guard.
The wall has a sufficient height, and is furnished with battlements and
turrets, built in the modern style, for its defense. It has a circuit
of about one legua, which can be made entirely on top. It has many
broad steps of the same hewn stone, at intervals inside. There are
three principal city gates on the land side, and many other posterns
opening at convenient places on the river and beach, for the service
of the city. Each and all of them are locked before nightfall by
the ordinary patrols. These carry the keys to the guard-room of the
royal buildings. In the morning when day comes, the patrols return
with the keys and open the city. [169]
The royal arsenals front on the Plaza de armas. In them are kept and
guarded all the supplies of ammunition, food, rigging, iron, copper,
lead, artillery, arquebuses, and other things belonging to the royal
estate. They have their own officers and workmen, and are placed in
charge of the royal officials.
Near these arsenals is located the powder-house, with its master,
workmen, and convicts, where powder is generally ground in thirty
mortars, and that which is spoiled is refined. [170]
The building for the founding of artillery is located on a suitable
site in another part of the city. It has its molds, ovens, and tools,
founders, and workmen who work it. [171]
The royal buildings are very beautiful and sightly, and contain many
rooms. They have many windows opening toward the sea and the Plaza
de armas. They are all built of stone and have two courts, with
upper and lower galleries raised on stout pillars. The governor and
president lives inside with his family. There is a hall for the royal
Audiencia, which is very large and stately; also a separate chapel,
a room for the royal seal, [172] and offices for the scriveners of the
Audiencia, and the government. There are also other apartments for the
royal treasury and the administration of the royal officials, while a
large porch opens on the street with two principal doors, where the
guardroom is located. There is one company of regular arquebusiers,
who come in daily with their banners to stand guard. Opposite, on the
other side of the street, is another edifice for the royal treasury
and those in charge of it. [173]
The houses of the cabildo, located on the square, are built of
stone. They are very sightly and have handsome halls. On the ground
floor is the prison, and the court of the alcaldes-in-ordinary. [174]
On the same square is situated the cathedral church. It is built
of hewn stone, and has three naves, and its main chapel, and choir,
with high and low seats. The choir is shut in by railings, and has
its organ, missal-stands, and other necessary things. The cathedral
has also its sacristan [175] and his apartments and offices.
Within the city is the monastery of St. Augustine. It is very large
and has many dormitories, a refectory and kitchens. They are now
completing a church, which is one of the most sumptuous in those
districts. This convent has generally fifty religious. [176]
The monastery of St. Dominic is inside the walls. It contains
about forty religious. It was built of stone, and was very well
constructed. It has a church, house, and all offices. It has lately
been rebuilt, and much better; for it was completely destroyed in
the burning of the city in the year six hundred and three.
The monastery of St. Francis is farther on. It is well constructed
of stone, and its church is being rebuilt. It contains about forty
discalced religious.
The residence [_colegio_] of the Society of Jesus is established near
the fortress of Nuestra Señora de Guia. It contains twenty religious
of their order, and is an excellent stone house and church. There
they study Latin, the arts, and cases of conscience. Connected with
them is a seminary and convictorio [177] for Spanish scholars, with
their rector. These students wear gowns of tawny-colored frieze with
red facings. [178]
In another part of the city stands a handsome house, walled in, with
its stone church, called San Andres and Santa Potenciana. It is a royal
foundation, and a rectoress lives there. It has a revolving entrance
and a parlor, and the rectoress has other confidential assistants;
and there shelter is given to needy women and girls of the city,
in the form of religious retirement. Some of the girls leave the
house to be married, while others remain there permanently. It has
its own house for work, and its choir. His Majesty assists them with
a portion of their maintenance; the rest is provided by their own
industry and property. They have their own steward and their priest,
who administers the sacraments to them. [179]
In another part is the royal hospital for Spaniards, with its
physician, apothecary, surgeons, managers, and servants. It and its
church are built of stone; and it has its sick rooms and the bed
service. In it all the Spaniards are treated. It is usually quite
full; it is under the royal patronage. His Majesty provides the most
necessary things for it. Three discalced religious of St. Francis
act there as superintendents, and they prove very advantageous for
the corporal and spiritual relief of the sick. It was burned in the
conflagration of the former year six hundred and three, and is now
being rebuilt.
There is another charitable hospital in charge of the Confraternity of
that name. It was founded in the city of Manila by the Confraternity
of La Misericordia of Lisboa, and by the other confraternities of
India. [180] It has apostolic bulls for works of charity, such as
burying the dead, supporting the modest poor, marrying orphans, and
relieving many necessities. There the slaves of the city are treated,
and lodgings are likewise provided for poor women.
Next to the monastery of St. Francis is located the hospital for
natives, [181] which is under royal patronage. It was founded with
alms, by a holy lay-brother of St. Francis, one Fray Joan Clemente. A
great many natives, suffering from all diseases, are treated there
with great care and attention. It has a good edifice and workrooms
built of stone. The discalced religious of St. Francis manage it;
and three priests and four lay-brothers, of exemplary life, live
there. These are the physicians, surgeons, and apothecaries of the
hospital, and are so skilful and useful, that they cause many marvelous
cures, both in medicine and in surgery.
The streets of the city are compactly built up with houses, mostly of
stone, although some are of wood. Many are roofed with clay tiling, and
others with nipa. They are excellent edifices, lofty and spacious, and
have large rooms and many windows, and balconies, with iron gratings,
that embellish them. More are daily being built and finished. There
are about six hundred houses within the walls, and a greater number,
built of wood, in the suburbs; and all are the habitations and homes
of Spaniards.
The streets, squares, and churches are generally filled with people
of all classes, especially Spaniards--all, both men and women,
clad and gorgeously adorned in silks. They wear many ornaments and
all kinds of fine clothes, because of the ease with which these are
obtained. Consequently this is one of the settlements most highly
praised, by the foreigners who resort to it, of all in the world,
both for the above reason, and for the great provision and abundance
of food and other necessaries for human life found there, and sold
at moderate prices.
Manila has two drives for recreation. One is by land, along the point
called Nuestra Señora de Guia. It extends for about a legua along
the shore, and is very clean and level. Thence it passes through a
native street and settlement, called Bagunbayan, to a chapel, much
frequented by the devout, called Nuestra Señora de Guia, and continues
for a goodly distance further to a monastery and mission-house of
the Augustinians, called Mahalat. [182]
The other drive extends through one of the city gates to a native
settlement, called Laguio, by which one may go to a chapel of San
Anton, and to a monastery and mission-house of discalced Franciscans,
a place of great devotion, near the city, called La Candelaria. [183]
This city is the capital of the kingdom and the head of the
government of all the islands. It is the metropolis of the other
cities and settlements of the islands. In it reside the Audiencia and
Chancillería of his Majesty, and the governor and captain-general of
the islands. [184]
Manila has a city cabildo with two alcaldes-in-ordinary, twelve
perpetual regidors, an alguaçil-mayor [_i.e._, chief constable],
a royal standard-bearer, the scrivener of the cabildo, and other
officials.
The archbishop of the Filipinas Islands resides in this city. He has
his metropolitan church, and all the cathedral dignitaries--canons,
racioneros, medias racioneros, [185] chaplains, and sacristans--and a
music-choir, who chant to the accompaniment of the organ and of flutes
[_ministriles_]. The cathedral is quite ornate and well decorated,
and the Divine offices are celebrated there with the utmost gravity
and ceremony. As suffragans the cathedral has three bishops--namely,
in the island of Sebu, and in Cagayan and Camarines. [186]
There is a royal treasury with three royal officials--factor,
accountant, and treasurer--by whom the royal revenue of all the
islands is managed. [187]
The vessels sailing annually to Nueva España with the merchandise and
investments of all the islands are despatched from the city of Manila;
and they return thither from Nueva España with the proceeds of this
merchandise, and the usual reënforcements.
In the city is established the camp of the regular soldiers whom his
Majesty has had stationed in the islands.
Several galleys are also stationed at Manila with their general and
captains, as well as other war-vessels, of deep draft, and smaller
ones built like those used by the natives, to attend to the needs of
all the islands.
The majority of the vessels from China, Japon, Maluco, Borney, Sian,
Malaca, and India, that come to the Filipinas with their merchandise
and articles of trade, gather in the bay and river of Manila. In that
city they sell and trade for all the islands and their settlements.
In the province [of Cagayán] of this same island of Luzon was founded
the city of Segovia, [188] during the term of Don Gonçalo Ronquillo,
the third governor. It has two hundred Spanish inhabitants who live in
wooden houses on the shore of the Tajo River, two leguas from the sea
and port of Camalayuga. There is a stone fort near the city for the
defense of it and of the river. This fort mounts some artillery, and
has its own commandant. Besides the inhabitants, there are generally
one hundred regular soldiers, arquebusiers, and their officers. They
are all in charge and under command of the alcalde-mayor of the
province, who is its military commander.
In that city is established a bishop and his church, although at
present the latter has no dignitaries or prebendaries. [189] There
is a city cabildo consisting of two alcaldes, six regidors, and an
alguacil-mayor. The city abounds in all kinds of food and refreshment
at very cheap prices.
The city of Caçeres was founded in the province of Camarines of the
same island of Luzon, during the term of Doctor Sande, governor of
the Filipinas. It has about one hundred Spanish inhabitants; and
has its cabildo, consisting of alcaldes, regidors, and officials. A
bishop of that province is established there and has his church,
although without dignitaries or prebendaries. A monastery of discalced
Franciscans is located there. The government and military affairs of
that province are under one alcalde-mayor and war-captain, who resides
in Caçeres. The latter is a place abounding in and furnished with all
kinds of provisions, at very low rates. It is founded on the bank of
a river, four leguas inland from the sea, and its houses are of wood.
The fourth city is that called Santisimo Nombre de Jesus; it is located
in the island of Sebu, in the province of Bicayas or Pintados. It was
the first Spanish settlement and was founded by the adelantado Miguel
Lopez de Legazpi, the first governor. It is a fine seaport, whose water
is very clear and deep, and capable of holding many vessels. The city
has an excellent stone fort, which mounts a considerable quantity of
artillery, and which has its commandant and officers for the guard
and defense of the port and of the city. It is sufficiently garrisoned
with regulars, and is under command of the alcalde-mayor, the military
commander of the province, who lives in the city. The settlement
contains about two hundred Spanish inhabitants who live in houses
of wood. It has a cabildo, consisting of two alcaldes-in-ordinary,
eight regidors, and an alguacil-mayor and his officers. It has a
bishop and his church, like those of other cities of these islands,
without prebendaries. [190]
The city is provided with food by, and is a station for, the ships
going from Maluco to Manila. Through his Majesty's concession they keep
there a deep-draft merchant vessel, which generally leaves its port
for Nueva España, laden with the merchandise of the products gathered
in those provinces. It has a monastery of Augustinian religious and
a seminary of the Society of Jesus.
The town of Arevalo was founded on the island of Oton [Panay], during
the term of Don Gonçalo Ronquillo. [191] It contains about eighty
Spanish inhabitants, and is located close to the sea. It has a wooden
fort, which mounts some artillery, and a monastery of the Order of
St. Augustine; also a parish church, with its own vicar and secular
priest. This church belongs to the diocese of the Sebu bishopric.
It has a cabildo, consisting of alcaldes, regidors, and other
officials. There is one alcalde-mayor and military leader in those
provinces. The town is well supplied with all kinds of provisions,
sold at very low rates.
The settlement of Villa Fernandina, [192] which was founded in the
province of the Ilocos on the island of Luzon, is settled by Spaniards,
but very few of them remain there. It has a church, with its own vicar
and secular priest. Now no mention will be made of it, on account of
what has been said. The alcalde-mayor of the province resides there,
and the town is situated in the diocese of the Cagayan bishopric.
From the earliest beginning of the conquest and pacification of
the Filipinas Islands, the preaching of the holy gospel therein
and the conversion of the natives to our holy Catholic faith were
undertaken. The first to set hand to this task were the religious
of the Order of St. Augustine, who went there with the adelantado
Legazpi in the fleet of discovery, and those of the same order who
went afterward to labor in this work, and toiled therein with great
fervor and zeal. Thus, finding the harvest in good season, they
gathered the first fruits of it, and converted and baptized many
infidels throughout the said islands. [193]
Next to them in the fame of this conversion, the discalced religious
of the Order of St. Francis went to the islands by way of Nueva
España; then those of the Order of St. Dominic, and of the Society of
Jesus. [194] Lastly, the discalced Augustinian Recollects went. One and
all, after being established in the islands, worked in the conversion
and instruction of the natives. Consequently they have made--and
there are now in all the islands--a great number of baptized natives,
besides many others in many parts, who, for want of laborers, have been
put off, and are awaiting this blessing and priests to minister to
them. Hitherto there have been but few missions in charge of secular
priests, as not many of these have gone to the islands; and as very
few have been ordained there, for lack of students.
The Order of St. Augustine has many missions in the islands of Pintados
and has established and occupied monasteries and various visitas. [195]
In the island of Luzon, they have those of the province of Ylocos,
some in Pangasinan, and all those of La Pampanga--a large number of
monasteries; while in the province of Manila and its vicinity they
have others, which are flourishing.
The Order of St. Dominic has the missions of the province of Cagayan,
and others in the province of Pangasinan, where are many monasteries
and visitas. They also administer others about the city.
The Order of St. Francis has some missions and monasteries about
Manila, all the province of Camarines and the coast opposite, and La
Laguna de Bay. These include many missions.
The Society of Jesus has three large missions in the neighborhood
of Manila, which have many visitas. In the Pintados it has many
others on the islands of Sebu, Leite, Ybabao, Camar [Samar], Bohol,
and others near by. They have good men, who are solicitous for the
conversion of the natives.
These four orders have produced many good results in the conversion
of these islands, as above stated; and in good sooth the people
have taken firm hold of the faith, as they are a people of so good
understanding. They have recognized the errors of their paganism
and the truths of the Christian religion; and they possess good and
well-built churches and monasteries of wood with their reredoses and
beautiful ornaments, and all the utensils, crosses, candlesticks,
and chalices of silver and gold. Many devotions are offered, and there
are many confraternities. There is assiduity in taking the sacraments
and in attendance on the Divine services; and the people are careful
to entertain and support their religious (to whom they show great
obedience and respect) by the many alms that they give them, as well
as by those that they give for the suffrages and the burial of their
dead, which they provide with all punctuality and liberality.
At the same time that the religious undertook to teach the natives
the precepts of religion, they labored to instruct them in matters
of their own improvement, and established schools for the reading
and writing of Spanish among the boys. They taught them to serve in
the church, to sing the plain-song, and to the accompaniment of the
organ; to play the flute, to dance, and to sing; and to play the
harp, guitar, and other instruments. In this they show very great
adaptability, especially about Manila; where there are many fine
choirs of chanters and musicians composed of natives, who are skilful
and have good voices. There are many dancers, and musicians on the
other instruments which solemnize and adorn the feasts of the most
holy sacrament, and many other feasts during the year. The native
boys present dramas and comedies, both in Spanish and in their own
language, very charmingly. This is due to the care and interest of
the religious, who work tirelessly for the natives' advancement. [196]
In these islands there is no native province or settlement which
resists conversion or does not desire it. But, as above stated,
baptism has been postponed in some districts, for lack of workers
to remain with the people, in order that they may not retrograde and
return to their idolatries. In this work, the best that is possible
is done, for the mission-fields are very large and extensive. In many
districts the religious make use, in their visitas, of certain of the
natives who are clever and well instructed, so that these may teach
the others to pray daily, instruct them in other matters touching
religion, and see that they come to mass at the central missions; and
in this way they succeed in preserving and maintaining their converts.
Hitherto, the orders who control these missions in virtue of the
_omnimodo_ and other apostolic concessions [197] have attended to the
conversion of the natives, administered the sacraments, looked after
the spiritual and temporal and ecclesiastical affairs of the natives,
and absolved them in cases of difficulty. But now that there are an
archbishop and bishops, this is being curtailed, and the management
of these affairs is being given to the bishops, as the archbishop's
vicars--although not to such an extent, nor has the administration
of these natives been placed in their charge, in matters of justice,
and under the inspection and superintendence of the bishops, as they
have endeavored to obtain. [198]
The governor and royal Audiencia of Manila attend to what it is
advisable to provide and direct for the greatest accomplishment and
advancement of this conversion, and the administration of the natives
and their missions--both by causing the encomenderos to assist
the religious and churches, in the encomiendas that they enjoy,
with the stipends and necessary expenses of the missions; and by
furnishing from the royal revenues what pertains to it, which is no
less a sum. [199] They also ordain whatever else is required to be
provided and remedied for the said missions and for the advancement
of the natives. This also is attended to by the archbishop and the
bishops in what pertains to them in their duty and charge as pastors.
The Holy Office of the Inquisition, residing in Mexico of Nueva
España, has its commissaries, servants, and helpers in Manila and
in the bishoprics of the islands, who attend to matters touching
the Holy Office. They never fail to have plenty to do there because
of the entrance of so many strangers into those districts. However,
this holy tribunal does not have jurisdiction of the causes pertaining
to the natives, as the latter are so recently converted.
All these islands are subdued, and are governed from Manila by means
of alcaldes-mayor, corregidors, and lieutenants, each of whom rules
and administers justice in his own district and province. Appeals from
their acts and sentences go to the royal Audiencia. The governor and
captain-general provides what pertains to government and war.
The chiefs, who formerly held the other natives in subjection,
now have no power over them in the tyrannical manner of former
days. This was not the least benefit received by these natives in
having been freed from such servitude. However, it is true that
matters touching the slavery of former days have remained on the
same footing as before. The king our sovereign has ordered by his
decrees that the honors of the chiefs be preserved to them as such;
and that the other natives recognize them and assist them with certain
of the labors that they used to give when pagans. This is done with
the lords and possessors of barangays, and those belonging to such and
such a barangay are under that chief's control. When he harvests his
rice, they go one day to help him; and the same if he builds a house,
or rebuilds one. This chief lord of a barangay collects tribute from
his adherents, and takes charge of these collections, to pay them to
the encomendero. [200]
Besides the above, each village has a governor [201] who is elected. He
and his constables who are called _vilangos_ [202] comprise the
usual magistracy among the natives. The governor hears civil suits
where a moderate sum is involved; in appeal, the case goes to the
corregidor or alcalde-mayor of the province. These governors are
elected annually by the votes of all the married natives of such
and such a village. The governor of Manila confirms the election,
and gives the title of governor to the one elected, and orders him to
take the residencia of the outgoing governor. [203] This governor,
in addition to the vilangos and scrivener (before whom he makes his
acts in writing, in the language of the natives of that province),
[204] holds also the chiefs--lords of barangays, and those who are
not so--under his rule and government, and, for any special service,
such as collections of tributes, and assignments of personal services,
as his _datos_ and _mandones_. [205] They do not allow the chiefs to
oppress the timaguas or slaves under their control.
The same customs observed by these natives in their paganism, are
observed by them since they have become Christians, in so far as
they are not contrary to natural law, especially as to their slavery,
successions, inheritances, adoptions, wills, and lawful trading. In
their suits, they always allege and prove the custom, and are judged
by it, according to royal decrees to that effect. In other causes
which do not involve their customs, and in criminal cases, the matter
is determined by law as among Spaniards.
All of these islands and their natives, so far as they were pacified,
were apportioned into encomiendas from the beginning. To the royal
crown were allotted those which were chief towns and ports, and the
dwellers of the cities and towns; and also other special encomiendas
and villages in all the provinces, for the necessities and expenses
of the royal estate. All the rest was assigned to the conquerors and
settlers who have served and labored for the conquest and pacification,
and in the war. This matter is in charge of the governor, who takes
into consideration the merits and services of the claimants. [206]
In like manner the villages that become vacant are assigned. There
are many very excellent encomiendas throughout the islands, and they
offer many profits, both by the amount of their tributes and by the
nature and value of what is paid as tribute. [207] The encomienda
lasts, according to the royal laws and decrees, and by the regular
order and manner of succession to them, for two lives; but it may
be extended to a third life, by permission. After it becomes vacant,
it is again assigned and granted anew.
The tributes paid to their encomenderos by the natives were assigned
by the first governor, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, in the provinces of
Vicayas and Pintados, and in the islands of Luzon and its vicinity;
they were equal to the sum of eight reals annually for an entire
tribute from each tributario. The natives were to pay it in their
products--in gold, cloth, cotton, rice, bells, fowls, and whatever
else they possessed or harvested. The fixed price and value of each
article was assigned so that, when the tribute was paid in any one
of them, or in all of them, it should not exceed the value of the
eight reals. So it has continued until now, and the governors have
increased the appraisements and values of the products at different
times, as they have deemed advisable.
The encomenderos have made great profits in collecting in kind, for,
after they acquired possession of the products, they sold them at
higher prices. By this they increased their incomes and the proceeds
of their encomiendas considerably; until a few years ago his Majesty,
by petition of the religious and the pressure that they brought to
bear on him in this matter, ordered for this region that the natives
should pay their tribute in whatever they wished--in kind or in
money--without being compelled to do otherwise. Consequently, when
they should have paid their eight reals, they would have fulfilled
their obligation. Accordingly this rule was initiated; but experience
demonstrates that, although it seemed a merciful measure, and one
favorable to the natives, it is doing them great injury. For, since
they naturally dislike to work, they do not sow, spin, dig gold,
rear fowls, or raise other food supplies, as they did before, when
they had to pay the tribute in those articles. They easily obtain,
without so much work, the peso of money which is the amount of their
tribute. Consequently it follows that the natives have less capital
and wealth, because they do not work; and the country, which was
formerly very well provided and well-supplied with all products,
is now suffering want and deprivation of them. The owners of the
encomiendas, both those of his Majesty and those of private persons
who possess them, have sustained considerable loss and reduction in
the value of the encomiendas.
When Gomez Perez Dasmariñas was appointed governor of the Filipinas,
he brought royal decrees ordering the formation of the camp in Manila,
with an enrollment of four hundred paid soldiers, with their officers,
galleys, and other military supplies, for the defense and security
of the country. Before that time all the Spanish inhabitants had
attended to that without any pay. Then an increase of two reals to
each tributario over the eight reals was ordered. This was to be
collected by the encomenderos at the same time when they collected
the eight reals of the tribute, and was to be delivered and placed
in the royal treasury. There this amount was to be entered on an
account separate from that of the other revenue of his Majesty, and
was to be applied in the following manner: one and one-half reals for
the expenses of the said camp and war stores; and the remaining half
real for the pay of the prebendaries of the Manila church, which his
Majesty pays from his treasury, until such time as their tithes and
incomes suffice for their sustenance. [208]
These tributes are collected from all the natives, Christians and
infidels, in their entirety--except that in those encomiendas without
instruction the encomendero does not take the fourth part of the eight
reals (which equals two reals) for himself, since that encomienda has
no instruction or expenses for it; but he takes them and deposits
them in Manila, in a fund called "the fourths." [209] The money
obtained from this source is applied to and spent in hospitals for
the natives, and in other works beneficial to them, at the option of
the governor. As fast as the encomiendas are supplied with instruction
and religious, the collection of these fourths and their expenditure
in these special works cease.
Some provinces have taken the census of their natives; and according to
these the tributes and the assignment of the two reals are collected.
In most of the provinces no census has been taken, and the tributes
are collected when due by the encomenderos and their collectors,
through the chiefs of their encomiendas, by means of the lists and
memoranda of former years. From them the names of the deceased and of
those who have changed their residence are erased, and the names of
those who have grown up, and of those who have recently moved into the
encomienda, are added. When any shortage is perceived in the accounts,
a new count is requested and made.
The natives are free to move from one island to another, and from
one province to another, and pay their tribute for that year in which
they move and change their residence in the place to which they move;
and to move from a Christian village that has instruction to another
village possessing it. But, on the other hand, they may not move from
a place having instruction to one without it, nor in the same village
from one barangay to another, nor from one faction to another. In
this respect, the necessary precautions are made by the government,
and the necessary provisions by the Audiencia, so that this system
may be kept, and so that all annoyances resulting from the moving of
the settled natives of one place to another place may be avoided.
Neither are the natives allowed to go out of their villages for
trade, except by permission of the governor, or of his alcaldes-mayor
and justices, or even of the religious, who most often have been
embarrassed by this, because of the instruction. This is done so that
the natives may not wander about aimlessly when there is no need of
it, away from their homes and settlements.
Those natives who possess slaves pay their tributes for them if the
slaves are _saguiguilirs_. If the slaves are _namamahays_ living
outside their owners' houses, they pay their own tributes, inasmuch
as they possess their own houses and means of gain.
The Spaniards used to have slaves from these natives, whom they had
bought from them, and others whom they obtained in certain expeditions
during the conquest and pacification of the islands. This was stopped
by a brief of his Holiness [210] and by royal decrees. Consequently,
all of these slaves who were then in the possession of the Spanish,
and who were natives of these islands, in whatever manner they had
been acquired, were freed; and the Spaniards were forever prohibited
from holding them as slaves, or from capturing them for any reason, or
under pretext of war, or in any other manner. The service rendered by
these natives is in return for pay and daily wages. The other slaves
and captives that the Spaniards possess are Cafres and blacks brought
by the Portuguese by way of India, and are held in slavery justifiably,
in accordance with the provincial councils and the permissions of
the prelates and justices of those districts.
The natives of these islands have also their personal services, which
they are obliged to render--in some parts more than in others--to
the Spaniards. These are done in different ways, and are commonly
called the _polo_. [211] For, where there are alcaldes-mayor and
justices, they assign and distribute certain natives by the week
for the service of their houses. They pay these servants a moderate
wage, which generally amounts to one-fourth real per day, and rice
for their food. The same is done by the religious for the mission,
and for their monasteries and churches, and for their works, and for
public works. [212]
The Indians also furnish rice, and food of all kinds, at the prices
at which they are valued and sold among the natives. These prices
are always very moderate. The datos, vilangos, and fiscals make the
division, collect, and take these supplies from the natives; and in
the same manner they supply their encomenderos when these go to make
the collections.
The greatest service rendered by these natives is on occasions of war,
when they act as rowers and crews for the vireys and vessels that go
on the expeditions, and as pioneers for any service that arises in
the course of the war, although their pay and wages are given them.
In the same way natives are assigned and apportioned for the king's
works, such as the building of ships, the cutting of wood, the trade
of making the rigging, [213] the work in the artillery foundry, and
the service in the royal [214] magazines; and they are paid their
stipend and daily wage.
In other things pertaining to the service of the Spaniards and their
expeditions, works, and any other service, performed by the natives,
the service is voluntary, and paid by mutual agreement; [215] for,
as hitherto, the Spaniards have worked no mines, nor have they given
themselves to the gains to be derived from field labors, there is no
occasion for employing the natives in anything of that sort.
Most of the Spaniards of the Filipinas Islands reside in the city
of Manila, the capital of the kingdom, and where the chief trade
and commerce is carried on. Some encomenderos live in provinces or
districts adjacent to Manila, while other Spaniards live in the
cities of Segovia, Caçeres, Santisimo Nombre de Jesus (in Sebu),
and in the town of Arevalo, where they are settled, and where most
of them have their encomiendas.
Spaniards may not go to the Indian villages, [216] except for the
collection of the tributes when they are due; and then only the
alcaldes-mayor, corregidors, and justices. It is not permitted these
to remain continually in one settlement of their district, but they
must visit as much of it as possible. They must change their residence
and place of abode every four months to another chief village and
settlement, where all the natives may obtain the benefit of their
presence; and so that the natives may receive as slight annoyance
as possible in supporting them and in the ordinary service that they
render them. [217]
The governor makes appointments to all offices. When the term of office
expires, the royal Aurdiencia orders the residencia of each official
to be taken, and his case is decided in accordance therewith; and
until the residencia is completed, the incumbent cannot be appointed
to any other duty or office. The governor also appoints commandants
of forts, companies, and other military officials, in all the cities,
towns, and hamlets of the islands. [218]
Certain offices of regidors and notaries have been sold by royal decree
for one life. But the sale of these offices has been superseded,
as it is now considered that the price paid for them is of little
consideration, while the disadvantage of perpetuating the purchasers
in office by this method is greater.
Elections of alcaldes-in-ordinary for all the Spanish towns are held
on New Year's day by the cabildo and magistracy. The residencias
of these alcaldes-in-ordinary and their cabildos are ordered by
his Majesty to be taken at the same time as that of the governor
and captain-general of the islands is taken; and they give account
of the administration of the revenues and the estates under their
care. However, the governor may take it before this, every year,
or whenever he thinks it expedient and cause the balances of their
accounts to be collected. With the governor's advice and permission
the expenses desired by the towns are made.
The city of Manila has sufficient public funds for certain years,
through the fines imposed by its judges; in its own particular
possessions, inside and outside the city; in the reweighing of the
merchandise and the rents of all the shops and sites of the Sangleys
in the parián; and in the monopoly on playing cards. All this was
conceded to the city by his Majesty, especially for the expenses of
its fortification. [219] These revenues are spent for that purpose; for
the salaries of its officials, and those of the agents sent to España;
and for the feasts of the city, chief of which are St. Potenciana's
day, May nineteen, when the Spaniards entered and seized the city,
and the day of St. Andrew, November 30, the date on which the pirate
Limahon was conquered and driven from the city. On that day the city
officials take out the municipal standard, and to the sound of music go
to vespers and mass at the church of San Andres, where the entire city,
with the magistracy and cabildo and the royal Audiencia, assemble
with all solemnity. The above revenues are also used in receiving
the governors at their first arrival in the country, in the kings'
marriage feasts, and the births of princes, and in the honors and
funeral celebrations for the kings and princes who die. In all the
above the greatest possible display is made.
The other cities and settlements do not possess as yet so many
sources of wealth or revenue, or the occasions on which to spend
them--although, as far as possible, they take part in them, in all
celebrations of the same kind.
The Spaniards living in the islands are divided into five classes of
people: namely, prelates, religious, and ecclesiastical ministers,
both secular and regular; encomenderos, settlers, and conquerors;
soldiers, officers, and officials of war (both on land and sea),
and those for navigation; merchants, business men, and traders; and
his Majesty's agents for government, justice, and administration of
his royal revenue.
The ecclesiastical prelates have already been stated, and are as
follows: The archbishop of Manila, who resides in the city, as
metropolitan, in charge of his cathedral church; he has a salary
of four thousand pesos, [220] which is paid from the royal treasury
annually. Likewise the salaries paid to the holders of the dignidades,
[221] canonries, and other prebends, and those performing other
services, are paid in the same manner. They are all under royal
patronage, and are provided in accordance with the king's orders. The
archbishop's office and jurisdiction consists of and extends to all,
both the spiritual and temporal, that is ecclesiastic, and to its
management. [222]
The bishop of the city of Santisimo Nombre de Jesus in Sibu, that
of Segovia in Cagayan, and that of Caceres in Camarines, have the
same rights of jurisdiction and enjoy the same privileges in their
dioceses, since they are suffragans of the archbishop of Manila;
appeal from their judgments is made to the latter, and he summons and
convokes them to his provincial councils whenever necessary. They
receive each an annual salary of five hundred thousand maravedis
for their support, which is paid from the royal treasury of Manila,
besides their offerings and pontifical dues. All together it is quite
sufficient for their support, according to the convenience of things
and the cheapness of the country. At present the bishops do not possess
churches with prebendaries nor is any money set aside for that. [223]
The regular prelates are the provincials of the four mendicant orders,
namely, St. Dominic, St. Augustine, St. Francis, the Society of
Jesus, and the discalced Augustinians. [224] Each prelate governs
his own order and visits the houses. The orders have nearly all the
missions to the natives under their charge, in whatever pertains to
the administration of the sacraments and conversion--by favor of,
and in accordance with, their privileges and the apostolic bulls, in
which until now they have maintained themselves--and in what pertains
to judicial matters, as vicars of the bishops, and through appointment
and authorization of the latter. The discalced Augustinians as yet
have no missions, as they have but recently entered the islands.
The monasteries are supported by certain special incomes that they
possess and have acquired--especially those of the Augustinians
and those of the Society--and by help and concessions granted by
his Majesty. The Dominicans and Franciscans do not possess or allow
incomes or properties; [225] and for them, as for the other orders,
the principal source of revenue is in the alms, offerings, and aid
given by the districts where they are established and where they have
charge. This help is given by both Spaniards and natives, very piously
and generously. They are aided also by the stipend given them from
the encomiendas for the instruction that they give there. Consequently
the religious of the orders live well and with the comfort necessary.
The first encomenderos, conquerors, and settlers of the islands,
and their issue, are honorably supported by the products of their
encomiendas, and by certain means of gain and trading interests that
they possess, as do the rest of the people. There are a great number of
them, each one of whom lives and possesses his house in the city and
settlement of Spaniards in whose province he has his encomienda. This
they do in order not to abandon their encomiendas, and thus they are
nearer the latter for their needs and for collections.
Now but few of the first conquerors who gained the country and went
there for its conquest with the adelantado Miguel Lopez de Legaspi
remain alive.
The soldiers and officers of war and of naval expeditions formerly
consisted of all the dwellers and inhabitants of the islands, who
rendered military service without any pay or salary. They went on all
the expeditions and pacifications that arose, and guarded the forts
and presidios, and cities and settlements. This was their principal
exercise and occupation. They were rewarded by the governor, who
provided them with encomiendas, offices, and profits of the country
according to their merits and services. [226]
At that time the soldiers of the islands were the best in the
Indias. They were very skilful and well-disciplined by both land
and sea, and were esteemed and respected by all those nations. They
gloried in their arms, and in acquitting themselves valiantly.
Afterward, when Gomez Perez Das Mariñas entered upon the government of
the Filipinas, he founded the regular camp of four hundred soldiers:
the arquebusiers, with pay of six pesos per month; the musketeers,
with eight pesos; six captains, with annual pay of four hundred
and twenty pesos apiece; their alféreces, sergeants, corporals,
standard-bearers, and drummers, with pay in proportion to their
duties; one master-of-camp, with annual pay of one thousand four
hundred pesos; one sargento-mayor with captain's pay; one adjutant of
the sargento-mayor and field-captain, with monthly pay of ten pesos;
two castellans; commandants of the two fortresses of Manila, with
four hundred pesos apiece annually; their lieutenants; squads of
soldiers and artillerymen; one general of galleys, with annual pay
of eight hundred pesos; each galley one captain, with annual pay of
three hundred pesos; their boatswains, boatswains' mates, coxswains,
alguacils of the galleys, soldiers, artillerymen, master-carpenters,
riggers, sailors, conscripts, [227] galley-crews of Spanish, Sangley,
and native convicts, condemned for crimes; and, when there is lack
of convicts, good rowers are obtained from the natives for pay,
for the period of the expedition and the occasion of the voyage. [228]
In the vessels and fleets of large vessels for the Nueva España line,
the ships that are sent carry a general, admiral, masters, boatswains,
commissaries, stewards, alguacils, sergeants of marine artillery
[_condestables_], artillerymen, sailors, pilots and their assistants,
common seamen, carpenters, calkers, and coopers, all in his Majesty's
pay, on the account of Nueva España, from whose royal treasury they
are paid. All that is necessary for this navigation is supplied
there. Their provisions and appointments are made by the viceroy;
and this has hitherto pertained to him, even though the ships may have
been constructed in the Filipinas. They sail thence with their cargo
of merchandise for Nueva España, and return thence to the Filipinas
with the reënforcements of soldiers and supplies, and whatever else
is necessary for the camp, besides passengers and religious, and the
money proceeding from the investments and merchandise. [229]
After the establishment of a regular camp for guard and expeditions,
the other inhabitants, dwellers, and residents were enrolled without
pay under the banners of six captains of the Filipinas, for special
occasions requiring the defense of the city. But they were relieved
of all other duties pertaining to the troops, unless they should
offer of their own accord to go upon any expedition, or volunteer
for any special occasion, in order to acquire merits and benefits, so
that they may be given encomiendas that become vacant, and offices,
and the means of profit of the country. They are not compelled or
obliged to do this, unless they are encomenderos. Consequently all
have given themselves to trading, as there is no other occupation,
but they are not unmindful of military service.
His Majesty prohibits all who are in his pay in the military forces
of the islands from engaging in commerce; and orders the governor
not to allow this, or permit them to export goods to Nueva España. If
the governors would observe that order, it would not be amiss. [230]
The merchants and business men form the bulk of the residents of
the islands, because of the great amount of merchandise brought
there--outside of native products--from China, Japon, Maluco, Malaca,
Sian, Camboja, Borneo, and other districts. They invest in this
merchandise and export it annually in the vessels that sail to Nueva
España, and at times to Japon, where great profits are made from
raw silk. Thence on the return to Manila are brought the proceeds,
which hitherto have resulted in large and splendid profits.
Through the very great increase of this trade--which was harmful
and prejudicial to the Spanish merchants who shipped goods to Peru
and Nueva España, and to the royal duties collected on the shipments
from España--and through the business men of Mexico and Peru having
become greedy of trade and commerce with the Filipinas, by means of
their agents and factors, so that the trade with España was ceasing
in great measure, and the merchants were sending to the Filipinas for
their investments great consignments of silver, which by that means
flowed yearly from his Majesty's kingdoms, to fall into the possession
of infidels: all persons of Nueva España and Peru were prohibited from
trading and engaging in commerce in the Filipinas, and from taking the
Chinese merchandise to those regions. [231] Permission was given to
the inhabitants and residents of the Filipinas that they alone might
trade in the said merchandise, and export it. They are to take these
goods themselves, or send them with persons who belong to the islands,
so that they may sell them. From the proceeds of the said merchandise,
they may not carry to the Filipinas more than five hundred thousand
pesos each year. [232]
A considerable number of _somas_ and junks (which are large
vessels) generally come from Great China to Manila, laden with
merchandise. Every year thirty or even forty ships are wont to come,
and although they do not come together, in the form of a trading
and war fleet, still they do come in groups with the monsoon and
settled weather, which is generally at the new moon in March. They
belong to the provinces of Canton, Chincheo, and Ucheo [Fo-Kien],
and sail from those provinces. They make their voyage to the city of
Manila in fifteen or twenty days, sell their merchandise, and return
in good season, before the vendavals set in--the end of May and a
few days of June--in order not to endanger their voyage.
These vessels come laden with merchandise, and bring wealthy merchants
who own the ships, and servants and factors of other merchants who
remain in China. They leave China with the permission and license
of the Chinese viceroys and mandarins. The merchandise that they
generally bring and sell to the Spaniards consists of raw silk in
bundles, of the fineness of two strands [_dos cabeças_], and other
silk of poorer quality; fine untwisted silk, white and of all colors,
wound in small skeins; quantities of velvets, some plain, and some
embroidered in all sorts of figures, colors, and fashions--others with
body of gold, and embroidered with gold; woven stuffs and brocades, of
gold and silver upon silk of various colors and patterns; quantities
of gold and silver thread in skeins over thread and silk--but the
glitter of all the gold and silver is false, and only on paper;
damasks, satins, taffetans, _gorvaranes_, _picotes_, [233] and other
cloths of all colors, some finer and better than others; a quantity
of linen made from grass, called lençesuelo [handkerchief]; [234]
and white cotton cloth of different kinds and qualities, for all
uses. They also bring musk, benzoin, and ivory; many bed ornaments,
hangings, coverlets, and tapestries of embroidered velvet; damask
and gorvaran of different shades; tablecloths, cushions, and carpets;
horse-trappings of the same stuff, and embroidered with glass beads and
seed-pearls; also some pearls and rubies, sapphires and crystal-stones;
metal basins, copper kettles, and other copper and cast-iron pots;
quantities of all sorts of nails, sheet-iron, tin and lead; saltpetre
and gunpowder. They supply the Spaniards with wheat flour; preserves
made of orange, peach, _scorzonera_, [235] pear, nutmeg, and ginger,
and other fruits of China; salt pork and other salt meats; live fowls
of good breed, and very fine capons; quantities of green fruit, oranges
of all kinds; excellent chestnuts, walnuts, pears, and _chicueyes_
[236] (both green and dried, a delicious fruit); quantities of fine
thread of all kinds, needles, and knick-knacks; little boxes and
writing-cases; beds, tables, chairs, and gilded benches, painted in
many figures and patterns. They bring domestic buffaloes; geese that
resemble swans; horses, some mules and asses; even caged birds, some
of which talk, while others sing, and they make them play innumerable
tricks. The Chinese furnish numberless other gewgaws and ornaments
of little value and worth, which are esteemed among the Spaniards;
besides a quantity of fine crockery of all kinds; _canganes_, [237]
_sines_, and black and blue robes; _tacley_, which are beads of all
kinds; strings of cornelians, and other beads and precious stones of
all colors; pepper and other spices; and rarities--which, did I refer
to them all, I would never finish, nor have sufficient paper for it.
