The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 20 of 55
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Title: The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 20 of 55
Editor: Emma Helen Blair
Commentator: Edward Gaylord Bourne
Editor: James Alexander Robertson
Release date: June 25, 2005 [eBook #16133]
Most recently updated: December 13, 2020
Language: English
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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, 1493-1898 — VOLUME 20 OF 55 ***
Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and 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 XX, 1621-1624
Edited and annotated by Emma Helen Blair and James Alexander Robertson
with historical introduction and additional notes by Edward Gaylord
Bourne.
CONTENTS OF VOLUME XX
Preface
Documents of 1621
News from the province of Filipinas. Alonso
Roman; Manila, [July?].
Death of Doña Catalina Zambrano. [Unsigned];
Manila, July.
Letter to the king. Alonso Fajardo de Tenca;
Manila, July 21.
Letter from the archbishop of Manila to the
king. Miguel Garcia Serrano, O.S.A.; Manila,
July 30.
Letter to the king. Geronimo de Silva; Manila,
August 1.
Affairs in the Franciscan province. Pedro
de Sant Pablo, O.S.F., and others; Manila,
1620-21.
Letter to the king. Alonso Fajardo de Tenca;
Manila, December 10.
Documents of 1622
Letters to the king. Alvaro Messa y Lugo;
Manila, 1621 and July 30, 1622.
Letters from the archbishop of Manila to
the king. Miguel García Serrano; Manila,
1621-22.
Royal decrees regarding the religious. Felipe
IV; Madrid, December 31.
Documents of 1623-1624
Letter to Fajardo. Felipe IV; Madrid, October
9, 1623.
Royal permission for the Dominican college
in Manila. Felipe IV; Madrid, November
27, 1623.
Expedition to the mines of the
Igorrotes. Alonso Martin Quirante; Alingayen,
June 5, 1624.
Bibliographical Data.
ILLUSTRATIONS
Autograph signatures of Valerio de Ledesma and Alonso Roman;
photographic facsimiles from tracings in the Ventura del
Arco MS.
Weapons of the Igorrotes; photograph of weapons in the Colegio
de Agustinos Filipinos, Valladolid.
Weapons of the natives of North Luzón; photograph of weapons
in the Museo-Biblioteca de Ultramar, Madrid.
PREFACE
The years 1621-24, although not marked by great battles, conquests,
or calamities, contain much that is of interest in the internal
development of the Philippine colony; and these documents vividly
illustrate the ceaseless play and interaction of human interests
and passions--especially in the romantic but tragic love-affair
of Fajardo's wife, in which is material for a brilliant novel. The
usual conflicts occur between the civil authorities and the friars,
and between the governor and the Audiencia; but the records of these
controversies furnish an unusual revelation of human nature and its
complicated phenomena. The alliance between the Dutch and the English
menaces this far Oriental Spanish colony with even more dangers than
it has already experienced; and its feeble defenses and insufficient
equipment of arms and men keep its people in constant dread and
anxiety. For defense against the expected attacks of the heretics
against Manila more ships and fortifications are constructed; but this
imposes additional burdens on the poor Indians, which the governor
tries to mitigate by endeavors to protect them from the oppression
that they endure from the Spaniards. Controversies arise between the
various orders, and within that of St Francis, which are settled by the
intervention of the bishop and governor. Reports made by the orders
show that over half a million of the natives are receiving religious
instruction; but the bishop deprecates the favorite missionary policy
of gathering the converts into "reductions," and advises that all the
missions should be placed under the supervision of the bishops. The
foreign population of Manila still increases beyond the safety-line,
and spasmodic efforts are made to restrict it; but corrupt and lax
officials render these of little use. The difficulties involved in
the Chinese trade and its economic effects on the Spanish colonies
are still discussed, but without any satisfactory solution to the
problem. The gold mines in northern Luzón are explored and tested,
but with meager results.
A Jesuit at Manila, Alonso Roman, gives the "news from Filipinas"
for 1621. He recounts the persecution of Christians that is still
continuing in Japan, with many martyrdoms. Various encounters between
the Dutch and English occur until, an alliance being concluded between
Holland and England, their ships unite to prey on the commerce of
China, Portuguese India, and the Philippines. The writer relates
several naval encounters, and captures of trading ships. In one of
these the Chinese, pouring melted sugar on the enemy, "sent fourteen
of the Dutch in a conserve to hell." Roman concludes his letter with
an account of the tragedy in which Governor Fajardo slays his wife and
her lover (May 11, 1621)--the latter being a renegade Jesuit, named
Joan de Messa. Another account of this affair adds some minor details.
Fajardo sends his annual despatches to the king (July 21, 1621). He
describes his measures for the prompter despatch of the trading-fleet
to Nueva España, and the recent hostile demonstration made by the Dutch
and English at Manila Bay. He takes all precautions for defense against
them, but is unable to attack them, owing to his lack of troops--a
deficiency which he proceeds to explain. Thus far, the enemy have done
little harm, especially as Fajardo promptly warned the Chinese, and
other trading countries near by, of their arrival. He learns of other
hostile fleets that are preparing to attack the islands, and takes
all possible precautions for their defense. He asks that, until the
affairs of the islands are in better condition, the Audiencia of Manila
may be discontinued, as the auditors embarrass and hinder his efforts,
and are not competent to fulfil their duties. The religious also make
the governor's duties a burden; and their exactions from the Indians
prevent the latter from serving the crown. The Dutch know betters
how to deal with the natives; they exempt the latter from tributes,
personal services, and religious instruction. Little has been done in
opening the Igorrote mines--a task which Fajardo is warned to push
forward. He has sent troops and supplies safely to Ternate. He is
having much trouble in regard to the residencia of his predecessor,
the late Juan de Silva; and complains of the shelter and countenance
given to Auditor Messa by the Dominicans. Fajardo recounts various
matters of government and his procedure therein; also the annoyances
and hindrances which he experiences from the friars. He commends,
however, the Jesuits and their work, suggesting that more of them
should be sent to the islands. He is perplexed and hindered by the
lack of soldiers, but is doing his best with his small forces. The
Council orders the viceroy of Nueva España to send every year to
Filipinas all the reenforcements in his power.
The archbishop of Manila sends to the king (July 30, 1621) an
account of ecclesiastical and some other affairs in his diocese. He
asks permission to hold an ecclesiastical council, and to hold the
feast of Corpus Christi at some other and more convenient date than
it has on the calendar. He complains of the poverty of the Manila
cathedral, and asks for aid; also of the governor's failure to consult
him regarding appointments to prebends, and of the incapacity for
canonical offices of certain royal appointees. Serrano commends the
members of his chapter, some of them individually and by name. The
two colleges in Manila are training so many students that they
cannot find positions in the church, and the archbishop is greatly
pained by their consequent poverty and humiliation. He asks for more
competent bishops to be sent to the islands; and for authority to be
given to religious ministers there to grant absolution for certain
impediments to marriage which render divorces among the natives too
easy. The friars who have charge of instructing the natives ought to
be subject to inspection by the bishops, and thus various abuses would
be corrected. Affairs in Japan are in great confusion, on account of
the persecution of the Christians; and Serrano recommends that Fray
Sotelo be not allowed to go thither as bishop of Japan. He details a
controversy that has arisen between the Jesuits and the Dominicans in
Manila over the refusal of confession to the dying Juan de Messa; the
archbishop is obliged to call an ecclesiastical council to settle the
matter, and they decide in favor of the Jesuits. Trouble arises in the
Franciscan order over the appointment of a visitor, which is quelled
by similar action on Serrano's part, and the governor's interference
in the matter. More laborers are needed for the Jesuit missions,
as well as for those conducted by the friars. Serrano urges that
the hospital order of St. John of God be established in the islands,
as the hospitals there need better care than they are receiving from
the Franciscans. He complains that the officials of the orders give
letters of recommendation too easily; that the Audiencia are lax in
their attendance at church feasts; that the ships are sent too late
to Nueva España, and also return too late to the Philippines: that
workmen in government employ in the islands are defrauded of their
pay; that the city of Manila is overrun with Chinese and Japanese,
far beyond the numbers allowed by royal edicts or regard for the safety
of the Spanish citizens there; and that private persons, by collusion
with the officials, illegally secure for themselves the best of the
Philippine trade with Malacca and other adjacent regions. At the end
of Serrano's letter is the papal bull changing the date on which the
feast of Corpus Christi may be celebrated in Oriental regions.
A letter from Gerónimo de Silva to the king (August 1, 1621) states
that one of the ships to Nueva España has been forced back to Manila
by adverse weather, which has caused great distress in the islands. The
annual relief for Ternate has been sent; attacks on Luzon by the Dutch
and English are expected, but result in the enemy capturing only
a few Chinese vessels. Silva mentions the pitiably small forces of
the colony for defense, and urges that reenforcements and other aid
be sent for this purpose. Undesirable inhabitants of the country are
being sent away, especially the Japanese, who are more dangerous than
the Chinese. Silva refers to the difficulties between the governor
and auditors, and asserts that these are due to the existence of the
Audiencia there, which is a costly and useless burden on the colony,
and a hindrance to the administration of justice and to the fulfilment
of the governor's duties.
Affairs in the Franciscan province of the Philippines are in
unsatisfactory condition; an account of them is sent to the king
(July 31, 1620) by the provincial of that order, Pedro de San Pablo,
in behalf of the province. He states that a visitor has been sent
to it from Nueva España who is not one of the discalced, and is
therefore _persona non grata_ to these (of whom are the Franciscans
of Filipinas); also that other friars "of the cloth" have slipped in
among the discalced, simply to gain admission to the regions of the
East. Hence arise factions, dissensions, and loss to their religious
interests and work; and these intruders seek to rule the others. San
Pablo asks the king to issue such decrees that only one branch
or the other of the order may send religious to the islands; thus
"there will be peace." The intruding Observantines have attempted to
deprive the discalced of the Japan missions and of the convent of San
Francisco del Monte, near Manila; and the royal authority is invoked
to restrain their encroachments. This letter is accompanied by another
(July 20, 1621) signed by San Pablo and other officials of his order,
further entreating relief and redress for their province; and by still
another letter of similar tenor (dated only 1621), complaining of
Auditors Messa and Rodriguez for their unjust and arbitrary action
in the case of the unwelcome visitor sent to the Franciscans, and
urging the king to furnish redress therein and rebuke the auditors.
A letter from Fajardo to the king (December 10, 1621) concerns various
matters of administration and business. He explains the late departure
of the ships for Nueva España, and the consequent mortality reported
on one of them. He discusses the question of diminishing the drain of
silver from Nueva España to the Orient, and recommends that the export
of silks and other fabrics to that country from the Philippines be
prohibited; but he remonstrates against the proposed abandonment of
Macao, which would surrender the Chinese trade at once to the Dutch
and English, and thus ruin the Philippine colony. Fajardo suggests
that only vessels of moderate size be allowed on the Nueva España line,
and that more definite measures be postponed until the subject of this
trade can be more thoroughly investigated. He denies the assertions
that he is interested in the shipments of goods to that country,
and places upon the auditors the fault of certain matters in which
he, as governor, has incurred blame. He also accuses the Dominican
friars of aiding and sheltering his enemies. A royal decree of 1610
has placed most of the appointments of subordinates in the hands of
the auditors and fiscals, rather than (as formerly) those of viceroys
and governors; and preference is given therein to the descendants
of conquistadors and settlers. Fajardo remonstrates against this,
adducing various arguments to show how this decree hampers the efforts
and authority of the governor, creates difficulties between him and
the auditors, disturbs the course of administration in the islands,
and injuries the public service. Fajardo seconds the demand of the
citizens of Manila that the Audiencia be suppressed, alleging that it
does more harm than good. He has sent the usual supplies to Ternate,
and has despatched a small troop of Spaniards to Celebes to fortify
a post there, with some Franciscan missionaries to minister to the
natives. He has secured the release of certain Spanish prisoners, and
is building two ships. Some of the natives have revolted, and troops
have been sent to chastise them; Fajardo tries to keep the Indians in
due subjection, yet to treat them with justice and kindness, and he
complains that his efforts to do so are hindered by the oppressive and
harsh conduct of the friars (especially of the Dominicans) toward the
natives, and by their ambition to rule in all matters. The governor
is exerting every effort to maintain the fortifications at Cavite
and Oton, and to repair and equip the few vessels at his disposal;
he has news that Dutch and English fleets are coming to harass the
Spaniards and their Chinese trade.
Fajardo's chief enemy in the Audiencia, Alvaro Messa y Lugo, writes
to the king (apparently in 1621), complaining of the governor's
official conduct as ruining the country. Messa accuses him of reckless
expenditures of public funds; of using these to invest for his own
profit in the Mexican trade; of allowing Indian claims for wages to
be sold at a third of their value, and cashed in full; of issuing too
many licenses to Chinese residents, and using these fees for himself;
and of neglecting to audit the accounts of the government. According
to Messa, Fajardo intimidates the Audiencia, interrupts the course of
justice, recklessly liberates criminals, persecutes citizens who differ
from him, neglects to observe the royal decrees, threatens even the
clergy and friars, and tyrannizes over the entire community. It may be
noted that Messa bases most of these accusations on report and hearsay,
without citing any definite authority for his statements. Messa accuses
the governor of neglecting his duties, and failing to provide for the
defense of the country, while spending the royal revenues lavishly;
and even assails Fajardo's personal character. He relates, in tedious
detail, various difficulties between himself and the governor, and
arbitrary acts of Fajardo against him; and recounts his deliverance
from prison through a miracle wrought for him at the intercession of
the Virgin Mary. Messa has taken refuge in the Dominican convent, and
entreats the king to redress his wrongs and punish the governor and his
abettors. He recounts at much length the reasons for which he supposes
the governor arrested him. In this connection Messa relates his version
of Fajardo's killing his unfaithful wife, adding much gossip of the
town that is uncomplimentary to the governor. He also states that the
Audiencia is virtually non-existent, and so there is no high court
in which justice may be sought. Messa urges the king to send a new
governor, and gives his advice as to the character of him who should be
sent. He intimates that Fajardo has illegally obtained wealth to the
value of perhaps almost a million pesos, and that even this sum will
not repay the claims held against him. Messa gives account of certain
residencias entrusted to him, and claims that all his efforts to do
this work have been blocked by the governor, especially in the case
of Juan de Silva. He complains that the authority of the governor and
that of the Audiencia conflict, especially in time of war; and that the
former has too wide a jurisdiction in that he may try cases brought
against the auditors. Messa recommends that aid for the Philippine
colony be sent in the form of men and money, and that the necessary
ships and artillery be constructed in the islands. He complains that
the Chinese traders are illegally compelled to pay assessments,
from which the fiscal, who is nominally their protector, receives
additional pay. Messa asks for honors and promotion for himself,
by way of atonement for the ill-treatment that he has received from
the governor; and closes with the request that Fajardo's property in
Mexico be sequestered.