As soon as the ship reaches the mouth of the bay of Manila, the
watchman stationed at the island of Miraveles goes out to it in a
light vessel. Having examined the ship, he puts a guard of two or three
soldiers on it, so that it may anchor upon the bar, near the city, and
to see that no one shall disembark from the vessel, or anyone enter it
from outside, until the vessel has been inspected. By the signal made
with fire by the watchman from the said island, and the advice that he
sends in all haste to the city--of what ship it is, whence it has come,
what merchandise and people it brings--before the vessel has finished
anchoring, the governor and the city generally know all about it. [238]
When the vessel has arrived and anchored, the royal officials go to
inspect it and the register of the merchandise aboard it. At the
same time the valuation of the cargo is made according to law, of
what it is worth in Manila; for the vessel immediately pays three per
cent on everything to his Majesty. [239] After the register has been
inspected and the valuation made, then the merchandise is immediately
unloaded by another official into champans, and taken to the Parián,
or to other houses and magazines, outside of the city. There the
goods are freely sold.
No Spaniard, Sangley, or other person is allowed to go to the ship
to buy or trade merchandise, food, or anything else. Neither is it
allowed, when the merchandise is ashore, to take it from them or
buy it with force and violence; but the trade must be free, and the
Sangleys can do what they like with their property.
The ordinary price of the silks (both raw and woven) and the
cloths--which form the bulk of the cargo--is settled leisurely, and
by persons who understand it, both on the part of the Spaniards and
that of the Sangleys. The purchase price is paid in silver and reals,
for the Sangleys do not want gold, or any other articles, and will not
take other things to China. All the trading must be completed by the
end of the month of May, or thereabout, in order that the Sangleys
may return and the Spaniards have the goods ready to lade upon the
vessels that go to Nueva España by the end of June. However, the
larger dealers and those who have most money usually do their trading
after that time, at lower rates, and keep the merchandise until the
following year. Certain Sangleys remain in Manila with a portion of
their merchandise for the same purpose, when they have not had a good
sale for it, in order to go on selling it more leisurely. The Sangleys
are very skilful and intelligent traders, and of great coolness and
moderation, in order to carry on their business better. They are ready
to trust and accommodate freely whoever they know treats them fairly,
and does not fail in his payments to them when these are due. On
the other hand, as they are a people without religion or conscience,
and so greedy, they commit innumerable frauds and deceits in their
merchandise. The purchaser must watch them very closely, and know
them, in order not to be cheated by them. The purchasers, however,
acquit themselves by their poor payments and the debts that they incur;
and both sides generally keep the judges and Audiencia quite busy.
Some Japanese and Portuguese merchantmen also come every year from
the port of Nangasaque in Japon, at the end of October with the north
winds, and at the end of March. They enter and anchor at Manila
in the same way. The bulk of their cargo is excellent wheat-flour
for the provisioning of Manila, and highly prized salt meats. They
also bring some fine woven silk goods of mixed colors; beautiful
and finely-decorated screens done in oil and gilt; all kinds of
cutlery; many suits of armor, spears, catans, and other weapons,
all finely wrought; writing-cases, boxes and small cases of wood,
japanned and curiously marked; other pretty gewgaws; excellent fresh
pears; barrels and casks of good salt tunny; cages of sweet-voiced
larks, called _fimbaros_; and other trifles. In this trading, some
purchases are also made, without royal duties being collected from
those vessels. The bulk of the merchandise is used in the country, but
some goods are exported to Nueva España. The price is generally paid
in reals, although they are not so greedy for them as the Chinese,
for there is silver in Japon. They generally bring a quantity of it
as merchandise in plates, and it is sold at moderate rates.
These vessels return to Japon at the season of the vendavals, during
the months of June and July. They carry from Manila their purchases,
which are composed of raw Chinese silk, gold, deerskin, and brazil-wood
for their dyes. They take honey, manufactured wax, palm and Castilian
wine, civet-cats, large tibors in which to store their tea, glass,
cloth, and other curiosities from España.
Some Portuguese vessels sail to Manila annually during the monsoon of
the vendavals, from Maluco, Malaca, and India. They take merchandise
consisting of spices--cloves, cinnamon, and pepper; slaves,
both blacks and Cafres; cotton cloth of all sorts, fine muslins
[_caniquies_], linens, gauzes, _rambuties_, and other delicate
and precious cloths; amber, and ivory; cloths edged with _pita_,
[240] for use as bed-covers; hangings, and rich counterpanes from
Vengala [Bengal], Cochin, and other countries; many gilt articles
and curiosities; jewels of diamonds, rubies, sapphires, topazes,
balas-rubies, and other precious stones, both set and loose; many
trinkets and ornaments from India; wine, raisins, and almonds;
delicious preserves, and other fruits brought from Portugal and
prepared in Goa; carpets and tapestries from Persia and Turquia,
made of fine silks and wools; beds, writing-cases, parlor-chairs,
and other finely-gilded furniture, made in Macao; needle-work in
colors and in white, of chain-lace and royal point lace, and other
fancy-work of great beauty and perfection. Purchases of all the above
are made in Manila, and paid in reals and gold. The vessels return
in January with the brisas, which is their favorable monsoon. They
carry to Maluco provisions of rice and wine, crockery-ware, and
other wares needed there; while to Malaca they take only the gold or
money, besides a few special trinkets and curiosities from España,
and emeralds. The royal duties are not collected from these vessels.
A few smaller vessels also sail from Borneo, during the vendavals. They
belong to the natives of that island, and return during the first part
of the brisas. They enter the river of Manila and sell their cargoes
in their vessels. These consist of fine and well-made palm-mats, a few
slaves for the natives, sago--a certain food of theirs prepared from
the pith of palms--and tibors; large and small jars, glazed black and
very fine, which are of great service and use; and excellent camphor,
which is produced on that island. Although beautiful diamonds are found
on the opposite coast, they are not taken to Manila by those vessels,
for the Portuguese of Malaca trade for them on that coast. These
articles from Borneo are bought more largely by the natives than by
the Spaniards. The articles taken back by the Borneans are provisions
of wine and rice, cotton cloth, and other wares of the islands,
which are wanting in Borneo.
Very seldom a few vessels sail to Manila from Sian and Camboja. They
carry some benzoin, pepper, ivory, and cotton cloth; rubies and
sapphires, badly cut and set; a few slaves; rhinoceros horns, and the
hides, hoofs, and teeth of this animal; and other goods. In return they
take the wares found in Manila. Their coming and return is between the
brisas and the vendavals, during the months of April, May, and June.
In these classes of merchandise, and in the products of the
islands--namely, gold, cotton cloth, mendriñaque, and cakes of white
and yellow wax--do the Spaniards effect their purchases, investments,
and exports for Nueva España. They make these as is most suitable
for each person, and lade them on the vessels that are to make the
voyage. They value and register these goods, for they pay into the
royal treasury of Manila, before the voyage, the two per cent royal
duties on exports, besides the freight charges of the vessel, which
amount to forty Castilian ducados [241] per tonelada. This latter is
paid at the port of Acapulco in Nueva España, into the royal treasury
of the said port, in addition to the ten per cent duties for entrance
and first sale in Nueva España. [242]
Inasmuch as the ships which are despatched with the said merchandise
are at his Majesty's account, and other ships cannot be sent, there
is generally too small a place in the cargo for all the purchases. For
that reason the governor divides the cargo-room among all the shippers,
according to their wealth and merits, after they have been examined
by intelligent men, appointed for that purpose. Consequently every
man knows from his share how much he can export, and only that amount
is received in the vessel; and careful and exact account is taken of
it. Trustworthy persons are appointed who are present at the lading;
and space is left for the provisions and passengers that are to go
in the vessels. When the ships are laden and ready to sail, they
are delivered to the general and the officials who have them in
charge. Then they start on their voyage at the end of the month of
June, with the first vendavals.
This trade and commerce is so great and profitable, and easy to
control--for it only lasts three months in the year, from the
time of the arrival of the ships with their merchandise, until
those vessels that go to Nueva España take that merchandise--that
the Spaniards do not apply themselves to, or engage in, any other
industry. Consequently, there is no husbandry or field-labor worthy of
consideration. Neither do the Spaniards work the gold mines or placers,
which are numerous. They do not engage in many other industries that
they could turn to with great profit, if the Chinese trade should
fail them. That trade has been very hurtful and prejudicial in
this respect, as well as for the occupations and farm industries in
which the natives used to engage. Now the latter are abandoning and
forgetting those labors. Besides, there is the great harm and loss
resulting from the immense amount of silver that passes annually by
this way [of the trade], into the possession of infidels, which can
never, by any way, return into the possession of the Spaniards.
His Majesty's agents for the government and justice, and the royal
officials for the management of his Majesty's revenue, are as follows:
First, the governor and captain-general of all the islands, who
is at the same time president of the royal Audiencia of Manila. He
has a salary of eight thousand pesos de minas per year for all his
offices. [243] He possesses his own body-guard of twelve halberdiers,
whose captain receives three hundred pesos per year. The governor alone
provides and regulates all that pertains to war and government, with
the advice of the auditors of the Audiencia in difficult matters. He
tries in the first instance the criminal cases of the regular soldiers,
and any appeals from his decisions go to the Audiencia. [244] The
governor appoints many alcaldes-mayor, corregidors, deputies, and
other magistrates, throughout the islands and their provinces, for
carrying on the government and justice, and for military matters. These
appointments are made before a government chief scrivener appointed
by his Majesty, who helps the governor.
The governor likewise takes part with the royal Audiencia, as
its president, in whatever pertains to its duties. The Audiencia
consists of four auditors and one fiscal--each of whom receives an
annual salary of two thousand pesos de minas [245]--one reporter,
one court scrivener, one alguacil-mayor, with his assistants, one
governor of the prison of the court, one chancellor, one registrar,
two bailiffs, one chaplain and sacristan, one executioner, attorneys,
and receivers. The Audiencia tries all causes, civil and criminal,
taken to it from all the provinces of its district. [246] These
include the Filipinas Islands and the mainland of China, already
discovered or to be discovered. The Audiencia has the same authority
as the chancillerías of Valladolid and Granada in España. At the same
time, the Audiencia provides whatever is advisable for the proper
and systematic management of the royal exchequer.
His Majesty's revenues in the Filipinas Islands are in charge
of and their tribunal consists of three royal officials. They are
appointed by his Majesty, and consist of a factor, an accountant, and
a treasurer. They each receive an annual salary of five hundred and
ten thousand maravedis. They have their clerk of mines, and registrars
of the royal revenues, and their executive and other officials, all
of whom reside in Manila. From that city they manage and attend to
everything pertaining to the royal revenues throughout the islands.
His Majesty has a number of encomiendas apportioned to his royal crown
throughout the provinces of the Filipinas Islands. The tributes of
those encomiendas are collected for his royal treasury by his royal
officials and the collectors engaged for that purpose by the royal
officials. From year to year these amount to thirty thousand pesos,
after deducting costs and expenses. They collect, from one year to
another, eight thousand pesos in tributes from the Sangleys--both
Christians and infidels. [247]
They also collect the fifth of all gold dug in the islands. By
special concession for a limited period, the tenth is collected
instead of the fifth. There is a declaration concerning it, to the
effect that the natives shall pay no fifths or other duties on the
jewels and gold inherited by them from their ancestors before his
Majesty owned the country. Sufficient measures have been taken for
the clear understanding of this concession and its investigation,
for that on which the tenth has once been paid, and the steps to
be taken in the matter. From one year to another they collect ten
thousand pesos from these fifths, for much is concealed. [248]
The assignment of two reals from each tributario inures to the royal
treasury and is paid into it, for the pay of the soldiers and the
stipend of the prebendaries. These are collected from the encomenderos,
in proportion to, and on the account of, their tributes, and amount
annually to thirty-four thousand pesos.
The fines and expenses of justice are committed to the care of the
treasurer of the royal revenues, and are kept in the treasury. They
amount annually to three thousand pesos.
The three per cent duties on the Chinese merchandise of the Sangley
vessels average forty thousand pesos annually. [249]
The two per cent duties paid by the Spaniards for exporting merchandise
to Nueva España amount annually to twenty thousand pesos. On the
merchandise and money sent from Nueva España to the Filipinas,
result eight thousand pesos more. Consequently, in these things and
in other dues of less importance that belong to the royal treasury,
his Majesty receives about one hundred and fifty thousand pesos,
or thereabout, annually in the Filipinas. [250]
Inasmuch as this amount does not suffice for the expenses that are
incurred, the royal treasury of Nueva España sends annually to that of
the Filipinas, in addition to the above revenues, some assistance in
money--a greater or less sum, as necessity requires. For his Majesty
has thus provided for it from the proceeds of the ten per cent duties
on the Chinese merchandise that are collected at the port of Acapulco
in Nueva España. This assistance is given into the keeping of the
royal officials in Manila, and they take charge of it, with the rest
of the revenues that they manage and collect.
From all this gross sum of his Majesty's revenue, the salaries of
the governor and royal Audiencia are paid, as well as the stipends
of prelates and ecclesiastical prebendaries, the salaries of the
magistrates, and of the royal officials and their assistants; the
pay of all the military officers and regular soldiers; his Majesty's
share of the stipends for instruction, and the building of churches
and their ornaments; the concessions and gratifications that he has
allowed to certain monasteries, and private persons; the building
of large vessels for the navigation to Nueva España, and of galleys
and other vessels for the defense of the islands; expenses for
gunpowder and ammunition; the casting of artillery, and its care;
the expense arising for expeditions and individual undertakings
in the islands, and in their defense; that of navigations to, and
negotiations with, the kingdoms in their vicinity, which are quite
common and necessary. Consequently, since his Majesty's revenues in
these islands are so limited, and his expenses so great, the royal
treasury falls short, and suffers poverty and need. [251]
The proceeds from the ten per cent duties and the freight charges of
the ships, which are collected at Acapulco in Nueva España, on the
merchandise sent there from the Filipinas, although considerable, are
also not always sufficient for the expenses incurred in Nueva España
with the ships, soldiers, ammunition, and other supplies sent annually
to the Filipinas. These expenses are generally greatly in excess
of those duties, and the amount is made up from the royal treasury
of Mexico. Consequently, the king our sovereign derives as yet no
profit from any revenues of the Filipinas, but rather an expenditure,
by no means small, from his revenues in Nueva España. He sustains the
Filipinas only for the christianization and conversion of the natives,
and for the hopes of greater fruits in other kingdoms and provinces of
Asia, which are expected through this gateway, at God's good pleasure.
Every year the Audiencia audits the accounts of the royal officials of
his Majesty's revenues, strikes the balances, and sends the accounts
to the tribunal of accounts in Mexico. [252]
In the city of Manila, and in all those Spanish settlements of the
islands, reside Sangleys, who have come from Great China, besides
the merchants. They have appointed settlements and are engaged in
various trades, and go to the islands for their livelihood. Some
possess their pariáns and shops. Some engage in fishing and farming
among the natives, throughout the country; and go from one island to
another to trade, in large or small champans. [253]
The annual vessels from Great China bring these Sangleys in great
numbers, especially to the city of Manila, for the sake of the profits
that are gained from their fares. As there is a superabundance of
population in China, and the wages and profits there are little,
they regard as of importance whatever they get in the Filipinas.
Very great annoyances result from this; for, not only can there be
little security to the country with so many infidels, but the Sangleys
are a wicked and vicious race. Through intercourse and communication
with them, the natives improve little in Christianity and morals. And
since they come in such numbers and are so great eaters, they raise
the price of provisions, and consume them.
It is true that the city could not be maintained or preserved without
these Sangleys; for they are the mechanics in all trades, and are
excellent workmen and work for suitable prices. But a less number of
them would suffice for this, and would avoid the inconvenience of so
many people as are usually in Manila when the ships arrive--to say
nothing of the many Chinese who go about among the islands, under
pretext of trading with the natives, and there commit innumerable
crimes and offenses. At the least, they explore all the country, the
rivers, creeks, and ports, and know them better than the Spaniards
do; and they will be of great harm and injury in case of any revolt
or hostile invasion of the islands.
In order to remedy all the above, it was ordered that the vessels
should not bring so many people of this kind, under penalties that
are executed; that, when the vessels return to China, they take
these Sangleys back with them; that only a convenient number of
merchants remain in Manila, in the Parián, and the mechanics of
all necessary trades; and that these must have written license,
under severe penalties. In the execution of this, an auditor of the
Audiencia is engaged by special commission every year, together with
some assistants. On petition of the city cabildo, he usually allows
as many Sangleys to remain as are necessary for the service of all
trades and occupations. The rest are embarked and compelled to return
in the vessels going to China, and a great deal of force and violence
[254] is necessary to accomplish it.
Those merchants and artisans who remained in Manila before the revolt
of the year six hundred and three had settled the Parián and its
shops. The Parián is a large enclosed alcaicería of many streets,
at some distance from the city walls. It is near the river, and its
location is called San Graviel. There they have their own governor,
who has his tribunal and prison, and his assistants; these administer
justice to them, and watch them day and night, so that they may live
in security, and not commit disorders.
Those who cannot find room in this Parián live opposite, on the other
side of the river, where Tondo is, in two settlements called Baybay
and Minondoc. They are in charge of the alcalde-mayor of Tondo, and
under the ministry of the religious of St. Dominic, who labor for their
conversion, and for that purpose have learned the Chinese language.
The Dominicans have two monasteries with the requisite assistants,
and a good hospital for the treatment of Sangleys. In a district
kept separate from the infidels, they have a settlement of baptized
Sangleys, with their wives, households, and families, numbering five
hundred inhabitants; and the religious are continually baptizing
others and settling them in that village. But few of them turn out
well, for they are a vile and restless race, with many vices and bad
customs. Their having become Christians is not through the desire
or wish for salvation, but for the temporal conveniences that they
have there, and because some are unable to return to China because
of debts incurred and crimes committed there.
Each and all, both Christians and infidels, go unarmed and in their
national garb. This consists of long garments with wide sleeves, made
of blue cangan (but white for mourning, while the chief men wear them
of black and colored silks); wide drawers of the same material; half
hose of felt; very broad shoes, according to their fashion, made of
blue silk embroidered with braid--with several soles, well-sewed--and
of other stuffs. Their hair is long and very black, and they take
good care of it. They do it up on the head in a high knot, [255]
under a very close-fitting hood or coif of horsehair, which reaches
to the middle of the forehead. They wear above all a high round cap
made of the same horsehair, in different fashions, by which their
different occupations, and each man's rank, are distinguished. The
Christians differ only in that they cut their hair short, and wear
hats, as do the Spaniards.
They are a light-complexioned people and tall of body. They have
scant beards, are very stout-limbed, and of great strength. They
are excellent workmen, and skilful in all arts and trades. They are
phlegmatic, of little courage, treacherous and cruel when opportunity
offers, and very covetous. They are heavy eaters of all kinds of meat,
fish, and fruits; but they drink sparingly, and then of hot beverages.
They have a governor of their own race, a Christian, who has his
officials and assistants. He hears their cases in affairs of justice,
in their domestic and business affairs. Appeals from him go to the
alcalde-mayor of Tondo or of the Parián, and from all these to the
Audiencia, which also gives especial attention to this nation and
whatever pertains to it.
No Sangley can live or own a house outside these settlements of
the Parián, and of Baybay and Minondoc. Native settlements are not
allowed in Sangley settlements, or even near them. No Sangley can go
among the islands, or as much as two leguas from the city, without
special permission. Much less can he remain in the city at night,
after the gates are shut, under penalty of death.
There are generally some Japanese, both Christian and infidel, in
Manila. These are left by the vessels from Japon, although they are
not so numerous as the Chinese. They have their special settlement and
location outside the city, between the Sangley Parián and the suburb of
Laguio, near the monastery of La Candelaria. There they are directed
by discalced religious of St. Francis, by means of interpreters
whom the fathers keep for that purpose. They are a spirited race,
of good disposition, and brave. They wear their own costume, namely,
kimonos of colored silks and cotton, reaching half way down the leg,
and open in front; wide, short drawers; close-fitting half-boots of
leather, [256] and shoes like sandals, with the soles of well-woven
straw. They go bare-headed, and shave the top of the head as far
back as the crown. Their back hair is long, and fastened upon the
skull in a graceful knot. They carry their catans, large and small,
in the belt. They have scant beards, and are a race of noble bearing
and behavior. They employ many ceremonies and courtesies, and attach
much importance to honor and social standing. They are resolute in
any necessity or danger.
Those who become Christians prove very good, and are very devout
and observant in their religion; for only the desire for salvation
incites them to adopt our religion, so that there are many Christians
in Japon. Accordingly they return freely, and without opposition,
to their own country. At most there are about five hundred Japanese
of this nation in Manila, for they do not go to other parts of the
islands, and such is their disposition that they return to Japon, and
do not tarry in the islands; consequently very few of them usually
remain in the islands. They are treated very cordially, as they are
a race that demand good treatment, and it is advisable to do so for
the friendly relations between the islands and Japon. [257]
Few people come from the other nations--Sian, Camboja, Borneo, Patan,
and other islands--outside our government; and they immediately return
in their vessels. Consequently, there is nothing special to be said
of them, except that care is exercised in receiving and despatching
them well, and seeing that they return quickly to their own countries.
Since I have told, in the short time at my disposal, the
characteristics of the Filipinas Islands, and their customs and
practices, it will not be inappropriate to discuss the navigation to
them since it is made thither from Nueva España; the return voyage,
which is not short, or without great dangers and hardships; and that
made in the eastern direction.
When the islands were conquered in the year of one thousand five
hundred and seventy-four [_sic; sc_. 1564], the Spanish fleet sailed
under command of the adelantado Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, from Puerto
de la Navidad [258] situated in the South Sea, on the coast of Nueva
España, in the province and district of Xalisco and Galicia, where
resides the royal Audiencia of Guadalajara. A few later voyages
were made also from the same port, until the point for the sending
of these vessels was removed, for better and greater convenience,
to the port of Acapulco, located farther south on the same coast,
in sixteen and one-half degrees of latitude; it is eighty leguas from
Mexico, and in its district. It is an excellent port, sheltered from
all weather; and has a good entrance and good anchorages. Its vicinity
is advantageous, being better provisioned and more populous than that
of La Navidad. There a large Spanish colony has been established,
with its alcalde-mayor, and royal officials who have charge of his
Majesty's treasury; and these attend to the despatch of the vessels.
The vessels that sail to the Filipinas, as they are despatched annually
on his Majesty's account, must necessarily leave in the certain season
of the brisas, which begin in the month of November and last until the
end of March. This navigation should not be made at any other season,
for from June the vendavals blow, and they are contrary to the voyage.
As a rule, these ships sail and are despatched at the end of February,
or at the latest by the twentieth of March. They sail west toward the
islands of Las Velas, [259] otherwise called the Ladrones. The island
of Guan, one of them, lies in thirteen degrees of latitude. Inasmuch
as the vessels on leaving Acapulco are wont sometimes to encounter
calms, they sail south from sixteen and one-half degrees, in which
the port is situated, until they strike the brisas, which is generally
at ten or eleven degrees. By this route they sail continually before
the wind, and without changing the sails, with fresh and fair brisas,
and in other moderate weather, for one thousand eight hundred leguas,
without sighting any mainland or island. Then leaving to the south
the Barbudos and other islands, and advancing gradually to a latitude
of thirteen degrees, they sail until they sight the island of Guan;
and above it, in fourteen degrees, that of La Çarpana [Seypan]. This
voyage to those Ladrones Islands lasts generally seventy days.
The natives of those islands, who go naked, and are a very robust
and barbarous race, go out to sea to meet the ships as soon as they
discover them, at a distance of four to six leguas, with many vessels;
these are one-masted, and are very slender and light. These vessels
have a counterpoise of bamboo to leeward, and their sails are made
of palm-leaves and are lateen-sails. Two or three men go in each one
with oars and paddles. They carry loads of flying-fish, dorados,
[260] cocoa-nuts, bananas, sweet potatoes, bamboos full of water,
and certain mats; and when they reach the ships, they trade these for
iron from the hoops of casks, and bundles of nails, which they use
in their industries, and in the building of their ships. Since some
Spaniards and religious have lived among them, because of Spanish
ships being wrecked or obliged to take refuge there, they come more
freely to our ships and enter them.
Our ships sail between the two islands of Guan and Çarpana toward the
Filipinas and the cape of Espiritu Santo, a distance of three hundred
leguas farther on, in the latitude of about thirteen degrees. This
distance is made in ten or twelve days with the brisas; but it may
happen, if the ships sail somewhat late, that they encounter vendavals,
which endanger their navigation, and they enter the islands after
great trouble and stormy weather.
From the cape of Espiritu Santo, the ships enter the strait of Capul
at the islands of Mazbate and Burias; thence they sail to Marinduque
and the coast of Calilaya, the strait of Mindoro, the shoals of
Tuley, and the mouth of Manila Bay. Thence, they go to the port of
Cabit. This is a voyage of one hundred leguas from the entrance to
the islands and is made in one week. This is the end of the voyage,
which is good and generally without storms, if made in the proper time.
These vessels now make the return voyage from the Filipinas to Nueva
España with great difficulty and danger, for the course is a long one
and there are many storms and various temperatures. The ships depart,
on this account, very well supplied with provisions, and suitably
equipped. Each one sails alone, hoisting as much sail as possible,
and one does not wait for the other, nor do they sight one another
during the voyage.
They leave the bay and port of Cabit at the first setting-in of
the vendavals, between the same islands and by the same straits,
by the twentieth of June and later. As they set out amid showers,
and are among islands, they sail with difficulty until they leave
the channel at Capul. Once in the open sea, they catch the vendaval,
and voyage east, making more progress when they reach the latitude
of fourteen or fifteen degrees.
Then the brisa starts. This wind is the ordinary one in the South Sea,
especially in low latitudes. Since it is a head wind, the course is
changed, and the bow is pointed betwen the north and east, as much
as the wind will allow. With this they reach a higher latitude, and
the ship is kept in this course until the vendaval returns. Then,
by means of it, the ship again takes an eastern course in that
latitude where it happens to be, and keeps that direction as long
as that wind lasts. When the vendaval dies, the ship takes the best
course that the winds allow, by the winds then blowing between north
and east. If the wind is so contrary that it is north or northwest,
so that the ship cannot take that course, the other course is taken
so that they may continue to maintain their voyage without losing
time. At four hundred leguas from the islands they sight certain
volcanoes and ridges of the islands of Ladrones, which run north as
far as twenty-four degrees. [261] Among these they generally encounter
severe storms and whirl-winds. At thirty-four degrees is the cape of
Sestos, [262] at the northern head of Japon, six hundred leguas from
the Filipinas. They sail among other islands, which are rarely seen,
in thirty-eight degrees, encountering the same dangers and storms,
and in a cold climate, in the neighborhood of the islands Rica de
Oro ["rich in gold"] and Rica de Plata ["rich in silver"], which are
but seldom seen. [263] After passing them the sea and open expanse
of water is immense, and the ship can run free in any weather. This
gulf is traversed for many leguas with such winds as are encountered,
until a latitude of forty-two degrees is reached, toward the coast of
Nueva España. They seek the winds that generally prevail at so high a
latitude, which are usually northwest. After a long voyage the coast
of Nueva España is sighted, and from Cape Mendoçino (which lies in
forty-two and one-half degrees) the coast extends nine hundred leguas
to the port of Acapulco, which lies in sixteen and one-half degrees.
When the ships near the coast, which they generally sight betwen forty
and thirty-six degrees, the cold is very severe, and the people suffer
and die. Three hundred leguas before reaching land, signs of it are
seen, by certain _aguas malas_, [264] as large as the hand, round
and violet colored, with a crest in the middle like a lateen sail,
which are called _caravelas_ ["caravels"]. This sign lasts until the
ship is one hundred leguas from land; and then are discovered certain
fish, with half the body in the form of a dog; [265] these frolic with
one another near the ship. After these _perrillos_ ["little dogs"]
are seen the _porras_ ["knobsticks"], which are certain very long,
hollow shoots of a yellow herb with a ball at the top, and which
float on the water. At thirty leguas from the coast are seen many
great bunches of grass which are carried down to the sea by the
great rivers of the country. These grasses are called _balsas_
["rafts or floats"]. Also many perrillos are seen, and, in turn,
all the various signs. Then the coast is discovered, and it is very
high and clear land. Without losing sight of land, the ship coasts
along it with the northwest, north-northwest, and north winds, which
generally prevail on that coast, blowing by day toward the land,
and by night toward the sea again. With the decrease of the latitude
and the entrance into a warm climate the island of Cenizas [ashes]
is seen, and afterward that of Cedros [cedars]. Thence one sails until
the cape of San Lucas is sighted, which is the entrance of [the gulf
of] California. From that one traverses the eighty leguas intervening
to the islands of Las Marias and the cape of Corrientes ["currents"],
which is on the other side of California in Val de Vanderas ["valley of
banners"], and the provinces of Chametla. Thence one passes the coast
of Colima, Sacatul, Los Motines ["the mutinies"], and Ciguatanejo,
and enters the port of Acapulco--without having made a way-station or
touched land from the channel of Capul in the Filipinas throughout
the voyage. The voyage usually lasts five months or thereabout,
but often six and even more. [266]
By way of India, one may sail from the Filipinas to España, by making
the voyage to Malaca, and thence to Cochin and Goa, a distance
of one thousand two hundred leguas. This voyage must be made with
the brisas. From Goa one sails by way of India to the cape of Buena
Esperança [Good Hope], and to the Terceras [_i.e._, Azores] Islands,
and thence to Portugal and the port of Lisboa. This is a very long
and dangerous voyage, as is experienced by the Portuguese who make
it every year. From India they usually send letters and despatches to
España by way of the Bermejo ["Red"] Sea, by means of Indians. These
send them through Arabia to Alexandria, and thence by sea to Venecia
[Venice] and thence to España.
A galleon bound for Portugal sails and is despatched from the fort of
Malaca, in certain years, by the open sea, without touching at India
or on its coasts. It reaches Lisboa much more quickly than do the Goa
vessels. It generally sails on the fifth of January, and does not leave
later than that; nor does it usually anticipate that date. However,
not any of these voyages are practiced by the Castilians--who are
prohibited from making them--except the one made by way of Nueva
España, both going and coming, as above described. And although the
effort has been made, no better or shorter course has been found by
way of the South Sea. [267]
_Laus Deo_
CONQUISTA DE LAS ISLAS MALUCAS
By the licentiate Bartolomé Leonardo de Argensola. Madrid; [published]
by Alonso Martin, in the year M.DC.IX.
SOURCE: This is translated and synopsized from the original printed
work, for which purpose have been used the copies belonging to Harvard
University and to Edward E. Ayer, of Chicago.
TRANSLATION: This document is translated and synopsized by James
A. Robertson.
CONQUEST OF THE MALUCAS ISLANDS.
Dedicated to King Felipe III, Our Sovereign.
Written by Licentiate
Bartolome Leonardo de Argensola,
chaplain of her Majesty the Empress,
and Rector of Villahermosa.
Madrid. Printed by Alonso Martin M DC IX.
CONQUEST OF THE MALUCAS ISLANDS
[The usual licenses and preliminary matter precede Argensola's
[268] history. The license of the king permitting the author,
and no other, to have the book printed and sold for the following
ten years, bears date "Madrid, January twenty-four, one thousand
six hundred and nine." The license and approbation of the ordinary,
Doctor Cetina, dated "Madrid, December 30, 1608," certifies that the
history contains nothing against the Catholic faith. Pedro de Valencia,
royal chronicler, under date of "Madrid, January 14, 1609," approves
the work as deserving publicity. Licentiate Murcia de la Llana,
after comparing a single printed copy with the original manuscript,
appends a list of errata, with certification that, with these, the
book corresponds to the original. This bears date "Madrid, May 4,
1609." Pedro Zapata del Marmol, at "Madrid, May seven, one thousand
six hundred and nine," appraises the book and orders that it be sold
at four maravedis per pliego or fold, thus making the price of the
book, since it contains one hundred and six pliegos, twelve reals,
sixteen maravedis. In his dedication, dated "Madrid, May 4, 1609,"
Argensola requests the king to read his book, as it "contains victories
of the Church." The author's brother, Lupercio Leonardo de Argensola,
secretary of the empress, chief chronicler of the king in Aragón,
writes a letter "to the readers," in which he meets their arguments
or supposed arguments, and defends the title and contents of the book,
the method of treatment, the style, and its _raison d'être_.
The work contains ten books, the first four of which consist almost
entirely of matters extraneous to the Philippines, such as Maluco
matters, the history of Pedro Sarmiento's expedition through the Strait
of Magellan in search of Drake, etc. The last six books contain more
Philippine matter, and while Argensola cannot always be credited with
the same reliability as Morga, he often supplements the latter. His
introduction in the first book reads as follows:] [269]
I write of the reduction of the Malucas Islands to the obedience of
Felipe III, king of España, and the reduction of their kings to their
former vassalage, which their predecessors rendered, and which was
introduced anew by Don Pedro de Acuña, governor of the Filipinas and
general of the Spanish fleet. That was a victory worthy the foresight
of so pious a monarch, of the care of the dignified ministers of his
supreme council, and of the valor of our nation: not so greatly because
of the rare fertility of those provinces, as because by it was taken
from the northern fleets one great compelling motive for sailing our
seas, so that they should not infect the purity of the new faith of
the Asiatic Indians, and the inhabitants of our colonies who trade
with them, with heresy. The short time in which the undertaking
was completed does not detract from its praise; on the contrary,
it can, by that very fact, occupy a worthy place among more copious
narratives. Well do I see the dangers to which I expose myself, but I
am also confident that I shall not find a defense wanting. Illustrious
sculptors or painters are wont to esteem highly the heads, arms,
and other members, that are copied perfectly from living bodies, in
imitation of which they form all the parts, when they wish to make any
figure. Those ignorant of art despise that preparation, and only enjoy
the statue or picture, which is composed of all its members, and do not
examine the imperfections that they may possess. My present relation
of the recovery of those kingdoms will be judged by this esteem and
by this contempt. For the wise, who know how history is formed, will
esteem this part drawn from life. Others who read, as they confess,
only to pass the time, will value it but little--preferring some
highly fabulous monstrosities, or a prolix book, which, under the
name of history, contains a marvelous number of people, and their
deaths; and which gives events, not as God disposed them, but as they
desire them. Hence it happens that many things worth knowing remain
hidden, for, since they are deferred tor general histories, they are
contemporaneously written but meagerly, by those concerned in them;
and when their manuscripts are wanted, they are not to be found, or
else bind the writer to the laws imposed on him by those who wished
to leave that memorial through their self-love or any other passion,
and he can make no examination of their truth. Consequently to free a
success so important as that of Ternate, the capital of all Maluco,
from this danger, I was ordered to write it, during the lifetime of
those who engaged in it either actively, or through counsel I am so
fully informed of what is needful to write this history, that I hope
to supply my want of ability by the truth. Of this alone have I deemed
it fitting to advise the reader, and not of the advantage that will be
derived from a perusal of this relation. For if the reader desire my
relation, any advice on my part will be superfluous; and otherwise,
even though such advice guide him rightly, it will be impossible to
achieve anything thereby.
[The first four books treat somewhat briefly of the legendary history
and the European discovery of the the Malucos; their importance
in trade, by reason of their spices, and other resources; their
inhabitants; the early Portuguese domination and cruelties, and the
consequent risings and rebellions of the natives; the civil wars
between Ternate and Tidors; and the accession of Felipe II to the
Portuguese crown. The following extracts and abstracts are made from
various parts of these four books:]
The eastern archipelago ... embraces so many islands, that
even yet we do not know their exact number. Modern writers make
five divisions of this archipelago, which are themselves a like
number of archipelagos--namely, Maluco, Moro, Papuas, Celebes,
and Amboyno. The name of the first in that language is Moloc,
and means the same as "capital," for it is the capital of all the
adjacent parts; and, according to others, Maluco, which signifies
in Arabic, as par excellence, "the kingdom." It is reduced to five
chief islands, all under one meridian, all in sight of one another,
and lying within a distance of twenty-five leguas. They lie across
the equator, their most northern latitude being one-half degree,
and their most southern one degree. They are bounded on the west by
the island of Xilòlo, called Batochina de Moro by the Portuguese,
and Alemaera by the Malucos. Of the many islands round about, which
are also called Malucas, ... the following are remarkable for the
abundance of their spice, namely--beginning at the north-Ternate,
Tydore, Motiel, Maquien, and Bacham. In the time of their former
pagans they were called Cape, Duco, Moutil, Mara, and Seque ... The
inhabitants differ from one another, as it were, by the miraculous
kindness of nature. The women are light-complexioned and beautiful,
while the men have a complexion somewhat darker than a quince. The
hair is smooth, and many anoint it with fragrant oils. They have
large eyes and long eyelashes, which, with their eyebrows, they
wear blackened. Their bodies are robust, and they are much given
to war, but to all other employment they are slothful. They live
long, grow gray early, and are always active, on sea no less than
on land. Hospitable and kind to guests, they are importunate and
insistent in their demands when they become familiar. They are full of
self-interest in their dealings, and make use of tricks, frauds, and
lies. They are poor, and consequently proud; and, to name many vices
in one, they are ungrateful. The Chinese occupied all these islands
when they subjugated all that orient, then the Javanese and Malays,
and lastly the Persians and Arabs. These last, by means of commerce,
introduced the superstitions of Mahomet among the worship of their
gods (of whom some families boasted as ancestors). Their laws are
barbarous. They set no limit to their marriages. The chief wife of the
king, called _putriz_ in their language, determines nobility and the
right to the succession--to which her children are preferred, even
when they are younger than the children of other mothers. Not even
the slightest theft is pardoned, but adultery is easily excused. At
daybreak, those appointed for this duty sound (by law) large timbrels
in the streets of the settlements, in order to awaken married people,
whom, on account of human propagation, they judge worthy of political
care. The majority of crimes are punished by death. In other things
they obey the tyranny or will of the conqueror. The headdress of
the men consists of colored Turkish turbans, with many feathers in
them. That of the king, which corresponds to a crown, has the form
of a miter in its peak. The remainder of the clothing universally
consists of jackets which they call _cheninas_, and trousers of
blue, crimson, green, or violet damask. Of the same material are
their cloaks, which are short and military, and fastened diagonally
or knotted on the shoulder, after the fashion of the ancient Roman
garments, as known to us by the writings, statues, and other traces
of those times. The women show off their hair, now letting it hang,
and again knotting it upon the head, and placing various kinds of
flowers in the bands that hold it; so that, in the adjustment of
their headdress, they are not embarrassed by veils, plumage, or
feathers. All that variety, even without art, adorns them. They
wear bracelets, earrings, and necklaces of diamonds and rubies,
and long strings of pearls--ornaments that are not prohibited to
the common people; as neither are silks, which are especially worn
by the women after the fashion of Persians and Turks. These are all
the wealth of the seas and surrounding lands. Men and women betoken
in their dress the natural haughtiness of their disposition. The
variety of their languages is not little. It may happen that one
village cannot understand the language of the next. Malay, being most
easy to pronounce, is most common. From the variety of languages
it is inferred that these islands have been populated by different
nations. Antiquity, and the art of navigating in those districts, is
ascribed to the Chinese. Others affirm that the Malucos are descended
from the Javanese, who, attracted by the sweetness of the odors wafted
by the spices, stopped at Maluco. They took a cargo of cloves, which
until then were unknown, and, continuing to trade in these, carried
them in their vessels to the Persian and Arabian straits. They went
throughout those provinces, carrying also ilks, and chinaware--products
of the resources and skill of the Chinese. The cloves, by means
of the Persians and Arabs, came to the Greeks and Romans. Several
Roman emperors tried to conquer the east, in order to find the spice
regions, so much did they desire the spice. Believing that they all
came from China, they gave them Chinese names. The Spaniards formerly
brought the spices with other merchandise from the Bermejo [_i.e._,
Red] or Erithrean Sea. The kings of Egypt once gained possession of
the spices, and they reached Europe by way of the Asiatics. When the
Romans made Egypt one of their provinces, they continued the trade. The
Genoese, much later, transferring the commerce to Theodosia (now Cafa)
distributed the spices, and there Venecia and other trading nations
established their agents and factories. They sailed later by way of
the Caspian Sea and Trapisonda; but the trade fell with the empire,
and the Turks carried this merchandise in caravans of camels
and dromedaries to Barcito, Lepo, and Damasco, and to various
Mediterranean ports. [270] The sultans of Cayro restored this trade
to the Bermejo Sea, and to Alexandria by the Nilo [_i.e._, Nile]
River. The Portuguese deprived the sultans of it, after their conquest
of the Eastern Indias, and now they bring the spices by way of the
cape of Buena Esperanza in their fleets; while with those that sail
along the coasts of Arabia and Persia, and to the cape of Guardafun,
they prohibit drugs being taken to Cayro, sinking or capturing the
vessel that tries to do so. The sultan's trade was suppressed by this
fear and the security that was introduced, and all the spices come
on the account of the royal crown to India, with innumerable delays,
until they reach Lisboa. He who is master of the navigation will be
master of this pleasing wealth.