With this letter is another by the same writer, dated July 30,
1622--a postscript to a duplicate of the preceding letter. He relates
how Fajardo has summoned him to resume his duties as auditor; but he
has no confidence in the governor's sincerity. He accuses the latter
of various illegal and crafty acts, among them sending contraband
gold and jewels to Mexico. Messa recounts the proceedings in the
Santa Potenciana scandal, blaming the governor's course therein. At
the end is a letter from the Audiencia advising the king to refuse
an increase of salary to the archbishop of Manila, with a note by
Fajardo recommending such increase.
The archbishop of Manila, Miguel Garcia Serrano, writes (1621) a report
for the first year of his term of office--which, however, he does
not send until 1622. He has been occupied in official visitations,
mainly in the city of Manila. Among the clergy therein he finds no
offenses, save that a few have gambled in public; these are promptly
disciplined. The cathedral is the only Spanish parochial church;
it cares for two thousand four hundred souls. Another curate is in
charge of the Indians and slaves of Manila, who number one thousand
six hundred and forty and one thousand nine hundred and seventy
respectively; but many of these confess at the convents of the various
orders. The Indians should have a suitable church of their own,
and Serrano recommends that the king provide one for them. At the
port of Cavite is a parochial church, which ministers to over three
thousand souls. The Indians in the archdiocese of Manila are mainly
in charge of the religious orders, as follows: Of the Augustinians,
ninety thousand souls; Franciscans, forty-eight thousand four hundred;
Dominicans, twenty-eight thousand; Jesuits, ten thousand six hundred;
Recollects, eight thousand. Besides these, twenty thousand Indians
are under the care of secular priests--making a total of two hundred
and five thousand. Serrano describes the method of government and
administration that is followed in the missions; the natives could
be more easily reached and instructed in a few large villages, but
the effort to collect them in these "reductions" has proved to be
neither satisfactory nor profitable, in the Philippines as well as in
Nueva España. Chinese converts residing in the outskirts of Manila
number one thousand five hundred souls, in charge of the Dominicans
and Franciscans. Among the Japanese who are in the islands there are
more than one thousand five hundred Christians. In the bishopric of
Cebú are two hundred Spaniards; the Indians and other people under
instruction amount to one hundred and nineteen thousand six hundred
and fifty. Of these about sixteen thousand are in the care of secular
priests; nearly fifty thousand, of the Augustinians; and fifty-four
thousand, of the Jesuits. In the bishopric of Cagayán (in northern
Luzon), there are but seventy Spaniards; the Augustinians instruct
fifty-eight thousand, and the Dominicans seventy thousand, Indian
natives. The bishopric of Camarines (in eastern Luzon) has only some
fifty Spaniards; eight thousand six hundred natives are cared for
by secular priests, forty-five thousand by Franciscans, and three
thousand two hundred by Jesuits. The total number of souls of natives
under religious instruction in the islands amounts to over half a
million--apparently not counting therein the children. But the great
number of Indians still unconverted demands many more missionaries,
whom the king is urged to send. The archbishop gives some account
of the hospitals and their management; he recommends that they be
placed in care of the hospital order of St. John of God. He also
enumerates the various religious and benevolent confraternities
in Manila, with their purposes and revenues; of these the chief is
that of La Misericordia. Serrano describes the character and present
condition of the two colleges in Manila, San José and Santo Tomás,
and of the seminary for girls, Santa Potenciana; for the former he
requests faculty for granting decrees to their students, and for
the latter substantial pecuniary aid. He states that, in general,
the Indians are well treated by their religious teachers; but he
recommends that more power over these ministers be given to the
Philippine bishops. The constant menace of the islands by the Dutch
enemy, however, lays cruel burdens upon the Indians, in ship-building
and in other preparations for war which they are compelled to make
by the royal officials. Serrano closes by answering certain questions
about prebends, curacies, etc.
A royal decree (December 31, 1622) orders the Dominicans in the
Philippines not to meddle in affairs of government. Another of the
same date confirms and enforces a previous decree (1603) of Felipe II,
ordering that all religious who are missionaries to the Indians be
examined as to their competency for such work, especially in their
knowledge of the native language, by the archbishop or some person
appointed by him. A letter from the king (October 9, 1623) directs
Fajardo to push the exploration of the Igorrote mining region, and
to send nutmeg from the islands to Nueva España. Various matters
mentioned by the governor receive perfunctory and formal answers. On
November 27 following, Felipe IV confirms the permission given by the
governor and archbishop to the Dominicans to found a college at Manila.
At the close of the year 1623, an expedition is sent to explore and
pacify the province of the Igorrotes (in northern Luzon), already
famous for its rich gold mines. The report of this enterprise,
furnished (June 5, 1624) by its leader, Alonso Martin Quirante,
narrates its progress from day to day, the plan of the campaign, the
encounters between the Spaniards and the Igorrotes, and the success of
the former in repulsing the attacks of the natives and obtaining ore
from the mines. Martin describes the country through which he passes;
the native tribes, their customs, and their methods of obtaining gold;
the mines, and the ore secured from them. He considers the general
idea of the richness of these mines incorrect and exaggerated; he
examines them, however, carefully, and obtains specimens of the ore
from each. Then follows a report of the various tests and assays made
thereon, from which the results are not very satisfactory; a table
showing the values of the metal obtained in each of the assays; and
the action of the Audiencia of Manila thereon--they deciding to abandon
further attempts to explore or work the Igorrote mines, and to send to
Nueva España for further test the ores brought by Martin to Manila;
moreover, the men now at the mines are to be sent to Nueva Segovia,
to subdue the revolted Indians there.
_The Editors_
September, 1904.
DOCUMENTS OF 1621
News from the province of Filipinas. Alonso Roman; [July?].
Death of Doña Catalina Zambrano. [Unsigned]; July.
Letter to the king. Alonso Fajardo de Tença; July 21.
Letter from the archbishop of Manila to the king. Miguel
Garcia Serrano, O.S.A., July 30.
Letter to the king. Geronimo de Silva; August 1.
Affairs in the Franciscan province. Pedro de Sant Pablo,
O.S.F., and others; 1620-21.
Letter to the king. Alonso Fajardo de Tença; December 10.
_Sources_: The first of these documents is obtained from a MS. in
the Real Academia de Historia, Madrid; the second, from the Ventura
del Arco MSS. (Ayer Library), i, pp. 509-514; the remainder, from
MSS. in the Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla.
_Translations_: The first of these documents is translated by Arthur
B. Myrick, of Harvard University; the second, fourth, fifth, and
sixth, by James A. Robertson--except the Latin bull in the fourth,
translated by Rev. T.C. Middleton, O.S.A.; the third and seventh,
by Robert W. Haight.