[Mindanao--which, as appears from an allusion by Argensola, was not
always considered a portion of the Philippines proper--is visited
by one of the early Portuguese conquerors, Captain Pinto, being sent
there by Tristan de Atayde "and to the neighboring islands, to provide
themselves with the necessities of life." There "he visited the king,
by whom he was courteously received; and after his credentials were
examined, and consultation over his requests was held with the Sangages
[271] of the king's council, peace and friendship were made. Pinto
sold his merchandise at whatever price he wished, and traded for
and bought a cargo of provisions at will." (Book ii, pp. 49-50.) The
desire for cloves [272] on the part of the Portuguese is so strong in
the Malucos that the natives determine to burn their trees, although
"the clove harvest forms the wealth of the Maluco kings," in order
to cause them to leave. Although the threat is not carried out,
wars prevail constantly between natives and conquerors. The contests
become so vindictive and troublesome that they lead to arguments
for abandoning the Philippines after Felipe II's accession to the
throne. The passages relating to this are as follows:]
The apprehensions of this danger had made the ministers of all those
provinces anxious, for their fears were being confirmed by proofs
of manifest rebellion. In Goa, Diego Lopez de Mezquita was already
a prisoner in the fortress of Benastirim, and under a strong guard,
and the viceroy was awaiting the decision from España to dispose of
him and of the soldiers; for they feared lest the Ternatans would make
use of the great help that could be sent them by the Chinese; which
could be sent much more easily if the matters then being discussed
in Castilla were made certain. It was reported that the Council of
State--having noted that the Filipinas not only did not augment the
royal incomes, but were even lessening them, and were the occasion for
fruitless expense; and that they were so numerous and so difficult
of conservation--had proposed to King Filipo, our sovereign, to
abandon them, and withdraw the Audiencia and presidios that sustained
them. They added to this argument the example of the Chinese kings and
nations, who also had abandoned those islands--although they are so
near and can aid them so easily, that the islands may be reckoned as a
part of their mainland. They said that as España was governing them,
signal detriment was being received, and there were no hopes that
any betterment would be obtained in future; for the amount of silver
passing thither from Nueva España, both for regular expenses and for
merchandise, was immense. For the same reason, and by the same road,
that treasure was being sent by the hands of the Chinese to the center
of those kingdoms, which, intractable by the severity of their laws,
are debarred by those laws, as by arms and fortifications, from all
trade with foreigners. They asserted that the monarchy, scattered and
divided by so many seas, and climes, could scarcely be reduced to one
whole; and that human foresight could not bind, by means of ability,
provinces separated by nature with so distant boundaries. These
arguments, they said, were born not of the mind, but of experience,
a truth manifest to the senses. All other arguments that could be
adduced against this reasoning they declared to be honorable and
full of generous sound, but difficult of execution. It would be
more advisable to increase the power of the king in Europe, where
the forces could attend to emergencies without the casualties that
militate against them in outside seas and dominions. Each one of these
arguments was enforced so minutely by the ministers of the treasury
that this proposition merited consideration and examination. Had
God permitted the king to exclude the Filipinas from his monarchy,
and leave them exposed to the power of whomsoever should seize them
first, the Malucans would have so strengthened the condition of their
affairs that it would have been impregnable.
This same resolution has been communicated on other occasions, and
in the reign of King Filipo Third, now reigning. He, conforming
to his father's reply, has ever refused to accept counsel so
injurious. Consequently, that most prudent monarch answered that the
Filipinas would be conserved in their present condition, and that the
Audiencia would be granted sufficient authority so that justice could
be more thoroughly administered; for in the completeness and rigor
of justice the king based the duration and energy of the state. For
the same reason, the military force there would be strengthened,
and the royal incomes of Nueva España, or those of any other of his
kingdoms, would be expended for that purpose, for all the treasures,
and those still to be discovered in the bosom of the mines, must be
applied to the propagation of the gospel. For what, he asked, would
the enemies of the gospel say, if they should see that the Filipinas
were deprived of the light, and of the ministers who preach it,
because they did not produce metals and wealth as did other rich
islands in Assia and America? He said that the entire power of the
sovereigns must minister to this superior end, as sons of the Church
and assistants of the apostolic voice, which is being continued in
the successes of the first preaching. If he had refused to yield
one jot in his severity to his northern vassals, [273] or to grant
them liberty for their consciences, why should he relent toward the
pagans and Mahometans, who are the harvest that God has assigned him,
in order to enrich the Church with those so remote children? By this
wise he enjoined silence on the discussion, and with this glorious
aim the decision has ever been made when zeal or human convenience
has discussed the abandonment of those states.... This religious
motive influenced Felipo; but, besides it, those who had experience
of those Asiatic sources of wealth urged others. The most abundant
wealth consists of diamonds, rubies, large and seed pearls, amber,
musk, civet, and camphor, from Borneo and China; vermilion, coral,
quicksilver, copper, and white cloth, from Cambaya and Mengala; rugs,
carpets, fine counterpanes, camlets, from Persia; brocades, ivory,
rhubarb, cardamoms, cassia, [274] incense, benzoin, wax, china,
lac for medicine and dyes, cloves, and mace, from Banda; with gold,
silver, and pearls, medicinal woods, aroes, eagle-wood, calambuco,
[275] ebony, and innumerable other rare plants, drugs, spices, and
ornaments. They say that Venecia lost all this when the commerce
passed to Portugal [276] (Book ii, pp. 84-86)....
[While the war between the Portuguese and the natives is at its
height, a galleon passes which is later found to have been neither
Spanish nor Portuguese, as the natives fear, "but a ship of Venetians,
private persons, on its way from Manila to China, with various bartered
merchandise of those states and of the east" (Book ii, p. 89).
A native envoy visits Felipe II in Lisbon, but fails to accomplish
much. The later wars between Portuguese and Spaniards and natives
are characterized by assistance for the latter from English and Dutch
sources. King Felipe "especially to recover Témate," turns "his eyes
to the convenience afforded by all the Filipinas, to a greater extent
than India." Later he orders by "his royal decree" that "all the
governors of the Filipinas should be instructed to aid the Malucas,
and all the Indian states of the Portuguese crown; for this may be
done more conveniently from those islands than from India itself"
(Book iv, p. 140). Argensola recurring again to the proposition of
abandoning the Philippines and other islands, says:]
The reader should also consider, that although avarice is sometimes
mixed up in the ministry of the preaching of the gospel, and lawless
acts are committed by our captains and soldiers, yet such excesses do
not make the cause less just. He should consider also that, supposing
that his Majesty should choose, for excellent state reasons (as we
said were proposed), to abandon those districts of Asia, as the Chinese
did, and to narrow the bounds of his monarchy, the cause of the faith
would not permit it. Our kings are ministers of the faith, and sons
of the Catholic church, and any war waged for the introduction of the
gospel is most important, and of the greatest profit, even though it
be to acquire or to gain desert provinces. Besides the Filipinas have
shown how docile are their natives, and how thoroughly they benefit by
the example and company of the Spaniards--the tokens of the affection
with which they have received the faith and aid the religious who are
extending the faith and carrying it to China, Japon, Camboxa, Mindanao,
the Malucas, and the other places where endures idolatry or friendship
with the demons (which the former owners of the country left to them
when they excluded those places from their dominion), or the fictions
of Mahomet, which those places afterward admitted. This is the chief
reason for conserving those provinces. (Book iv, pp. 161, 162.)
Conquest of the Malucas Islands
Book Fifth
After the Luzones or Manilas Islands--both these being ancient
names--had been discovered by Magallanes, Sebastian Cano returned
to España, after the former's death and the successive deaths of
his companions, in that venerable ship which--as if significant of
its voyage, which contains more of truth than of probability--they
called "Vitoria." Sebastian Cano was a mountaineer, from the hamlet
of Guetaria in the Pyrenees Mountains, according to Mapheo, [277] in
his Latin history. In his history he devotes much space to the great
courage of Cano, and his skill in the arts of navigation. He recounts
the universal respect and admiration bestowed upon Cano, since he was
the first in the age of mortals to circumnavigate this globe. And in
truth, what estimation can remain to the fabulous Argonauts, Tiphys
and Jason, and the other navigators whom the elegance or the daring
of Grecia extols, when compared to our Cano? He was the first witness
of the commerce of the seas, and nature opened to his eyes what had
been reserved until then for them; and he was allowed to explore it
all, and to furnish a beginning in so arduous endeavors for the law
that saves and renders eternal. After the death of Magallanes, the
Lusones Islands--which ought to have inherited his name, as being
his sepulcher, as the strait did because of his passage through
it--changed that name for that of Filipinas, [278] in the year one
thousand five hundred and sixty-five; although those islands of that
eastern archipeago are also called by that name. Adelantado Miguel de
Legaspe, who was sent from Nueva España by Viceroy Don Luys de Velasco
with a Spanish fleet, made port in those islands. He conquered first
the island of Zebu and those in its vicinity, where he remained six
years. That region is called by another name, Pintados, still preserved
by different portions of that coast, because the Indians at that time
went about naked, and with their bodies adorned and painted [_i.e._,
tattooed] in various colors. Legaspe left a guard there and went to
occupy Luzon, one hundred and fifty leguas from Zebû. He fought the
barbarians, whom, after the surprise of our ships, weapons, and faces
had worn off, the same novelty encouraged. Legaspe anchored in a bay
four leguas wide, which shows an island midway in its entrance, now
called Marívelez. The bay has a circuit of thirty leguas to the city of
Manila, and is eight leguas wide from north to east. The inhabitants
of that city resisted him with greater courage than the Pintados, for
they had artillery and a fort. But after the Spaniards had taken that,
the defenders of it surrendered. This was done quickly, and allowed
no time for the inhabitants to unite. Thus did Legaspe enter Manila,
a place fortified by nature. At one point of it (which is surrounded by
the water of the bay) is a river of considerable volume, whose source
is the great Lake of Vay [Bay], five leguas distant. This point, narrow
and slender at first, becomes wider immediately, for the seashore
turns toward the southwest, and the bank of the river toward the east,
so that a very considerable space is left for the city. The city is
entirely surrounded with water, except that part between the west
and south. Legaspe founded the city then with wooden buildings, for
wood is produced abundantly in those regions. The roofs of the houses
were covered with nipa leaves, which resemble our mace-reed, [279]
and which form a sufficient defense against the rains. It is, however,
an inflammable material, and is the occasion of the great fires that
have happened there so often. Luzon is more densely populated than
any of the many islands--which are called Filipinas in honor of King
Filipo II, and which, as is affirmed, number eleven thousand. Luzon has
a circumference of three hundred and fifty leguas. Beyond the bay it
runs one hundred leguas to the north, as far as Nueva Segovia; from
the beginning of that province (namely, Cape Bojador), it runs for
thirty leguas east to the promontory of El Engaño. Thence the coast
runs south for eighty leguas, and then with another changed direction
for forty leguas to what they call Embocadero ["the channel"], that is,
the strait opposite the island Tandaya, which is distant eighty more
leguas from the bay. Consequently the island has the shape of a square;
it has many harbors, but few capacious ports. Manila is in slightly
more than fourteen degrees of northern latitude, and in longitude
(reckoning from the Canarias) one hundred and sixty. The most northern
part of Luzon lies in nineteen degrees [of latitude]. With the sea
between them, the great kingdom of China lies on that side of it,
seventy leguas away; while the islands of Japon lie to the northeast,
at a distance of two hundred and fifty leguas. On the east is the open
ocean, and on the south the greatest of the archipelagos of the ocean,
which is divided into live archipelagos. These are broken up into so
many islands, kingdoms, and provinces, that one would believe that
nature did not desire men to ascertain their number. Both Javas,
our Malucas, Borneo, and Nueva Guinea are known; on the west,
and at a distance of three hundred leguas, Malaca, Sian, Patan,
Camboxa, Cochinchina, and other different provinces on the mainland
of Asia. The Chinese abandoned living in our Filipinas, but not its
trade; nor did the cultivation or the fertility of the islands for
that Reason cease. Wheat and other necessary grains are produced
there in abundance: deer, Cattle, buffaloes, goats, and wild boars;
and fruits and spices. If there be anything lacking, the Chinese from
Chincheo bring it, such as chinaware and silks. The wine always used
and drunk there is made from palms, by cutting off the clusters of
fruit that they produce, when green--that fruit is called cocos--from
which, after cutting the leaf stalks, they gather the liquor that
flows forth, and boil it in jars, until it becomes so strong that
it causes intoxication and has the same effects as the strongest
Spanish wine. Of native fruits, there are oranges, lemons, and
very sweet citrons; while they have fig and pear-trees introduced
from España. They rear sparrow-hawks, herons [_martinetes_], and
royal eagles in great abundance. They have a great many different
kinds of parrots, and other birds, large and small. In the rivers
and lakes are many horrible caymans or crocodiles; these kill the
Indians very easily--and especially the children, who go carelessly
to their haunts--as well as the cattle when they go to drink. Not
a few times has it happened that they have seized the cattle by the
muzzles and pulled them beneath the water, and drowned them without
power to resist, however large the animal may be. Then the carcass
is dragged ashore and devoured ... Indians are found so courageous
that, notwithstanding the fierceness of those animals, they kill them
with their hands. They cover the left hand and arm with a glove made
from buffalo hide, and hold therein a stake or peg, somewhat longer
than a tercia, [280] and about as thick as the wrist, and sharpened
at both ends. Then they enter the river until the water reaches the
waist. The crocodile rushes upon the Indian with open mouth to devour
him. The latter presents to it his protected arm and the hand with the
stake, so that the beast may seize it, and runs it into the animal's
mouth in such a position that it cannot shut its mouth or make use
of its strong teeth to attack its slayer. Feeling the pain of the
sharp stake the crocodile becomes so docile that it neither resists
nor attacks, nor dares move, for the slightest movement causes it
pain. Thereupon the barbarian, pulling strongly on the stake, wounds
the beast repeatedly with a dagger (carried in the right hand) in the
throat, until it bleeds to death. Then it is drawn ashore with lines
and ropes, with the aid of other Indians who unite to drag it in; and
many are needed, because of the huge bodies of those crocodiles. They
resemble lizards, but are furnished with scales so strong that scarce
can an arquebus-shot dent them. The only vulnerable spots are the
throat and under parts of the legs [_i.e._, where they join the
body], where nature has given them a certain sweet odor, which the
Indians use. Besides cattle, all the animals of Africa and more are
found in those islands--tigers, lions, bears, foxes, monkeys, apes,
squirrels--and in some of them are many civet-cats. These last are wont
to be hunted extensively, in order to take them to different nations
with the other merchandise of China--linens, silks, earthenware, iron,
copper, steel, quicksilver, and innumerable other things, which are
transported annually from those provinces. Religion and government
are the same as those of España; but in those islands that are still
unsubdued, foolish idolatry prevails. They attribute immortality
to their souls, but they believe that souls wander from one body to
another, according to that ridiculous [doctrine of] transmigration
invented or declared by Pythagoras. Trading is much in vogue, and is
advanced by the Chinese commerce. The Filipinos are more courageous
than their other neighbors. The Spaniards and creoles do not belie
their high origin.
By order of King Filipo an army was formed from all this people, in
order to attempt to take the forts of Maluco. Don Gonçalo Ronquillo
de Peñalosa was governor. Although he had received beforehand certain
information by way of trade and the spies that had gone there, he
was not satisfied with them, and sent another soldier to Maluco. The
latter changed his clothes, and then with that and his aspect,
which was not unlike that of the natives, and their language, which
he spoke fluently, went to Tydore. He found our men very desirous of
the enterprise, and the king of that island ready to push it with his
forces. He went to Ternate with the merchants, and saw the fortresses
and the reefs about the ports; and sounded their friendship with
the English. He found that the latter landed and traded securely--or
rather, as if by right. Nor was the multitude of secret Christians
unknown to him, who would take up arms in due season; nor any of the
other things, that, as an experienced spy, it was necessary for him to
report. Thereupon Ronquillo prepared about three hundred Spaniards and
more than one thousand five hundred Filipinos, with ammunition, food,
and sailors. With three large vessels and a considerable number of
smaller ones, he set sail toward Maluco at the proper season. Pedro
Sarmiento was general, an energetic and experienced man, who still
lives in Manila. He set out courageously and energetically, in order
to destroy any of the enemies then sailing those seas. Several days
previous his Majesty had appointed Pablo de Lima to the charge of
Ternate, if it were gained; and had allowed his brother, Francisco
de Lima, the concession of two voyages to Maluco, in consideration of
their services and those of Henrique, their father. Pablo had married
a Christian woman, and a devout one, although she was a relative
of the king of Tydore, who is not a Christian. For this reason, and
because he possessed in Ternate the ancient inheritance to the towns of
Guita, Mofaquia, Mofaguita, Pauate, Pelueri, Sansuma, Tahane, Mayloa,
and Soma; and in the island of Maquien, Sabele, Talapao, Talatoa,
Mofabouaua, Tabalola, Tagono, Bobaba, and Molapa--of the majority of
which the Ternatan king had dispossessed him, as well as Bitua and
other towns in Tydore, on the pretext of his having abandoned them--he
went to Manila, where he discussed with the governor the method of
facilitating the conquest, on the very eve of its execution. His
counsel was favored, and he gave it as it was his own cause. For,
in addition to the inheritance that the king of Ternate had usurped
from him, he expected to get the island of Moutil, which had belonged
to his ancestors. The expedition was also authorized by the presence
of Don Juan Ronquillo, the governor's nephew, who held equal authority
by land and sea with Sarmiento. If there were anything wanting, it was
thought that it would be supplied easily by the valor of the soldiers,
together with the shortness of the voyage and the carelessness of the
enemy. But the divided command proved an obstacle to that hope. Their
voyage was not stormy, but neither was it so favorable that they
were enabled to anchor exactly at Ternate, as was necessary in order
to deprive the enemy from using their own vigilance. They went to
Moutil to anchor, and within sight of the inhabitants of the land,
fought with some hostile _janquas_. [281] These were captured, and
the Christians found within them were set at liberty. As Pablo de Lima
knew the harbors, and as the people of the island did not possess the
forces necessary to defend themselves against a fleet, and as it was
easily attacked on the sides, it surrendered. The natives came with
branches of palms, citron-trees, and gariofylos [_i.e., caryophyllus_],
or clove-trees, as tokens of peace, and to beg pardon. They obtained
both, and for master, Pablo de Lima. However the vesting him with that
domain proved cf little utility; for a few days after, all the people
slipped away, either considering themselves more secure in Ternate, or
to meet the enemy--who must necessarily carry the war to that island,
as happened. Sarmiento repaired his vessels on that island [_i.e._,
Moutil], and without the loss of a single soldier, and flushed by
his first victory, went to Talangame, passing through the hostile
caracoas, which had been fitted up hastily and without order. The
fort and the king, in possession of our artillery--especially the
rampart, which was enlarged and afterward called Cachil Tulo, after
the king's uncle, who built it--were in readiness long before, and
were threatening some great disaster. Our men landed on that side,
but their landing was opposed by the Ternatans. However night put an
end to battle, and each side retiring to safety, our men finished
landing and mounting their artillery, in the position and manner
counseled by Pablo de Lima, who ever since then has been general of
artillery in the fort of Tydore. The king of that island wished to
join our troops, as was shown by certain actions, and by his promises
to Alférez Dueñas; but he doubted the fortune of the Castilians, as
if he had not had many experiences of it. Now the occasion persuaded
him and fidelity bound him, but he still hesitated. The doubt of that
king is believed to have hurt the outcome of the affair. Sarmiento,
after having mounted the artillery and securely fortified himself,
and after having taken some captives (from whom he learned the food
supply and arms of the besieged), commenced to hem in the enemy, and
to bombard them furiously. However he did not scare them, for they
answered boldly. It became necessary to seize the high places, from
which, as from commanding eminences--which were leveled later--our
men harassed the enemy. Had they persevered in this, it would have
sufficed to end the war. But to such an extent did sickness reign
in our camp, that no better medicine was found than that of absence,
and deferring this undertaking to another time. The assistance from
Tydore was of no consequence. They proved lukewarm friends, and all
the rest was spiritless. Heaven knows the other reasons. There must
have been some stronger ones; for, in reality, the camp was raised,
and after embarking returned to Manila, without having had any greater
effect than to increase the confidence of the enemy.
Then only the English nation disturbed Spanish dominion in that
orient. Consequently King Filipo desired not only to forbid it with
arms near at hand, but also to furnish an example, by their punishment,
to all the northern nations, so that they should not undertake the
invasions that we see. A beginning was made in this work in the year
one thousand five hundred and eighty-eight, as is related in the
following discourse.
[The beheading of Mary Stuart, the English confederation with Holland,
and the building, disaster, and defeat of the "invincible armada"
follow. The narrative continues:]
The Hollanders or Zealanders, confederated with Queen Isabel [_i.e._,
Elizabeth of England], being witnesses of that event [_i.e._, the
defeat of the armada], were encouraged to aspire to greater efforts,
in disobedience to their religion and to their sovereign, to usurp
the eastern riches--mines, spices, drugs, and silks--as is seen by
their reckless voyages, in which they have been emulous of the recent
examples set by the English, and by the more ancient ones left us
by Colon, Alburquerque, Magallanes, Gama, and Cortes, as we shall
see later....
After Santiago de Vera became governor of the Filipinas, he was
especially ordered to equip a fleet to attack Ternate, where the
English, from that time forward, were trading with all security. All
nations had established factories there, except the Javanese and the
Lascars. More than two thousand five hundred Moros from Meca were
preaching their abominable doctrine. They did not fear Portugal; all
their fear was caused by the Castilians, whom but lately they found
pledged to vengeance. The king of Ternate knew that Sarmiento and
Ronquillo would have taken it, had not disease prevented them. When the
new preparation was learned in Tydore, the rumor was taken to Ternate
by spies. That king immediately summoned his vassals, especially the
islanders of Maquien and Homero, who, inasmuch as those islands are
so densely populated, responded with forty caracoas. The number would
have been greater, but the king would not permit that more should be
equipped than he requested, as he could not conceal his dread lest
they rebel, as the lands were full of Christians, and the tributes
that he had imposed on them were so excessive. Santiago de Vera made
Captain Juan Morones general, who was not lacking in prudence, just as
valor was not lacking to the soldiers, or ammunition and artillery to
the fleet. Pablo de Lima assisted in both forces. But whether caused
by natural ambition, or want of harmony in some other way, they were
so disunited that one would have prophesied jealousies before they
left Manila. They set sail in good weather, and escaped the greatest
hardships of the sea. But when they considered themselves safe,
all the elements were loosed upon the fleet. Light and reckoning
failed them. The boats were shattered and the most important one
sunk, with the loss of all its crew. That was the galleon called
"Santa Helena," which was carrying the pieces to bombard the fortress,
and considerable of the other ammunition and apparatus. However they
persisted, and the king of Bacham assisted them with the men that he
had raised under the pretext of sweeping the sea of certain enemies;
and, as a baptized Christian, he bewailed the apostasy that he had
made, because of persecution, from the glorious confession of our
faith, and promised the restitution of his soul.
[The futile operations of the Spaniards at Ternate follow. Refusing
advice, the commander tries to take the main fort instead of attacking
in different places with small detachments. Finally the siege is
raised, when the enemy is almost starved out. Communication with
traders from Europe is again free to Ternate, "especially with their
new friends, the English." But internal disputes and ambitions in
Ternate lead to the following letter to Santiago de Vera from Cachil
Tulo, uncle of the illegitimate king of Ternate:]
My brother, Cachil Babu, former king of Ternate, wrote to Portugal to
the king, requesting justice on a man who killed his father and mine,
in return for which he promised to deliver to his Majesty the fort
of Ternate, of which he had been dispossessed. And as his Majesty
succeeded to the kingdoms of Portugal, he answered my brother's letter
by Cachil Naique, his ambassador. But when it arrived, my brother was
already dead, for which reason we did not then deliver the fortress, as
a bastard son had succeeded him, whom the Ternatans, with the help of
the king of Tydore, elevated as king, although he had no right to the
throne. He refused to fulfil his father's promise and pledge. Neither
would he take my counsel or that of my brother, Cachil Mandraxa,
rightful heir of the kingdom, namely, that he deliver the fortress,
as his father had promised the Portuguese--not because he could not
defend himself from them or from his Majesty, but expressly because
he had been thus ordered by his father and my brother. It must not
be understood that it was taken from us by force of arms, but that
we of ourselves had this will to deliver the fortress to serve his
Majesty. Upon seeing us with this intention he determined to kill
my brother, his uncle, the rightful heir of the kingdom, by having
him stabbed by the hand of a slave, under his word and security and
mine. Therefore, considering such action of my nephew senseless,
and that he refuses to fulfil what his father and I and my brothers
promised to his Majesty, I have determined, now and henceforth, to
become the true vassal and servant of his Majesty. By this present
I bind myself, and I swear by my religion, as I did so swear, and I
shall not annul my pledge, through the father-vicar Antonio Ferreyra,
to give all my help and aid for the taking of the fort, with all my
kindred and friends, until his Majesty's captain takes possession of
it or he who shall hereafter come with the Portuguese and Castilians,
who shall be in his company. [This I shall do] provided that the
captain or captains in his Majesty's name shall fulfil toward me the
signed promise of Duarte Pereyra, the chief captain, inasmuch as I
gave him another such message. That is to proclaim me king of Ternate,
as soon as he shall take possession of the fort for his Majesty; for
it belongs to me both through my father, and by the service that I am
rendering, and that I hope to render later, to his Majesty. Therefore,
I beseech your Lordship for favor, and request you in his Majesty's
name to aid me by sending the greatest possible number of soldiers;
and that quickly, so that this my intention and will to serve his
Majesty in this may be achieved, and, as I hope, without loss of
life--although, as your Lordship will have learned, this fortress
is well garrisoned. The order and arrangement that these soldiers
would better observe will be written to your Lordship by the chief
captain. Given in Tydore, where I have come for this purpose, as the
father-vicar Antonio Ferreyra and the auditor Antonio de Matos will
testify, whom, as such persons, I begged to sign for me. May 23.
[The letter of the Portuguese commander verifies the above letter,
and asks for four hundred Spanish soldiers, under pretext of sending
them "to drive the Javanese from those seas, whose friendship
the Ternatans value more than ours." They at least will keep the
English from Ternatan ports. Fifteen fragatas and one galleon will
be enough, and they are to be accompanied by Filipino pioneers. He
tries to persuade the governor to undertake the expedition. Vera
is anxious to do so, but is unable to attempt it at once. Meanwhile
Cachil Tulo dies, and the vigilance required in watching the Chinese
and Japanese in the Philippines renders it impossible to send the
expedition to Ternate. "Each one of these expeditions made inroads on
the treasury and forces of the province, to so great an extent that
it was necessary to allow a breathing-space to each of them." It is
thought that a joint expedition from Malaca and Manila will accomplish
more, and this is made some years later, under Andres Furtado de
Mendoza, of whose character and some of whose deeds there follows an
account. The island of Ceylon, its products and fauna are partially
described, and some of its connection with the Portugese. Returning
to Philippine matters, the narrative continues:]
At this time Santiago de Vera was already dismissed from his
governorship of the Filipinas. After he had communicated with Andres
Furtado, and received an answer from him, in which the latter coincided
with his desire, fortune disturbed these beginnings, and Furtado became
embroiled with those who did not love him, and Santiago de Vera was
withdrawn from his office. Gomez Perez de las Mariñas, knight of the
habit of Santiago, succeeded him. He was a man of great reputation,
a native of Betanços in the kingdom of Galicia. He reached Filipinas
in the year one thousand five hundred and ninety. He brought his
son Don Luis with him, a knight of the habit of Alcántara. The new
governor found Manila open to attack, without the form of a city,
and without any money with which to improve it. More than two hundred
thousand pesos were needed for it. However, by his plans and schemes,
he completed the work without public or private loss. He established
a monopoly of playing cards, imposed fines for excessive play,
punished illicit combinations and frauds among the provision-dealers
and the shops of that class: from all of which resulted the walls of
Manila, which measured twelve thousand eight hundred and forty-nine
geometric feet [_i.e._, Spanish feet], each foot being one tercia. To
this he added his own careful oversight, and the assistance of the
inhabitants, who aided willingly because of the request and example of
their chief. The city had but one fort, and that badly constructed. He
built another at the entrance to the river, to which he gave the name
of Santiago, and enclosed the old one. He finished the cathedral,
and, from the foundation, the church of Santa Potenciana, patroness
of the island, as a shelter for women. Then he started the casting of
cannon, and brought good artisans, who furnished the city with large
and small artillery. He built galleys for the trade and commerce or
merchandise--the subsistence of those lands. And in fulfilment of his
promises in España, he cast his eyes on Ternate and all of Maluco, on
the late disgrace and the unfortunate results of his predecessors who
had attempted the conquest of that choice kingdom, and the punishments
of its tyrants. He communicated these thoughts orally and by letters
with zealous persons, more particularly with Marta, [282] a priest of
the Society of Jesus, a serious and energetic man, whose experience
and instruction had been of great use in those regions. This man gave
him information, counsels, and helpers for the preparation and for
the work. One of the latter was Brother Gaspar Gomez, a Spaniard,
a lay religious of the same society. Among the many conferences that
were held upon this matter, I find an exhortation from Father Antonio
Marta, in a letter written from Tydore. As it is the original, and
good for the better understanding, I will place it here, translated
from the Portuguese....
[The letter above mentioned holds out to Dasmariñas the three
inducements of service to the king, service to God, and personal
ambition, in the proposed Molucca expedition. The war will be an
arduous one, for "it will be fought not with the Ternatans alone, but
with all the Moros of this archipelago," and the natives are brave and
determined. "The people of Tydore already say that they do not want
Spaniards in these regions," and Gomez Perez will find it prudent to
dissemble with them, "so that they will not join the Ternatans." Father
Marta sends a map of the archipelago, promises immense booty, and
assures the governor of the prayers of the religious. This letter,
and conferences with one Geronymo de Azevedo and Brother Gaspar
Gomez, decided the governor to undertake the expedition. He sent
Gaspar Gomez with instructions to visit and inspect various parts of
the archipelago; and the latter visited Ternate, Tydore, Mindanao,
both Javas, and other regions as far as Malaca. The rest of book
five is taken up with a relation of Pedro de Acuña's services and
his appointment to Cartagena in Nueva España.]
Conquest of the Malucas Islands
Book Sixth
Meanwhile Gomez Perez, attentive to his preparation, concealed his
purpose, while not sparing the expenses pertaining to ships, food,
and men. Among other supplies, he built four fine galleys. To man
them--as is there reported--he employed a means that was considered
severe. He ordered that the number of Indians sufficient to equip the
galleys [283] be purchased from those who were the slaves of other
Indian chiefs, and that the Spanish encomenderos should pay for these
men from their own money. The price assigned for each Indian was two
taes of gold--each tae being slightly more than one onza--the value
formerly general among them for slaves. He promised that the sum
spent by the encomenderos for that purpose would be repaid afterward
from the royal exchequer. However, this did not seem any lessening
of the severity, for he improperly called those Indians slaves; but
[among themselves] their masters treat them and love them as children,
feed them at their tables, and marry them to their daughters. Besides,
slaves were then valued higher. To the anger of those who were about
to be sold, was joined that of the encomenderos, who were obliged to
contribute from their property for expenses--which, in their opinion,
were not very necessary--and to offend their tributaries by forcibly
seizing them; while they themselves would never collect the price
they were paying in advance, which was [to them] the most certain
thing. The governor gave out that those galleys were to assure the
country and defend it from the danger that threatened; for he knew
absolutely that the emperor of Japon was going to attack it with
a huge war-fleet. Without galleys it could not be defended, and
consequently he was forced to man them with those slaves, since other
rowers were lacking. These slaves were not to be chained in the galley,
or treated as convicts; but would receive so great kindness that they
themselves would prefer that treatment to that of their owners, whom
they already had as fathers and fathers-in-law. These arguments,
and the pressing need for defense, silenced all objections. But
they did not silence report, for already it was known that he had
come from España, pledged to the king, his ministers, relatives, and
backers, to the Ternate undertaking; and, although he concealed it,
unknown authors divulged it. Yet some tried to persuade him not to
entrust the defense of Filipinas to the Chinese or Sangleys, for no
bond, natural or civil, had ever bound or attracted them to any love
for the islands. They bade him remember the recent example of what
those people did on an occasion on which they were employed by his
predecessor, and to be on his guard against them. He [_i.e._, Vera],
sending a reënforcement of men, ammunition, and food to the fort and
settlement of Cagayàn--which is on the shore of that island of Luzon,
eighty leguas from the city of Manila--inasmuch as he then had no ship
in which to send them, and being constrained by his present necessity,
thought that he could supply the deficiency by using for that purpose
a ship of the Chinese, then anchored at that port and about to return
to China. He ordered the reënforcement to be embarked on that boat
and the Chinese to convey it; and to leave it, on passing, at its
destination, since that was directly on their way. He promised the
Chinese to recompense and reward them for that service. They offered
to do it with great display of willingness, howbeit that their cunning
was seen in the sequel, and what opportunity teaches to him that awaits
it. The Chinese set sail, and on the second day, while our Spaniards
were asleep, and quite sure of being among friends and faithful ones,
the Chinese attacked them in the night, so suddenly that they could
not defend themselves. They were all beheaded and thrown into the
sea. The Chinese pillaged all their cargo, and after dividing the
booty, sailed for their own country. They only kept with them one
wretched Spanish woman who accompanied our men. They left her alive,
but after having insulted and maltreated her, left her on the first
Chinese shore that they reached. She went then to the magistrates
there, and informed them of the treachery committed by those people,
and of the violence that they had inflicted on her. But although
the judges were courteous to her, no satisfaction was given her for
her injuries, and she was unable to obtain justice. On the contrary
they ordered her to be taken into the interior by certain agents,
and delivered to other supreme judges. On that journey, which was
very long and many leguas, she endured greater hardships--until
some governors, taking compassion on her and her tears, took her to
the city of Macao, where the Portuguese reside, and they set her at
liberty. Through that means, the whole deed was learned, and was in
the mouth of all in Manila; and upon the occasion of this expedition,
they exaggerated it still more.
Finally, all of the slaves demanded by Governor Gomez Perez had to be
supplied, but with injuries and acts of oppression; and with the same
injuries and oppression they were all put on the galleys. There they
remained some time before sailing, and some of them died, because they
were unused to that life. All those slaves proved insufficient to man
all the galleys, and the flagship was without rowers. On that account,
and in order to complete the work, more severe methods were used than
at first. The governor ordered that two hundred and fifty Chinese be
drafted from those who go to Filipinas to trade, in order to man or
equip the flagship. Each of them was to be paid two pesos monthly from
the royal treasury. The governor assured them that they would not be
chained, but free, and could have their weapons and serve as soldiers,
and would only have to row the galley during calms, if any should
occur, and in order to double certain headlands. This decision being
communicated to the Chinese, they ail refused it as an intolerable
burden. But when our governor insisted upon this, in order to carry
out his design, the Chinese governor assembled his people in order
to discuss the matter, and to plan how they might choose two hundred
and fifty from among them all; and he threatened that he would take
every tenth man by their houses. That threat disturbed them so much,
that the next day, all their windows were closed, and the merchants
closed their shops; and the community was deprived of the provisions
which were supplied to it by them. Our governor, upon seeing this,
saying that they had mutinied, had about fifty of them seized,
the first whom he could find, and put them in the galleys at the
oar. Thereupon the rest, being cowed, assembled, and made up from
among their number all the two hundred and fifty. And inasmuch as no
one of them wished to be of that number, they distributed among those
who accepted that service twenty thousand pesos, which were given
as a present to those Chinese who would go on the galley, each one
being given eighty pesos, besides the king's pay. With this good aid,
Chinese were not wanting to consent to act as rowers, although the
twenty thousand pesos were spent among them--or, more correctly, among
the officers. From those two hundred and fifty Chinese, five companies
were formed, and five Chinese Christians appointed as captains. They
made their musters and reviews, with pikes and catans--which are
but slightly different from cutlasses--and appeared to be happy
and contented. Amid these occupations Brother Gaspar Gomez came
unexpectedly to Manila, loaded with information which he referred to
the governor in a number of private conferences. He said that the king
of Ternate was not badly prepared, although his forces were somewhat
weakened by his not being in very great harmony with the majority of
the chiefs of his kingdom. Many were threatening to rebel because of
his tyrannies and excessive levies of tribute. Now Javanese, Lascars,
and Moros from Meca no longer resorted to Ternate, as they did in
the time when Captain Morones went there during the term of Santiago
de Vera. Gaspar Gomez gave very detailed information about the two
forts of Talangame. He found that the king of Ternate usually had
about three thousand soldiers, one thousand of them arquebusiers;
while a considerable number came from the other kingdoms of his
crown. They fought with missile weapons, campilans, and shields, and
other armor of coats-of-mail and helmets, which Portuguese had traded
for spice. They had considerable ammunition, all made by themselves
from materials taken there by the Javanese as payment for cloves. Their
chief place was the city of Ternate, where the king and all his court
resided. Consequently it was the best guarded, and from that place
the others obtained strength, courage, and all reënforcement. Gaspar
Gomez advised that our army attack before dawn, for all assaults
made at dawn on that people had always succeeded well. If our fleet
could arrive unseen, it would without doubt conquer. But that king
had placed spies and sentinels on almost all of his islands, and
even in Canela, Sarrangán, and Mindanao. From the fort of Amboyno and
from the kings of Syan [_i.e._, Siaó] and Tidore, a goodly number of
bronze culverins and much other artillery could be brought in their
caracoas. The Amboynos would send these at command, and they would
be sent from Syan and Tydore as soon as requested; for, besides doing
homage to the crown of España, those kings are hostile to Ternate. The
supplies necessary to finish the war, even in case the king of Tydore
should fail them (of whom it might be suspected that he did not wish
to see his enemy totally destroyed), were the artillery and craft that
were being prepared; and more than one thousand two hundred soldiers,
well-armed and equipped with coats-of-mail and helmets, until they
should go to the island of Banda in order to garrison that island as it
needed. There should be a number of light vessels to catch the enemy
when fleeing. Thus would the war be finished entirely and quickly,
and without bloodshed. The infidel Ternatans themselves even said
and published the same. They confessed that, if a large contingent of
soldiers should reach their land, they would universally render homage
without fighting. Consequently he inferred that secret Christians
were living in the Malucas. The entire conquest of that island of
Banda was very useful and advantageous, and of slight risk; and its
maintenance was of great importance to the inhabitants of Amboyno,
which belongs to us. Gaspar Gomez also affirmed that the Portuguese
were facilitating the enterprise considerably, and recounted the
interest and profit that would accrue to his Majesty. Father Antonio
Marta was also of that opinion, in whom Governor Gomez Perez placed
so great faith. Brother Gaspar Gomez to these so full reports and
information added such details that he quite set on fire the mind of
the governor.