News from the Province of Filipinas, This Year, 1621
By letters which we have received from Japon this January, 1621,
we heard how bitterly the persecution of God's religion is carried
on in Boxu, the country of Masamune, [1] who has been accustomed
to send embassies to Spain in past years. The spread of the holy
gospel and uninterrupted preaching went on until the return of the
ambassador. Hitherto Masamune had dissimulated for reasons of state,
hoping that he would be allowed to send one ship from his kingdoms to
Nueva España, where he had large interests. Seeing that this would
not be conceded, he commenced to persecute Christians openly and
secretly. On the twentieth of September, 1620, he ordered prohibitions
and edicts to be issued in various places, in which it was ordered
that no one should receive the religion of God; and that all those
who had adopted it should abandon it, under penalty of being deprived
of the property and incomes which the chiefs of equal rank hold from
the tono [_i.e._, daimio], while in the case of the common people,
the plebeians, they should be put to death. He also commanded that
any person having any knowledge of any Christian should denounce
him; and that all preachers of the holy gospel should leave his
kingdom and state. In case that they would not abandon the religion
which they preached, the officials of Masamune commenced to execute
their orders. Many were therefore banished and dispossessed of their
property, others abandoned the faith, and to six fell the best lot
of all in giving up their lives, being beheaded for this reason.
In the city of Nangasaqui, as all its people are Christians, the
persecution is directed not so much against the Christians, for that
would utterly destroy the place, as against those who conceal the
religious who are under penalty of death.
On the seventeenth of December, they arrested two religious of
St. Francis, one a priest named Fray Pedro de Avila, [2] and another
a layman, Fray Vicente. On the twelfth of February they beheaded two
leading natives for their faith. On the thirteenth of the same month
they bound to the stake, in order to burn alive, a man who had two
religious in his house. On account of his anxiety to escape the fire,
he confessed; and leaping from it (they say) he begged them not to
kill him, saying that [_illegible in MS_.]. They cut him to pieces,
however, without mercy, and he was sent to the Lord.
At this same time they seized in Nangasaqui a servant of the father
provincial, Matheo Couros, who was washing his clothes. When he was
thus recognized, they inflicted sharp torments upon him, to make
him disclose what he knew; but he, although mangled, bravely gave up
his life in the torture rather than betray the father. There are at
present in Japanese prisons [_MS. torn_] of religious and Christians:
of the Order of St Francis there are five; of that of St. Dominic,
three or four; of the Jesuits one, Father Carlos de Espinola. There
were three, but one was burned alive for his faith; and the other,
who was a Portuguese brother, [died] [3] with the hardships of the
prison, and it is thought to be certain that [his death was hastened]
by poison.
The Dutch and English seized, on board a Japanese ship which sailed
from Manila for Japan, two religious--one a Dominican, and the
other an Augustinian--who were identified by letters and papers
that they had with them. [4] The letters [_MS. torn_] nevertheless,
presented at court, for it was not considered wrong for them to have
[_MS. torn_] a ship of Japanese, who extended them a kindly welcome
to their kingdom. They jointly presented a petition, stating to the
emperor that until [_MS. torn_] destroy Manila and Macan, there would
be no lack of religious in his [empire]; and that they should deliver
over to them in orderly manner two or three thousand Japanese, who
[_MS. torn_] will destroy these two cities. This petition was not
granted them; instead, decrees were issued in which the emperor
ordered the governor of [Nan]gasaqui to notify the tonos of Firando
and other places that under pain of [_MS. torn_] they should allow no
Japanese to embark with the Dutch and English. [_MS. torn_] It was
observed and carried out even against the wishes of the heretics,
who wished to assist [_MS. torn_] of them against us.
On the twenty-sixth of July there arrived at the port of Firando, two
Dutch [vessels] with some of their men wounded and their masts pierced
by shots; [_MS. torn_] they had fought in the Philipinas with the
ships that had come from Nueva España, and had sunk one of them. The
truth of the affair was afterward found out, that [_MS. torn_] fought
with ours, and it is presumed that one was sunk. [_MS. torn_] Not more
than two arrived at Firando, to the great pleasure of the Christians
of Japan when they heard the truth and the evil deed of the enemy.
A Dutch ship and patache sailed from Japan in February, 1620, with
the intention of lying in wait for the Chinese ships that were going
from Manila, laden with the silver which they had received for the
goods which they had sold, but during a heavy storm the vessel with
all its cargo was wrecked on Hermosa Island. Six of the Dutch were
drowned. Those who escaped seized two boats that they found on the
shore, and robbed three Chinese ships of more than three hundred
thousand pesos. The patache was never seen again, and there is not
much doubt that it was lost with all hands on board. They sent another
large ship to Bantan, where they have a factory. This vessel, loaded
with supplies, went ashore and was lost; and one hundred and twenty
Japanese and three Dutchmen were drowned.
The English and Dutch being on the point of settling their quarrel by
fighting a pitched battle off Bantan near China in which both parties
must have been destroyed, chance would have it that two despatch-boats
arrived, one from Ynglaterra and the other from Olanda, bringing
the news of the confederation which had been formed between those
two states, [5] so that their quarrel was converted to rejoicing and
merriment. Then they sent off sixteen English vessels and ten Dutch
ships. One English ship was lost on the coast of China, as a result
of trying to capture a Portuguese vessel which was on its way from
India to Macan. Nothing was ever heard of three of the Dutch ships;
but the others came to lie in wait for the Portuguese galliots loaded
with silks which the Portuguese import into Japan. They followed
these as far as Nangasaqui without being able to chase one of them,
because they were too light, whereupon the enemy took shelter in their
port of Firando. The agreement of the confederation was as follows:
In order to avoid dissensions on both sides, they were all to come
into the English Company, and they should render accounts of what
either side had lost in the wars that they had waged; and whatever was
over and above, the other side was to pay. _Item_, that both parties
could alike enter the regions conquered by them, with ships, men,
and supplies; and that anything that they should acquire by conquest
should remain in the form in which the said States [of Holland] and
the English Company had there agreed. _Item_, that the spice trade
should be equally divided, each loading as many ships as the other,
and that they should go shares in their seizures; finally, that an
English captain was to be commander of the whole fleet this first
year, and the next a Dutchman, and so on alternately in succeeding
years. This is their plan, which meanwhile is to redound to our injury,
since they intend to make themselves masters of the Philipinas, the
Malucas Islands, India, and the whole of this archipelago. There is
cause for alarm when they bring one hundred and ten ships into these
seas without any means of resistance on our part.
These pirates were fitting out an armada in great haste in Japan. The
report was current that they were going to attack Macan, while
others said that they were coming to the Philipinas, of which we
had information. The people at Macan were also warned that trip
English and Dutch allies were coming to attack them, whereupon
they set about providing supplies, and dug some trenches, which the
Chinese quickly dismantled, fearing lest that fortification was made
against themselves; for they have never consented to wall the city,
cast artillery, or make other preparations for war. The Portuguese,
seeing themselves ill-prepared for defense, decided to send out a
ship with Father Geronimo Rodriguez of the Society of Jesus, who had
been rector in the college at Macan, to ask our lord governor for some
heavy guns for their defense. He arrived at Manila toward the end of
December. He explained his errand, and the lord governor gave him six
pieces of artillery--one thirty-pounder, three twenty-five pounders,
and two eighteen-pounders--together with a good ship to convey them
there. It was sent away on the last of January. When they sailed out
of the bay they caught sight of the enemy's fleet, which was headed
for these islands. One of the enemy's ships followed it, but seeing
that they could not overtake it they retired; and our ship continued
its voyage, and in a short time arrived at Macan.