At this time the king of Camboxa, named Landara, sent the governor an
embassy through two Spanish captains, accompanied by many Cambodians,
with the requisite authority for prosecuting his cause. That barbarous
king took care that his ambassadors should not be natives of his
kingdoms, because of the lack of confidence with which his vassals
inspired him as to their faithfulness. He chose the ambassadors from
different classes, so that a good result might come from the difference
of their characters and dispositions. One was a Portuguese, Diego
Veloso by name, and the other a Castilian, Blas Ruyz de Fernan
Gonçalez. [284] They presented Gomez Perez with a fine gift,
consisting of a considerable quantity of ivory, benzoin, chinaware,
pieces of silks and cottons, and an elephant of a noble disposition,
as was learned later by experience. They proposed their embassy, which
was, in short, to beg help against the king of Syan [_i.e._, Siam],
who was about to attack the Cambodian king with a vast army. The latter
in recognition of that aid offered to become a vassal of the king of
España, and a Christian. That king was certain that so valorous and
courageous a knight as Gomez Perez would, under no circumstance, refuse
a deed in which God would receive so obvious a service, and that would
be so advantageous to the crown of España. The governor accepted the
present, and responded to it by another of certain European products,
and thanked the king for his confidence in applying to him. However,
it was impossible for him to set about that help just then, or divert
any portion of those forces that were prepared to punish the king of
Ternate and recover that kingdom and the rest of Maluco, which had
rebelled with so great an insult and outrage to the Spanish nation. His
Highness should trust in God our Lord, and persevere in his attempt to
serve him in the holy and true religion. When the Ternate enterprise
was over, he would take his force to the relief of Camboxa. With
these hopes, which were fulfilled by Don Luys de las Mariñas, his son,
those ambassadors left. In order to give them truthful satisfaction
and a just cause for the delay, it was necessary to publish the true
purpose of that fleet, which until then had been kept secret.
Then the governor determined upon his departure, and tried to take
with him as many men as possible. They were enlisted, willingly or
by force--those who were requested and those who were compelled,
alike. The encomenderos and soldiers caused a prodigal expense in
ships, supplies and parades--which, because of the great opportunity
furnished for all that in Filipinas, exceeded the governor's power and
wishes. The governor sent Don Luys, his son, with all the regulars to
the island of Cebu, where all the fleet was to be assembled. There he
remained six months, awaiting new orders. Gomez Perez was detained
in Manila, planning matters of importance. Two days before leaving,
while a guest and dining at the house of Pedro de Roxas, his assistant,
where he was wont to amuse himself in heavy gaming and merriment,
he became so gay--beyond his custom, and contrary to the harshness
of his character--that many interpreted it as his last farewell,
and an omen of what happened. He recounted in conversation, amid
much laughter, that father Fray Vicente, of the Franciscan order,
had told him that that enterprise could not succeed; for the army
was composed of conscripted men, and especially because the married
men were going. The governor left Manila October seventeen, with six
royal galleys, one galleon, one fusta, one fragatin, and a number of
fragatas, caracoas, and vireys--different varieties of craft of the
natives of the country. All the vessels, those belonging to his Majesty
and those of his vassals who offered their persons for his service,
totaled one hundred. There were one thousand well-armed Spaniards
and more than four hundred arquebusiers from the vicinity of Manila;
and another thousand of those called Visaias, people who use lances,
shields, and bows and arrows. Besides these, there were more than four
hundred others, Chinese, of those living throughout that island; and
of those who come to trade, another goodly number, with pay--the great
majority of whom were conscripts rather than volunteers. There was in
the galleys a quantity of food for the fleet. The governor appointed
his son, Don Luys Perez, as lieutenant of the fleet, and ordered him,
as above stated, to assemble it at the island of Cebú. He himself
embarked in the flagship, a vessel of twenty-eight benches, manned
by two hundred and fifty Chinese; and eighty Spaniards also embarked
in it. They reached Cabite, whence they sailed on the nineteenth,
together with several vessels carrying private persons, who followed
the governor at their own expense. They coasted the island of Manila,
until they reached Balajàn; then they separated, for the vessels did
not lose sight of shore, while the governor sailed in the open sea. On
the twenty-fifth, he came alone to pass the night at the promontory of
Azufre [285] ["Sulphur Point"] on the island of Manila, opposite that
of Caça, where the current runs strong and the sea is choppy. As it
was during the blowing of the brisa, the galley could not advance. It
anchored under shelter of the point, but, through the strength of
the current, dragged slightly. In order to return to its shelter,
the Chinese were kept incessantly at the oar. In fact, they rowed
with little energy--either because they were men new to that labor,
and forced to the oar by violence; or because they were fatigued, and
harassed by those who commanded them. Other contrary winds assailed
them, which further impeded the voyage. In order to double certain
promontories of the land, it was necessary to ply the oars, and to
urge on the rowers with the severity and punishment generally used
in galleys. They thought that harsh, and contrary to the governor's
assurance, when he promised them that they would be treated with
affection. But neither the whip nor threats, nor overcoming the
currents by dint of the sweat of their limbs, seemed to them so
intolerable and injurious as to hear from the governor's mouth harsh
and severe words, ordering them to row manfully; for did they not,
he would put them in chains, and cut off their hair. Such an insult
among the Chinese is worthy of death, for they place all their honor in
their hair. They keep it carefully tended and gaily decked, and esteem
it as highly as ladies in Europa; and, in dressing it, display their
taste and their social standing. They determined to mutiny, in order
not to suffer such an insult and disgrace. Having appointed for that
purpose the following night (namely, the twenty-fifth of October),
when the Spaniards had lain down tired out upon the benches, and in
other places in the hull, the Chinese did the same. However, they
so cunningly divided themselves that each Chinese lay down beside
a Spaniard, and pretended to sleep. Just before the hour of dawn,
which they considered the most suitable time and the safest of all,
upon seeing the Spaniards in their soundest slumber, the Chinese,
at the sound of a shrill whistle (which was the signal agreed upon
among them), all arose at the same moment; and each one with the
greatest haste put on a white tunic or shirt, so that, in the midst
of the uproar and the darkness, they might recognize one another,
and distinguish those to be killed. However, for the greater security
of the deed, they also lit a considerable number of wax tapers, which
they had concealed in the folds of the white tunics. Then they seized
their catans, which are sharper and more curved than our cutlasses,
and each Chinese commenced, without disturbing the silence, to strike
his neighboring Spaniard; and then, with the increase of their fury,
to behead all those who were sleeping. More than sixty had embarked
on the flagship, among them the servants of the governor, and others,
old soldiers, who in order to oblige and accommodate him were enduring
discomfort. They had been gambling all the night; and being tired,
and because of the excessive heat, were sleeping naked, some in the
midship gangway, others on the benches, while the more favored ones,
to whom were given better quarters, slept aft. The governor went into
his cabin to sleep. The Chinese proceeded to slaughter those who,
suspecting nothing, were sleeping; it was done so quickly that when
some of those asleep in the stern awakened, the other Spaniards were
already dead. The guard did not perceive it, and such carelessness
could admit of no excuse, for they had been sufficiently warned, and
examples had preceded. Some waked, but finding themselves wounded and
confused, jumped overboard, where most of them were drowned. Some--a
very few--jumped overboard before being wounded, but they were also
drowned, although they were near shore, for they could not reach land
because of the strength of the current. Twelve escaped, and many dead
bodies were found on the beach. The Chinese, now grown bolder, seized
the pikes that they had hidden under the benches, and with outcries
completed their treachery. The governor, who was sleeping below the
hatchway, with a lantern or candle, awaked. In order to awaken him,
the Chinese themselves began purposely to make a greater noise; while
they cried out to him and begged him to come out and settle a quarrel
among the "Castillas," as they call the Spaniards. He, either for that
reason, or thinking that the galley was dragging as on other occasions,
arose in his shirt, opened the hatchway, looked out, and pushed his
body half way through it. At that same time, the Chinese fell upon him
with their cutlasses, and fatally wounded him. They cleft his head,
transfixed him with their pikes, and ran him through with more than
barbaric ferocity. Perceiving that his death was near at hand, he
retired, and took the prayer-book of his order, which he always kept
with him, and an image of our Lady. Between those two refuges, which
were later found bathed in his blood, he yielded up his life. However
he did not die immediately, for they found him later in his bed,
tightly holding the image, where he bled to death. About him were
the bodies of Daniel Gomez de Leon, his valet, Pantaleon de Brito,
Suero Diaz, Juan de Chaves, Pedro Maseda, Juan de San Juan, Carrion
Ponce, and Francisco Castillo--all servants of his--besides the bodies
of four very valiant slaves, who merited the same end. The outcome
was not learned until dawn, for not one of the Chinese dared enter
the governor's room that night, fearing lest a portion of the eighty
Spaniards of the galley had taken refuge there, so cowardly did their
guilt make them. The only survivors in the galley were Fray Francisco
Montilla, a discalced religious of St. Francis, and Juan de Cuellar,
the governor's secretary, who were sleeping below decks--where the
Chinese, since they are so cowardly, did not dare descend for three
days, until after the fury of the first attack had ceased. Then they
put them ashore on the Ylocos coast, on the same island of Luzon,
so that the natives would let them take water, and because the friar
and the secretary had made a certain compact with them, to surrender,
if no harm was done them. The Chinese, assured that no other longtime
Christians were alive, commenced to cry out and rejoice loudly at
having committed that deed, saying now they had no one to fear.
The Spaniards, who were in other boats, near the land, although they
saw the lights, and indistinctly heard the noise from the flagship,
supposed that it was some unexpected work connected with the galley,
or something of that sort. When they learned what was happening,
after a long interval, from those who escaped by swimming, they could
not remedy it and consequently remained quiet. They were but few,
and of inadequate force, and their enterprise was ruined. They waited
until the morning, and when it dawned they saw that the galley had
already set its bastard, [286] and was sailing toward China with the
wind astern, and they could not follow it. It made its voyage, as the
wind served it, along all the coast of the island, until they cleared
Luzon, the Sangleys continuing to celebrate their victory. [287]....
[The secretary and friar, after suffering great tortures of mind from
the Chinese, who threatened often to kill them, are saved at last,
through the superstition of the Chinese, and left ashore on the
Ilocos coast. The Chinese show their cowardice in a conflict with
the natives on that coast, whither they return later "to sacrifice
to the demon" one of their Christian Filipino prisoners. Being unable
to reach China, they land at Cochinchina, "where the king of Tunquin
seizes their cargo, and two large pieces of artillery embarked for
the expedition to Maluco, the royal standard, and all the jewels,
ornaments, and money. He let the galley drift ashore." The news
causes great lamentation in Manila. "Some of those who hated the
governor rejoiced, but their wrath immediately vanished and they wept
generally." Subsequent events follow:]
... The news having been learned in Manila, and no papers of the
governor being found, appointing his successor (although it was known
that he had a royal decree for this), and believing it had been lost
in the galley along with much of his own property, and that of the
king and private persons: the city appointed Licentiate Rojas as
governor, and he filled the post for forty days. But the secretary,
Juan de Cuellar, together with Fray Francisco de Montilla, returning
in a wretched plight to Manila, reported that Gomez Perez, before
leaving, had left the appointment drawn in favor of his son, Don Luis;
and that they would find it in a box in the convent of St. Augustine
with other papers, in care of Fray Diego Muñoz. Rojas had already
sent an order to Cebu for all the men of the expedition to return,
which was obeyed. Thereupon Don Luis, having come, by virtue of the
authority delegated by his father, although with certain protests,
succeeded to that government, until the arrival of Don Francisco Tello.
Such was the end of that cavalier, whose achievements, judged
by themselves, have worth, and receive worth also by his zeal in
performing them. He did not lack political and military virtues,
or prudence in both. But he shut his eyes to examples, and, contrary
to their teaching, dared promise himself results, so that he became
rash and even confident. But Christian charity excuses all this.
Don Luis, his kindred, and friends, wished to continue the expedition
to Maluco, and Father Antonio Fernandez came for that purpose from
Tydore; but it was not carried out. The fleet was broken up, which was
a signal providence for the Filipinas Islands. For at the beginning
of the following year, one thousand five hundred and ninety-four,
a considerable number of Chinese vessels, laden with men and arms,
but no merchandise as was their wont, came to the islands. The vessels
brought seven mandarins, some of the greatest viceroys or governors of
their provinces. It was rumored and was proved that when they learned
that, as Gomez Perez had undertaken that expedition (on which he had
been accompanied by all the Spaniards), they would find the country
unarmed, they were of a mind to conquer it or sack it--which would
have been very easy for them, had they found it as they expected. The
mandarins left their ships twice to visit Don Luis, attended by
a great pomp and retinue. He received them kindly, and gave each
mandarin a gold necklace. They told him that they had come by order
of their king to get the Chinese who were wandering unsettled among
those islands without his leave. But this was considered a pretext
for the truth, for so many mandarins were unnecessary for it, or so
many armed ships and supplies. Those Chinese were the same as those
who killed Gomez Perez, men from Chincheo. Accordingly Don Luis,
as against a known offender, sent his own cousin, Don Fernando de
Castro, in a vessel to recount their treachery to the Chinese king;
but the voyage turned out badly, and this effort wholly failed.
At this time Langara, king of Camboxa, requested help earnestly, and
asked Don Luis to keep the promise that his father had made him some
time before. Consequently, in fulfilment of it, and so that those
forces, or some portion of them, should continue in the service of
the Church, for which they were prepared as a benefit for Ternate,
he determined to aid that king with them.
[A description of Camboxa follows, with observations on its religion,
wealth, products, industries, and fauna. The account of the first
expedition to that country is as follows:]
Don Luis, with zeal to reduce those nations to the bosom of the
Church, and their wealth and kings to the vassalage of the Spanish
crown, equipped three vessels. In them he sent Captain Juan Xuarez
Gallinato--a native of Tenerife, one of the Canarias Islands--with one
hundred and twenty Spaniards, besides some Filipinos. They left Cebù,
but a terrible storm immediately overtook them, and separated the
boats. Gallinato, borne by the fury of the winds, put in at Maláca,
and the other two vessels at Camboxa. They ascended the river,
where they learned that the king of Sian had routed him of Camboxa,
his neighbor. The latter, with the wretched remnants of his army,
fled to the kingdom of the Laos, also a neighboring people, but
inhuman. While he was begging charity from those most hard-hearted
people, the king of Sian had introduced as king of Camboxa one
Prauncar, nicknamed "Boca tuerta el Traydor" [_i.e._, "Wry-mouth,
the Traitor"], brother of the conquered king. This event did not
hinder the aid that the Spaniards were bringing, under the name of an
embassy. They reached the city of Chordumulo, eighty leguas' distance
from the bar. Leaving forty Spaniards in the ships, forty others went
to visit the place where the king was residing. They immediately made
efforts to visit him, but he refused to be seen that day. However,
he ordered a good lodging to be given them and had them told that he
would grant them audience in three days. But Diego Veloso and Blas
Ruyz--either by their former knowledge of the country, or actuated
by later craftiness, proceeding from their interpretation of that
suspicious delay--visiting a beautiful Indian woman of the king's
house, were secretly told by her that, since she was admitted to
and even desired in the affairs of that usurper, she knew that he
was intending to have them all killed. In the three days that he had
assigned them, as a rest from their journey, he was preparing men,
and the manner of executing his purpose. The Spaniards thanked her for
the warning, not without promises of reward. They were not dismayed at
the news of their peril. On the contrary, thanking the Indian woman
anew for it, they took an heroic although rash decision. They agreed
to invest the king's palace that night, and if necessary, to resist
a whole army. They set about the accomplishment of that enterprise,
disproportionate to human strength. They set fire to the powder
magazine. The townspeople ran up to its aid, or to see the damage. Amid
the confusion, the Spaniards entered the palace, and since they knew
the royal apartments, they penetrated them, until they encountered
the king in person. Having cut to pieces the soldiers of his guard,
they killed him also with their daggers. He defended himself and
cried out, but when his men arrived with help they found that he had
bled to death. The rumor of this deed aroused the guard, and then the
city, which has more than thirty thousand inhabitants. These seizing
their arms, more than fifteen thousand men pursued the Spaniards
with the arms that fury placed in their hands, and with many armed
elephants, which were not unskilled in warfare. Our two captains
formed their squadron, and continued to retire in excellent order,
always fighting, and killing not a few enemies. The battle lasted all
night, and until the second day, when they reached the ships with
incredible effort. They embarked and left that kingdom full of new
dissensions. The second day after, Gallinato arrived in his ship. He
landed, upon hearing of the event, as he thought that he would not be
fulfilling his duty if, when he heard the drums and bells, and saw the
streets and port, before filled with traders, but now with squadrons,
he did not take help to the Spaniards. He gave express orders to his
followers to act with all decorum, so that they might relieve the
anxiety of the Cambodians and reassure them, both by their bearing and
in the calmness of their arguments. The chief men of Camboxa visited
them peacefully, and Gallinato treated them very courteously. He
might have performed some great exploit, but seeing that he had
so few troops for the undertaking, and that affairs had now taken
another form and different condition, he determined to withdraw. He
opposed the majority of those influential men, who promised him the
crown of the kingdom, since they were well inclined to the Spaniards
and to foreign domination. From this came that flippant report that
Gallinato was king of Camboxa, which was believed by many in España;
and it was represented in the theaters of that country with acclaim
and applause. Some men well versed in affairs of those provinces were
of opinion that if Gallinato had embraced the opportunity, he might
have seized Camboxa and added it to the Spanish crown. I have seen
letters from Velloso and Blas Ruiz to the Audiencia of Manila after
the event, in which they say the same, and complain of Gallinato for
reprimanding what they did. But Gallinato--whose prudence and valor,
which had been proved on the most perilous occasions in that Eastern
land, and many years before in the wars of Flandes, would not allow
him to be easily affected by popular applause--showing an honorable
aversion to this temptation, sailed away, to return to Manila. He
took in provisions at Cauchinchina. Blas Ruyz and Diego Veloso had
also landed there before, and went alone overland to the kingdom of
the Laos, which lies west of Cauchinchina, to find the deposed king
Langara, to restore him to his throne. They found that he was already
dead, but that his son was living. Upon them telling him that they
had killed the usurper, his uncle and enemy, he went immediately to
his kingdom with Veloso and Ruyz, accompanied by ten thousand men,
whom the king of the Laos gave him, contrary to all expectations. He
attacked Camboxa, where Ruyz and Veloso always faithfully accompanied
him, both during the war, and afterward in the government. After
that the king sent another embassy to Filipinas, asking for men
to quiet the rebellions in the kingdom; and he and his vassals
promised to receive the faith of Jesus Christ. He also promised a
great portion of Camboxa to the Spaniards, so that they might live
off its tributes. This embassy reached Manila, just when Don Luis
had left the government and handed it over to Don Francisco Tello,
which gave occasion to Ternate to establish its tyrannies more firmly.
[A short account of Pedro de Acuña's fortification of Cartagena,
in the West Indies, is given, and the consequent withdrawal, without
attack, of the Hawkins and Drake fleet despatched in 1595 by Queen
Elizabeth. Acuña shows in every way the ability of a good commander.]
But let us return to Assia. The Cambodians still hoped to receive
aid from the Filipinas by their usual promise of conversion and
vassalage. Don Luis de las Mariñas accepted the expedition, to make
it in person and at his own cost. He left Manila with Don Diego Jordan
(an Italian), Don Pedro de Figueroa, Pedro Villeatil, and Hernando de
los Rios Coronel, Spanish captains--the last named at present a priest,
and who had also been in the first war of Camboxa. A furious tempest
struck them in the open sea, which lasted three days, with the usual
horrors. The shipwreck was pitiful. Two vessels were knocked to pieces,
and the sea swallowed up all the men, provisions, and war materials. Of
all the soldiers and sailors who shipped aboard the almiranta, only
five escaped, by swimming to the Chinese shore. Some soldiers also
escaped from the flagship, which was broken by the waves, among whom
was Captain Hernando de los Rios. The other vessel reached Camboxa
almost destroyed, after heavy storms. It found in the Camboxa River
eight Malay junks. The Spaniards, seeing that the junks were carrying
certain slaves stolen from the king of Camboxa, whom they were coming
to help, inconsiderately grappled with the Malays. The latter, who
were carrying many and unusual fire devices, having recourse to these
rather than to force and arms, burnt our ship, and then in the fire and
smoke killed the majority of the Spaniards. Blas Ruiz and Diego Veloso
were not there at that time; but soon afterward they were besieged
in their quarters by the popular fury, and barbarously murdered in
the country where they were negotiating with the king. Those few
Spaniards who could escape went to the kingdom of Sian, and thence
to Manila. Heaven permitted that this should be the end of all that
preparation made to recover Ternate and the other Malucas. The tyrant
there exulted over the news, and attributed the events to his good
fortune, interpreting them as an approbation of his cause. Then he
confederated anew with our enemies.
Don Francisco Tello, an Andalusian knight, succeeded Gomez Perez
in the government of Filipinas. He reached Manila in the year one
thousand five hundred and ninety-six. He immediately set himself to
learn the condition in which his predecessors had left matters, and
to provide aid for the garrisons. For, since the emperor of Japon had
caused those glorious martyrdoms among the religious of the Order of
St. Francis, in the year one thousand five hundred and ninety-five,
of which news had so lately been received, it was feared that he was
going to menace Filipinas.
The inhabitants of the islands [_sic_] of Mindanao hate our nation as
deeply as do the Ternatans, and take arms against us in each and every
disturbance, as they did in that last one of Ternate. Consequently
Estevan Rodriguez de Figueroa made certain agreements with Don
Francisco Tello, by virtue of which he made war on the Mindanaos and
Ternatans at his own expense. [288] Estevan Rodriguez was so rich that
he could undertake that exploit with safety. He lived in Arevalo,
a town of the island of Panàz [_sic_], one of the Filipinas. He set
out with some galleys, fragatas, and champans, and one ship, with
Spanish soldiers; and more than one thousand five hundred natives from
Pintados, as pioneers. He reached the river of Mindanao April twenty,
one thousand five hundred and ninety-six, whereupon the natives of
the place (who are especially called Mindanaos) on seeing so brave a
people, fled along up the river, and abandoned their settlement to
the fury of war. The majority of them arrived at the town Buyahen,
where Raxamura, king of the Mindanaos, was then living. The latter,
because of his youthful age, did not have the government in charge, and
everything depended on Silonga, an esteemed soldier and captain. Our
men, proceeding up the river, reached Tampacan, five leguas from the
above village. Prince Dinguilibót, uncle of Monao, its legitimate
lord (also a youth), was governing it. These rulers were, of their
own accord, friends to the Spaniards and consequently, on seeing
their arms, went out peacefully to meet them, and offered them their
help. They told the Spaniards that the enemy--and they were also
hostile to the men of Buyahèn--had taken refuge in their fort at that
place. Estevan Rodriguez, having heard the news and having complimented
those princes, ordered the fleet to weigh anchor and to continue the
pursuit for four leguas, always up stream, to Buyahèn. Having arrived,
he landed his men on St. Mark's day. Master-of-camp Juan de la Xara
led the men, although they landed with but little order, for they had
not fought with the Mindanaos, and thought that it would be easy to
rout them--as if for that reason, or for any other consideration, one
should permit a lack of military discipline. Estevan Rodriguez tried
to correct the confusion by his presence, by landing in person. He went
clad in armor so strong, that a charge from an esmeril [289] would not
pass through it. Only his head was unarmed, but covered with a cap and
plumes, while a negro carried his helmet. He was accompanied by five
well-armed soldiers. He had not taken more than fifty steps, when an
Indian named Ubal suddenly ran out of some dense tufted thickets, and,
attacking him with his campilan, cleft open his head. Ubal was the
brother of Silonga, and owner of the only cow in all that country. He
killed it three days previous to this misfortune, and, inviting his
friends to the feast, promised to kill the most distinguished person
of the Spaniards in that war. He fulfilled his word, for Estevan
Rodriguez fell, from his wound, and died three days afterward,
without having answered a single word to the questions asked him,
although he declared his answers by signs. The five Spaniards, on
seeing their captain wounded--so suddenly that the murderer appeared
and the blow was heard at the same moment--fell upon Ubal and cut him
to pieces. They informed Master-of-camp Xara of the general's death,
who, stifling his resentment, withdrew his men, and built a fort in
the most suitable place, near the river. He founded there his colony,
with suitable arrangements, so that our people could settle it. He
appointed regidors and ministers of justice, and called it Nueva
Murcia in honor of the Murcia of España, his native region. Then
he left affairs incomplete, intending to marry the widow of Estevan
Rodriguez, Doña Ana de Oseguera; and reached Filipinas in the first
part of June. Governor Don Francisco Tello, hearing of the event
at El Embocadero, [290] one hundred leguas from Manila, and having
been warned of Xara's design in coming, arrested him at his arrival,
and sent Captain Toribio de Miranda to take charge of the war in
Mindanao. The latter found the troops withdrawn to the port of La
Caldera, which is on the same island, but distant thirty-six leguas
from the mouth of the river. There they remained until August, when
Don Francisco Tello appointed Don Juan Ronquillo in Manila as captain;
he was also captain of the galleys. He also appointed as captains, to
accompany him, Pedro Arceo, Covarrubias and others; as master-of-camp,
Diego Chaves Cañizares; as sargento-mayor, Garcia Guerrero; and as
captains of infantry, Christoval Villagra and Cervan Gutierrez. Don
Juan arrived with this reënforcement to attack the enemy, and fell
upon them so suddenly that, seeing themselves exhausted, they begged
help from the king of Ternate--whom the Mindanaos recognize by certain
payments which are the same, or almost the same, as tributes. Buizàn,
a brother of Silonga, went on that embassy to Ternate, and negotiated
so efficaciously that the Ternate king sent seven caracoas with him,
six pieces of artillery, two medium-sized pieces, and some falcons,
together with six hundred men. These, sailing to the river of Mindanao,
tried to ascend as far as Buyahèn by it. But they found at its mouths
great obstructions to pass, because in one branch the largest Spanish
fort threatened them, and the galleys and other boats; and in the
other was a narrow pass, which ran to a point, on which was built a
rampart guarded by forty men. From that place to the other side of
the river, our men had themselves built a very strong wooden bridge,
close to which a galliot plied. The Ternatans, seeing so strong a
defense on both sides, resolved to fortify themselves on the chief
mouth of the river. They built a small fort, and, together with an
equal number of Mindanao soldiers, shut themselves up in it. This
news aroused General Ronquillo to dislodge them. He went down to
accomplish it with the galleys and other vessels, and one hundred
and forty well-armed men. He landed with one hundred and sixteen
men, together with Captains Ruy Gomez Arellano, Garcia Guerrero,
Christoval Villagra, and Alonso de Palma. He met the enemy at a
distance of eighty paces on the bank of the river. The Ternatans
and Mindanaos had carefully cleared the front of their fort, but
had designedly left a thicket at one side of it, where three hundred
Ternatans were ambushed, while the rest were inside the fortress. As
both parties saw how few of our men were attacking them, they grew
ashamed of their fortress and ambush. Threatening our men insolently,
they showed themselves and advanced upon the Spaniards. They found
so great opposition from our men that without using any stratagem,
or for no other reason beyond natural strength, at the first shock of
battle nearly all the Ternatans were killed, and the rest fled. Our
men pursued them until they killed them all. The men of Tampaca,
who had been neutral until then, in consideration of the dealings of
Fortune, and seeing that she had declared in our favor, took up arms
for us. Only seventy-seven Ternatans, badly wounded, escaped; and
fifty of these were drowned in the river, into which they had thrown
themselves in desperation. Only three of the twenty-seven survived,
and they informed their king of it. The Spaniards seized the boats,
artillery and spoils of she conquered, and became encouraged to
continue the war against infidels.
Don Francisco Tello was not neglectful of other similar occurrences. He
learned by his spies, and rumor had it, that the emperor of Japon
was collecting a large army and preparing many boats for it, and
large supplies of arms and food. It was also learned that he was
securing himself, by treaty, from the Chinese, of whom the Japanese,
because of their natural enmity, live in fear. Hence they inferred
that he was equipping himself to make war outside his kingdoms. He
had negotiated and concluded alliances with the king of Ternate,
and with other neighbors who were hostile to the Spanish crown. From
all of those actions there resulted eager conjectures that all that
tempest was threatening the Filipinas, and particularly their capital,
Manila. The governor prepared his forces, and under pretext of saluting
that barbaric emperor with a present, sent Captain Alderete to find
out the truth. The ambassador left for Japon in July. At the same time,
Don Francisco sent the galleon "San Felipe" to Nueva España with advice
of those rumors. Those two vessels, that of Alderete and the "San
Felipe," met in Japon, and the natives did not conceive well-disposed
intents concerning them. Alderete learned thoroughly the forces and
designs of the Japanese, and his efforts were of use in clearing up
the apprehensions prevalent in Manila, and preventing unreasonable
fears. He brought another splendid present to the governor, and both
sides made provision for any possible outcome.
The Audiencia was again established in Manila in the year one thousand
five hundred and ninety-eight, for King Filipo was prudently conferring
authority on that province. The auditors--Licentiates Zambrano, Mezcoa,
[291] and Tellez de Almaçan--and Fiscal Geronymo Salazar y Salcedo,
formed it.
[The same year when the Audiencia was reëstablished, Felipe II dies at
the Escorial (September 13, 1598) and is succeeded by his son Felipe
III. Neglect falls upon Molucca affairs:]
... Now at this time Heaven was hastening the reduction of the Malucas,
and the punishment of the persecution of the faithful, although the
tyrants acted more insolently. But since the enterprise had to be
prepared and executed in the Filipinas Islands, and determined and
encouraged in the supreme Council of the Indias, it was advisable for
the president and counselors to display some warmth in the cause--which
by unhappy circumstances, as one despaired of, no one enlivened; and
the papers of discussion and notices belonging to it were forgotten
and heaped together....
[Meanwhile the alliance of Ternate with the English continues. Book
vi ends with a tale of occurrences in the household of the king
of Ternate.]
[The greater part of the seventh book is taken up with the translation
or condensation from the Dutch relation of the first voyage of van
Nek to the East Indies. A critical resume of Erasmus's description
of Holland and its people is given, which allows Argensola, as a
churchman and good Catholic, to inveigh against the heresies and many
religions of the Dutch. As a consequence of the Dutch expedition,
the Ternatans gain new life in their opposition to the Portuguese and
Spaniards. Frequent embassies are sent to Manila from the Portuguese
and natives at Tidore, requesting aid for the Moluccas--which Francisco
Tello was neglecting, as other matters appeared more important. One
embassy, in charge of the brother of the king of Tidore, is followed
by another in charge of a Portuguese, Marcos Diaz de Febra, who
presents a letter from the Tidore ruler to Dr. Morga. The embassy is
successful, and in 1602 Diaz returns to Tidore with reënforcements and
a promise of an expedition from Manila. In the Philippines themselves,
the Chinese are continually congregating in greater numbers, and are
rapidly becoming a menace, although the governor is blind to that fact,
and claims that they are necessary to the well-being of the community.]
Conquest of the Malucas Islands
Book Eighth
[Molucca affairs are given considerable attention in the administration
of Governor Pedro de Acuña. The petitions for aid, sent to the
Philippines from those islands, continue. Tello is removed from
the governorship, and Acuña sent to take his place. The latter is
received in Manila (May, 1602) with great rejoicing, as his merits
and reputation are well known. Tello's death occurs in Manila while
waiting to give his residencia. Acuña enters into affairs with great
energy. The narrative continues (p. 270):]
... The new governor was pained at beholding the poverty of the royal
chest and treasury, and himself under the obligation of preserving
the king's and his own credit. The Malucas formed part of this
consideration, for their reduction was a considerable part of his
duty. But he reassured himself, believing that he might supply the
lack of money by energy. He attended to matters personally, as was
his custom, both those in Manila and those in its vicinity. He built
galleys and other boats, which were greatly needed for the defense
of the sea, which was then infested by pirates and near-by enemies,
especially the Mindanaos. He visited then the provinces of Pintados,
and attended to the needs of those regions. In one of these visits,
besides the storms suffered by his little vessel (which carried only
three soldiers), another signal danger overtook him. Twenty-two English
vessels, enriched with the booty that they had seized from the islands
of that government, tried to attack and capture him. But for lack of
a tide they remained stranded, and could not row. Don Pedro saw that
they threw overboard more than two thousand of their many Spanish
and islander captives in order to lighten themselves. They also
threw overboard a beautiful Spanish girl seventeen years old. Later,
the Manila fleet went in pursuit of them, and it was able to capture
some of the pirates, and they were punished. But that punishment was
much less than their cruelty. [292] Don Pedro tried to remove the
hindrances to the enterprise that he was meditating; but had to delay
for some months what he most wished to hasten, in order to despatch
Joloan and Japanese matters.
Chiquiro, the Japanese ambassador, had recently arrived in Manila,
bearing a present of the products and industries of those kingdoms,
and letters; he also had orders to negotiate for friendship with the
governor, and commerce between the Japanese emperor (by name Daifusama)
and the Filipinas and Nueva España. The proximity of those provinces,
the power of the Japanese kings, their natural dispositions, and
other circumstances which experience showed to be worthy of serious
consideration, demanded that that commerce be not refused--although,
for the same reasons, the opinion was expressed that it was not
advisable. But since that barbarian had once espoused that desire,
it was not easy to find a means to settle the matter without causing
jealousy or anger. Dayfusama requested then that the Spaniards trade
in Quanto, a port of one of his own provinces; that they establish
friendship, so that the Japanese could go to Nueva España; that
the governor send him masters and workmen to build ships for him in
Japon, in order to continue that navigation. Dayfusama insisted upon
this, having been persuaded by one of our religious of the Order
of St. Francis, one Fray Geronymo de Jesus, whom the Japanese king
esteemed greatly. This was a serious matter, and in many ways most
damaging to the Filipinas. In those islands, the greatest security
against those provinces has consisted for many years in the lack of
ships and pilots among the Japanese, together with their ignorance
of the art of navigation. It has been observed by experts that,
whenever that insolent barbarian has shown any intention to arm against
Manila, he has been prevented by this obstacle. Consequently to send
him workmen and masters to build Spanish vessels for him, would be
equivalent to providing him weapons against the Spaniards themselves;
and the navigation of the Japanese would be the prelude to the
destruction of Filipinas and Nueva España, while long voyages by the
Japanese were inadvisable, and moreover contrary to safety. Considering
all these reasons, Governor Don Pedro de Acuña ordered the ambassador
Chiquiro to be entertained splendidly. He gave him some presents
for his king and for himself, and despatched a vessel with another
present--a moderate one, so that it might not argue fear, as it would
if he took too much. It sailed together with the ship of Dayfusama and
his ambassador, both being filled with articles of barter. The letters
of Don Pedro contained long compliments at his pleasure in procuring
the establishment of greater friendship. But he said that, although he
had received full power from King Filipe for things pertaining to the
government of Filipinas, that part of the king's embassy touching his
request for sailors and the building of Spanish ships he was unable to
decide, until he should inform the viceroy of Nueva España; nor could
the viceroy decide it without special orders from his Majesty. He
promised the Japanese king to write about it for him, and to aid the
accomplishment of so just a desire. But he warned him that it would
be necessary to wait more than three years for the furtherance and
resolution of the matter, because of the distance and accidents of
so long voyages. It was ordered that the same Fray Geronymo himself
should deliver all this message to Dayfusama. Geronymo de Jesus was
written to in secret, instructing and reproving him. He was ordered
to tell the Japanese monarch that the governor esteemed his good will
exhibited toward the commerce and friendship of the Spaniards, and his
own great desire for them. He was to encourage him to keep the peace,
which the governor himself would keep without any infringement. But
he was ordered subtly to divert the king's mind from similar desires
and propositions, and not to facilitate any of them; for although
perhaps there were no hidden deceit in the then reigning monarch,
or any interest greater than that of friendship, it might cause great
harm in times of a less well-intentioned successor, who might abuse
the navigation, and turn it against those who taught it to them. The
governor promised to send another ship soon to trade. Fray Geronymo
was to give the king hopes that some Spanish masters of Spanish boats
would sail in it. Dayfusama was to be patient, and should consider
how offended he would be, if his servants were to open up any new
commerce without consulting him, or without his order.
With this despatch Chiquiro returned to Japon in his ship....
[A storm however overtakes him near Formosa, and his ship is wrecked
and he and his men drowned, the event being learned only long
after. "Daifusama, being persuaded by Fray Geronymo, had granted
leave for our religion to be preached in his kingdoms, to build
our churches, and for all who wished to profess our religion with
public authority." Accordingly the orders send various missionaries
to different districts of Japan. "Many persuaded Don Pedro not to
send away these religious, but, although those persuasions were well
founded, and obstacles put in the way of their departure, it was
determined to allow them to go.... These religious did not find in
the provinces proof of the desires that had been told them. Very few
Japanese were converted, and fewer were disposed toward it, for the
king and tonos [chiefs] ... did not love our religion." Don Pedro
sends the promised ship to Japan laden with "dye-wood, deerskins,
raw silk, and various other articles." Thus Japanese demands are met,
and the emperor is satisfied with the diplomatic answer returned
to him. Meanwhile "Don Pedro's thought bore on the recovery of the
Malucas." Letters pass between him and the Portuguese commander Andrea
Furtado de Mendoza in regard to the expedition, and aid from the
Philippines, and the hostilities of the Dutch. (The Jesuit brother
Gaspar Gomez had been sent by Acuña from Mexico to Spain, to show
the necessity and advantages of the expedition; after various delays
it was set on foot, and Furtado obtained many successes in Amboina,
where he had some encounters with the Dutch. The king of Ternate
asked help from Java and Mindanao.)]