The assistance which went this year to Maluco, arrived within sight
of our forts, where three Dutch ships were waiting to seize it or
cut off their passage; but the captain of one of the largest of
our ships approached the enemy to keep him busy fighting, while the
reenforcements entered under the fire of our artillery. He fought
for three hours, at the end of which time, having seen our ships in
safety, he squared away and left the enemy tricked, because he had
a very fast vessel.
We had some trouble with the Tidorans, who have been our friends and
the enemies of the Dutch; whereupon they poisoned a well where the men
came to drink. The crime was immediately discovered, and so no harm was
done. We have made friends with them again, and we continue as before.
With six galleons the Dutch came to the Solor Islands, which are
near the Malucas, where the Portuguese have a fort. They landed more
than six hundred of their men and more than one thousand Moros of the
country, who also came in their ships. The Portuguese, who numbered
perhaps thirty soldiers, defended themselves so well that they killed
over seventy Dutch and many Moros, while many were wounded.
Another Portuguese captain, who went out to sea with some vessels,
captured some of the little galliots of the Moros and some Dutch
lanchas. They retired at this loss, the Portuguese remaining
victorious.
A Dutch ship went aground on a shoal on the island of Jolos, near
these Philipinas Islands. Being seen by the Indians and natives of
that land, the latter attacked them, and put them all to the sword,
leaving only the captain alive for the ransom that they can get for
him. For two years there have been such droughts in the Malucas Islands
that many clove-trees have been destroyed, causing a great famine.
In the beginning of February of this year, 621, nine hostile ships
arrived in the bay of Manila, five Dutch and four English, who seized
the passage by which enter the ships of all these islands from Japan,
China, Macan, Maluco, and India. The commander of this fleet was an
Englishman, according to the agreement between them. They sighted our
forts and saw how few ships we had to oppose to them; thereupon they
sailed in as if on their own seas and in a safe port. The greatest
resistance which could be made against this enemy was to take care
that they did not seize any of the China ships aboard of which much of
our wealth comes to these islands. So two ships were despatched with
all haste to the coast of China, in order to inform them of the enemy,
and warn them not to sail at such a time that they would fall into the
hands of the enemy. They did not arrive in time, so that some of the
vessels had sailed, three of which were captured by the enemy. These
were of little value, but two of some importance were taken. One
of them was sighted by a small patache belonging to the Dutch, who
were under difficulties in attacking it, because the Chinese after
their manner of fighting--with caldrons of melted sugar, and stones,
and clubs--defended themselves so well that with their boiling sugar
they sent fourteen of the Dutch in a conserve to hell. Finally it was
surrendered, after the death of one hundred and twenty Chinese. The
English commander ordered the other ship, which was the fifth, to be
set afire, because of quarrels between the Dutch and English over the
capture and division, so that their booty was diminished. The enemy,
as I have said, being masters of the sea, and the inward passage,
God chose to allow an entrance to our fathers (who were coming to a
meeting of the congregation), by permitting them to come. Scarcely
had they entered when the enemy returned to occupy his position. The
same thing happened after the meeting, and the return of the fathers,
a remarkable providence of the lord.
A few days after, three galliots arrived from Macan, laden with
a rich cargo of silks and other merchandise. They entered without
finding any obstruction, because the enemy had gone out to sea; and
the four hours of their absence were enough to enable the galliots
to enter. They had news of it, and returned at dawn the next day
to see if it was true; and were furious at seeing them anchored in
our harbors. At this same time the king's ship arrived which had
carried to Macan artillery for the defense of that city, and it
brought back a cargo of silks. Being informed that the enemy were
lying off the entrance to the port of Manila, they rowed over to an
island near here, and collected a quantity of green boughs and trees,
putting bunches of palm-leaves on the tops of the trees, so that they
seemed to be cocoa-palms, of which there is a great abundance on that
island. The stratagem worked, because the ships went about from one
tack to the other without being seen by the Dutch. In the same way,
another Portuguese galliot, also of Macan, escaped, although it cut
down its masts. The Dutch, having seen that they were likely to get
little booty on this coast, made sail for that of Macan, to lie in
wait, as we understood, for ships from India.
Last year two ships sailed from these islands for Nueva España. The
almiranta, while sailing out of a strait where these islands come
to an end, encountered seven hurricanes, so furious that it seemed
as if the sea would swallow it up; and those who were aboard gave
themselves up a thousand times for lost. They tried to make port in
Japon, but it was impossible; and they finally arrived at Manila,
rounding Cabo del Bojeador. The men arrived in very bad condition,
and many of them blinded with the salt water which had dashed into
their eyes. Three days before these tempests commenced they sighted
the capitana, but never saw her again. We do not know here what became
of her, whether she was lost or arrived safely in Nueva España.