The season and necessity compelled General Furtado to request
urgently the help that was being prepared in Filipinas. Amboino
is eighty leguas from those islands. Accordingly he sent Father
Andres Pereyra, a Jesuit, and Captain Antonio Brito Fogaço, in May
of the year one thousand six hundred and two. They reached Cebù July
twenty-five. They sailed thence for Manila, August six, and entered
that city September five. Don Pedro de Acuña rejoiced greatly over
their arrival. He asked them--so great was his desire and interest,
or rather, his noble rivalry--minutely concerning the expeditions of
General Furtado. Since the latter had referred to them in his letters,
they gave an extended relation of them, and executed his embassy,
each one fulfilling the office that he professed. Don Pedro did not
delay the sending [of reënforcements.] He assembled the council of
war, where it was resolved to send Furtado the help that he requested,
without delay, although they felt obliged to accommodate themselves to
the necessities of the country. Following this decision the governor
sent a message to the provinces of Pintados ordering captain Juan
Xuarez Gallinato, chief of them, to provide all necessaries for the
expedition, and himself to sail with his best disciplined infantry
from Cebù to the city of Arevalo, the place assigned for assembling
the fleet. Gallinato did this, and also sent a vessel to Otón to
lade as much as possible of the supplies. It reached Otón October
twenty-eight, and the same day Don Pedro left Manila for Pintados,
in order, by his presence, to inspire greater haste in the despatch
of the fleet, which was already almost ready in Otón. He arrived
there November thirteen. So fiery was his spirit that he assembled
the reënforcement and entrusted it to Juan Xuarez Gallinato--without
allowing the expeditions from Xolo and Mindanao to embarrass him, even
though he saw the natives of those islands, divided into different
bodies among the Pintados, pillaging and murdering his Majesty's
vassals--and appointed him general and commander of that expedition.
[Furtado, after asking the reënforcement from Acuña, goes to the
Moluccas. Some of his men are defeated in a naval engagement with
the natives, whereupon Furtado builds a fort at the friendly island
of Machian.]
After the fleet, military stores and food had been collected,
they were delivered to Gallinato by the auditors and fiscal of the
Audiencia. The supplies consisted of one thousand fanegas of cleaned
rice, three hundred head of cattle, two hundred jars of wine, eighty
quintals of nails and bolts, forty quintals of powder, three hundred
Ylocos blankets, seven hundred varas of Castilian wool, one hundred
sail-needles, and thirty jugs of oil. The men amounted to two hundred
soldiers--one hundred and sixty-five arquebusiers and thirty-five
musketeers--twenty-two sailors, several pilots, one master, three
artillerymen in the "Santa Potenciana," and twenty common seamen. The
monthly expense of all that equipment amounted to twenty-two thousand
two hundred and sixty pesos. This having been done on the part of
the governor and Audiencia, they required Father Andres Pereyra
and Captain Brito to go with the reënforcement--which Gallinato had
ready, with its colors, and with Captains Christoval Villagrà and
Juan Fernandez de Torres. The company of Captain Don Tomas Bravo, the
governor's nephew, son of Don Garcia his brother, was left behind; but
the captain went, and served bravely on the expedition. The infantry
was taken on the ship "Sancta Potenciana," and on the fragatas "Santo
Anton," "San Sebastian," "San Buenaventura," and "San Francisco." The
fleet left the port of Yloilo January twenty, one thousand six hundred
and three, and reached La Caldera in Mindanao the twenty-fifth. They
remained there until the twenty-eighth, as they had some information
concerning those enemies. Then they sailed toward Maluco, and sighted
the island of Siao February seven, and at dawn of the next day that
of Taolân, four leguas from Siao. There the fragata "Sant Anton" was
wrecked on a shoal of the island, which gave greater anxiety to the
fleet. Gallinato made efforts so that the men should not perish. He
sent Captain Villagrà, who saved them, as well as the weapons and
the pieces of artillery; the rest was left in the sea. They continued
their voyage and sighted the island of Ternate February thirteen. On
the fourteenth they entered that of Tydore, where they heard of
Andres Furtado's arrival. There they rested but little, in order
to join him sooner. Sailing thence with a good breeze they reached
Ternate, and made harbor at Talangame, one legua from the fortress,
on the sixteenth of the same month. The fleets saluted one another
with tokens of friendly regard, and the generals did the same....
[The active campaign soon begins, and notwithstanding some
few successes in the siege of Ternate by Furtado and Gallinato,
sickness, and want of ammunition and provisions, compel the Portuguese
commander to withdraw before the superior forces and equipment of the
Ternatans. Thereupon Gallinato and his men return to the Philippines
via Tidore, while Furtado intends going to Amboina and perhaps to
Malaca. About April of this same year the Jesuit brother, Gaspar
Gomez, reaches Spain, to argue before the Council of the Indias the
necessity of an effective expedition from the Philippines. There it is
agreed that Acuña shall undertake one in person. The following year a
letter received from Acuña by the council describes the ill-success of
Furtado's expedition and the necessity for an effective expedition from
the Philippines, a synopsis of the letter being given by our author.]
Conquest of the Malucas Islands
Book Ninth
[The action of the council finally secured the king's assent to the
Molucca expedition, and the following decree was sent to Acuña:]
... Don Pedro de Acuña, my governor and captain-general of the
Filipinas Islands, and president of my royal Audiencia therein. On
September twenty of the past year, six hundred and three, I wrote you
by an advice-boat on which Gaspar Gomez, of the Society of Jesus, took
passage for Nueva España, my resolution in regard to what you wrote
me from Nueva España, when you went to take charge of that office,
about the Ternate expedition. In accordance with that resolution,
I have ordered a contingent of five hundred men to be collected in
these kingdoms, which are to be conveyed in the trading fleet that
sails to Nueva España this year. I wrote to the viceroy to have
another five hundred men enlisted so that, at the very least, eight
hundred men could be sent you for this enterprise. I have appointed
four captains for the contingent from these kingdoms. One of them,
namely, Admiral Juan de Esquivel, is to be commander and governor of
the said soldiers. I have also appointed six substitutes, practiced and
experienced soldiers, so that, in case any of the said captains die,
these may take command of the men, and that they may be in charge
of the companies to be raised in Nueva España, as I am writing to
the viceroy. I have assigned forty ducados per month as pay to the
said captains; to Admiral Juan de Esquivel the sum of sixty; and to
the substitutes, twenty-five escudos apiece until ahey reach Nueva
España. Thenceforward the said Juan de Esquivel, in case I order
him to be given the title of master-of-camp, shall enjoy the sum of
one hundred and twenty ducados per month; but if he serves with the
title of commander and governor of the said soldiers, he shall have
sixty. The substitutes shall receive forty; and the soldiers--both
those levied in España and those to be raised in Nueva España--shall
have the sum of eight ducados per month. I have ordered the viceroy,
in accordance with the above, to send to those islands the necessary
money to meet the pay of the soldiers for one year. If they are
detained longer in other affairs of my service, he shall also furnish
what may be necessary after advice from you. I have thought it best
to advise you of the above, in order to charge and order you that,
if the pay of the soldiers can be moderated, in respect to what is
there paid men of that rank, you may reform the schedule justifiably,
advising me thereof, and the viceroy of Nueva España. However, you
shall make no alteration in the pay of Admiral Juan de Esquivel,
or of the captains, alférezes, or substitutes. I have also ordered
the viceroy to provide you with whatever may be necessary, up to
the amount of the one hundred and twenty thousand ducados that you
have asked for this undertaking; also six pieces of artillery for
bombardment, and five hundred quintals of arquebus powder. The men
sent from here are armed with muskets and arquebuses. You shall be
careful in the distribution of this money, and in all the rest you
shall exercise the advisable care, system, and caution. You shall
endeavor to attain the end sought, as I confidently expect from you,
with the men sent from España, and those from Nueva España, together
with those whom you shall have collected in those islands for the
expedition to Ternate. If possible, you shall make the expedition
in person, as you have offered to do, and shall leave those islands
provided as it fitting. In case conditions are such that you cannot
go in person, on this expedition, then you shall appoint another man
of the experience and qualities requisite for it, who may take entire
charge of it; and for this I grant you authority. It is my will that,
in case of your death while on the expedition, or through any other
cause, or the death of the person whom you may appoint for it, Admiral
Juan de Esquivel succeed in it and continue it. All the sea and land
forces who shall take part in the said expedition, shall obey him as
they would yourself. I declare that, in this event, and in case of
your death, and the succession of the said Juan de Esquivel to the
charge of the expedition, he shall be subject and subordinate to my
royal Audiencia in those islands. The captains in whose charge is the
infantry raised in these kingdoms, I have selected as worthy men who
have served. Accordingly I charge and order you chat you honor and
favor them as far as possible, for in that I shall consider myself
served. You shall not dismiss them or deprive them of their companies
to give these to others, without just cause, unless it be to appoint
them to better offices. However, if they should commit crimes you
may punish them, as their superior. It is supposed that by the time
of the arrival of these soldiers at those islands--and they shall
leave Nueva España in the first vessels, after the arrival of the
trading fleet there--you will have matters so well in hand that you
may begin the expedition immediately. I charge you straitly to do
with circumspectness, consideration, and caution what I expect from so
gallant a soldier. These men are to be well disciplined and drilled,
and everything so ordered that the desired and so important effect
may be gained, for you see the risk in this and its expense. You shall
endeavor, as I charge you, to have the advisable care and order taken
in the efficient distribution and collection of my revenues, and the
avoidance of superfluous expense. Of the course of events you shall
keep me advised on all occasions. After recovering the fort of Ternate,
you shall place there and on the island the garrison necessary for
its safety. I have ordered the viceroy of Nueva España, if he has
any opportunity for it, to advise you as soon as the men raised here
arrive there [_i.e._, in Nueva España], and that he report clearly to
you the contingent enlisted in that country, and that will be raised
in any other way, as well as the time that they will leave there, so
that you may take the necessary precautions concerning them from those
islands. If you consider it advisable for these men to stop anywhere
and not to go to Manila, you shall so order it, or give any other
orders that you deem most advisable, in anything. Valladolid. June
twenty, one thousand six hundred and four.
After the above decree was sent, its dispositions began to be carried
out in España. Before this, in the preceding year one thousand six
hundred and three, while governor Don Pedro was occupied in the
preparations necessary for this purpose [_i.e._, of the expedition],
an accident occurred in Filipinas which threatened their loss and
other greater misfortunes. In the month of April a fire broke out
in Manila and burnt the richest part and more than half of the city,
and it was impossible to keep the goods from burning which had been
discharged from the ships recently arrived from Nueva España which
were being kept in the most secure of the houses. Two hundred and
seventy houses, wood and stone, were burned, and even the monastery
of St. Dominic (both house and church), the royal Spanish hospital,
and the magazines; and not a single edifice was left standing in
the burned area. Fourteen Spaniards were burned, among whom was
Licentiate Sanz, canon of the cathedral, together with some Indians
and negroes. The loss was estimated at one million....
[The incident of the coming of the three Chinese mandarins and their
pretense of looking for an island of gold is described. This with
certain rumors, readily believed, leads to the outbreak of feeling
against the Chinese or Sangleys resident in Manila and other parts of
the island. That same year (1603), the insurrection by them takes
active shape. Argensola's account is substantially the same as
that of other writers. He traces the insurrection during its rise,
and progress, and the retreat of the Sangicys, with the consequent
slaughters of those people. The following extracts and synopses are
made from his account:]
At the time when Covernor Don Pedro was attending most closely to
the war with Maluco, there occurred in Manila a circumstance such
that it might not only have suspended the war, but extinguished the
entire province. A man was residing in Manila who had remained there
when the great pirate Limaon (of whose history popular accounts are
current) came against the city. He was formerly an idolater, and, as
was reported, served the pirate for a lewd purpose. His name was Encàn,
and he was a native of Semygua in the province of Chincheo. He was
baptized during Santiago de Vera's term, and took the latter's surname,
being called Baptista de Vera. He proved sagacious, industrious, and
of efficacious energy, by means of which, exercising his trading, he
came to possess great wealth and to have influence with the governors
of Filipinas. Through his arrangements the Sangleys negotiated with
Don Pedro, asking his consent to finish a parapet of the wall that
he was completing, at their own cost; for they, as a portion of the
commonwealth, wished to do this service for his Majesty. Each of them
offered four reals for the work. This service and the thanks of the
citizens, whom Encàn or Baptista had bought by benefits, destroyed
or decreased the suspicions conceived against their conspiracy. He
was respected by the Spaniards and loved by the Sangleys. He had twice
been their governor, and had many adopted sons and dependents.... Near
the Parián was another district inhabited by Japanese, a race hostile
to the Sangleys, with whom they are at constant war in their own
country. The governor summoned their headmen, and sounded them by kind
methods, as he wished to know how to depend on them on any occasion,
and if they would help against the Chinese if war came. The Japanese,
puffed up by the confidence that he placed in them, and elated that
time would give them an opportunity to fight against their enemy,
answered that they were ready to die with the Spaniards. Some trouble
arose from this wise effort, and as the Japanese kept the secret
badly, or referred to it with exaggeration, it became public that
Don Pedro was going to kill the Sangleys with their help. Some of
the Japanese told them that, so that the Sangleys could flee and pay
them for the warning. Many Sangleys tried to take to the mountains,
while all were in fear. Those who wished to revolt were able to
persuade the others to do the same, and to quiet the anxious by
promises. In fact, the greater portion of them determined to rebel,
and assigned St. Francis' day for the beginning of the insurrection,
at the hour when the Christians would be busied in their churches,
in the holy feast. Some said that the time assigned for it was during
the night, when twenty-five thousand of them would enter the city and
behead our men. Some indications of it escaped, notwithstanding their
secrecy. Juan de Talavera, parish priest of the hamlet of Quiapo,
informed the archbishop that an Indian woman, with whom a Sangley was
in love, had revealed to him the plot for St. Francis's day.... All
these advices and some others were learned immediately by the governor
and the royal Audiencia. It would be sufficient to see the haste with
which the Chinese sold everything, even to their shoes, and adjusted
their debts--although this was interpreted rather as a design to go
away than one of treason. In order to relieve them from fear of the
Spaniards and Japanese, the governor talked to them himself, and
had the pledge of safety and the royal faith published anew in all
districts. But no effort could quiet them. Three days before that
of St. Francis, more than four hundred Anhay merchants remained in
the city, because they had been unable to sell their goods. These,
upon seeing the others in confusion because of the report that the
Spaniards and Japanese were about to kill them, sent their embassy
to Don Pedro by one Chicàn, also an Anhay or Chincheo.... He came at
night, being in fear of the other Chinese. He communicated their fears
to the governor and their present uncertainty; and stated that they
did not know what resolution to take, and consequently came to him
for advice and protection. The governor, after hearing him and having
completely assured him with his answer, went next day personally to
talk to Chicàn's companions, and satisfied them with affectionate
words, saying that the Spanish nation is not accustomed to execute
or to consent to such deceits. After this talk they were quieted,
but those who had evil intentions were not satisfied....
[At the first outbreak of the insurrection, Encàn is sent to reassure
and quiet the Sangleys. He returns very late "telling Don Pedro that
he had been in danger of being elected their chief, and that they
wished to force him to accept it." In the slaughter of Don Luis
Dasmariñas and his men which soon follows, over thirty Spaniards
manage to escape. The Japanese aid the Spaniards, while the Sangleys
try to induce all their countrymen of the Parian to join them.]
The few Sangleys in the Parián caused the Spaniards no less anxiety
than the many in the fort, both because they had them for so near
neighbors and as they supposed that if these saw our cause declining,
they would join their countrymen. Besides, it was known that the
insurgents had sent to ask those in the Parián to join them, and had
advised them of the Spaniards whom they had killed. This was declared
by a Sangley, who was caught while crossing the river by swimming,
by the sentinel of the river-boats. He, confessing, when put to the
torture, that he was a spy, and that he gave and carried messages,
was beheaded. On the other side, it was considered that although it
would lessen the anxiety to kill all the Sangleys or to attempt it,
it did not appear a just punishment toward people of whose crime
they were uncertain--much more so, since they had come to Filipinas
to conduct their trading in good faith, and the governor had given
them his word for their safety if they were quiet and did not mix in
the rebellion....
[It is finally resolved to induce the peaceful Sangleys to take refuge
in the Augustinian convent. However, they refuse to take advantage
of the offer, although some put their goods in safety. Meanwhile
the hostile Sangleys attempt to incite them to join their ranks,
and on their refusal, turn upon them "and kill more than two
hundred." Encàn is found concealed in a house for fear of capture,
whereupon he confesses his part in the rebellion. The religious
take up arms against the insurgents, notable among them being Fray
Antonio Flores, an Augustinian lay-brother, and formerly a soldier:
he is credited with having slain six hundred Sangleys in the final
slaughter. The Chinese, after driving in an attacking party of five
hundred men under Gallinato, assault the walls of the city, but are
finally driven back with great slaughter. Their Parián is burned,
and they begin their retreat, going to San Pablo and other districts,
pursued by the Spaniards and natives, who kill immense crowds of them
and disperse the rest. Spaniards, Japanese, and Pampangos are sent
out under Sargento-mayor Azcueta, and the insurrection is crushed with
terrible slaughter; "for the Japanese and natives are so ferocious that
nothing can restrain them." The final result of the last campaign shows
that only "slightly more than one hundred [of the Sangleys] survived,
who were kept alive for the galleys. Eight natives and six Japanese
died on our side in these two battles [_i.e._, the slaughters of the
pursuit]. No Spaniard was killed, although many were wounded." Encàn
is "hanged and quartered, his head exposed on the site of the Parián,
and his goods confiscated; and in the days following, justice gave the
same punishment to other guilty Chinese." The insurrection costs the
lives of more than twenty-three thousand Chinese and only five hundred
are left for the galleys. "Some say that the number of Sangleys killed
was greater, but in order that the illegality in admitting so many
into the country contrary to royal prohibitions might not be seen, the
officials concealed or diminished the numbers of those that perished."]
Don Pedro had had some advices of how well affected his Majesty was
to the enterprise of Maluco. Awaiting the effects of that decision,
he wrote by all the ways possible; and by India, to solicit those who
had charge of the matter. Relieved from the hindrance caused by the
Sangleys, he turned his mind to the preparation and equipment of the
fleet, for the time when he should be ordered to set out. But the end
of this war was the beginning of other needs for Manila. Mechanical
trades were stopped, and there was no work or provisions. Prices
of food increased with their lack. All supplies had been formerly
in great abundance, and were obtained through the Sangleys, for the
Indian natives lack the willingness and the energy for such work. The
cultivation of the land, the care of raising fowls, the weaving
of cloth, all of which industries they had exercised in their old
days of infidelity, they had forgotten. Especially was the Pariàn or
Alcayceria wasted by fire and sword. It was once so full of gain and
abundance that Don Pedro wrote to one of his relatives in España, a
short time after his arrival at Manila, these following words of it:
"This city is remarkable for the size of its buildings, which have
surprised me. I shall mention only one, which is the chief one. It has
an Alcayceria that contains all kinds of silks and gold, and mechanical
trades; and for these things there are more than four hundred shops,
and generally more than eight thousand men who trade therein. When
the trading fleets come from China with their merchandise, which is
the present time of the year, there are always more than thirteen
or fourteen thousand men. They bring wonderful things, that are not
found in Europa." Besides this, Don Pedro feared that the chastisement
inflicted in the slaughter would discourage the intercourse of the
Sangleys with us, and that the vessels that were wont to come from
China with food would not come. Greater and universal was the fear
that in place of trading ships, armed vessels would come to avenge the
Sangleys. Don Pedro sent the prior of Manila, Fray Diego de Guevara, to
España by way of India, with advices of the deed and of his fears. The
incidents that befell him on his voyage in India itself, and in Persia,
Turquia, and Italia, forced him to delay three years before he could
reach the court, where he found other despatches already arrived.
At the same time Don Pedro sent Captain Marcos de la Cueva, together
with Fray Luis Gandullo, a Dominican, to Macao--a city of China, where
Portuguese reside--with letters for the commandant and council of
that city, advising them of the rebellion of the Sangleys, and of its
result, so that they might advise him by all ways, at any rumor of an
armed fleet in China. They took letters also for the tutons, haytaos,
and inspectors of the provinces of Canton and Chincheo, giving account
of the transgression of the Chinese, and how it obliged the Spaniards
to inflict so severe a punishment. The ambassadors found the country
quiet upon their arrival, although some fugitive Sangleys, fleeing
from Manila in champans, had related the disturbances among them. The
arrival of those Spanish at Macao was learned in Chincheo. Immediately
some of the most wealthy captains who ordinarily go to Manila, whose
names were Guansàn, Sinú, and Guachuan, went to see them. Having
understood the truth of the matter, they took upon themselves [the
delivery of] the message sent to the mandarins by Don Pedro, and the
mandarins received it by their means. The Chincheo merchants determined
to return to their trade at Filipinas, and left Macao in their vessels
with our ambassadors, taking a quantity of powder, saltpeter and lead,
with which the public magazines were supplied. In the following May,
thirteen Chinese ships made port at Manila, and afterward many others
returned thither to continue that commerce. Don Pedro sent to Nueva
España the vessels that had brought the relief for the islands. The
flagship foundered and not a person or a plank escaped. He did not
cease at this time to store the city with provisions and ammunition,
in order to find himself free for the expedition to Maluco. At this
juncture, Master-of-camp Juan de Esquivel came from Mexico with six
hundred soldiers, with the report that more men, money, and other
preparations of arms, food, and ammunition were being collected in
Nueva España, at the order of his Majesty; these all arrived at Manila
in due season. At that time died its great archbishop, Don Miguel de
Benavides, to the universal sorrow of the country.
The Chinese ships that returned for the trade bore letters to the
governor in reply to his despatch. Three letters of one tenor came
from the tuton or viceroy, the haytao, and the inspector-general of
the province of Chincheo. Translated by the interpreters into Spanish,
they read as follows:
[See this letter in _Vol_. XIII, pp. 287-291 of this series.]
The governor answered these letters by the same messengers, making use
of terms of courtesy and authority. [293] He related the rebellion
of the Sangleys from its inception. He justified the defense of the
Spaniards, and the punishment inflicted upon the delinquents. He says
that no community can govern without punishing those who are evil,
any more than by not rewarding the blameless. Consequently he does
not repent of what was done, as it was to check him who was trying
to destroy us. The inspector should consider what he should do, if
any similar case happened in China. What he was sorry for was in not
having been able to save any of the Anhays among the Sangley merchants,
who perished among the guilty. But it was impossible to prevent that,
for the violence of war does not allow some to be killed and others
exempted, especially since they were unknown to the soldiers in
the heat of war. Employing clemency toward those captured alive,
he condemned them to row in the galleys, which is the punishment
substituted by the Castilians for those who merit death. However, if
they in China thought that the punishment should be lessened, he would
give them liberty. "But it should be noted," says Don Pedro, "that
this might be the cause that, if so serious a crime were unpunished,
they would fall into it a second time, a thing that would close all the
gates to kindness. The goods of the Chinese killed are in deposit. And
in order that it may be seen that I am not moved by any other zeal
than that of justice, I shall have these immediately delivered to their
heirs, or to those to whom they rightfully pertain. I am not moved to
any of these things by any consideration other than that of right. To
tell me that if I do not free the prisoners, permission will be given,
to the relatives in China of those who were killed in the rebellion,
to come with a fleet to Manila, causes no disturbance in my mind;
for I consider the Chinese as so sensible a race, that they will
not be incited to such things with little foundation and especially
since we have; on our side, given them no occasion for it. In case
any other resolution is followed, we Spaniards are people who know
how to defend our rights, religion, and country very well. And do not
let the Chinese consider themselves lords of all the world, as they
give out; for we Castilians, who have measured it with palmos, know
with exactness the lands of China, where it will be well to know that
the king of España has continual wars with kings as powerful as their
own [_i.e.,_ the Chinese king], and subdues them and inflicts great
troubles upon them. It is no new case, when our enemies imagine that
we are defeated, to find us desolating and destroying the confines
of their lands, and not ceasing until we have hurled them from their
thrones and taken away their scepters. I would be very sorry for a
change in trade, but I also believe that the Chinese do not wish to
lose it, since so great gain accrues from it, and the Chinese take
to their kingdom so much of our silver, which is never diminished
in amount, in exchange for their merchandise, which is composed of
poor articles that are soon worn out." The English ships that reached
the coast of China, he was determined not to receive, for they are
not Spaniards, but their enemies, and are pirates. Consequently
if they came to Manila they would be punished. "Finally, because
we Spaniards always justify our causes, and we pride ourselves on
the fact that no one in the world can say that we usurp other men's
possessions or make war on our friends, all that is herein promised
will be fulfilled. And hereafter let those in China understand that
we never do anything through fear, or because of the threats of our
enemies." Don Pedro concludes by offering to continue the friendship
with the kingdoms of China by new bonds of peace, saying that he would
release the prisoners in his galleys in due time, although he first
intended to make use of them, as he did, in the expedition of Maluco,
which would soon be despatched. All this he strictly observed.
Don Pedro received other letters during those same days from the
emperor of Japon, in which, after thanking him for a present of
grape wine--besides other rich presents--that Don Pedro had sent him,
he earnestly requested commerce....
[This letter, of which Argensola presents a mere synopsis, is given
complete by Morga, _q.v. ante_.]
In this same year, one thousand six hundred and four, the islands of
Holanda and Zelanda, in pursuance of their custom, assembled a fleet
of twelve vessels, large and well equipped, and some smaller ones;
and, as if masters of sea and wind, steered their course toward India
by the known routes. In a short time they reached the cape of Buena
Esperança. All the captains had gone at other times on that voyage, and
the pilots esteemed themselves of no less experience. Their general was
Estevan Drage, [294] faithless alike to his church and to his king....
[Thence this fleet continues its course along Mosambique, India, and
neighboring shores, Java, Sumatra, etc., taking prizes and trading. In
February, 1605, they capture Amboina, where they receive the submission
of the Portuguese and allow religious freedom. Finally part of the
vessels go to the Moluccas, where, with the aid of the king of Ternate,
the fort of Tidore is captured--although the Portuguese are warned
beforehand of their coming by English vessels (for the Spanish and
English kings were then friends), and the English leave powder and
shot for its defense. Some Portuguese leave the island, "many going
to the Filipinas, where Governor Don Pedro interviewed them in order
to learn the condition of affairs at Maluco." The narrative continues:]
One of those who escaped from the fort of Tydore, and reached the town
of Arevalo in Filipinas, was Antonio de Silva, a Portuguese. Besides
being a soldier he was a _naguatato_ or interpreter. This man
gave a judicial account of the matter and added that the English
[_i. e._. Dutch] general, while taking him a prisoner from Amboino,
took a sea-chart, and began to look for Mindoro, Manila, and
Cabite. Being asked by Silva, for what purpose he was looking for
them, he learned that the general intended, in case hit undertaking
at Maluco did not succeed well, to try to capture one of the vessels
plying between Filipinas and Nueva España. Silva replied to him
that it was not time for those vessels to sail, either way; for the
first [_i. e._, those from Nueva España], arrive about May ten,
and the others [_i. e._, those going to Nueva España], sail June
ten. Notwithstanding, this was the end or desire of the Dutchman's
navigation; for he determined to get information in Mindoro, to depart
thence to Macàn, to send an ambassador to China, and to avenge the
insult offered by Don Pablos of Portugal in those provinces. Thence he
would lade pepper in Patane, then see if he could defeat the Chinese
ships at the strait of Sincapura [_i.e._, Singapore] on their way to
Malaca; and at all events, continue along that same route his return to
Holanda, laden with wealth. All this did the Dutch general communicate
to Antonio de Silva, as to one who would go to Holanda with him; for he
was a soldier and a skilled interpreter of both languages, and Estevan
Drage made much of him for that reason. Certain others who had fought
and escaped the slaughter of Tydore confirmed this news. Don Pedro
learned it, and grieved over it, as he was so zealous in the service of
the Church and of his king. He considered sorrowfully when he saw that
not even one turret of a fortress was left in Maluco to the crown of
España, and how securely a rebel to God and to his legitimate sovereign
held them. And because the prosperity of Dutch affairs made the Dutch
powerful and determined, the governor assembled his council of war,
and appointed Captains Antonio Freyle, chief of the fleet of Pintados,
Pedro Sevil, Estevan de Alcaçar, and Bernardino Alfonso to go to the
garrisons of the Pintados and those of other islands that were in
danger, with their infantry companies. He strengthened the ships, and
prepared his artillery, as if he were near a victorious enemy who was
executing his threats with so great success. Antonio de Silva showed
an original letter from another Dutch general, written in the island
of Borneo to the king of Ternate, sent by Philipo Bissegóp, a ship
captain. In it the general expressed his compliments and sent him a
present of a number of varas of different fine cloths from Holanda,
six bales containing vessels of musk, twelve flasks of rose water,
six _arrates_ [295] of _Amfión_ [296]--a Dutch compound used, as above
stated, for fighting, which takes away or disturbs the reason--and
six barrels of powder. He gave the king an account of the unfortunate
voyage, and the obstacles, storms, and dangers that Andres Furtado had
until his arrival at Malaca after leaving Ternate. He called the king
"most serene prince and powerful king of Maluco, Bandas, Amboino,"
and an infinite number of other islands. He congratulated him on the
success attained upon his arrival at Maluco. He promised him to go to
Ternate with the greater forces that he was awaiting from Holanda,
and garrison the forts, in order to extirpate entirely their common
enemy, the king of España. He encouraged him by this hope to hold out
until then. He assured him that he would overrun all those seas from
Maluco, and would extend his empire to China, without any opposition
from the Filipinos or Japanese. For this purpose he requested the king
[of Borneo] to renew friendship with Mindanao, and to give the king
of those islands to understand that he was a friend to the Dutch, and
consequently to facilitate the ports, commerce, and friendships that
were necessary for their voyages. That was what was advisable above
all considerations of the state. He said that he should be warned
and assured that nothing was attended to with more lukewarmness in
España, than to strive or attempt to preserve the greater part of their
provinces, or at least, any form of union. Therefore, all the farthest
colonies that recognized their crown, ought to esteem highly the delay
with which they help and deliberate from España. For while they are
believing, or examining in order to believe, the news of events,
affairs are assuming another condition; and hence neither Spanish
counsels nor arms arrive in time. The greater part of these things had
been taught to his Highness by experience, and the writer's desire
to serve him obliged him to write those things to the king. Antonio
de Sylva added that he knew with certainty that the king of Ternate
had not neglected to take any of the precautions that the Dutchman
asked him to take; and that he had even proposed to his men to go to
fight far from their islands. Although it was never feared that they
would be bold enough to do so, on that occasion Don Pedro was made more
anxious by this information, because the city had been left so weakened
by the Sangley affair. He was trying, moreover, to supply their lack,
so that the late evils might not again happen; for it was so necessary
to further by another road the trade of Filipinas, and to provide
for its domestic security, in order to be able to take the field.
But time, which is wont both to take away and to give hopes, consoled
Don Pedro in those afflictions, and brought him in a few months from
Nueva España some ships of private persons, and afterward, in good
season, the ships of the regular trading fleet. They reached Manila
on St. Matthew's eve. In them were the Spaniards who left España
for that undertaking, together with more than two hundred others
whom the viceroy of Nueva España, the Marques de Montesclaros, sent
to Don Pedro, together with the other military stores and money,
in accordance with the royal decree. Some of this came in charge
of Brother Gaspar Gomez, who was received with incredible joy. He
presented to the governor all his despatches. Care was immediately
taken to lodge the captains and soldiers, and assign them quickly
to their stations, so that all might believe that the only thing
intended with them was the safety of the Filipinas, which were
threatened by the emperor of Japon and by the conspiracies of the
Sangleys. Corroboration of this report was sent in various directions
that it might increase and be disseminated outside the kingdom, in
order not to give information to those whom the Spaniards had reason
to fear. Besides, although the report of that great preparation
was useful to the Spaniards in opinion and in conjectures, yet the
actual strength of the forces with which the country was supplied,
besides the reputation of our affairs, acted for defense and security
in them all. In Japon the knowledge alone that Manila was full of
infantry and of armed vessels tempered or dispelled the irritation
felt by their king because Don Pedro denied him shipbuilders. The
Chincheos also refrained from attempting vengeance on an enemy whose
victories were followed by so great succor. Don Pedro considered the
whole question, and inferred from every one of these advices that
he could absent himself from Manila. However the king of Ternate,
as one overjoyed at having escaped from the Spanish yoke, paid
little heed to all that was told him from his neighboring kingdoms,
for he thought that the Spaniards were never to return to their
former possessions. The captains of Holanda, who rebuilt the burned
fortress in Tydore, sent him some large bronze cannon, culverins,
and a considerable number of muskets; and sent him some engineers
from those who came on those ships, so that they might inspect his
fortifications and reside in them or in his city. Some accepted that
abode, and the loose and irreligious liberty of life permitted in that
country. There, by reason of the many trading-posts and fleets from
the north, they lived as if they were not outside their own countries,
since they had intercourse with their kinsmen and friends, or at least
with men of their nation. Exiled Castilians and Portuguese reached
the port of Oton in Filipinas daily. Among them was Pablo de Lima,
a man of long experience, and now general of artillery in Tydore. He
added to the news of the recent destruction, the joy with which the
Dutch disinterred the pieces that he had tried to hide, and how they
had sent ashore more arms and forces from their ships. This man was
received with great honor because of his worth, and because he was one
of those dispossessed, by the king of Ternate, of vassals and other
property in Tydore. For later events, they profited by his warnings
and advice. All, by various employments, although with equal desire,
took part in the furtherance of the war--in building ships, and
collecting provisions, arms, and ammunition. So great was Don Pedro's
vigilance that he was not wanting in the least duty with example and
encouragement. Consequently, it may be asserted that he carried on
the whole enterprise; for he lent a hand in the labors of all.
Conquest of the Malucas islands
Book Tenth
In human actions the moral doctrine is hidden; and judicious writers
are wont to deduce this from the relation of events, as the fruit
of their history. But in writing of the conquest and conservation
of barbarous lands (which is founded on navigations and garrisons),
what civil precepts of those who establish and compose the political
life--however sagacious statecraft may have made them--can we bring
to the reader's view? And what can be offered in this matter that the
reader could not infer as a necessary consequence, contained in the
preceding propositions? Since, then, the subject forbids us this role,
let us finish it, and redeem the promise by which we bound ourselves
at the beginning. Don Pedro de Acuña, now general of the fleet which
was assembled in Filipinas, attended at the same time to its despatch
and to the safety of the province, which he was about to abandon to
go personally upon so stubborn an undertaking. Some attribute the loss
of all the Malucas to Don Pedro's good fortune, so that, time offering
him greater material, the victory might be more glorious. He provided
very diligently what was needed for the war and for almost all the
casualties thereof. The point or promontory of Yloilo extends into
the sea not far from Arevalo in the island of Panay. It is spacious
enough to serve as a camping-place and suitable for those arms then
prepared. There the fleet was assembled. It consisted of five large
ships, and six galleys; three galliots, like galizabras, belonging
to the crown of Portugal--in one of which Pedro Alvarez de Abreo,
commandant of the fort of Tydore, embarked, while the other two were
in charge of Juan Rodriguez Camelo, a commandant sent from Malaca by
General Andres Furtado de Mendoça, to aid with his prudence and his
strength, and to carry to him information of the outcome; one flat
galliot for unloading artillery, which carried three hundred baskets
of rice; four vessels [297] built for transporting the provisions;
two ten-ton champans, carrying one thousand six hundred baskets of
clean rice; two English lanchas, in which the Portuguese went [to
Manila] after the loss of the Tydore fort; seven fragatas belonging
to his Majesty, and seven belonging to individuals; and as many other
champans--in all thirty-six sail. Master-of-camp Juan de Esquivel
took twelve companies of Spanish infantry, of which four were levied
in Andaluzia--namely, his own, that of Captain Pablo Garrucho, that of
Pedro Sevil, that of Lucas de Vergara Gaviria; and six in Nueva España,
namely, that of Don Rodrigo de Mendoça (this gentleman is the son of
Don Juan de Baeça y Castilla and of Doña Maria de Mendoça, and on the
latter side grandson to the marques de Montesclaros; and left Italia
to serve his Majesty in Filipinas, at the request of the viceroy of
Nueva España, his kinsman), the company of Captain Pascual de Alarcon
Pacheco, that of Martin de Esquivel, that of Bernardino Alfonso,
that of Pedro Delgado, and that of Estevan de Alcaçar. The other two,
under Captains Juan Guerra de Cervantes and Christoval de Villagrâ,
were from the camp of Manila and the province of Pintados. All of
these with their officers amounted to one thousand four hundred
and twenty-three Spaniards. Under Master-of-camp Don Guillermo
and Captains Don Francisco Palaot, Don Juan Lit, Don Luys, and Don
Agustin Lont were three hundred and forty-four Pampanga and Tagál
Indians; while there were also six hundred and twenty men from the
same tribes for the naval and military service, and six hundred and
forty-nine rowers. The entire fleet, exclusive of the household and
following of the general, amounted to three thousand and ninety-five
men; they had seventy-five pieces of various kinds of artillery,
and all the materials for navigating, disembarking, and fighting,
and for bombarding walls.
Don Pedro left the port of Yloilo with this armament January five, one
thousand six hundred and six, in doubtful weather, but as courageous
as ever. He reached the island of Mindanao, hostile to the Spanish
name and allied with the Ternatans, and anchored in the port of La
Caldera to take in water. There the flagship, called "Jesus Maria," in
which Master-of-camp Esquivel was sailing, began to drag the anchors
with which it was moored--an action which the sailors name by the
peculiar word _garrar_ [298]--and, in order to save itself, had to
set sail. But finding that it could not double a point in this way,
it fired two shots as a call for help, just when the rudder struck. The
galleys hastened to give it a tow, but some cables were snapped atwain;
and their efforts were in vain, for the sea and winds prevented the
work. Captain Villagrà was given charge of the rescue of the men and
provisions aboard the flagship. Although many possessions of the king
and of private persons were lost, by incredible effort he saved the
bulk of the provisions and of the clothing, and all the men, artillery,
powder, cables, rigging, and sails. In order that the Mindanaos might
not enjoy the spoils of the shipwreck, he set fire to the hull, after
taking out the nails and bolts. They felt this first misfortune because
of its very importance, and because the soldiers, a class often given
to foolish superstitions, interpreted it in a sinister manner. The
general's prudence calmed everything. He ordered the master-of-camp
to proceed with the fleet from La Caldera to the port of Talangame,
which, as we have said, is situated in the island of Ternate. Don
Pedro accompanied him with his galleys until they got outside the
strait of Sambuanga, a place dangerous because of its currents and
reefs. For that reason they towed the ships, until this danger was
past, and because of a calm that overtook them. The fleet took the
open sea. The galleys, in order to take in water enough to last until
reaching Ternate, coasted along gradually; for the men rescued from the
submerged flagship were distributed in them and in the other boats, and
their weight and peril was greater. The most skilful pilots of those
seas managed the galleys, but notwithstanding their care and that of
the captains and experienced sailors, they fell off their course and
reached the islands of the Celebes or of Mateo, more than sixty leguas
to the leeward of Ternate. Contrary winds were blowing, and they had
to correct their mistake by dint of rowing. In that manner, and with
great difficulty, they reached Ternate March twenty-six, on Easter
day. With their observance of that day, so propitious to all creation,
they forgot their past dangers, and changed them into joy and hope.