At nine o'clock in the evening on the eleventh of May, there was an
occurrence in this city as pitiable as it was unfortunate, the cause
of it being a man who had been expelled from our Society. After having
been a member of it for seven years, he left the Society, and was
married three times, although he was not yet thirty years old. Our
Lord often brought him back, warned by bitter experience of troubles
and remorse of conscience; so that for a long time he did not dare
to go to sleep without first confessing himself--especially on the
long trip from Nueva España to these islands, where he was wrecked on
a ship which was on its way with silver and other wealth belonging
to these islands. The vessel escaped miraculously, with sails torn
by shots from three Dutch vessels, which they took for one of their
own. They ran aground, but all the silver was saved. Among others Joan
de Messa (the name of the outcast of whom I have just spoken) removed
all the silver and goods, to the value of thirty thousand pesos or
more, belonging to people in Mexico. It had been entrusted to him,
and he kept it, as was done by all, in a house and church of one of
our residences, situated where the ship happened to halt. While he
was there he proceeded as if he were a religious, both in example
and in frequenting the sacrament, until he came to this city of
Manila--where, with certain curious articles, he obtained entrance
to and communication with the wife of the governor of these islands,
Doña Catalina Sambrano, who had little care for what her position
and her dignity demanded. Their sin began on Holy Thursday, with so
little secrecy and so bad an example, that the affair was beginning to
leak out. So badly did it appear that certain persons came to one of
our fathers, advising him to warn Joan de Messa that they would kill
him. The father did, but Messa took no notice of it. The governor,
meanwhile, was informed of his wife's evil conduct; and, wishing to
detect them, he pretended to go down to the harbor and fort of Cavite,
situated two leguas from here. He had been wont to do this on other
occasions, because the enemy with nine ships was within sight of the
fort. He retraced his steps, leaving his entire retinue about a legua
from here. He entered the city with the intention of accomplishing
the deed (which he did later) in his own house; but before entering
it he was informed by a page that his wife had gone, disguised as a
man, to the house of Joan de Messa, where she had often gone in the
same dress. After receiving this information, he sought his retinue,
taking counsel with his servant and three captains, whom he placed
in four streets in order to let no one pass. The governor alone
arrived at the house at the very moment that his wife entered,
and was going upstairs with Joan de Messa, and behind them a very
noted pilot, on account of whom the ship that I mentioned above was
celebrated. The governor attacked him and pierced him with a mortal
thrust. With that he rushed out of the house, calling for confession;
but, those who guarded the street, not giving him time for that,
put him to death. Immediately Messa went up the stairs, and safely
reached a large room where two candles were burning on a buffet. If
these had been extinguished, he might have escaped. He drew his sword
and defended himself for some time. As the governor perceived that he
was clad in armor, he aimed at Messa's face and pierced him through
the neck, so that he fell down stairs, where he who guarded the door
tried to finish him; but as Messa was well-armed he could not do so
readily until he wounded him in the face. During all this time Messa
was not heard to ask confession or even say "Jesus," or any other
words, except: "Whoever you are, do not kill me; consider the honor
of your lady." While this was going on in the street, the governor
found his wife in hiding. After wounding her three times, she asked
confession; and he, as a knight and a Christian, went out to look for
a confessor, and brought one. He resigned her to the priest, urging
her to confess herself well and truly, which she did for some time,
until the confessor absolved her. With three or four more wounds, and
the words with which he aided her to die, he finished with her. The
three dead bodies remained there until seven or eight o'clock in
the morning before anyone dared to remove them. The master-of-camp,
Don Geronimo de Sylva, who had been governor of Maluco, and was
a knight of St. John, had the body of the governor's wife removed
to her house, to wrap it in a shroud; and that night she received
solemn burial by the Recollects of St. Augustine. The two bodies of
Joan de Messa and the pilot remained in the street all day, while
a multitude of people, of the various nations who are in this city,
collected to gaze at them, manifesting awe at seeing a spectacle so
new to them, and one never seen before in these regions. At night,
some members of La Misericordia carried them away, without clergy,
lights, or funeral ceremony. They carried the two bodies together on
some litters, and buried them both in the same grave. This was the
disastrous end of a poor young fellow, upon whom our Lord lavished many
and most gracious gifts--although he knew not how to profit by them,
but offended Him who had granted them. Those who will feel it most
are the owners of the property [confided to him]; for God knows when
they will collect it, because it is sequestrated. Will your Reverence
communicate this to Brother Juan de Alcazar.
_Alonso Roman_
Death of Dona Catalina Zambrano
May 12, 1621, occurred the unfortunate death of the governor's wife,
which I intend to relate here, as it is a peculiar case. The governor
of these Filipinas Islands, Don Alonso Fajardo de Tenza, suspected
that his wife, called Doña Catalina Zambrano, was not living as
was fitting for such a personage. One afternoon, that of May 12, he
pretended that he was going to the port of Cavite, where he generally
went because the Dutch enemy were in this bay with their fleet. The
governor went, but, leaving all the men who accompanied him, returned
alone. Entering the city secretly, he concealed himself in a house,
where a captain in his confidence brought him a young page who was
in the service of his wife--the one who carried the messages, and
knew everything that went on. The governor placed a dagger to his
breast in order to get him to tell what he knew of his wife. The page
openly confessed that she was maintaining a sinful alliance with a
clerk, an ordinary person, called Juan de Messa Suero, who had been
a member of the Society of Jesus for some years at Coimbra; and that
his wife was dressing in the garb of a man, in order to go outside of
the palace, as she had done at other times. Juan de Messa came with a
very eminent pilot. The governor's wife left the palace clad as a man,
with her cloak and sword and all went together to the square. Thence
they began to walk toward a house of Juan de Messa. The governor,
with three other men who accompanied him, went on ahead of them, and
awaited them near the door of the said house, hidden in a recess. The
governor's wife entered first, then Juan de Messa. Then the pilot
stopped to shut the door. Thereupon the governor attacked him alone,
and giving a violent push on the door, opened it. He entered, and
found himself with the pilot alone, for the other man, Juan de Messa,
with the governor's wife, on hearing the noise, fled up the stairs. It
appears that the governor stabbed the pilot in the breast. The latter
left the portal of the house, whereupon those who accompanied the
governor and had remained to guard the door, attacked and killed
him there. The governor went upstairs and found Juan de Messa in the
hall. He chased the latter around a table that held two lights. The
governor made a strong thrust at him, which almost knocked him down;
but showed that he was clad in armor. By the force that the governor
exerted in the thrust, he felt that he himself was wounded in the
hand. Apparently the pilot had given him that wound, and he had not
felt it before that. The governor's sword began to grow weak, and he
said: "Ha, traitor, thou hast wounded me." Juan de Messa lost his
head, and ran down stairs, thinking that his safety lay there. The
governor attacked him, and on the way down stabbed him in the neck,
with such force that he tripped and fell down. Below, the governor
and the guard finished killing him. The governor would have been in
great peril, both with the pilot and upstairs with Juan de Massa, had
not the miserable man lost his head. Had he at least extinguished the
candles, and stationed himself on the stairway, which was narrow, he
could have prevented the governor from ascending, and could even have
killed him. The latter went immediately to look for his wife, and found
her hidden in an attic, hanging to a beam. He stabbed her from beneath,
and passed half of his sword through her body, and at that the poor
lady fell. She requested confession. The governor restrained himself,
and said that it was a timely request. Leaving the three men whom
he brought with him as a guard, he in person going to the Franciscan
convent, which was near by, to summon a confessor, met a secular priest
on the way, who had left his house at the disturbance. He took the
latter with him and told him to confess "that person." He confessed
her very slowly, delaying more than half an hour. The governor, in
the meanwhile, was walking up and down. When the father had finished,
he stabbed his wife, telling her to repent of her sins and to confess
to God who would pardon her. This happened at nine o'clock at night. A
large crowd gathered immediately, and the alcaldes made investigation
of what was passing. The dead bodies of the two men were guarded until
next day, for justice to do its duty. That of the governor's wife
remained there until eight in the morning, when the master-of-camp,
Don Geronimo de Silva, of the habit of St. John, ordered it to be
taken up and carried to his house, in order to have it buried from
there, according to the rank of her person, and not according to the so
disgraceful event and death that had happened. They buried her body in
the Recollect convent, with the greatest pomp possible. Then the two
bodies of the men were buried, carrying them together from the street
to the grave. The royal Audiencia took charge of the matter. They
found almost two hundred notes from the governor's wife in Juan de
Messa's possession, and in hers a great number from him. A report
was made of all and sent to his Majesty. It was the first instance
in which a so common person had an alliance with so powerful a lady,
who was here as is the queen in España. [6]
Manila, July, 1621.
Letter from Fajardo to the King
Sire:
Although at present, up to the nineteenth of June, the ship "Sant
Andres," the capitana, has not arrived from Nueva España, even at
this late date, which is the one that I despatched last year to
that province, and I have no letters from your Majesty to answer,
I am making a beginning of this one in order to gain time in the
despatching of those ships, so that it may be somewhat earlier than
usual in past years--although at present, having the war on our hands
which we have, and as the ships are later from China than is usual,
and there are very few that come for fear of the war, there will
be more difficulty and labor in the despatch. [_In the margin_:
"Council; examined."]
According to the despatch which the said ship carried, measures were
to be taken to secure its preparation and departure from Acapulco
for this country without waiting into the month of April, or without
delaying more than two or three days in that month; and it was not to
depart later because of the danger of encountering contrary winds in
its voyage here, or being forced into the ports of Japon--and likewise
because this was the best, considering the course which it must steer
to make the port it was ordered to; for it was understood that the
enemy were coming back again, as they did last year, to Cape Spiritu
Santo, with a larger force of ships. This route was decided upon
with the advice of the pilots and other persons of most experience
on these seas, each one giving and signing his opinion separately,
without any one of them knowing that of the others, or any one of them
knowing which one I chose. This order I gave secretly and sealed, and
it was to be opened seventy leguas before arriving at the said port;
in which manner I have taken the precaution and preliminary steps in
so far as I have been able for its reception and protection. Hitherto
this plan has not been made known here, which has been of no small
importance in order that the enemy should not be aware of it. [_In
the margin_: "This is well, and the course which he has marked out
for these vessels has appeared good; accordingly let him exercise
in the future the care which he has shown in this, in order to
keep informed of the design of the enemies; as for the departure of
the ships, have a letter written to the viceroy directing him not
to let it run into April, as he says." _In another hand_: "Have a
letter written to the viceroy of Nueva España to the effect that the
despatch of the ships for the Filipinas shall be accomplished in any
event by the end of March, so that it shall not run on into April,
on account of the great importance of their arriving thus early,
and not having them go with those despatched later--thus compelling
them to take refuge in other ports, or be wrecked."]
In command of these ships is placed Don Fernando Centeno Maldonado,
who has served in the position of commander of the galleys both there
and here, and has served many years in these islands (most of the
time in the Maluco Islands); his services are of high repute, as are
his merits and good qualities. I am sure that your Majesty has been
informed of them, on account of the favors which he has received from
your royal hand; and in the same way I am certain that you know of
the good qualities of Captain Francisco de Salazar, who is filling
the office of admiral on the said ships. [_In the margin_: "Examined."]
Besides what I wrote your Majesty last year by way of Nueva España,
with the duplicate which I send by way of India, I have added what
occurred to me in the despatch which I sent with Captain Gregorio de
Vidaña, regidor of this city, having decided to do so on account of
the accounts and news which I receive, and which your Majesty will
already have learned--of all which I now send another copy with
this. [_In the margin_: "Examined."]
The news of the confederation of the Dutch and the English proved
to be correct; and on the second of February they arrived on these
coasts, with nine ships of war--seven large and two of moderate
size, five of them being Dutch and four English--with the number of
a thousand to twelve hundred men of both nations, exclusive of the
servants and Japanese; they carried between forty and forty-four
pieces of artillery, in each of the large ships, and the others
each according to its capacity. It has been learned that this is
true from the depositions of two prisoners, and from Chinese who
were in their ships; from Japanese who, while coming from their land
with provisions and supplies for this country, passed by the enemy,
saw them, and entered their vessels; and likewise from the advices
which I have received from Japon.
This matter found me well advanced in the preparation, because I had
so anticipated the news that, although they entered the bay and port
at Cavite with their fleet, they did not dare--as I had caused to be
made several trenches with stockades, and bastions with batteries of
artillery, which appeared to me sufficient; and had placed sufficient
artillery in the two vessels which were fit to receive it--to resolve
to do anything against either the ships or the land; and when they
found out that these defenses were there, and had seen them, they
went out of the bay with all their boats. Having come back to it a
few days later, and seen that the preparation of the capitana and
almiranta galleons was in good condition; and that we had also a
moderate-sized ship, another smaller, two galleys, and another on
which the work was more backward (which are the vessels that can
be made ready), they went out again--going now along the coast,
and now in the mouth of this bay, without separating or dividing the
fleet so as to be out of sight of one another. If they had done this
without guarding against encounters, I would have engaged him with
the capitana and almiranta galleons, which are the ships that could
be manned, although with difficulty on account of the few men whom I
have here; for I had to leave the maimed and sick, and some as guard
for the gates of the city, which takes as many as are necessary for
all the vessels. Even if they were not divided, I should have tried
my fortune with him, but having made all preparations and efforts,
and issued proclamations to assemble the Spaniards who could be found
for this purpose, those who gathered in Cavite, aside from the paid
soldiers, would not number seventy; nor were there more than four
hundred soldiers outside of the maimed and sick, and one company and
a detachment from another--amounting to about a hundred men, more
or less, who remained in this city, prepared also to embark. These
had been brought as detachments of the companies from Nueva Segovia,
Cibu, and Oton--all of which will appear by the depositions of paid
officers and the secretary of the governor, which accompany this, with
the papers referring to the above mentioned matter. [_In the margin_:
"The matters contained in this clause are the concern of the Junta,
and have been examined there." "Examined; the Junta is taking care to
send reenforcements; and let him be careful to maintain what he has
there in so good condition as may serve for whatever occasion may
arise there, as is expected from him. Have a letter written to the
viceroy of Nueva España, telling him to send all the best part of
the troops which he can, considering that the governor writes that
in past years so few troops have gone there that he is now almost
without any in the service; and accordingly he should decree that it
be such which he sends. Advise Don Alonso of what is written to the
viceroy of Nueva España."]
The reason for there being so few troops is, that after the year one
thousand six hundred and sixteen, when a ship called the "Angel de la
Guarda" came, in the following year, sixteen hundred and seventeen,
there came no reenforcements of infantry, but only a patache called
the "Sant Geronimo," with the archbishop Don Fray Miguel Garcia,
and a number of friars; and in that year there died in the engagement
which Don Juan Ronquillo had with the enemy, and were drowned in the
six galleons, more Spaniards than I brought in the year one thousand
six hundred and eighteen. Since my arrival I have sent almost four
hundred soldiers to Terrenate, and this number has not come in the two
reenforcements from Nueva España which arrived in the past years of
nineteen and twenty. Then besides these--and a number who have left
with good cause and permission (although these are few), and others
who have managed to flee without permission, and others who have turned
friars--there are so many who have died in the hospital and outside of
it, that it may be said that all the soldiers in the country are found
in this jurisdiction [of Manila.]. I have wished to give your Majesty
an account of this so that it might be fully understood, and that you
may learn the truth of it; and that you may know how great is the lack
of men here, as I say. That of vessels is not so great as some people
here say, who know nothing of this matter, or who desire to build them,
on account of the money which they usually obtain from this work, or
which is paid to them--without considering the loss to the natives,
or whether the work is necessary or not. [_In the margin_: "Examined."]
The enemy having seen that the equipment of the vessels which he
saw in Cavite was making progress, and not having separated his
vessels, or despatched them to get booty--on account, moreover,
of the warnings that I gave in various parts of this archipelago
whence vessels came to this place, and particularly at Macan and
several ports of China--thus far, thanks be to God, he has taken
nothing more than five Sangley ships from that country. One of these
disappeared with the guard which he had placed on it, and they have
not been able to find it again, and another of them was burned, so
that he has not taken more than three, and two of them of almost no
value, and the other not very valuable; for the rich ones remain in
China, and those that made bold to come kept to the course which I
marked out for them, and have arrived safely, making ports in this
island. Even if they arrived here, which is possible, this will be
of importance, in order to make merchandise cheaper; nevertheless,
even if no goods arrive on the ships which have come from Macan,
there is more cloth than money in the country to buy it; and, besides
them, we are expecting others from Camboja and Sian, and from Yndia,
which, if God bring them in safety, will also be of importance. [_In
the margin_: "Examined. It is hoped in God that this and other worse
things will have happened to the enemy; and let him take the greatest
care to advise the Chinese and other merchant ships which go there,
marking out the course which appears safest for them, according to
the information which they have, so that in regard to them the enemy
may fare as they have been doing, according to this statement."]