[Don Pedro finds the rest of his fleet at Tidore instead of at Ternate,
as he has expected; but sees at the latter place a Dutch ship,
which shows fight. However, leaving the ship for the present, Acuña
sets about the reduction of Ternate with his own forces and those
of the king of Tidore. Landing at Ternate April first, that fort is
approached in two divisions, meeting with no opposition until they
arrive near the walls. Gallinato's advice as to placing the soldiers
is followed, and the Ternatan scouts in trees are replaced by those
of the besiegers. Active operations begin, and after various minor
successes the wall is carried by assault, and the old fortress built
by the Portuguese is captured. On entering the city the soldiers fall
to looting.]
When the men entered the city, every one gave himself to his fury and
to plundering. Don Pedro had issued a proclamation, conceding that all
the enemy captured within those four days should become slaves. The
captains halted near the old church of San Pablo, which had been
fortified by the enemy for this war. There were various opinions as to
what course was to be followed. Some thought that they should attend
to preserving what was gained; others that they should go ahead to
gain the chief fortress. Captains Vergara and Villagrà were of the
latter opinion; and so great was the exuberance of the soldiers and
their desire for danger that one of them, a native of Estremadura,
of the company of Captain Sevil--who was an Arragonese, and a gallant
fighter, who also approved the advice to pass on--seized Captain
Villagrà in his arms, and carried him thus for more than ten paces,
exclaiming, "O good captain, attack the enemy, attack him!" and then
set him down. Thereupon the captain struck him with the flat of his
sword, because he had at such a time seized him so impudently. The
soldier bowed, and said gracefully and smilingly, "Give me another,
by God! [_cuerpo de Dios_] and attack them!" In fact Vergara and
Villagrà attacked the principal fortress with few men and gained it,
and were the first to enter its gates. However they were not the
first to go up, for while they were ascending very quickly by the
stairs, at the entrance of the hall an old soldier, named Barela,
a corporal to Captain Cervantes, hurried past them. He, on entering,
took a gilded water-jar, shaped like an urn and very skilfully chased,
from a rich side board and salver placed in the hall, saying to the
captains, "Gentlemen, I take this in token that I entered here with
your Graces." Accordingly he took it, with the consent of all. Then
the entire palace was given over to the pillage of the soldiers,
and exposed to their greed. Don Pedro tried to restrain them, but
was obeyed only near the end of the sack.
[The king of Ternate and a few of his kinsmen, together with the Dutch,
escape, the former going to the island of Gilolo. The reduction
of the lesser forts continues, and some of the king's relatives
who are well affected to the Spanish, offer to induce the king to
surrender. This he does after a formal safe-conduct has been given
by Acuña. Don Pedro receives him in a manner befitting his rank,
and houses him sumptuously, but at the same time keeps him carefully
guarded. Several days later a treaty is made with the king.]
Two days after, the governor ordered Master-of-camp Gallinato and
Captain Villagrà, together with Pablo de Lima, to confer with the
captive king concerning what agreement it was advisable to make
with him in his Majesty's name for the security and solidity of
matters. They were to persuade him that that was the way to attain
merit and oblige our king to make better conditions in his favor. The
three came, accompanied by other influential persons, among whom
were some Augustinian, Dominican, and Jesuit religious, all of whom
served in their ministry praiseworthily. The king did not refuse to
capitulate. After some discussion as to what form it should take,
through the medium of Pablo de Lima, and after conceding to the
king some things that he requested from the king, our sovereign,
they wrote and signed the following agreements:
The first thing demanded from King Cachil Sultan Zayde, of Ternate,
and from the rest imprisoned with his Highness who may have any
part in it, is that he is to deliver to his Majesty King Filipo, our
sovereign, the forts that he now possesses--namely, those of Xilolo,
Sabubù, Gamocanora, Tacome, those of Maquien, those of Sula, and the
others. He answers to this that he will deliver to his Majesty the
forts above declared, and that he will send the prince his son, and
Cachil Amuxa, his cousin, with the person or persons who shall go to
take possession of them; and that they shall be delivered up with all
the artillery, ammunition, muskets, and arquebuses contained in them.
The second. That he shall make restitution of all the captives that
he holds, who may be our subjects, whether Christians or infidels,
from the provinces of Pintados and from the other provinces subject to
the Spaniards in the Filipinas Islands. He answered that all that are
found at present shall be delivered up immediately, and that those who
do not appear now shall be delivered up as they shall be found later.
The third. That he shall deliver up the Dutch in his power. He replied
that when he left this fort of Ternate, thirteen or fourteen Dutchmen
with him took to flight, and he thought that they went to the Dutch
vessel, for he has not seen them. However, if they appear, he will
deliver them up immediately.
The fourth. He shall deliver up the Spanish renegades who were in
this fort of Ternate. He answered that there was only one there, and
that he fled like the others the day the fort was taken, and he does
not know where he is, but that he shall be sought and delivered up.
The fifth. That he shall also deliver up all the villages in the
island of Batochina or El Moro, which were formerly Christian; as well
as the islands of Marotay, and Herrao, which were also Christian,
with all the artillery and ammunition in them. He answered that he
is ready to deliver up everything, as he did with his person.
Don Pedro de Acuña, governor and captain-general of the Filipinas
Islands, president of the royal Audiencia resident therein, and
general of this Maluco fleet, entrusted these capitulations to General
Juan Xuarez Gallinato and captain Christoval de Villagra. They made
them in the form above declared, with the help of Pablo de Lima, a
Portuguese native of these islands, who was the interpreter of the
[Moro] language. The said king affixed his signature, according to
his custom. It was done in the fort of Ternate April ten, one thousand
six hundred and six. The said general and captain, and the said Pablo
de Lima, also signed it.
The king signed it in Persian characters with graceful curves, and
the Spaniards simply. This original agreement was brought to España
with the other authentic documents.
[Possession is formally taken of the newly-subdued and of the
reconquered territory in the name of the king of Spain; and after
consultation it is determined to take the king of Ternate to Manila,
leaving governors appointed to carry on his government. All swear
homage to the Spanish monarch, and promise not to admit the Dutch
or other foreigners to their clove trade, and not to prevent
missionary work. Acuña orders a new fort to be built at Tidore,
remits a third part of the tribute to be paid by the Ternatans,
and, after strengthening the fort at Terate, leaves Juan de Esquivel
there with six hundred men, boats, ammunition, and supplies, to act
as governor of all the Moluccas, while he returns to Manila with his
prisoners. Trouble begins immediately, and Esquival is kept busy with
expeditions to the various islands and forts, while the Dutch again
begin their machinations; and sickness fights powerfully against
the Spaniards. At Mindanao, a conspiracy to escape is discovered
among the prisoners, for Mindanao is friendly to the Ternatans. The
narrative continues:]
In all the time that we have described, no news of our victory
reached Filipinas. From this silence and suspense they argued in
those regions, and especially in Manila, that Don Pedro and his fleet
had perished, or that he had succeeded so poorly that general sorrow
would be caused. Never was virtue free from envious ones who pursue
it, and such were not wanting to Don Pedro in Manila. But although
these were well known [_some words misprinted in text_]--so that
popular suspicion makes them the authors of the poison from which
it was believed that that great knight died, twenty-two days after
his arrival--we ahall suppress their names; since it is unworthy
of the author, who has to maintain neutrality (and indifference,
in fact) to give strength to a rumor which even yet is based only
upon a suspicion. All are now dead, and judged before the tribunal
where not one thought passes without examination. These men, then,
spread the rumor that Don Pedro, having assaulted Ternate, entered it
easily; but that his men became so embarrassed in the midst of their
great plundering that the barbarians, having reflected, attacked
the Spaniards and made them retreat, after killing the majority of
them. They said that the general, ashamed of his lack of discipline,
did not dare return to Manila. When that report reached the Indians'
ears, it did so great harm that they began to rebel, especially in
the provinces of Camarines and Pintados. The friars who were already
attending to their instruction could do nothing with them, for they
asked, since the Malucans were victorious, why they should remain
subject to the Spaniards, who did not defend them from the Moros. They
said that the latter would, with Ternate's protection, plunder them
daily, and worse thenceforward. They did not stop at mere murmurs,
for they began to confer concerning them, and to talk of executing
their plans. But all vanished before the truth and the news of it,
which preceded the arrival of the conquerors.....
[The conquerors are given a triumphant reception, and the captives
are cheered with hopes of an early release by a decree from Spain,
and lodged comfortably. The king of Ternate has a letter written to
the Spanish monarch, in which he entreats his clemency. Argensola
ends with the reflection that "the Malucos being, then, reduced, our
ministers and preachers went thither, and the voice of the evangelist
began to be heard in the remotest confines of the land."]
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL DATA
_Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas_, by Antonio de Morga.--See
Bibliographical Data in _Vol_. XV.
_Conqvista de las Islas Malvcas_, by Bartolomé Leonardo de
Argensola.--This is partly translated in full, partly synopsized,
from the original printed work, from the copies owned by Harvard
University, and Edward E. Ayer, of Chicago.
APPENDIX: CUSTOMS OF THE PAMPANGAS IN THEIR LAWSUITS
[The following extract forms the second part of a treatise found
in the body of _Ordinances enacted by the Audiencia of Manila_,
given in _Vols_. X and XI. The first part is entitled "Relation of
the customs which the Indians were accustomed to observe in these
islands; written by Fray Joan de Plaçençia, and sent to Doctor Stiago
de Vera, former president of the royal Audiencia which resided in
these islands." This is signed with Plasencia's name. The second
part, headed as below, bears no signature, but is doubtless by
Plasencia. From their appearance in the body of the above document,
it is probable that the Audiencia considered them in assembly. Both
these reports were written by Plasencia at the command of the governor
or of the Audiencia, in order that the local Spanish magistrates
might be guided by the customs of the natives in deciding matters
of law or justice among the Indians. The first part, omitted here,
is the same, with a few verbal changes, as the relation published in
_Vol_. VII. pp. 173-185; but it is dated, "Narcan, October twenty-four,
one thousand five hundred and eighty-nine" (but this may have been
an error of the clerk of the Audiencia). The second part (_Vol_. VII,
pp. 185-196) is not found in the above Audiencia document.]
Instructions regarding the customs which the natives of Pampanga
formerly observed in their lawsuits
They never had anyone whom they all generally obeyed, except that
only in each barangay they obeyed their chief, whose people are
called timaguas. Among the chiefs, lords of barangay, he who was most
powerful tyrannized over the others, even though they were brothers,
because they were all intent upon their own interests.
2. In what concerns regulation in regard to supplies for the country,
they had none, and everyone bought and sold as he could; beyond that
each chief who ruled a barangay ordered his people to sow at the
proper time, and made them assist him at seed-time and harvest.
3. The timaguas, or common people, came before their chief with their
suits, and he settled them in this way. Whatever petition was made
before them, the chief summoned the party on whom the demand was made,
and asked him if he would come to an agreement with the other and
opposite party. If the two parties made such agreement, there was no
suit. If they would not agree, he exacted an oath from them that they
would submit to his judgment. Then he immediately asked for a _viva
voce_ examination of both, because among these people there were no
writings any suits. If both parties gave like testimony, with the
same number of witnesses, they split the difference of the amount of
the suit. If the number of witnesses was not equal on either side,
such and such a one was condemned to the whole amount, or released
from the claim. If the defeated party would not pay according to the
sentence, the other party and the judge proceeded against him with
the armed hand, and forced him to comply with it. The witnesses were
paid according to their rank, and the judge also. The payment of
the judge and witnesses was so excessive, that they shared equally
with him who won in the suit. The witnesses of the condemned party
were paid nothing; and if anything had been given to them before the
decision of the suit, it was taken back from them.
4. _Item_: In regard to any murders that occurred, they ruled in this
wise. If one chief killed another chief, the relatives and friends
of the murdered man went to war immediately with the murderer and his
kindred; and if they killed the murderer, the quarrel and difference
between them was ended. If not, they killed as many as possible of his
followers. After these parties had grown weary of their strife, and
a certain time had elapsed after the murder, the other chiefs of the
village or district endeavored to reconcile them. The reconciliation
was as follows. The murderer was to give and pay to the relatives
of the murdered man seventy or eighty taes of gold; and if he were a
prominent chief, one hundred or more. Then they all remained friends,
and one half was divided among the children of the murdered man,
if he had any, or his parents, brothers, or kindred; and the other
half among those chiefs who reconciled them, and the timaguas of the
murdered man's barangay, although the chiefs took the greater part. If
the children or relatives of the deceased refused to be reconciled,
all the chiefs proceeded against them, and assisted the party of the
murderer until the said agreement was completed.
5. In case any timagua killed any chief or his child, the relatives
of the deceased put the murderer to death, together with his wife
and children, if they succeeded in catching him. They seized all his
property, which they divided among the children of the murdered man,
if he had any, and if not, among his parents, relatives, or brothers;
and if he had no kindred, among those who executed the vengeance for
the murder, this usually being his successor in the barangay.
6. If the murdered man was a timagua, and the murderer a chief, the
latter gave to the children or heirs of the murdered man the sum of
ten to twenty taes of gold; but if the murdered man had no heirs,
it was divided between the judge passing sentence--who was one of the
chiefs, appointed by the others of the village for the purpose--and
among the said chiefs, the judge taking one half and the others the
other half. Of this they gave no part to the murderer, even though
he was a chief.
7. _Item_: If one timagua killed another timagua, and had nothing
with which to pay the penalty--ten to twenty taes of gold--all the
chiefs of the village killed him for it, if his own chief did not do
this, by hanging him to a tree or _arigue_ [_i.e._, prop of a house]
or piercing him with many lance-thrusts.
8. If any woman killed any man, or another woman, by poison or steel
or any other way, the judgment was in conformity with the one above,
with consideration for the said conditions.
9. If a brother killed a brother or an uncle, or a nephew his uncle,
he did not die for it; but they took all his property away from him
for the heirs of the murdered man, of which they gave no share to the
murderer, even though he should be an heir. This was determined by the
chief of the barangay to which the murderer and the murdered belonged,
if each party were of his barangay. The chiefs of the barangay were
judges, and shared with the heirs of the deceased.
10. Concerning the murder of a child by a father, or a father by
a child, no precise information could be secured regarding the
punishment, because all asserted that they never remembered such a
murder to have happened.
11. In case of the burning of any village or crops, if the incendiary
was a chief, he paid for all the damage caused by the fire--which the
chiefs of such town and those nearest it determined--according to
the amount of the damage, even though they did not leave the chief
who set the fire one mais of gold. If the damage did not exceed his
property, and he had some property left over, he retained it. If
the incendiary were a timagua, he was executed, and his goods were
seized to repair the damage. If these did not suffice to pay for it,
they sold his wife and children as slaves, to pay for the said damage.
12. Concerning thieves: If the thief were a chief, he returned the
plunder, and was fined in proportion to the theft, according to the
opinion of one of the chiefs of the village, whom the other chiefs
selected as judge for that purpose. They say that they ordinarily
appointed the oldest and the most intelligent. The latter could
moderate the penalty, which was divided between the judge and the
other chiefs, the judge taking one half.
13. If a timagua or slave committed a theft: If the thief were
a timagua, they compelled him to return his booty, and fined him
according to the regulations of the preceding section. If he had
nothing with which to pay, they sold him in another village, in order
to pay what he owed, as a penalty for the theft. If the thief were a
slave, his master paid for him, or delivered the said slave to the
party, and he was soundly lashed. If the owner of the said stolen
goods caught the thief in the act of such robbery, he could kill or
beat him without any penalty.
14. As for the old men, old women, and witches who committed murders
by any of their practices, when it was ascertained that they had
killed any person with their witchcraft or tricks, the chief of their
barangay, or of the barangay of the murdered man, could kill them with
daggers if he pleased; and if these chiefs did not do this, any of the
other chiefs could kill the criminals. Their property was seized, and
one half was given to the relatives of the murdered man, and the other
half to him who executed the sentence upon such sorcerers and witches.
15. Insulting words caused great anger among these natives, and it
was considered a very grave offense, especially among the chiefs. They
fined the culprits in heavy sums therefor, inflicting this penalty in
order not to cause murders, and in the following manner. The insulted
person and he who insulted him named a chief, who must be greater
than those in the whole province, to hear this suit, who accepted
and decided it. If either of the two parties refused to conform to
the agreement which the judge prescribed, there was a custom among
them that each one lavished expense, on his own account, on feasts
and assemblies, and he who spent the greater sum they considered the
more powerful and honorable. From these debaucheries and gatherings
sometimes resulted wars between them. If either one of the two was
the most considerable chief of the province, three or four, chosen by
the rest, judged the case. In case the injurious words were said by a
timagua to a chief, if the said timagua had nothing wherewith to pay
the penalty imposed--which was very excessive--he was made a slave;
and if the insulted party were a great chief, the timagua's wife and
children were made slaves. If the chief applied insulting words to
any timagua, the penalty was very light, and many times nothing.
16. Their marriage custom was to have one wife--from whom they would
separate and marry another, on any occasion or change of feeling--and
to have three or four other women. They always considered that one the
legitimate wife with whom they naturally cohabited. The man always
gave the dowry, and this, together with certain gatherings in which
they drank, was considered marriage. If the man separated from his
wife, he lost the dowry which he had given her. If she separated
from the man, she returned double the dowry which she had received,
even though she had children. The property acquired during marriage,
they always divided equally. They never disinherited the children
in life or death, even though they were born of many women, if they
had been married to these. The other children, born of other women,
whom we call bastards, they called _asiao yndepat_. These did not
inherit, but they always gave them something. Even if any one had no
legitimate child at his death, the bastard could not inherit at all,
but the property went to the nearest relatives of the deceased.
17. They were not accustomed to will more to any child, except in small
sums, as three or four taes, or small pieces of land of the like value.
18. When anyone became a widower and no children had been born to the
husband and wife, the whole dowry was returned. But if any sons or
daughters had been born to them, even though these were dead at the
time of bereavement, not more than half the dowry was returned.
19. If any child were living at the time of the death of the father
or mother, all the property of the deceased was inherited by the
child or children. If they were not old enough to administer it,
the parents of the deceased kept and used it, and not the surviving
father or mother of the minors. If the minor died afterward, neither
the father nor the mother inherited it, but the minor's grandparents,
or the nearest relatives of the deceased from whom the minor had
inherited the property.
20. Among the slaves, the father and mother shared equally. If both
were slaves of one master, the children were so also. If one slave
belonged to one master and the other to another, the children were
divided in this way. The master of the father took the eldest, the
master of the mother, the second; and so on in this order with the
rest. If there were an odd one, the two masters of the parents divided
him; that is, the slave served both masters equally. If either the
father or mother were free, the children were divided in the same way,
so that if the father was free, the eldest son or daughter was free. On
the contrary, if the father was a slave, the eldest son or daughter was
a slave. This arrangement was kept and observed among them, namely,
to give an equal share to both the father and mother. If one of them
was free or half-free, they gave his part to him and to his children
in proportion to the amount which fell to his lot.
21. If any chiefs wrangled over their cultivated lands, they came
before the other chiefs of the village; and these tried them, and
received testimony orally from both sides, under oath, according to
their usage--which was sweating by the crocodile, the sun, the moon,
and many other things by which they swore. In conformity with the
evidence of each one, the suit between the said chiefs was decided;
and if either one of them refused to comply with the sentence, all the
chiefs together compelled him to observe it. This order was adhered
to in this matter.
22. All the aforesaid information I have endeavored to procure from
the oldest inhabitants of this province, and from all the priors of
the province. If it be not set forth in a style as good as I ought
to use, I beg your Lordship to pardon its defects, for the sake of
my good will, etc.
NOTES
[1] Following in a translation of the title-page of the other
edition of Morga's work, which shows that a second edition of the
_Sucesos_ was published in the same year as was the first. A reduced
facsimile of this title-page--from the facsimile reproduction in
the Zaragoza edition (Madrid, 1887)--forms the frontispiece to the
present volume. It reads thus: "Events in the Philipinas Islands:
addressed to Don Christoval Gomez de Sandoval y Rojas, duke de Cea,
by Doctor Antonio de Morga, alcalde of criminal causes in the royal
Audiencia of Nueva España, and consultor for the Holy Office of the
Inquisition. At Mexico in the Indias, in the year 1609." In the lower
left-hand corner of the engraved title appears the engraver's name:
"Samuel Estradanus, of Antwerp, made this."
[2] The month is omitted in the text.--_Stanley_.
[3] Fray Diego Bermeo, a native of Toledo, became a Franciscan
friar; and in 1580 went to Mexico, and three years later to the
Philippines. After spending many years as a missionary in Luzón and
Mindoro, he was elected provincial of his order in the islands (in
1599, and again in 1608). Going to Japan as commissary provincial--in
1603, according to Morga, but 1604 as given by Huerta (_Estado_,
p. 446)--he was obliged by severe illness to return to Manila; he
died there on December 12, 1609.
[4] Luis Sotelo, belonging to an illustrious family of Sevilla,
made his profession as a Franciscan in 1594. Joining the Philippine
mission, he reached the islands in 1600; and he spent the next two
years in ministering to the Japanese near Manila, and in the study of
their language. In 1600 he went to Japan, where he zealously engaged
in missionary labors. Ten years later, he was sentenced to death for
preaching the Christian religion; but was freed from this danger by
Mazamune, king of Boxu, who sent the Franciscan as his ambassador to
Rome and Madrid. Returning from this mission, Sotelo arrived in the
Philippines in 1618, and four years later resumed his missionary
labors in Japan. In 1622 he was again imprisoned for preaching,
and was confined at Omura for two years, during which time he wrote
several works, in both the Spanish and Japanese languages. Sotelo was
finally burned at the stake in Omura, August 25, 1624. See Huerta's
_Estado_, pp. 392-394.
[5] The present towns of San Nicolás, San Fernando, etc., lying
between Binondo and the sea.--_Rizal_.
[6] This remark of Morga can be applied to many other insurrections
that occurred later--not only of Chinese, but also of natives--and
probably even to many others which, in the course of time, will be
contrived.--_Rizal_.
[7] These devices, of which certain persons always avail themselves
to cause a country to rebel, are the most efficacious to bring such
movements to a head. "If thou wishest thy neighbor's dog to become mad,
publish that it is mad," says an old refrain.--_Rizal_.
[8] This is the famous Eng-Kang of the histories of
Filipinas.--_Rizal_.
[9] The Rizal edition of Morga omits the last part of this sentence,
the original of which is _"entre vnos esteros y cienagas, lugar
escondido."_
[10] "The Chinese killed father Fray Bernardo de Santo Catalina, agent
of the holy office, of the order of St. Dominic ... They attacked
Quiapo, and after killing about twenty people, set fire to it. Among
these they burned alive a woman of rank, and a boy."--_Rizal_. This
citation is made from Leonardo de Argensola's _Conquistas de las
Molucas_ (Madrid, 1609), a synopsis of which will follow Morga's work.
[11] We are unaware of the exact location of this settlement of
Laguio. It is probably the present village of Kiapo, which agrees
with the text and is mentioned by Argensola. Nevertheless, from the
description of this settlement given by Morga (_post_, chapter viii)
and Chirino, it can be inferred that Laguio was located on the present
site of the suburb of La Concepción. In fact, there is even a street
called Laguio between Malate and La Ermita.--_Rizal_.
[12] "Fine helmets were found broken in with clubs... About thirty
also escaped (among whom was Father Farfan), who were enabled to do so
because of being in the rear, and lightly armed" (Argensola).--_Rizal_.
[13] Argensola says that the Chinese killed many peaceful merchants in
the parián, while others hanged themselves of their own accord. Among
these Argensola mentions General Hontay and the rich Chican--according
to the relation of Fray Juan Pobre, because the latter had refused
to place the famous Eng-Kang at the head of the movement.--_Rizal_.
[14] "And they tried to persuade the natives to unite with them;
but the latter refused, and on the contrary killed as many of the
Sangleys as they caught" (Argensola).--_Rizal_.
[15] Argensola says that "four thousand Pampangos, armed in the
custom of their country, with bows and arrows, half-pikes, shields,
and long broad daggers," were sent by the alcalde of Pampanga to the
relief of Manila, which now needed soldiers.--_Rizal_.
[16] In this struggle many cruelties were committed and many quiet
and friendly Chinese killed. Don Pedro de Acuña, who could not
prevent or stifle this terrible insurrection in its beginnings, also
contributed to the horrible butcheries that ensued. "Accordingly
many Spaniards and natives went to hunt the disbanded Sangleys,
at Don Pedro's order." Hernando de Avalos, alcalde of La Pampanga,
seized more than 400 pacific Sangleys, "and leading them to an estuary,
manacled two and two, delivered them to certain Japanese, who killed
them. Father Fray Diego de Guevara of the order of St. Augustine, prior
of Manila, who made this relation, preached to the Sangleys first,
but only five abandoned their idolatry." ... Would he not have done
better to preach to Alcalde Avalos, and to remind him that he was a
man? The Spanish historians say that the Japanese and Filipinos showed
themselves cruel in the killing of the Chinese. It is quite probable,
considering the rancor and hate with which they were regarded. But
their commanders contributed to it also by their example. It is said
that more than 23,000 Chinese were killed. "Some assert that the number
of Sangleys killed was greater, but in order that the illegality
committed in allowing so many to enter the country contrary to the
royal prohibitions might not be known, the officials covered up or
diminished the number of those who perished" (Argensola).--_Rizal_.
[17] The coming of the Spaniards to the Filipinas, and their
government, together with the immigration of the Chinese, killed the
industry and agriculture of the country. The terrible competition
of the Chinese with any individual of another race is well known,
for which reason the United States and Australia refuse to admit
them. The indolence, then, of the inhabitants of the Filipinas, is
derived from the lack of foresight of the government. Argensola says
the same thing, and could not have copied Morga, since their works
were published in the same year, in countries very distant from one
another, and the two contain wide differences.--_Rizal_.
The Chinese question has always been of great importance in the
Philippines. The dislike of the Filipino for the Chinese seemed
instinctive and was deep-rooted. The subject of the Chinese immigration
to the islands has served for special legislation on many occasions
in Spain, but they have nevertheless persisted in their trading and
occupations therein. See Stanley's edition of Morga, appendix II,
pp. 363-368; and _Los Chinos en Filipinos_ (Manila, 1886).
[18] This should be six hundred and four.--_Rizal_.
[19] Nueva España.--_Rizal_.
[20] This archbishop seems to have been a principal cause of the
disturbance and massacre of the Chinese, by taking a leading part in
exciting suspicion against them.--_Stanley_.
[21] The Arab travelers of the ninth century mention that eunuchs
were employed in China, especially for the collection of the revenue,
and that they were called _thoucam_.--_Stanley_.
[22] "In earlier times a barrier, which ran from Osaka to the
border of Yamato and Omi, separated the thirty-three western from
the thirty-three eastern provinces. The former were collectively
entitled Kuwansei (pronounce Kánsé), _i.e._, westward of the Gate; the
latter Kuwantô (pronounce Kántô), _i.e._, eastward of the Gate. Later,
however, when under the Tokugawa régime the passes leading to the plain
in which Yedo, the new capital of Shôgune, grew up were carefully
guarded; by the Gate (Kuwan) was understood the great guard on the
Hakone Pass, and Kuwantô or Kuwantô-Hashiu, the eight provinces east of
it: Sagami, Musashi, Kôtsuke, Shimotsuke, Hitachi, Shimosa, Katsusa,
and Awa." Thus defined by Rein, in his _Japan_, p. II, Cf. Griffis,
_Mikado's Empire_, p. 68, note.
[23] A flat-bottomed boat, capable of carrying heavy loads.
[24] Pedro Alvares de Abreu.--_Rizal_.
[25] According to Argensola, who gives a succinct relation of this
expedition, the number engaged in it were as follows: Spaniards and
their officers, 1,423; Pampangos and Tagáls (without their chiefs),
344; _idem_, for maritime and military service, 620; rowers,
649; Indian chiefs, 5; total 3,041. But he adds that all those
of the fleet, exclusive of the general's household and followers,
numbered 3,095. Probably the 54 lacking in the above number were the
Portuguese under command of Abreu and Camelo, although Argensola
does not mention Portuguese soldiers.... The names of the Indian
chiefs attending the expedition at their own cost were: Don Guillermo
(Palaot), master-of-camp; and Captains Don Francisco Palaot, Don Juan
Lit, Don Luis Lont, and Don Agustin Lont. These must have behaved
exceedingly well, for after the assault on Ternate, Argensola says:
"Not a person of consideration among the Spaniards or the Indians
remained unwounded."--_Rizal_.
[26] Said Dini Baraka ja.--_Rizal_.
[27] Combés (_Mindanao_, Retana's ed., cols. 73, 74) describes the
bagacay as a small, slender reed, hardened in fire and sharp-pointed;
it is hurled by a Moro at an enemy with unerring skill, and sometimes
five are discharged in one volley. He narrates surprising instances of
the efficacy of this weapon, and says that "there is none more cruel,
at close range."
[28] Stanley translates this "flat-boats." Retana and Pastells
(Combés's _Mindanao_, col. 787) derive this word from Chinese _chun_,
"a boat," and regard the _joanga_ (_juanga_) as a small junk.
[29] "The soldiers, having entered the city, gave themselves
universally to violence and pillage. Don Pedro had issued a
proclamation conceding that all of the enemy captured within those
four days, should be slaves" (Argensola). During the sack, which
Don Pedro was unable to restrain, neither children nor young girls
were spared. One girl was killed because two soldiers disputed for
her.--_Rizal_.
[30] "The prince's name was Sulamp Gariolano. This step was contrary
to the advice of Queen Celicaya" (Argensola).--_Rizal_.
[31] Sangajy, a Malay title (Marsden).--_Stanley_.
[32] The Jesuit Father Luis Fernández, Gallinato, and Esquivel made
negotiations with the king for this exile, and Father Colin attributes
its good outcome to the cleverness of the former. What was then
believed to be prudent resulted afterward as an impolitic measure,
and bore very fatal consequences; for it aroused the hostility of all
the Molucas, even that of their allies, and made the Spanish name
as odious as was the Portuguese. The priest Hernando de los Rios,
Bokemeyer, and other historians, moreover, accuse Don Pedro de Acuña
of bad faith in this; but, strictly judged, we believe that they do
so without foundation. Don Pedro in his passport assured the lives of
the king and prince, but not their liberty. Doubtless a trifle more
generosity would have made the conqueror greater, and the odium of
the Spanish name less, while it would have assured Spanish domination
of that archipelago. The unfortunate king never returned to his own
country. Hernando de los Rios says that during Don Pedro de Acuña's
life he was well treated, but that during the administration of Don
Juan de Silva "I have seen him in a poor lodging where all the rain
fell on him, and they were starving him to death." He is described by
Argensola as of "robust proportions, and his limbs are well formed. His
neck and much of his breast are bare. His flesh is of a cloudy color,
rather black than gray. The features of his face are like those of an
European. His eyes are large and full, and he seems to dart sparks
from them. His large eyelashes, his thick bristling beard, and his
mustaches add to his fierceness. He always wears his campilan, dagger,
and kris, both with hilts in the form of gilded serpents' heads." This
description was taken from a picture sent to Spain.--_Rizal_.
[33] Other disturbances occurred also, because of Don Pedro's enemies
having spread the news that the expedition had been destroyed, and
most of those making it killed. "This report, having come to the ears
of the Indians, was so harmful that they began to mutiny, especially
in the provinces of Camarines and Pintados. The friars who instructed
them could already do, nothing with them, for they asked why, since
the inhabitants of the Malucos were victorious, should they be subject
to the Spaniards, who did not defend them from the Moros. They said
that the Moros would plunder them daily with the help of Ternate,
and that it would be worse henceforth" (Argensola).--_Rizal_.
La Concepción states (_Hist. de Philipinas_, iv, p. 103) that these
Japanese were settled in Dilao; and that the immediate cause of their
mutiny was the killing of a Japanese by a Spaniard, in a quarrel.
[34] The authors of this poisoning were then known in Manila, and
according to Argensola were those envious of the governor. "But
although they were known as such, so that the suspicion of the crowd
makes them the authors of the poisoning we shall repress their names
... for all are now dead" (Argensola).--_Rizal_.
Cf. La Concepción (_Hist. de Philipinas_, iv, pp. 105, 106); he
ascribes the report of Acuña's poisoning to the physicians, who sought
thus to shield their own ignorance of his disease.
[35] These were the results of having taken the king and his chiefs,
who had entrusted themselves to Don Pedro de Acuña, prisoners to
Manila, the king of Tidore, the ally of España, had already found
means to break the alliance. The governors appointed by the captive
king refused to have anything to do with the Spaniards. Fear was
rampant in all parts, and the spirit of vengeance was aroused. "When
his vassals saw the ill-treatment that the Spaniards inflicted on
their king, they hated us so much that they acquired an equal liking
for our enemies. (Her. de los Rios)." Don Pedro lacked the chief
characteristic of Legazpi.--_Rizal_.
[36] This relation forms an appendix to Theodore de Bry's _Ninth
part of America_ (Frankfort, 1601), and was printed by Matthew Becker
(Frankfort, 1602). The copper plates are different from those of the
Dutch edition of the relation.--_Stanley_.
The plates representing Oliver van Noordt's fleet, presented in
the preceding volume, are taken from tome xvi of Theodore de Bry's
_Peregrinationes_ (first ed.), by courtesy of the Boston Public
Library. The title-page of the relation reads in part: "Description
dv penible voyage faict entovr de l'univers ou globe terrestre, par
Sr. Olivier dv Nort d'Avtrecht, ... Le tout translaté du Flamand en
Franchois, ... Imprimé a Amsterdame. Ches Cornille Claessz fur l'Eau
au Livre a Escrire, l'An 1602." This relation was reprinted in 1610,
and numerous editions have appeared since.
[37] One of the Canary Islands.
[38] This anchor was given him by a Japanese captain, in Manila Bay,
on December 3, 1600.--_Stanley_.
[39] What we now call Java used to be called Java major, and the
island of Bali was Java minor.--_Stanley_.
[Note: Inasmuch as Morga enters somewhat largely into the ancient
customs of the Tagáls and other Filipino peoples in the present
chapter, and as some of Rizal's notes indicative of the ancient culture
of those peoples are incorporated in notes that follow, we deem it
advisable to invite attention to Lord Stanley's remarks in the preface
to his translation of Morga (p. vii), and Pardo de Tavera's comment
in his _Biblioteca Filipina_ (Washington, 1903), p. 276. Stanley says:
"The inhabitants of the Philippines previous to the Spanish settlement
were not like the inhabitants of the great Indian Peninsula, people
with a civilization as that of their conquerors. Excepting that they
possessed the art of writing, and an alphabet of their own, they do
not appear to have differed in any way from the Dayaks of Borneo as
described by Mr. Boyle in his recent book of adventures amongst that
people. Indeed there is almost a coincidence of verbal expressions in
the descriptions he and De Morga give of the social customs, habits,
and superstitions of the two peoples they are describing; though many
of these coincidences are such as are incidental to life in similar
circumstances, there are enough to lead one to suppose a community of
origin of the inhabitants of Borneo and Luzon." Pardo de Tavera says
after quoting the first part of the above: "Lord Stanley's opinion is
dispassionate and not at all at variance with historical truth." The
same author says also that Blumentritt's prologue and Rizal's notes
in the latter's edition of Morga have so aroused the indignation of
the Spaniards that several have even attacked Morga.]
[40] More exactly from 25° 40' north latitude to 12° south latitude,
if we are to include Formosa in the group, which is inhabited likewise
by the same race.--_Rizal_.
[41] We confess our ignorance with respect to the origin of this
belief of Morga, which, as one can observe, was not his belief in
the beginning of the first chapter. Already from the time of Diodorus
Siculus (first century B. C.), Europe received information of these
islands by one Iamboule, a Greek, who went to them (to Sumatra at
least), and who wrote afterward the relation of his voyage. He gave
therein detailed information of the number of the islands, of their
inhabitants, of their writing, navigation, etc. Ptolemy mentions
three islands in his geography, which are called Sindæ in the Latin
text. They are inhabited by the aginnatai. Mercator interprets those
islands as Celebes, Gilolo, and Amboina. Ptolemy also mentions the
island agajou daimonoc (Borneo), five baroussai (Mindanao, Leite,
Sebu, etc.), three sabade'ibai (the Java group--iabadiou) and ten
masniolai where a large loadstone was found. Colin surmises that
these are the Manilas.--_Rizal_.
Colin (_Labor Evangelica_, Madrid, 1663) discusses the discovery and
naming of the Philippines. He quotes Ptolemy's passage that speaks
of islands called the Maniolas, whence many suppose came the name
Manilas, sometimes given to the islands. But as pointed out in a
letter dated March 14, 1904, by James A. LeRoy, Spanish writers have
wasted more time on the question than it merits. Mr. LeRoy probably
conjectures rightly that many old Chinese and Japanese documents will
be found to contain matter relating to the Philippines prior to the
Spanish conquest.
[42] It is very difficult now to determine exactly which is this island
of Tendaya, called Isla Filipina for some years. According to Father
Urdaneta's relations, this island was far to the east of the group,
past the meridian of Maluco. Mercator locates it in Panay, and Colin
in Leyte, between Abuyog and Cabalían--contrary to the opinion of
others, who locate it in Ibabao, or south of Samar. But according to
other documents of that period, there is no island by that name, but
a chief called Tendaya, lord of a village situated in that district;
and, as the Spaniards did not understand the Indians well at that time,
many contradictions thus arose in the relations of that period. We
see that, in Legazpi's expedition, while the Spaniards talked of
islands, the Indians talked of a man, etc. After looking for Tandaya
for ten days they had to continue without finding it "and we passed
on without seeing Tandaya or Abuyo." It appears, nevertheless, that
the Spaniards continued to give this name to the southwestern part
of Samar, calling the southeastern part Ibabao or Zibabao and the
northern part of the same island Samar.--_Rizal_.
[43] Sugbú, in the dialect of the country.--_Rizal_.
[44] Morga considers the rainy season as winter, and the rest of
the year as summer. However this is not very exact, for at Manila,
in December, January, and February, the thermometer is lower than
in the months of August and September. Consequently, in its seasons
it is like those of España and those of all the rest of the northern
hemisphere.--_Rizal_.
[45] The ancient traditions made Sumatra the original home of the
Filipino Indians. These traditions, as well as the mythology and
genealogies mentioned by the ancient historians, were entirely lost,
thanks to the zeal of the religious in rooting out every national pagan
or idolatrous record. With respect to the ethnology of the Filipinas,
see Professor Blumentritt's very interesting work, _Versuch einer
Etnographie der Philippinen_ (Gotha, Justus Perthes, 1882).--_Rizal_.
[46] This passage contradicts the opinion referred to in Boyle's
_Adventures among the Dyaks of Borneo_, respecting the ignorance of
the Dyaks in the use of the bow, which seems to imply that other South
Sea islanders are supposed to share this ignorance. These aboriginal
savages of Manila resemble the Pakatans of Borneo in their mode of
life.--_Stanley_.
[47] We do not know the origin of this word, which does not seem to
be derived from _China_. If we may make a conjecture, we will say
that perhaps a poor phonetic transcription has made _chinina_ from
the word _tininã_ (from _tinã_) which in Tagál signifies _teñido_
["dyed stuff"], the name of this article of clothing, generally of but
one color throughout. The chiefs wore these garments of a red color,
which made, according to Colin, "of fine gauze from India."--_Rizal_.
[48] Bahag "a richly dyed cloth, generally edged with gold" among
the chiefs.--_Rizal_.
[49] "They wrapped it in different ways, now in the Moro style,
like a turban without the top part, now twisted and turned in the
manner of the crown of a hat. Those who esteemed themselves valiant
let the ends of the cloth, elaborately embroidered, fall down the
back to the buttocks. In the color of the cloth, they showed their
chieftaincy, and the device of their undertakings and prowess. No
one was allowed to use the red potong until he had killed at least
one man. And in order to wear them edged with certain edgings,
which were regarded as a crown, they must have killed seven men"
(Colin). Even now any Indian is seen to wear the _balindang_ in the
manner of the _putong_. _Putong_ signifies in Tagál, "to crown" or
"to wrap anything around the head."--_Rizal_.
[50] This is the reading of the original (_cera hilada_). It seems
more probable that this should read "spun silk," and that Morga's
amanuensis misunderstood _seda_ ("silk") as _cera_ ("wax"), or else
it is a misprint.
[51] "They also have strings of bits of ivory" (Colin).--_Rizal_.
[52] "The last complement of the gala dress was, in the manner of our
sashes, a richly dyed shawl crossed at the shoulder and fastened under
the arm" (even today the men wear the _lambong_ or mourning garment
in this manner) "which was very usual with them. The Bisayans, in
place of this, wore robes or loose garments, well made and collarless,
reaching to the instep, and embroidered in colors. All their costume,
in fact, was in the Moorish manner, and was truly elegant and rich;
and even today they consider it so" (Colin).--_Rizal_.
[53] This manner of headdress, and the long robe of the Visayans,
have an analogy with the Japanese coiffure and kimono.--_Rizal_.
[54] Barõ.--_Rizal_.
[55] A tree (_Entada purseta_) which grows in most of the provinces
of the Philippines. It contains a sort of filament, from which is
extracted a soapy foam, which is much used for washing clothes. This
foam is also used to precipitate the gold in the sand of rivers. Rizal
says the most common use is that described above.
[56] This custon still exists.--_Rizal_.
[57] This custom exists also among the married women of Japan, as a
sign of their chastity. It is now falling into disuse.--_Rizal_.
[58] The Filipinos were careful not to bathe at the hour of the siesta,
after eating, during the first two days of a cold, when they have
the herpes, and some women during the period of menstruation.--_Rizal_.
[59] This work, although not laborious, is generally performed
now by the men, while the women do only the actual cleaning of the
rice.--_Rizal_.
[60] This custom is still to be seen in some parts.--_Rizal_.
[61] A name given it by the Spaniards. Its Tagál name is
_kanin_.--_Rizal_.
[62] The fish mentioned by Morga is not tainted, but is the
_bagoong_.--_Rizal_.
[63] A term applied to certain plants (_Atmaranthus_, _Celosia_,
etc.) of which the leaves are boiled and eaten.
[64] From the Tagál _tubã_, meaning sap or juice.--_Rizal_.
[65] The Filipinos have reformed in this respect, due perhaps to the
wine-monopoly. Colin says that those intoxicated by this wine were
seldom disagreeable or dangerous, but rather more witty and sprightly;
nor did they show any ill effects from drinking it.--_Rizal_.
[66] This weapon has been lost, and even its name is gone. A proof
of the decline into which the present Filipinos have fallen is the
comparison of the weapons that they manufacture now, with those
described to us by the historians. The hilts of the _talibones_ now
are not of gold or ivory, nor are their scabbards of horn, nor are
they admirably wrought.--_Rizal_.
_Balarao_, dagger, is a Vissayan word.--_Stanley_.
[67] The only other people who now practice head-hunting are the
Mentenegrins.--_Stanley_.
[68] A Tagál word meaning oar.--_Stanley_.
[69] A common device among barbarous or semi-civilized peoples,
and even among boatmen in general. These songs often contain many
interesting and important bits of history, as well as of legendary
lore.
[70] _Karang_, signifying awnings.--_Rizal_ and _Stanley_.
[71] The Filipinos, like the inhabitants of the Marianas--who are no
less skilful and dexterous in navigation--far from progressing, have
retrograded; since, although boats are now built in the islands,
we might assert that they are all after European models. The
boats that held one hundred rowers to a side and thirty soldiers
have disappeared. The country that once, with primitive methods,
built ships of about 2,000 toneladas, today [1890] has to go to
foreign ports, as Hong-Kong, to give the gold wrenched from the poor,
in exchange for unserviceable cruisers. The rivers are blocked up,
and navigation in the interior of the islands is perishing, thanks to
the obstacles created by a timid and mistrusting system of government;
and there scarcely remains in the memory anything but the name of all
that naval architecture. It has vanished, without modern improvements
having come to replace it in such proportion as, during the past
centuries, has occurred in adjacent countries....--_Rizal_.
[72] It seems that some species of trees disappeared or became
very scarce because of the excessive ship-building that took place
later. One of them is the _betis_.--_Rizal_.
Blanco states (_Flora_, ed. 1845, p. 281) that the betis (_Azaola
betis_) was common in Pampanga and other regions.
Delgado describes the various species of trees in the Philippines
in the first six treatises of the first part of the fourth book
of _Historia general de Filipinas_ (Manila, 1892). He mentions by
name more than seventy trees grown on the level plains and near the
shores; more than forty fruit-trees; more than twenty-five species
grown in the mountains; sixteen that actually grow in the water; and
many kinds of palms. See also _Gazetteer of the Philippine Islands_
(Washington, 1902), pp. 85-95, and Buzeta and Bravo's _Diccionario_
(Madrid, 1850), i, pp. 29-36.
[73] _Sanctor_ is called _santol_ (_Sandoricum indicum_--Cavanilles),
in Delgado (_ut supra_, note 71). The tree resembles a walnut-tree. Its
leaves are rounded and as large as the palm of the hand, and are
dark green in color. Excellent preserves are made from the fruit,
which was also eaten raw by the Indians. The leaves of the tree
have medicinal properties and were used as poultices. _Mabolo_
(_Diospyros discolor_--Willd.) signifies in Tagál a thing or
fruit enclosed in a soft covering. The tree is not very high. The
leaves are large, and incline to a red color when old. The fruit
is red and as large as a medium-sized quince, and has several large
stones. The inside of the fruit is white, and is sweet and firm, and
fragrant, but not very digestible. The wood resembles ebony, is very
lustrous, and is esteemed for its solidity and hardness. The _nanca_
[_nangka_, _nangca_; translated by Stanley, jack-fruit] (_Artocarpus
integrifolia_--Willd.), was taken to the Philippines from India,
where it was called _yaca_. The tree is large and wide-spreading,
and has long narrow leaves. It bears fruit not only on the branches,
but on the trunk and roots. The fruit is gathered when ripe, at
which time it exhales an aromatic odor. On opening it a yellowish
or whitish meat is found, which is not edible. But in this are found
certain yellow stones, with a little kernel inside resembling a large
bean; this is sweet, like the date, but has a much stronger odor. It
is indigestible, and when eaten should be well masticated. The shells
are used in cooking and resemble chestnuts. The wood is yellow, solid,
and especially useful in making certain musical instruments. Buzeta
and Bravo (_Diccionario_, i, p. 35) say that there are more than
fifty-seven species of bananas in the Philippines.
[74] Pilê (_Canarium commune_--Linn.). Delgado (_ut supra_) says that
this was one of the most notable and useful fruits of the islands. It
was generally confined to mountainous regions and grew wild. The
natives used the fruit and extracted a white pitch from the tree. The
fruit has a strong, hard shell. The fruit itself resembles an almond,
both in shape and taste, although it is larger. The tree is very high,
straight, and wide-spreading. Its leaves are larger than those of
the almond-tree.
[75] Delgado (_ut supra_) describes the tree (_Cedrela
toona_--Roxb.) called _calanta_ in Tagál, and _lanipga_ in
Visayan. The tree is fragrant and has wood of a reddish color. It
was used for making the hulls of vessels, because of its strength and
lightness. The same author describes also the _asana_ (_Pterocarpus
indicus_--Willd.) or as it is called in the Visayas, _naga_ or
_narra_--as an aromatic tree, of which there are two varieties, male
and female. The wood of the male tree is pinkish, while that of the
female tree is inclined to white. They both grow to a great size and
are used for work requiring large timber. The wood has good durable
qualities and is very impervious to water, for which reason it was
largely used as supports for the houses. Water in which pieces of the
wood were placed, or the water that stood in vessels made of this wood,
had a medicinal value in dropsy and other diseases. In the provinces
of Albay and Camarines the natives made curiously-shaped drinking
vessels from this wood.
[76] So many cattle were raised that Father Gaspar de San Agustin, when
speaking of Dumangas, says: "In this convent we have a large ranch for
the larger cattle, of so many cows that they have at times numbered
more than thirty, thousand ... and likewise this ranch contains many
fine horses."--_Rizal_.
[77] To the flesh of this fowl, called in Tagál _ulikbâ_, are
attributed medicinal virtues.--_Rizal_.
[78] These animals now [1890] exist in the islands, but are held in
small esteem.--_Rizal_.
[79] See chapter on the mammals of the islands, in _Report_ of
U. S. Philippine Commission, 1900, iii, pp. 307-312. At its end is the
statement that but one species of monkey is known, and one other is
reported, to exist in the Philippines; and that "the various other
species of monkey which have been assigned to the Philippines by
different authors are myths pure and simple."
[80] _Camalote_, for _gamalote_, a plant like maize, with a leaf a
yard long and an inch wide. This plant grows to a height of two yards
and a half, and when green serves for food for horses (Caballero's
_Dictionary_, Madrid, 1856).--_Stanley_.
At that time the name for _zacate_ (hay).--_Rizal_.
[81] In Japanese _fimbari_, larks (Medhurst's _Japanese
Vocabulary_).--_Stanley_.
[82] _Pogos_, from the Tagál pugô.--_Rizal_.
Delgado (_ut supra_) describes the pogos as certain small gray birds,
very similar to the sparrows in Spain. They are very greedy, and if
undisturbed would totally destroy the rice-fields. Their scientific
name is _Excalfactoria chinensis_ (Linn.).
[83] Stanley conjectures that this word is a misprint for _maynelas_,
a diminutive of _maina_, a talking bird. Delgado (_ut supra_) describes
a bird called _maya_ (_Munia jagori_--Cab.; _Ploceus baya_--Blyth.;
and _Ploceus hypoxantha_--Tand.), which resembles the pogo, being
smaller and of a cinnamon color, which pipes and has an agreeable song.
[84] Stanley translates this as "wild ducks." Delgado (_ut supra_)
describes a bird called _lapay_ (_Dendrocygna vagans_--Eyton.),
as similar to the duck in body, but with larger feet, which always
lives in the water, and whose flesh is edible.
[85] For descriptions of the birds in the Philippines, see Delgado
(_ut supra_) book v, part i, 1st treatise, pp. 813-853; _Report_ of
U.S. Philippine Commission, 1900, iii, pp. 312-316; and _Gazetteer of
the Philippine Islands_ (Washington, 1902), pp. 170, 171. There are
more than five hundred and ninety species of birds in the islands, of
which three hundred and twenty-five are peculiar to the archipelago,
and largely land birds. There are thirty-five varieties of doves and
pigeons, all edible.
[86] There are now domestic rabbits, and plenty of peacocks.--_Rizal_.
[87] Doubtless the python, which is often domesticated in the
Philippines. See _Vol_. XII, p. 259, note 73.
[88] La Gironiére (_Twenty Years in the Philippines_--trans. from
French, London, 1853) describes an interesting fight with a huge
crocodile near his settlement of Jala-Jala. The natives begged for
the flesh in order to dry it and use it as a specific against asthma,
as they believed that any asthmatic person who lived on the flesh for
a certain time would be infallibly cured. Another native wished the
fat as an antidote for rheumatic pain. The head of this huge reptile
was presented to an American, who in turn presented it to the Boston
Museum. Unfortunately La Gironiére's picturesque descriptions must
often be taken with a grain of salt. For some information regarding
the reptiles of the islands see _Report_ of U.S. Philippine Commission,
1900, iii, pp. 317-319.
[89] Unless we are mistaken, there is a fish in the Filipinas called
_Pámpano_.--_Rizal_.
[90] For catalogue and scientific description of the mollusks of
the Philippines, see the work of Joaquín González Hidalgo--now
(1904) in course of publication by the Real Academia de Ciencias of
Madrid--_Estudios preliminares sobre la fauna malacológica de las
Islas Filipinas._
[91] The Río Grande.--_Rizal_.
[92] No fish is known answering to this description.--_Stanley_.
[93] The island of Talim.--_Rizal_.
[94] Retana thinks (Zúñiga, ii, p. 545*) that this device was
introduced among the Filipinos by the Borneans.
[95] A species of fishing-net. Stanley's conjecture is wrong.
[96] _Esparavel_ is a round fishing-net, which is jerked along by
the fisher through rivers and shallow places. _Barredera_ is a net
of which the meshes are closer and tighter than those of common nets,
so that the smallest fish may not escape it.
[97] Cf. methods of fishing of North American Indians, _Jesuit
Relations_, vi, pp. 309-311, liv, pp. 131, 306-307.
[98] A species of fish in the Mediterranean, about three pulgadas
[inches] long. Its color is silver, lightly specked with black.
[99] The fish now called _lawlaw_ is the dry, salted sardine. The
author evidently alludes to the _tawilis_ of Batangas, or to the
_dilis_, which is still smaller, and is used as a staple by the
natives.--_Rizal_.
For information regarding the fishes of the Philippines, see Delgado
(_ut supra_), book v, part iv, pp. 909-943; _Gazetteer of the
Philippine Islands_ (_ut supra_), pp. 171-172; and (with description
of methods of fishing) _Report_ of U. S. Philippine Commission, 1900,
iii, pp. 319-324.
[100] Pahõ. A species of very small mango from one and one-half
to five centimeters in its longer diameter. It has a soft pit, and
exhales a strong pitchy odor.--_Rizal_.
[101] A Spanish word signifying a cryptogamous plant; perhaps referring
to some species of mushroom.
[102] In Tagál this is kasubhã. It comes from the Sanskrit _kasumbha_,
or Malay _kasumba_ (Pardo de Tavera's _El Sanscrito en la lengua
tagalog_).--_Rizal_.
This plant is the safflower or bastard saffron (_Certhamus
tinctorius_); its flowers are used in making a red dye.
[103] Not a tree, but a climber. The plants are cultivated by
training them about some canes planted in the middle of certain
little channels which serve to convey irrigation to the plant twice
each day. A plantation of betel--or ikmó, as the Tagáls call it--much
resembles a German hop-garden.--_Rizal_.
[104] This fruit is not that of the betel or _buyo_, but of the _bonga_
(Tagál _buñga_), or areca palm.--_Rizal_.
[105] Not quicklime, but well slaked lime.--_Rizal_.
Rizal misprints _un poco de cal viva_ for _vn poluc de cal viua_.
[106] The original word is _marcada_. Rizal is probably correct in
regarding it as a misprint for _mascada_, chewed.
[107] It is not clear who call these caskets by that name. I imagine
it to be the Spanish name, properly spelt _buxeta_. The king of
Calicut's betel box is called _buxen_ in the Barcelona MS. of the
Malabar coasts.--_Stanley_.
[108] See _Vol_. IV, p. 222, note 31; also Delgado (_ut supra_),
pp. 667-669. Delgado says that _bonga_ signifies fruit.
[109] Tagál, _tukõ_.--_Rizal_.
[110] This word in the original is _visitandolas_; Rizal makes
it _irritandolas_ (shaking or irritating them), but there are not
sufficient grounds for the change.
[111] The Indians, upon seeing that wealth excited the rapacity of
the encomenderos and soldiers, abandoned the working of the mines,
and the religious historians assert that they counseled them to a
similar action in order to free them from annoyances. Nevertheless,
according to Colin (who was "informed by well-disposed natives")
more than 100,000 pesos of gold annually, conservatively stated,
was taken from the mines during his time, after eighty years of
abandonment. According to "a manuscript of a grave person who had
lived long in these islands" the first tribute of the two provinces
of Ilocos and Pangasinan alone amounted to 109,500 pesos. A single
encomendero, in 1587, sent 3,000 taheles of gold in the "Santa Ana,"
which was captured by Cavendish.--_Rizal_.
[112] This was prohibited later.--_Rizal_.
[113] See _Vol_. XIV, pp. 301-304.
According to Hernando de los Rios the province of Pangasinan was said
to contain a quantity of gold, and that Guido de Labazaris sent some
soldiers to search for it; but they returned in a sickly state and
suppressed all knowledge of the mines in order not to be sent back
there. The Dominican monks also suppressed all knowledge of the mines
on account of the tyranny of which gold had been the cause in the
West Indies.--_Stanley_.
[114] Pearl-fishing is still carried on along the coasts of Mindanao
and Palawan, and in the Sulu archipelago. In the latter region pearls
are very abundant and often valuable; the fisheries there are under
the control of the sultan of Sulu, who rents them, appropriating for
himself the largest pearls.
[115] Probably the cowry (_Cypræa moneta_). Crawfurd states
(_Dict. Ind. Islands_, p. 117) that in the Asiatic archipelago this
shell is found only on the shores of the Sulu group, and that it
"seems never to have been used for money among the Indian Islanders
as it has immemorially been by the Hindus."
[116] Jagor, _Travels in the Philippines_ (Eng. trans., London, 1875),
devotes a portion of his chapter xv to these jars. He mentions the
great prices paid by the Japanese for these vessels. On p. 164, occurs
a translation of the above paragraph, but it has been mistranslated
in two places. Stanley cites the similar jars found among the Dyaks
of Borneo--the best called _gusih_--which were valued at from $1,500
to $3,000, while the second grade were sold for $400. That they are
very ancient is proved by one found among other remains of probably the
copper age. From the fact that they have been found in Cambodia, Siam,
Cochinchina, and the Philippines, Rizal conjectures that the peoples
of these countries may have had a common center of civilization at
one time.
[117] "Not many years ago," says Colin (1663), "a large piece [of
ambergris] was found in the island of Joló, that weighed more than
eight arrobas, of the best kind, namely, the gray."--_Rizal_.
[118] This industry must now be forgotten, for it is never heard
of.--_Rizal_.
[119] Perhaps Morga alludes to the _sinamay_, which was woven from
abaká, or filament of the plant _Musa textilis_. The abaká is taken
from the trunk and not the leaf.--_Rizal_.
[120] This name seems to be Malay, _Babu-utan_, wild swine.--_Stanley_.
[121] The men of these islands were excellent carpenters and
ship-builders. "They make many very light vessels, which they take
through the vicinity for sale in a very curious manner. They build
a large vessel, undecked, without iron nail or any fastening. Then,
according to the measure of its hull, they make another vessel that
fits into it. Within that they put a second and a third. Thus a
large biroco contains ten or twelve vessels, called biroco, virey,
barangay, and binitan." These natives were "tattooed, and were
excellent rowers and sailors; and although they are upset often,
they never drown." The women are very masculine. "They do not
drink from the rivers, although the water is very clear, because it
gives them nausea.... The women's costumes are chaste and pretty,
for they wear petticoats in the Bisayan manner, of fine medriñaque,
and _lamboncillos_, which resemble close-fitting sayuelos [_i.e._,
woolen shifts worn by certain classes of religious]. They wear long
robes of the same fine medriñaque. They gather the hair, which is
neatly combed, into a knot, on top of the head, and place a rose in
it. On their forehead they wear a band of very fine wrought gold,
two fingers wide. It is very neatly worked and on the side encircling
the head it is covered with colored taffeta. In each ear they wear
three gold earrings, one in the place where Spanish women wear them,
and two higher up. On their feet they wear certain coverings of thin
brass, which sound when they walk." (The citations herein are from
Colin.) These islands have also retrograded.--_Rizal_.
[122] Cavite derives its name from the Tagál word _cavit_, a creek,
or bend, or hook, for such is its form.--_Stanley_.
[123] This province had decreased so greatly in population and
agriculture, a half century later, that Gaspar de San Agustin said:
"Now it no longer has the population of the past, because of the
insurrection of that province, when Don Sabiniano Manrique de Lara
was governor of these islands, and because of the incessant cutting
of the timber for the building of his Majesty's ships, which prevents
them from cultivating their extremely fertile plain." Later, when
speaking of Guagua or Wawà, he says: "This town was formerly very
wealthy because of its many chiefs, and because of the abundant
harvests gathered in its spacious plains, which are now submerged by
the water of the sea."--_Rizal_.
[124] Now the port of Sorsogón.--_Rizal_.
[125] Now the port of Mariveles (?).--_Rizal_.
[126] Subik (?).--_Rizal_.
[127] Mindoro is at present [1890] so depopulated that the minister of
the Colonies, in order to remedy this result of Spanish colonization,
wishes to send there the worst desperadoes of the peninsula, to see
if great criminals will make good colonists and farmers. All things
considered, given the condition of those who go, it is indubitable
that the race that succeeds must know how to defend itself and live,
so that the island may not be depopulated again.--_Rizal_.
[128] Samar. This proves contrary to the opinion of Colin, who places
Tendaya in Leite.--_Rizal_.
[129] Southeastern part of Samar.--_Rizal_.
[130] Colin says, however, that they did tattoo the chins and
about the eyes [_barbas y cejas_]. The same author states also that
the tattooing was done little by little and not all at once. "The
children were not tattooed, but the women tattooed one hand and
part of the other. In this island of Manila the Ilocos also tattooed
themselves, although not so much as did the Visayans." The Negritos,
Igorrotes, and other independent tribes of the Filipinas still tattoo
themselves. The Christians have forgotten the practice. The Filipinas
used only the black color, thus differing from the Japanese, who
employ different colors, as red and blue, and carry the art to a
rare perfection. In other islands of the Pacific, the women tattoo
themselves almost as much as the men. Dr. Wilhelm Joest's _Tätowiren
Narbenzeichnen und Körperbemahlen_ (Berlin, 1887) treats the matter
very succinctly.--_Rizal_.
[131] This is a confused statement, after what just precedes it and
according to the evidence of Father Chirino (see _Vol_. XII, chapter
vii). Morga must mean that they wore no cloak or covering when they
went outside the house, as did the Tagáls (both men and women), who
used a kind of cape.--_Rizal_. [This is the sense in which Stanley
understood and translated this passage.]
[132] _Gûbat_, grove, field, in Tagál. _Mangubat_ [so printed in
the text of Rizal's edition] signifies in Tagál "to go hunting,
or to the wood," or even "to fight."--_Rizal_.
[133] "At the arrival of the Spaniards at this island (Panay)" says
San Agustín, "it was said to have more than 50,000 families. But
they decreased greatly ... and at present it has about 14,000
tributarios--6,000 apportioned to the crown, and 8,000 to individual
encomenderos." They had many gold-mines, and obtained gold by
washing the sand in the Panay River; "but instigated by the outrages
received from the alcaldes-mayor," says the same historian, "they
have ceased to dig it, preferring to live in poverty than to endure
such troubles."--_Rizal_.
[134] This entire paragraph is omitted in the Rizal edition. In the
original it is as follows:
_La Lengua de todos, los Pintados y Bicayas, es vna mesma, por do se
entienden, hablando y escriuiendo, en letras y caratores que tienen
particulares, que semejan á los Arabigos, y su comun escribir entre
los naturales, es en hojas de arboles, y en cañas, sobre la corteza;
que en todas las islas ay muchas, de disforme grueso los cañutos,
y el pie es vn arbol muy grueso y maciço_.
[135] This difference is no greater than that between the Spanish,
Portuguese, and Italian.--_Rizal_.
[136] See Chirino (_Relacion de las islas Filipinas_) _Vol_. XII,
chapters xv-xvii. His remarks, those of Morga, and those of other
historians argue a considerable amount of culture among the Filipino
peoples prior to the Spanish conquest. A variety of opinions have been
expressed as to the direction of the writing. Chirino, San Antonio,
Zúñiga, and Le Gentil, say that it was vertical, beginning at the
top. Colin, Ezguerra, and Marche assert that it was vertical but in
the opposite direction. Colin says that the horizontal form was adopted
after the arrival of the Spaniards. Mas declares that it was horizontal
and from left to right, basing his arguments upon certain documents
in the Augustinian archives in Manila. The eminent Filipino scholar,
Dr. T. H. Pardo de Tavera has treated the subject in a work entitled
"_Contribucion para el estudio de los antiguos alfabetos filipinos_"
(Losana, 1884). See Rizal's notes on p. 291 of his edition of Morga.
[137] This portion of this sentence is omitted in Stanley.
[138] Báhay is "house" in Tagál; _pamamáhay_ is that which is in the
interior and the house. _Bahandin_ may be a misprint for _bahayín_,
an obsolete derivative.--_Rizal_.
[139] Cf. this and following sections with Loarca's relation, _Vol_. V,
of this series; and with Plasencia's account, _Vol_. VII, pp. 173-196.
[140] Timawá.--_Rizal_.
[141] The condition of these slaves was not always a melancholy
one. Argensola says that they ate at the same table with their masters,
and married into their families. The histories fail to record the
assassination for motives of vengeance of any master or chief by
the natives, as they do of encomenderos. After the conquest the evil
deepened. The Spaniards made slaves without these pretexts, and without
those enslaved being Indians of their jurisdiction--going moreover,
to take them away from their own villages and islands. Fernando de los
Rios Coronel, in his memorial to the king (Madrid, 1621) pp. 24-25,
speaks in scathing terms of the cruelties inflicted on the natives
in the construction of ships during the governorship of Juan de
Silva. A letter from Felipe II to Bishop Domingo de Salazar shows
the awful tyranny exercised by the encomenderos upon the natives,
whose condition was worse than that of slaves.--_Rizal_.
[142] For remarks on the customs formerly observed by the natives of
Pampanga in their suits, see appendix to this volume.
[143] This fundamental agreement of laws, and this general uniformity,
prove that the mutual relations of the islands were widespread, and the
bonds of friendship more frequent than were wars and quarrels. There
may have existed a confederation, since we know from the first
Spaniards that the chief of Manila was commander-in-chief of the
sultan of Borneo. In addition, documents of the twelfth century that
exist testify the same thing.--_Rizal_.
[144] This word must be _sagigilid_ in its Tagál form. The root _gílid_
signifies in Tagál, "margin," "strand," or "shore." The reduplication
of the first syllable, if tonic, signifies active future action. If
not tonic and the suffix _an_ be added, it denotes the place where
the action of the verb is frequently executed. The preposition _sa_
indicates place, time, reference. The atonic reduplication may also
signify plurality, in which case the singular noun would be _sagílid_,
_i.e._, "at the margin," or "the last"--that is, the slave. Timawá
signifies now in Tagál, "in peace, in quietness, tranquil, free,"
etc. _Maginoo_, from the root _ginoo_, "dignity," is now the title of
the chiefs; and the chief's reunion is styled _kaginoóhan_. Colin says,
nevertheless, that the Chiefs used the title _gat_ or _lakan_, and the
women _dayang_. The title of _mama_ applied now to men, corresponds
to "uncle," "Señor," "Monsieur," "Mr.," etc.; and the title _al_
of women to the feminine titles corresponding to these.--_Rizal_.
[145] _Namamahay_ (from _bahay_, "house"), "he who lives in his own
house." This class of slaves, if they may be so called, exists even
yet. They are called _kasamá_ (because of being now the laborers of a
capitalist or farmer), _bataan_ ("servant," or "domestic"), _kampon,
tao_, etc.
[146] This class of slavery still exists [1890] in many districts,
especially in the province of Batangas; but it must be admitted that
their condition is quite different from that of the slave in Greece or
Rome, or that of the negro, and even of those made slaves formerly by
the Spaniards. Thanks to their social condition and to their number in
that time, the Spanish domination met very little resistance, while
the Filipino chiefs easily lost their independence and liberty. The
people, accustomed to the yoke, did not defend the chiefs from
the invader, nor attempt to struggle for liberties that they never
enjoyed. For the people, it was only a change of masters. The nobles,
accustomed to tyrannize by force, had to accept the foreign tyranny,
when it showed itself stronger than their own. Not encountering love
or elevated feelings in the enslaved mass, they found themselves
without force or power.--_Rizal_.
[147] _Inasawa_, or more correctly _asawa_ (consort).--_Rizal_.
[148] This dowry, if one may call it so, represented to the parents
an indemnity for the care and vigilance that they had exercised in
their daughter's education. The Filipina woman, never being a burden
to any one (either to her parents or to her husband), but quite the
contrary, represents a value, whose loss to the possessor must be
substituted.... The Tagál wife is free, and treated with consideration;
she trades and contracts, almost always with the approbation of her
husband, who consults her in all his acts. She takes care of the money,
and educates the children, half of whom belong to her...--_Rizal_.
[149] _Bigay-káya_, "to give what one can," "a voluntary offering,
a present of good will" ... This _bigay-káya_ devolved entire
to the married couple, according to Colin, if the son-in-law was
obedient to his parents-in-law; if not, it was divided among all the
heirs. "Besides the dowry, the chiefs used to give certain gifts to
the parents and relatives, and even to the slaves, which were great
or less according to the rank of the one married." (Colin).--_Rizal_.
[150] This good custom still exists, ... although it is gradually
passing away.--_Rizal_.
[151] Such is the law throughout most parts of Asia; in Siam the
woman becomes free without having children. It is only in America that
fathers could and did sell their own children into slavery.--_Stanley_.
[152] This condition of affairs and the collection of usury is true
still [1890]. Morga's words prove true not only of the Indian, but also
of the mestizos, the Spaniards, and even of various religious. So far
has it gone that the government itself not only permits it, but also
exacts the capital and even the person to pay the debts of others, as
happens with the _cabeza de barangay_ [head of a barangay].--_Rizal_.
[153] The _tam-tam_ and the _pum-piang_ are still used.--_Rizal_.
[154] The early Filipinos had a great horror of theft, and even the
most anti-Filipino historian could not accuse them of being a thievish
race. Today, however, they have lost their horror of that crime. One
of the old Filipino methods of investigating theft was as follows:
"If the crime was proved, but not the criminal, if more than one was
suspected ... each suspect was first obliged to place a bundle of
cloth, leaves, or whatever he wished on a pile, in which the thing
stolen might be hidden. Upon the completion of this investigation
if the stolen property was found in the pile, the suit ceased." The
Filipinos also practiced customs very similar to the "judgments of
God" of the middle ages, such as putting suspected persons, by pairs,
under the water and adjudging guilty him who first emerged.--_Rizal_.
[155] The Filipino today prefers a beating to scoldings or
insults.--_Rizal_.
[156] From _bago_, new, and _tao_, man: he who has become a
man.--_Rizal_.
[157] In speaking of a similar custom in Australia, Eyre (_Central
Australia_, i, p. 213), says: "This extraordinary and inexplicable
custom must have a great tendency to prevent the rapid increase of the
population."--_Stanley_. [Stanley does not translate this paragraph
of the text.]
[158] It appears that the natives called _anito_ a tutelary genius,
either of the family, or extraneous to it. Now, with their new
religious ideas, the Tagáls apply the term _anito_ to any superstition,
false worship, idol, etc.--_Rizal_.
[159] Others besides Morga mention oratories in caves, where the idols
were kept, and where aromatics were burned in small brasiers. Chirino
found small temples in Taitay adjoining the principal houses. [See
_Vol_. XII. of this series, chapter xxi.] It appears that temples were
never dedicated to _bathala maykapal_, nor was sacrifice ever offered
him. The temples dedicated to the _anito_ were called ulañgo.--_Rizal_.
[160] San Agustín says that hell was called _solad_, and paradise,
_kalualhatian_ (a name still in existence), and in poetical language,
_ulugan_. The blest abodes of the inhabitants of Panay were in the
mountain of Madias.--_Rizal_.
[161] Cf. the "wake" of the Celtic and Gaelic peasants. Cf. also the
North-American Indian burial ceremonies, and reverence paid to the
dead, in _Jesuit Relations_, i, p. 215; ii, pp. 21, 149; viii, p. 21;
x, pp. 169, 247, 283-285, 293; xiii, 259; xxi, 199; xxiii, 31; lxv,
141; etc.
In the Filipino burials, there were mourners who composed panegyrics
in honor of the dead, like those made today. "To the sound of this
sad music the corpse was washed, and perfumed with storax, gum-resin,
or other perfumes made from tree gums, which are found in all these
woods. Then the corpse was shrouded, being wrapped in more or less
cloth according to the rank of the deceased. The bodies of the more
wealthy were anointed and embalmed in the manner of the Hebrews,
with aromatic liquors, which preserved them from decay.... The
burial-place of the poor was in pits dug in the ground under their
own houses. After the bodies of the rich and powerful were kept and
bewailed for three days, they were placed in a chest or coffin of
incorruptible wood, adorned with rich jewels, and with small sheets
of gold in the mouth and over the eyes. The coffin was all in one
piece, and the lid was so adjusted that no air could enter. Because
of these precautions the bodies have been found after many years,
still uncorrupted. These coffins were deposited in one of three
places, according to the inclination and arrangement of the deceased,
either on top of the house among the treasures ... or underneath it,
but raised from the ground; or in the ground itself, in an open hole
surrounded with a small railing ... nearby they were wont to place
another box filled with the best clothes of the deceased; and at
meal-time they set various articles of food there in dishes. Beside
the men were laid their weapons, and beside the women their looms or
other implements of work" (Colin).--_Rizal_.
[162] _Kasis._ This is another instance of the misapplication of this
Arabic term, which means exclusively a Christian priest.--_Stanley_.
[163] This custom has not fallen into disuse among the Filipinos,
even among the Catholics.--_Rizal_.
Lieutenant Charles Norton Barney, of the medical department of the
U. S. Army, has an article in _Journal_ of the Association of Military
Surgeons for September, 1903, on "Circumcision and Flagellation
among the Filipinos." In regard to circumcision he states that it
"is a very ancient custom among the Philippine _indios_, and so
generalized that at least seventy or eighty per cent of males in the
Tagál country have undergone the operation." Those uncircumcised at
the age of puberty are taunted by their fellows, and such are called
"_suput_," a word formerly meaning "constricted" or "tight," but now
being extended to mean "one who cannot easily gain entrance in sexual
intercourse." The "operation has no religious significance," nor is
it done for cleanliness, "but from custom and disinclination to be
ridiculed," probably [as Morga proves] having been learned from the
Moros. The friars were unable to check the custom. Among the Tagáls
the operation is called "_tuli_," and the method of circumcising
is described at length. The author derives his information from a
mestizo and a full-blooded native. The custom is mentioned by Foreman.
[164] Appellation given to their ecclesiastical sages by Mahometans.
[165] See the king's decree granting this coat-of-arms, in _Vol_. IX,
pp. 211-215, with two representations of the coat-of-arms.
[166] Convents occupy almost one-third part of the walled
city.--_Rizal_.
[167] The walls did not even have any moats then; these were dug after
the English invasion of 1762. The walls were also rearranged at that
time, and perfected with the lapse of time and the needs that arose
in the city.--_Rizal_.
[168] Rizal misprints _al cabo del lienço_ as _al campo del lienzo_.
[169] Now [1890] the gates of the city are open all night, and in
certain periods, passage along the streets and through the walls is
allowed at all hours.--_Rizal_.
[170] This powder-mill has several times changed its site. It was
afterward near Maalat on the seashore, and then was moved to Nagtahá,
on the bank of the Pasig.--_Rizal_.
[171] Probably on the same site where the great Tagál cannon-foundry
had formerly stood, which was burned and destroyed by the Spaniards
at their first arrival in Manila. San Agustin declares the Tagál
foundry to have been as large as that at Málaga.--_Rizal_.
[172] The Rizal edition omits the words, _muy grande y autorizada,
capilla aparte, camara del sello real_.
[173] The treasury building. The governor's palace was destroyed
in 1863.--_Rizal_.
[174] The Audiencia and cabildo buildings were also destroyed, but
the latter has been rebuilt.--_Rizal_.
[175] The Rizal edition misprints _sacristan_ as _sacristías_.
[176] This is the largest convent in Manila.--_Rizal_.
[177] Among the Jesuits, that part of a college where the pensioners
or boarders live and receive their instruction.
[178] This college of San José was founded in 1601, although the royal
decree for it had been conceded in 1585. The number of collegiates to
enter was thirteen, among whom was a nephew of Francisco Tello and
a son of Dr. Morga. From its inception Latin was taught there. In
a suit with the College of Santo Tomás, the Jesuits obtained a
favorable decision; and it was recognized as the older institution,
and given the preference in public acts. The historians say that at
its inauguration the students wore bonnets covered with diamonds and
pearls. At present [1890] this college, after having moved from house
to house, has become a school of pharmacy attached to Santo Tomás,
and directed by the Dominican rector.--_Rizal_.
[179] After many varying fortunes, this institution has wholly
disappeared.--_Rizal_.
[180] The Confraternity of Mercy [_Hermandad de la Misericordia_]
was founded in 1594, by an ecclesiastic named Juan Fernández de
León.--_Rizal_.
[181] San Juan de Dios [St. John of God].--_Rizal_.
[182] Better, Maalat. The Spaniards pronounced this later
Malate. There lived the chief Tagáls after they were deprived of
their houses in Manila, among whom were the families of Raja Matanda
and Raja Soliman. San Augustín says that even in his day many of the
ancient nobility dwelt there, and that they where very urbane and
cultured. "The Men hold various positions in Manila, and certain
occupations in some of the local public functions. The women make
excellent lace, in which they are so skilfull that the Dutch women
cannot surpass them." This is still true of the women.--_Rizal_.
[183] Now the town of Paco.--_Rizal_.
[184] _Recopilación de leyes_, lib. ii, tit. xv, ley xi, defines
the district of the Audiencia and states certain perogatives of the
governor and auditors as follows: "In the city of Manila, in the
island of Luzon, capital of the Felipinas, shall reside our royal
Audiencia and Chancillería, with a president who shall be governor and
captain-general, four auditors, who shall also be alcaldes of criminal
cases, one fiscal, one alguacil-mayor, one lieutenant of the grand
chancillor, and the other ministers and officials necessary. It shall
have as its district the said island of Luzon, and all the rest of the
Filipinas, the archipelago of China and its mainland as yet discovered
and to be discovered. We order the governor and captain-general of
the said islands and provinces and president of the royal Audiencia
in them, to hold personal charge in peace and war of the superior
government of all the district of the said Audiencia, and to make the
provisions and concessions in our royal name, which in accordance with
the laws of this _Recopilación_ and of these kingdoms of Castilla,
and with the instructions and powers that he shall get from us, he
should and can make. In things and matters of importance that arise in
the government, the said president governor shall discuss them with
the auditors of the said Audiencia, so that they, after consulting,
may give him their opinion. He, after hearing them, shall take what
course is most advisable to the service of God and to ours, and the
peace and quiet of that province and community." Felipe II, Aranjuez,
May 5, 1583; Toledo, May 25, 1596, in ordinance of the Audiencia;
Felipe IV in this _Recopilación._
[185] The original is _canongias, raciones, y medias raciones_,
which literally refers to the office or prebend instead of the
individual. We retain the above terms as expressing the persons who
held these prebends.
[186] Literaly, the original translates "in the islands of Sebu,
Cagayan, and Camerines."
[187] This is so changed now [1890] and the employees so increased in
number, that the annual expenses amount to more than 2,000,000 pesos,
while the intendant's salary is 12,000 pesos.--_Rizal_.
[188] This city has disapeared from the map and from the earth. An
inconsiderable town named Lal-ló occupies its site. It is still
[1890], however, named as the appointment of the bishopric of Bigan,
the actual residence of the bishop.--_Rizal_.
[189] An attempt was made to supply the lack of prebends in the
cathedral cities of the Philippines by the following law: "Inasmuch as
the bishops of the churches of Nueva Cáceres, Nueva Segovia, and of the
Name of Jesus of the Filipinas Islands should have men to assist them
in the pontifical acts, and the bishops should have all the propriety
possible in their churches, and divine worship more reverence; and
inasmuch as there are no tithes with which a few prebendaries can be
sustained in the churches: therefore our governor of those islands
shall appoint to each of the said churches two ecclesiastics of good
life and example, who shall aid and assist the bishop in the pontifical
acts, and in all else relating to divine worship. He shall assign
them a certain modest sum for their support from our royal treasury,
so that with that they may for the present serve the churches, until
there be more opportunity for endowing them with prebendaries and
providing other necessary things." Felipe III, San Lorenzo, October 5,
1606. _Recopilación de leyes_, lib. i, tit. vi, ley xviii.
[190] The Rizal edition omits a considerable portion of this
paragraph. The omission is as follows: _para guarda del puerto, y
defensa de la ciudad, con bastante guarnicion de soldados de paga, a
orden del alcalde mayor, capitan a guerra de la prouincia que reside
en la ciudad. Sera la poblazon, de dozientos vezinos Españoles,
con casas de madera, tiene Cabildo, de dos alcaldes ordinarios,
ocho rejidores, alguazil mayor y sus oficiales_.
[191] Now [1890] of slight importance. Of its former grandeur there
remain only 1,000 inhabitants, with a parochial house, a justice's
house, a prison, and a primary school.--_Rizal_.
[192] Vigan or Bigan.--_Rizal_.
[193] Legazpi also had two secular priests, Juan de Vivero and Juan
de Villanueva, who had part in the first conversions.--_Rizal_.
[194] The Jesuits preceded the Dominicans seven years as missionaries
to the Filipinas. The first Jesuits came over with Domingo de Salazar,
the first bishop, and his Dominican associate.--_Rizal_.
[195] _Visita_: here meaning a district which has no resident
missionary, but is visited by religious from some mission station,
on which the visita is therefore dependent.
[196] Cf. with the musical ability of the Filipinos that displayed by
the North American Indians, as described in _The Jesuit Relations_,
vols. vi, p. 183; xviii, p. 161; xxiii, p. 213; xxvii, p. 117; xxxi,
p. 219; xxxviii, pp. 259, 263; etc.
[197] Chirino (chapter vii) mentions the apportionment, by the king, of
distinct districts to the different orders. The Augustinian authorities
in Mexico granted permission to those of their order going to the
Philippines to establish themselves wherever they wished in the islands
(see _Vol_. II, pp. 161-168), and the latter exercised the omnimodo
[i.e., entire] ecclesiastical authority, as conceded by the popes,
until the arrival of the Franciscans in 1577. Papal concessions
probably marked out the districts as apportioned by the king.
[198] Morga refers, with his characteristic prudence, to the great
question of diocesan visits, which commenced with Fray Domingo
de Salazar, and which could not be ended until 1775, in the time
of Anda--thanks to the energy of the latter and the courage of
Archbishop Don Basilio Sancho de Santa Justa y Rufina, when after
great disturbances they succeeded in subjecting the regular curas to
the inspection of the bishops. Morga, however, shows that he did not
approve the claims of the religious to independence, but does not
dare to state so distinctly.--_Rizal_.
[199] The Augustinians received also one-fourth part of the tribute
from the villages while they were building churches; and 200 pesos
fuertes [_i.e._, ten-real pieces] and 200 cavans [the cavan equals
25 gantas, or 137 Spanish libras] of cleaned rice for four religious
who heard confessions during Lent. Fifty cavans of cleaned rice per
person seems to us too much. It results that each friar consumes 12
1/2 libras of rice or 27 chupas [the chupa is 1/8 ganta or 3 litros]
daily, thirteen times as much as any Indian.--_Rizal_.
[200] _Recopilación de leyes_, lib. vi, tit. vii, ley xvi, contains the
following in regard to the native chiefs: "It is not right that the
Indian chiefs of Filipinas be in a worse condition after conversion;
rather should they have such treatment that would gain their affection
and keep them loyal, so that with the spiritual blessings that God
has communicated to them by calling them to His true knowledge,
the temporal blessings may be joined, and they may live contentedly
and comfortably. Therefore, we order the governors of those islands
to show them good treatment and entrust them, in our name, with the
government of the Indians, of whom they were formerly the lords. In
all else the governors shall see that the chiefs are benefited justly,
and the Indians shall pay them something as a recognition, as they did
during the period of their paganism, provided it be without prejudice
to the tributes that are to be paid us, or prejudicial to that which
pertains to their encomenderos." Felipe II, Madrid, June 11, 1594.
[201] The _gobernadorcillo_ ["little or petty governor"].
[202] _Bilangõ_ signifies today in Tagál "the act of imprisoning,"
and _bilanguan_ "the prison."--_Rizal_.
[203] For good expositions of local government in modern times, see
Bowring, _Visit to the Philippine Isles_ (London, 1859), pp. 87-93; and
Montero y Vidal, _Archipiélago Filipino_ (Madrid, 1886), pp. 162-168.
[204] These are now [1890] made in Spanish.--_Rizal_.
[205] Names of petty officers: the former the name of an
officer in oriental countries; the second signifying one who
commands. Dr. T. H. Pardo de Tavera (_Costumbres de los Tagalos_,
Madrid, 1892, p. 10, note 1) says the word dato is now unused by
the Tagáls. _Datu_ or _datuls_ primitively signified "grandfather,"
or "head of the family," which was equivalent to the head of the
barangay. This name is used in Mindanao and Joló to designate certain
chiefs.
[206] A later law in _Recopilación de leyes_ (lib. vi, tit. viii, ley
xi) regulates the encomienda--giving power as follows: "The governor
and captain-general of Filipinas shall apportion the encomiendas,
in accordance with the regulations to worthy persons, without having
other respect than to the service of God our Lord, and our service,
the welfare of the public cause, and the remuneration of the most
deserving. Within sixty days, reckoned from the time that he shall
have heard of the vacancy, he shall be obliged to apportion them. If
he does not do so, the right to apportion them shall devolve upon
and pertain to our royal Audiencia of those islands, and we order
the Audiencia to apportion them, paying heed to the laws, within six
days, and to avail itself of the edicts and diligences issued by the
governor without other new ones. In case the governor shall not have
issued edicts and diligences, the Audiencia shall issue them and make
the provision within twenty days." Felipe III, Madrid, June 4, 1620.
[207] The rapidity with which many of these encomenderos amassed
great wealth in a few years is known, and that they left colossal
fortunes at their death. Some were not satisfied with the tributes
and with what they demanded, but made false measures, and balances
that weighed twice as much as was indicated. They often exacted the
tributes in certain products only, and appraised the same at what
value they wished.--_Rizal_.
[208] A law in _Recopilación de leyes_ (lib. vi, tit. v, ley lxv)
cites the above provision and confirms it anew: "In order to provide
instruction for certain villages of the Filipinas Islands, which did
not enjoy it, or if they had it, it was not sufficient, it was resolved
to increase the tribute, which was formerly eight reals, or its value,
per peso, to the proportion of ten Castilian reals apiece. It was
ordered that the increased amount be placed in our royal treasury,
and one-half real of it be applied to paying the obligations which had
to be met in regard to the tithes, while the one and one-half reals
would remain to pay those soldiers there and for other purposes;
in consideration of the fact that the funds necessary to send out
religious, who are employed in the preaching of the holy gospel,
are supplied from our royal treasury, and that the encomenderos were
obliged to pay for the ordinary instruction from the eight reals,
and the part of the building of churches that fell to their share,
while the Indians had the choice of paying all the tribute in money
or in products, or in both. Thus was it enacted and voted. We order
no innovation to be made in this regard, in consideration of the
welfare and conservation of those provinces and their natives, and
so that the choice of paying in money shall not occasion any lack of
products and cause sterility." Felipe II, San Lorenzo, August 1589;
Felipe III, Zamora, February 16, 1602.
[209] The following law regulates supervision of the accounts of this
fund: "Inasmuch as, when any encomienda of the Filipinas Islands
happens to be without instruction, the fourth part of the tribute
collected by the encomendero is deposited in a box with three keys,
in order that it may be converted into benefices for the Indians;
and as it is advisable that that ordinance be executed sensibly and
properly, and that we should know the amount of it and how it is
apportioned: therefore, we order our presidents, the governors of the
Filipinas Islands, that whenever they deem it advisable to examine
the account, they shall appoint for that purpose one of the officials
of our royal treasury of those islands--the one most suitable for
it--who shall examine them. The fiscal of our royal Audiencia shall
investigate them before they are finished; and shall ask and see that
they are executed with the care that the matter requires in regard
to their items, charges, articles, and balances, and whatever else
is advisable. He shall advise our president and governor of it all,
so that he may assist him in what may be necessary, and advise us of
the result." Felipe III, Madrid, June 4, 1620, in _Recopilación de
leyes_, lib. i, tit. xiii, ley xiv.
[210] The bull here referred to was issued by Gregory XIV, and dated
April 18, 1591. The seventh section reads as follows: "Finally,
since, as we have learned, our very dear son in Christ, Philip,
Catholic King of the Spains, on account of the many deceits wont to
be practised therein, has forbidden any Spaniard in the aforesaid
Philippine Islands to dare to take, or have, or hold any slaves,
or servants, even by right of just and unjust war, or of purchase,
or by whatsoever other title, or pretext; although some, despite the
edict, or mandate, of King Philip himself, still keep the same slaves
in their power: therefore in order that, as is befitting to reason
and equity, the Indians themselves may freely and safely without
any fear of bondage come and go to their Christian doctrinas, and to
their own homes and possessions, we order and command all and singular
the persons living in the same islands, of whatsoever state, degree,
condition, order, and rank they may be, in virtue of holy obedience and
under pain of excommunication, on the publication of these presents,
in accordance with the edict, or mandate of the said King Philip,
to release wholly free, without deceit and guile, whatsoever Indian
slaves and servants they may have, or hold; nor ever for the future
in any manner to take or keep captives, or servants."--[Translated
from the original by _Rev. T. C. Middleton_, O.S.A.]
[211] This [1890] has disappeared from legislation, although the
personal services for España are still continued, and are fifteen
days.--_Rizal_.
[212] _Recopilación de leyes_, lib. vi, tit. xii, ley xii, treating of
personal services, reads as follows: "The religious and the ministers
of the instruction, and the alcaldes-mayor of the Filipinas Islands
have a weekly repartimiento of Indians which they call _tanores_, so
that the Indians may serve them without pay; and besides the villages
contribute to them the fish necessary to them on Fridays, which is
against reason and justice. We order the governor and captain-general,
the Audiencia, and any other of our justices, to stop and not allow
this personal service and contribution, so that the villages shall
in no manner perform it, and we declare the villages free from any
obligation that they have or may have." This law is dated Madrid,
March 17, 1608.
[213] Taal was one of the villages where the most rigging was made
for the royal ships.--_Rizal_.
[214] This word _reales_ is omitted in the Rizal edition.
[215] A comparatively early law (_Recopilación de leyes_, lib. vi,
tit. i, ley xv), prohibits the forcible removal of the natives for
expeditions of conquest from one island to another. It is as follows:
"We order that the Indians in the Filipinas Islands be not taken
from one island to another forcibly in order to make incursions, and
against their will, unless it be under very necessary circumstances,
and paying them for their work and trouble. They shall be well treated
and receive no injury." Felipe II, Madrid, November 7, 1574.
[216] In Java also the Dutch restrict Europeans from roaming about
the country; this is a good regulation for the protection of the
inhabitants.--_Stanley_.
[217] Stanley praises these regulations; Rizal deplores them, as
keeping the men in authority out of touch with the people.
[218] _Recopilación de leyes_, lib. iv, tit. x, ley vii, has the
following law, dated Madrid, March 17, 1608: "The governor and
captain-general of Filipinas shall for the present appoint the
magistracy [_regimiento_] of the city of Manila, choosing persons
who shall prove to be suitable for the office and zealous for the
service of God our Lord, and for ours; and he shall not remove them
without our special order."
[219] Many royal decrees related to playing cards. The monopoly
ceased to exist perhaps before the government monopoly on betel was
initiated.--_Rizal_ (in part).
[220] In 1890 he received 12,000 pesos.--_Rizal_.
[221] The prebend, in Spanish cathedrals, superior to a canonry.
The following laws (xvi and xvii, respectively) as to the appointments
of vacant prebends, are found in _Recopilación de leyes_, lib. i,
tit. vi.
"Because of the great distance from these kingdoms to the Filipinas
Islands and the inconvenience that might result from the prebends
falling vacant without any provision being made until we present those
who shall take them, we order the governor and captain-general of the
said islands that, when dignidades, canonries, and other prebends in
the metropolitan church become vacant, he shall present other persons
of the sufficiency and characteristics required, so that they may
serve in place of their predecessors, until we provide persons for
them. They shall receive the stipend that their predecessors shall have
received. The governor shall observe the rules made by the laws of this
titulo in his presentations." Felipe II, Guadalupe, March 26, 1580.
"We order our governors of the Filipinas Islands, and charge the
archbishops of Manila, that when any prebends of that church become
vacant, they send us three nominations for each one, instead of one
only, with very minute advice of their sufficiency, learning, degrees,
and all other qualities that are found in those proposed, so that
after examination, we may appoint the one most suitable." Felipe III,
Lerma, June 28, 1608.
[222] In 1890 the Filipinas were paying 36,670 pesos annually for
one dean, four dignitarios, five canons, four racioneros, four
medio-racioneros, and other inferior helpers, including the choir,
a total of twenty-six individuals; 3,330 pesos annually is to be
added for sacristans, singers, and orchestra.--_Rizal_.
[223] Their salary amounted to from 750 to 1,000 pesos. Now [1890]
the salary of each bishop is 6,000 pesos, with two father assistants
at 100 to 150 pesos per month.--_Rizal_.
[224] Thus in original, but it is carelessly worded; for the Society
of Jesus is not one of the mendicant orders.
[225] All of the orders held property and had regular means of revenue,
later; while the Dominicans held enormous property in both the islands
and at Hong Kong.--_Rizal_.
[226] The following law is from _Recopilación de leyes_ (lib. iii,
tit. x, ley xiv): "The governor and captain-general of the Filipinas
Islands shall be careful to reward the soldiers who shall have
served us there, and their sons, with the posts and emoluments at
his disposal, in accordance with the ordinances, and [he shall do it]
with all fairness, so that they may have some remuneration. He shall
keep in toto the laws relating to this." Felipe III, Lerma, July 23,
1605; Madrid, December 19, 1618.
[227] _Consejeles_: men sent to service by order of a municipal
council.
[228] The pay of various of the above officers and men in 1890 was as
follows: Filipino infantrymen, 4 pesos per month; Spanish artillerymen,
13-15 pesos, plus some céntimos, per month; Filipino artillerymen,
4 pesos, plus some céntimos, per month; captains, 1,500-1,800 pesos
per year; alféreces, 975-1,050 pesos per year; first sergeants,
European, 318-360 pesos per year--native, 180 pesos per year;
second sergeants, European, 248.06-307.50 pesos per year--native,
156 pesos per year; first corporals, European, 189.56-202 pesos per
year--native, 84 pesos per year; second corporals, European, 174-192
pesos per year--native corporals, 72 pesos per year; the _segundo cabo_
[lieutenant-commander], 12,000 pesos per year; sargento-mayor _de
plaza_ (now lieutenant-colonel), 225 pesos per month; vice-admiral
[_contra-almirante, general de galeras_], 16,392 pesos per year;
frigate and ship captains, 2,700-5,760 pesos per year, according to
their duties and grades.--_Rizal_.
The following laws from _Recopilación de leyes_ regulate the
pay of the soldiers and some of the officers, and impose certain
restrictions on the soldiers, and provide for certain appointments:
"Each soldier established in the Filipinas Islands shall be paid
eight pesos per month, each captain, fifty, each alférez, twenty,
and each sergeant, ten. The governor and captain-general of the said
islands shall give all the men of the companies thirty ducados to each
company of additional pay, as is done in other districts, providing
the additional pay of each one does not exceed ten pesos per year. We
order that all be well paid. When the governor shall provide any of
the captains, officers, or soldiers with an encomienda, or other post,
he shall not allow him to draw pay. While they draw pay they shall
not be allowed to trade or traffic, so that that occupation may not
divert or distract them from their proper exercise and employment
of war. For the same reason, no pay shall be granted to any soldier
who serves any other person, whomsoever he be." Felipe II, Añover,
August 9, 1589, clause 34 of his instructions; Felipe III, Ventosilla,
November 4, 1606; lib. iii, tit. x, ley xiii.
"We order that when the post of general of artillery of the Filipinas
Islands becomes vacant, either by the death or promotion of its
occupant, or for any other cause, the governor and captain-general
shall not fill it without first notifying us and without our special
order for it. We permit him to appoint a captain of artillery and a
sargento-mayor, and he may assign each of them thirty pesos' pay. We
approve the increase of two pesos in the pay of the musketeers. It
is our will that the pay of the governor's captain of the guard be
increased five pesos, in addition to his fifteen pesos, and that
a like sum be granted to the commandants of forts when they have a
captain of infantry." Felipe II, clause of letter, Madrid, June 11,
1594; Felipe IV, Madrid, January 30, 1631; lib. iii, tit. v, ley iii.
[229] A definite law, as is shown in _Recopilación de leyes_,
lib. iii. tit. iv, ley xiii, charged the viceroys of Nueva España
to send help to the Philippines. The law is as follows: "We charge
and order the viceroys of Nueva España to aid the governor and
captain-general of Filipinas on all occasions that arise, with very
special care, promptness, and diligence, with whatever the latter
shall request; and with the men, arms, ammunition, and money, that he
deems necessary for the conservation of those islands, salaries [the
original is _sueldos_, perhaps a misprint for _suelos_, signifying
'provinces' or 'districts'], presidios, and whatever else is under
his charge." Felipe III, Aranjuez, May 25, 1607.
The two following laws impose certain restrictions on the
reënforcements sent to the Philippines from Nueva España:
"One of the captains who shall raise men in Nueva España as
reënforcements for the Filipinas Islands, shall act as their agent
to the port of Acapulco. There he shall deliver them to the general,
or commander of the ships about to sail; but no captain shall take
passage or go to the islands with the men of his company." Felipe III,
Zamora, February 16, 1602; lib. iii, tit. iv, ley xvi.
"Among the men sent by the viceroy, who shall go as a reënforcement
from Nueva España to Filipinas, he shall not allow, under any
circumstances, or admit, any mestizos or mulattoes, because of
the annoyances that have been experienced from them." Felipe III,
Valladolid, August 30, 1608; lib. iii, tit. iv, ley xv.
[230] See _ante_, note 227, the citation of the law from _Recopilación
de leyes_, lib. iii, tit. x, ley xiii.
[231] See _Vol_. XII ("Various documents relating to commerce"),
pp. 57-75.
Bañuelos y Carrillo, in his relation to the king, says: "That the
inhabitants of the Manilas should be allowed to export as many
boat-loads as possible of the country's produce--such as wax, gold,
perfumes, ivory, and cotton cloth [_lampotes_]--which they must buy
from the natives of the country, who would thus be hindered from
selling them to the Dutch. In this way we would make those peoples
friendly, and supply Nueva España with their merchandise; and the
money taken to Manila would not leave that city.... Your Majesty
should consider that one and one-half millions in gold go to China
annually." This commerce was advantageous to the Celestial empire
alone and to certain individuals of Manila. It was fatal to España,
and harmful to the islands, whose industry was gradually perishing
like that of the metropolis.--_Rizal_.
[232] See in _Vol_. VIII, pp. 316-318, a royal decree enforcing these
prohibitions under severe penalties.
[233] Coarse stuff made of goat's hair, or a glossy silk stuff;
probably the latter is intended in the text. _Gorvoran_ or _gorgoran_
is a sort of silk grogram.
[234] This fabric is now called Piña. It is made from threads
stripped from fibers of the leaf of that plant or fruit, and which
are never longer than half a yard. It cannot be woven at all times,
as extreme heat or humidity affects the fiber. The machinery employed
is of wood, unmixed with any metal, and of rude construction. This
fabric is stronger than any other of equal fineness, and its color is
unaffected by time or washing. The pieces are generally only 1 1/2 feet
wide: the price varies from 1.s. 4d. to 2s. 6d. per yard. Piña of a
yard wide is from six reals to a dollar (of eight reals) a yard. All
the joinings of the threads are of knots made by the fingers. It is
fabricated solely by native Indians in many parts of the Philippines,
but especially in Ilo-Ilo. The use of this stuff is extensive, and
the value is estimated at 500,000 dollars or £120,000; the value of
the annual export of it to Europe for dresses, handkerchiefs, collars,
scarfs, and wristbands, which are beautifully embroidered at Manila,
is estimated at 20,000 dollars annually. (Mr. Consul Farren, January
21, 1851).--_Stanley_.
In order to obtain the fiber of this plant, the fruit is first cut,
so that the leaf may become as long and broad as possible. When
the leaves are well developed they are torn off, and scraped with a
sharp instrument to separate the fleshy part and leave the fiber;
this is washed, dried in the sun, combed out, and classed in four
grades according to its fineness. The cloth has a peculiar softness
and delicacy; and it is said that that made formerly (one or two
centuries ago) was much finer than that made now.
[235] _Scorzonera_ is a genus of composite plants, of numerous
species; the leaves or roots of many are used as vegetables or
salads. _S. tuberosa_ and other Eastern species have edible roots.
[236] Delgado (_ut supra_) says that this fruit (_Diospyros kaki_,
Linn.) was brought by the Chinese traders, and called _Xi-cu_
in their language, whence is derived the word _chiquey_. It is a
beautiful scarlet fruit, although there is another species of a
yellow color. Both are sweet and pleasant to the taste. Some of the
yellow variety were grown in the Visayas, but Delgado says the tree
is not indigenous to the islands. The fruit is shaped like an acorn
but is about as large as a lemon. The peel is soft and the interior
like honey, and it contains several seeds. The tree is wide-spreading
but not very tall. The leaves are small and almost round. _D. kaki_
is the Chinese or Japanese persimmon; _D. virginiana_ is the American
persimmon. From other species is obtained the valuable wood called
ebony.
[237] This must be the cloth and not the porcelain of Kaga, which
even today is so highly esteemed.--_Rizal_.
[238] With very slight differences, this custom and ceremony is
continued to the present [1890].--_Rizal_.
[239] "A three per cent duty was imposed in the Filipinas on
merchandise, for the payment of the troops. We order that part of the
law to be observed, but that pertaining to the other things paid from
those duties to be repealed." Añover, August 9, 1589. (Ley xxii.)
"We ordain that the Chinese, Japanese, Siamese, Borneans, and all other
foreigners, who go to the ports of the Filipinas Islands, pay no duty
on food, supplies, and materials that they take to those islands,
and that this law be kept in the form in w, hich it may have been
introduced, and not otherwise." Añover, August 9, 1589. (Ley xxiv.)
"On the Chinese merchandise and that from other countries, shipped to
Nueva España by way of Filipinas, an impost ad valorem tax of ten per
cent shall be collected, based on their value in the ports and regions
where the goods shall be discharged. This tax shall be imposed mildly
according to the rule, and shall be a tax additional to that usually
paid on departure both from the said Filipinas Islands and from the
provinces of Nueva España, to any other places where they may and
shall be taken." El Pardo, November 1, 1591. (Ley xxi.)
"We order that the duty of three per cent collected in the Filipinas
Islands on the merchandise taken thither by the Chinese be increased by
another three per cent." El Pardo, November 20, 1606. (Ley xxiii.) The
above laws are from _Recopilación de leyes_, lib. viii, tit. xv.
[240] The agave (_Agave americana_; the _maguey_ of Mexico) is found in
the Philippines, and is called _pita_, but Delgado and Blanco think
that it was not indigenous there. Its fibers were used in former
times for making the native textile called _nipis_, manufactured
in the Visayas. As used in the text, _pita_ means, apparently, some
braid or other ornament of agave fibers.
[241] The ducado of Castilla was worth slightly more than two
pesos.--_Rizal_.
[242] These imposts and fetters, which the products of the country
did not escape, are still [1890] in force, so that foreign markets
must be sought, since the markets of the mother-country offer no
greater advantages. According to a document of 1640, this commerce
netted the government 350,000 pesos annually.--_Rizal_.
[243] The salary is now [1890] 40,000 pesos.--_Rizal_.
[244] _Recopilación de leyes_ (lib. iv, tit. i, ley v) outlines the
governor's and Audiencia's power in regard to conquests by private
individuals, as follows: "We grant permission to the governor and
president of the Filipinas Islands and its Audiencia to make contracts
for new explorations and conquests [_pacificaciones_] with persons,
who are willing to covenant to do it at their own expense and not at
that of our royal treasury; and to give them the titles of captains
and masters-of-camp, but not those of adelantados [_i.e._, governors]
and marshals. Those contracts and agreements such men may execute, with
the concurrence of the Audiencia, until we approve them, provided that
they observe the laws enacted for war, conquest, and exploration, so
straitly, that for any negligence, the terms of their contract will be
observed, and those who exceed the contract shall incur the penalties
imposed; also provided the parties shall receive our confirmation
within a brief period assigned by the governor." Felipe II, Guadalupe,
April 1, 1580; Toledo, May 25, 1596, a clause of instructions.
[245] There are eight auditors now [1890], and their salary
has increased to 4,700 pesos, while that of the fiscal is 5,500
pesos.--_Rizal_.
[246] _Recopilación de leyes_, lib. v, tit. xv, ley xxviii, contains
the following on suits arising from residencias, dated Lerma, June
23, 1608: "Suits brought during the residencia against governors,
captains-general, presidents, auditors, and fiscals of our Audiencia
of Manila, and against any other officials, both civil and criminal,
shall pass in appeal and be concluded in that Audiencia, if they do
not exceed one thousand pesos of the current money."
[247] The tributes of the Indians in the Filipinas amount to more
than 4,000,000 pesos now [1890]; and from the Chinese are derived
225,000 pesos.--_Rizal_.
[248] Now since there is no exploitation of gold mines, and since
the Indians have no jewels that would justify this tenth or fifth,
the Spaniards substitute for this the imposts upon property, which
amount to 105,400 pesos, and that upon industry, which amounts to
1,433,200 pesos. In 1640, the revenue from the above source [fifths or
tenths] had decreased so greatly, that only 750 pesos were collected
annually.--_Rizal_.
[249] Import duties now [1890] amount to 1,700,000 pesos.--_Rizal_.
[250] Export duties now [1890] amount to 285,000 pesos.--_Rizal_.
[251] According to Hernando de los Rios, the Filipinas Islands could
have been self-sustaining from the beginning from their own products,
had it not been for the expeditions and adventurous conquests in the
Moluccas, Camboja, etc.... In the governorship of Don Juan de Silva,
the treasury owed, for the war in the Moluccas, more than 2,000,000
pesos to the Indians, besides what it must have owed to the inhabitants
of Manila.--_Rizal_.
[252] This excellent custom has entirely perished.--_Rizal_.
"The president of our royal Audiencia of Filipinas and one auditor
of that body, shall, at the beginning of each year, examine the
accounts of our royal officials, and shall finish their examination
within the two months of January and February. On finishing their
examination they shall send a copy of them to our council for the
reason contained in the following law. Should the examination not be
finished in the said time, our officials shall receive no salary. The
auditor who shall assist in examining the accounts shall receive as
a compensation the twenty-five thousand maravedis that are ordained;
but he shall receive that amount only in that year that he shall send
the said accounts concluded to our council." Ordinance 97, Toledo,
May 15, 1596. (Ley ix.)
"For the accounts of our royal treasury, which must be furnished in
the usual form by our officials of the Filipinas Islands annually,
during the administration of their duties, the officials shall
deliver for inventory all the books and orders pertaining to those
accounts, and all that shall be requested from them and that shall
be necessary. They shall continue the course of their administration
[of their duties] with new and similar books. These accounts shall be
concluded before the governor of those islands, and the auditor whom
the Audiencia and the fiscal of that body may appoint. In case of the
finding of any doubts and remarks it is our will that the auditor and
governor resolve and determine them, so that they may be concluded and
finished. And inasmuch as the factor and overseer must give account of
certain things in kind and products of great weight and tediousness,
we order that that account be examined every three years, and that
the concluding and settling of the doubts and remarks shall be made
in the form declared. And we order that when the said accounts of
the said islands are completed and the net balances struck, they
shall be sent to our Council of the Indias, so that the accountants
of its accounts may revise and make additions to them according to
the manner of the accountancy." Valladolid, January 25, 1605. (Ley x.)
The above two laws are taken from _Recopilación de leyes_, lib. viii,
tit. xxix.
[253] The Chinese engaged in agriculture and fishing now [1890]
are very few.--_Rizal_.
[254] The Rizal edition misprints _fuerça è premio_ as _fuerza
á premio._
[255] The custom of shaving the head, now prevalent among the Chinese,
was imposed upon them by their Tartar conquerors.
[256] A kind of stocking called _tabi_.--_Rizal_.
[257] The following law was issued at Segovia July 4, 1609, and
appears in _Recopilación de leyes_, lib. iii, tit. iv, ley xviii:
"The governor and captain-general of the Filipinas Islands shall
ever strive to maintain friendly relations, peace, and quiet, with
the emperor of Japon. He shall avail himself, for that purpose, of
the most prudent and advisable means, as long as conditions permit;
and he shall not risk the reputation of our arms and state in those
seas and among oriental nations."
[258] This port (established before 1540) was in Colima, Mexico,
near the present Manzanillo. It was plundered and burned by the
English adventurer Thomas Candish, on August 24-25, 1587.
[259] Thus named because seamen and voyagers noticed especially
the lateen sails of the light vessels used by the natives of the
Marianas.--_Rizal_.
[260] A marine fish (_Sparus auratus_), thus named because it has
spots of golden-yellow color.
[261] A chart of the Indian Ocean, by L. S. de la Rochette
(pub. London, 1803, by W. Faden, geographer to the king) shows three
volcanoes in about 25° north latitude, and but a few degrees north
of the Ladrones. One of them is called "La Desconocida, or Third
Volcano," and the following is added: "The Manilla ships always try
to make this Volcano."
[262] A group of islands called Shidsi To, lying in 34° 20'.--_Rizal_.
[263] "Thirty-eight degrees" is probably an error for "twenty-eight
degrees," and these islands [the first ones mentioned in the above
sentence] would be the Mounin-Sima Islands, lying between 26° 35'
and 27° 45'; and Lot's Wife in 29° 51', and Crespo, in 32° 46',
which [latter] are supposed by the _Univers Pittoresque_ to be the
Roca de Oro [rock of gold] and the Roca de Plata of the ancient
maps.--_Stanley_.
For these latter islands, see _Vol_. XIV, p. 272, note 45.
[264] A fungous substance that grows in the sea, and contains signs
of life.
[265] Probably the dogfish, a species of shark.
[266] Most of these places can be identified on the old maps of
the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and most of the names
are retained today. The island of Cedros is shown on a map of 1556
(Ramusio: _Vniversale della parte del mondo nvovamente ritrovata_). The
island of Cenizas is shown, on the old maps, in about 32°, and Cedros
in about 29°. The Marias or Tres Marias Islands are Maria Madre,
Maria Magdalena, and Maria Cleofas. Cape Corrientes is south of
La Valle de Banderas and Chametla. Socatul is called Socatula and
Zocatula. An English map of 1626, engraved by Abraham Goos, shows
the town of Ciguatlan, north of Aquapulco, which may be the same as
Morga's Ciguatanejo. Los Motines cannot be identified.
[267] Acosta in his _History of the Indies_ (Hakluyt Soc. edition,
London, 1880) says of the courses between the Philippines and New
Spain: "The like discourse is of the Navigation made into the South
sea, going from New Spaine or Peru to the Philippines or China, and
returning from the Philippines or China to New Spaine, the which is
easie, for that they saile alwaies from East to West neere the line,
where they finde the Easterly windes to blow in their poope. In the
yeere 1584, there went a shippe from Callao in Lima to the Philippines,
which sailed 2000 and 700 leagues without sight of land, and the
first it discovered was the Iland of Lusson, where they tooke port,
having performed their voiage in two moneths, without want of winde or
any torment, and their course was almost continually vnder the line;
... The returne is like vnto the voiage from the Indies vnto Spaine,
for those which returne from the Philippines or China to Mexico,
to the end they may recover the Westerne windes, they mount a great
height, vntill they come right against the Ilands of Iappon, and,
discovering the Caliphornes, they returne by the coast of New Spaine
to the port of Acapulco."
[268] Bartolomé Leonardo de Argensola was born in 1566 of a family
of Italian origin, being the second son. Taking orders, he became
rector of Villahermosa in 1588, and chaplain to Maria of Austria,
the queen, in 1598. After the latter's death he was commissioned by
the Conde de Lemos, president of the Council of the Indias, to write
a history of the conquest of the Moluccas. He later spent some time in
the kingdom of Naples, and about 1618 was made historian of Aragón. He
died at Zaragoza in 1631. In addition to the present history, which
is noted for its excellent literary style, he wrote _Primera parte
de los anales de Aragón_ (Zaragoza, 1630) the continuation of the
_Anales of Zurita_. He was also a poet, whose poems are remarkable for
their purity of style and loftiness of sentiment; they are published,
with those of his elder brother, under the title _Rimas de Lupercio
i del doctor Bartolomé Leonardo de Argensola_ (Zaragoza, 1634). One
of the chief poems is an ode in honor of the church after the battle
of Lepanto.
[269] The original book contains numerous side notes indicative of
the subject matter of the text. We omit such notes in our translated
extracts.
[270] The above places are identified as follows: Cafa is the
modern Kaffa or Theodosia, a Russian seaport on the Black Sea;
Trapisonda is either the city or district of Trebizond or Tarabozan
(called by the Turks Tarabesoon, and formerly Traplezus); Barcito
(misprint for Bareito?), Lepo, and Damasco, are Beirut, Aleppo,
and Damascus respectively.
[271] Argensola defines this title, which he also spells _sangaje_,
as equivalent to "count" or "duke," and says that it may be derived
from _senchaq,_ a Turkish word meaning "captain."
[272] Argensola gives a description of the clove in book ii, pp. 52-54
of his work.
[273] The Dutch.
[274] _Cañafístulo_: referring to the drug known as senna, which is
obtained from the leaves of several species of _Cassia_. According
to Retana (Zúñiga's _Estadismo_, ii, p. 454*) the Bisayan name for
this plant is _ibabao_ (the ancient name of Samar Island).
[275] "Eagle" (Latin, _aguila_) is here a corruption of the Malay
name _agila_, referring to the fragrant, resinous wood of a tree
(_Aguilaria agallocha_) used for many centuries by Asiatic peoples,
especially the Chinese, for incense; it is also called "Kalambak"
and "aloes-wood." Calambuco is another species of this genus, its
wood little fragrant, but used in cabinet work (_Century Dictionary_).
[276] True wealth and prosperity of the republic of Venice were
largely due to its preëminence in the Oriental trade, carried on by
the overland route through Asia, in caravans. By the discovery of
the Cape of Good Hope the Portuguese opened the sea-route to India,
by which the products of the East were carried to Europe more cheaply
and in greater abundance; and the decline of Venetian prestige and
wealth rapidly followed (in the sixteenth century).
[277] This probably refers to Giovanni Pietro Maffei, a noted
Jesuit scholar and writer, and the book mentioned is his _Historiarum
Indicarum Libri xvi_ (Fiorenze, 1588). Maffei was born at Bergame about
1536, according to Moreri, but in 1533 according to Sommervogel. In
1563 he accepted the chair of rhetoric at Genoa, where he also acted
as secretary of the republic of Genoa. August 26, 1565 (Sommervogel)
he entered the Jesuit novitiate. He occupied a high place in the
order until his death at Tivoli, October 20, 1603. Besides the book
mentioned above, he wrote also a life of St. Ignatius Loyola, and a
history of the pontificate of Gregory XIII, the latter of which was
never published. His temper was irascible and his personality not
very pleasing. He strove always to maintain a pure Latin style in
his Latin writings.
[278] Argensola, like Morga, confuses the naming of the Philippine
archipelago.
[279] The aquatic plant commonly known as "cat-tail flag" or reed
(_Typha latifolía_).
[280] A measure, one-third vara in length.
[281] Small armed vessels like rafts.
[282] This was Father Antonio Marta, a Neapolitan, and superior of
the Jesuit missions in the Malucas; with him was associated Antonio
Pereira, so prominent in the expedition of Hurtado de Mendoza. See
La Concepcion's account of Marta's services at this time (_Hist. de
Philipinas_, ii, pp. 197-204). Marta is not mentioned by Sommervogel.
[283] See Dasmariñas's version of this proceeding, in _Vol_. VIII,
pp. 239, 294; he there states that the Indians thus taken were to be
freed at the end of three years' service. Cf. _Vol_. X, p. 214.
[284] See letters sent by Dasmariñas and his son Luis to the king of
Camboja, as a result of this embassy, in Vol. IX, pp. 76-78 and 86,
87; and accounts of the Spanish expeditions to that country under Luis
Dasmariñas, in Vol. IX, pp. 161-180, and X, pp. 216, 217, 226-240--also
in Morga's _Sucesos_, chaps. V, VI (in Vol. XV of this series).
[285] Punta Azufre is on the southern coast of Batangas, Luzón; at
a little distance is Punta Cazador--at the extreme southern point of
Calúmpan peninsula--probably the Caça of the text.
[286] _Bastardo_: the large sail which is hoisted on> a galley when
there is little wind.
[287] Cf. La Concepcion's account of Dasmariñas's expedition, in
_Hist. de Philipinas_, ii, pp. 194-212.
[288] See accounts of this and later expeditions to conquer Mindanao,
in _Vol_. IX, pp. 181-188, 281-298; and X, pp. 53-75, 214, 215,
219-226.
[289] A small piece of ordnance.
[290] One of the early appellations of the strait between the northwest
point of Samar and the southeast point of Luzón, now known as San
Bernardino Strait. As it was the regular outlet for the vessels plying
between the Philippines and Nueva España, this strait was also called
Paso de Acapulco ("the Acapulco passage"). By some authorities the
meridian of San Bernardino was used as the standard, or "meridian
of departure." See San Antonio's _Chronicas_, part i, 55 (cited by
Retana in Zúñiga's _Estadismo_, ii, p. 156*; see also p. 409*).
[291] This is an error or misprint for "Morga."
[292] See Morga's account of this, where it appears that these were
not English, but native Moro boats.
[293] The governor's letter is given by Argensola partly in synopsis,
and partly in direct quotation. The latter we enclose in quotation
marks. Sec in _Vol_. XIV (pp. 44-50) this letter, translated from
the MS. preserved in the Sevilla archives; that is apparently at
least a duplicate of the original letter to the Chinese official,
and one of the despatches sent to Spain by Acuña.
[294] This Dutch commander, was Steven van der Hagen, and this his
second voyage to East Indian waters. See _Vol_. XV, appendix B.
[295] A Portuguese pound, containing sixteen ounces.
[296] _Anfión_: a name given to opium in the East Indies.
[297] In the text, _funcas_; apparently a misprint for _fustas_
or for _juncos_.
[298] A word derived from _garra_ (of Old High German origin),
signifying "the foot of a bird" or "the paw of a beast;" _i.e._, the
anchor metaphorically "claws" the bottom of the water where it rests,
struggling to retain its hold against the force of the wind. See
Echegaray's _Diccionario general etimológico_ (Madrid, 1887-89).
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