The fleet of the enemy left the place where they last halted, and came
in sight day before yesterday in the morning. Some vessels were sent
in pursuit, in order to bring me word of the course which they steer,
and whether they are together or separate, [_In the margin_: "This is
well, and let him take good care until the news from them be known."]
I have received a letter from Malaca, which Antonio Pinto de Fonseca
says that he received from your Majesty, with notice and order to
give it to me, to the effect that there and in these regions the
confederated Dutch and English were about to come with fifty-one
ships--sixteen of which had already left, and thirty-five were in
two squadrons which were being equipped. Of these the sixteen which
had left Holland have already arrived at their factories in Sunda,
whence, likewise, it was learned that they say they are expecting this
year the remainder. Fadrique Lopez de Soysa, commandant of that city
[_i.e._, Malaca], gave me almost the same information. Conformably
to this, and to several advices which I have had from Japon, and to
others which I have been able to secure through my own investigations,
it appears that these enemies are considering carrying on this war
in earnest and with energy; for with these ships which have arrived,
those which are expected, and more than sixty which I wrote to your
Majesty in the last despatch that I understood they had, those of
both nations amount to more than a hundred, without counting those
which the French have. If I had the eighth part of that number, and
sufficient men to man them, and to keep this city and the important
posts and forts of this island garrisoned, it would not trouble me
much to see them involved in the cost and expense of such a fleet;
for if I had the means with which to withstand their first attack,
or to inflict upon them some severe blow; or if they did not know my
position, and I could cause them anxiety or divert them from their
object--there is no doubt that their fleet itself would be disarmed and
destroyed. But since I lack such resources, and the time is passing
in which I expected the aid which your Majesty has offered to these
islands--having sent the pilots to Malaca to guide and bring them
here from there--I shall be obliged to make the best of the little
which I have, and to take the best precautions that I can. I am
raising and fortifying a few stretches of wall which are necessary,
expelling the Japanese, and lessening the number of the Sangleys--who,
although there appear to be a great many of them, will certainly,
by the proper management of the licenses, and care in obliging the
Sangleys to secure them, be much fewer than I found here, and than
have been here for many years, on account of those who have died and
left the country and the few who have come in my time. In every way I
shall do my best to drive out as many as I well can so that the country
may be less burdened with suspicious people; and shall likewise take
other necessary precautions which may be in my power. In these efforts
I feel sadly the lack of money; but in times of such need I have been
obliged to try to obtain it in the most guarded and cautious ways. I
am not a little glad to have with me at such a time Master-of-camp
Don Hieronimo de Silva, both on account of his good counsel and aid,
and likewise because if I should fail in this country there would
be someone to defend it; and your Majesty may be certain that he
will do this with the favor of God, and that with this everything
will turn out well. I beseech your Majesty that, confident of this,
you will continue sending the said reenforcement, and will hasten its
coming by way of Nueva España to Panama--sending infantry and money,
the things which cannot be supplied here. [_In the margin_: "This is
well; and let thanks be given him for the excellent courage which he
shows. As for the information that he gives, he has learned the reason
for the fleet not leaving, and the accident which happened to it;
accordingly, let him exercise all care to take what precautionary
measures are there necessary, as he is expected to do. As for the
Japanese and other nations that are there, let him decree what shall
seem most expedient to him for the service of God and his Majesty, and
the good of the commonwealth, as well as its guard and preservation."]
As we have to carry on the war in this way, so that the expense and
labor may bring the best results, I beg your Majesty that while it
shall last you may be pleased to discontinue the Audiencia here, as
it is this that most hinders and opposes the administration and the
government, as will appear by several depositions which accompany
this. This is the enemy which most afflicts this commonwealth, and
most causes dissensions, parties, factions, and hatreds between the
citizens--each auditor persecuting those citizens who are not wholly of
his own faction, especially those who extend aid and good-will toward
the governor, against whom, as it seems, they show themselves always
in league. They always make declarations of grievances [against him],
because they are not each one given, as used to be and is the custom
here, whatever they may ask for their sons, relatives, and servants;
and they habitually discredit the governor by launching through secret
channels false and malicious reports, and afterward securing witnesses
of their publicity. They even, as I have written to your Majesty,
manage to have religious and preachers publish these reports--to which
end, and for his own security, each one of the auditors has formed an
alliance with the religious order which receives him best. As I have
given your Majesty an account of this matter and of the actions of
the said auditors--which in God and my conscience I know to be true,
and which will be evident by the depositions and papers which I have
sent and am today sending with a letter and relation giving particulars
regarding this matter--I shall not go more into detail thereon in this
letter; I refer you for its substantiation to the said documents, and
to the fact that I consider this government much more difficult, with
the auditors of this Audiencia, than it is or would be even if there
were more war, for that war which they cause within its boundaries
appears beyond remedy, on account of their abilities and rank. If your
Majesty be not pleased to withdraw them from here I beg you, as I owe
it to your royal service, that you will take measures so that in no
way and at no time shall they be able to succeed to the government
of this land; for I hold it beyond a doubt that they will bring it
to ruin, and destroy it in a very short time, even though there came
to it no more enemies than that of their own tendencies. If I wrote
to your Majesty, in the first days after my arrival here, that the
auditors were not necessary except for the Audiencia sessions, I beg
now that more be added. It appeared to me that for the citizens and
for the affairs of these islands, those who were here were sufficient;
at present I am of the opinion that if the presence of this tribunal
must be continued, more members are necessary, in order to avoid
the difficulty which has been found to result from the alliance of
Doctors Don Alvaro de Mesa, and Don Antonio Rodriguez, for neither more
nor less justice can be secured than they choose, and they are even
disturbing the government and good order which ought to prevail. Even
if I should not attain and enjoy the benefit of this improvement, I
beseech your Majesty that, if more auditors are to be sent, they may
be persons of tried experience in Audiencia duties--to whom it would
be well to give senior rank therein, for those who are in it now are
totally ignorant of its procedure, never having had any experience
in so responsible positions, so that they could know how to act. If
they had only been able to learn from the licentiate Alcaraz, who
was experienced and very prudent! but they were estranged from him,
or rather they estranged themselves with their singular behavior--so
that, a long time before he died, he took an oath not to return to
the Audiencia, and kept it. And I myself, if I could, would do the
same, for the reasons I have given and for many others, which make me
desire to merit that your Majesty would be pleased to use me in some
other way, away from this country. To such a point has it gone, that
if this country were not involved in the perils of war as it has been,
and as they are still threatening it, I should beseech your Majesty to
place it in charge of some other person, who would be more interested
in documents. But may God not choose that I should be relieved from
the service of your Majesty, in which from the age of fifteen years I
have been engaged; and I offer this so heartily that if your Majesty
were pleased to send another governor who should labor somewhat,
and I might aid and assist him some little time, I would do so with
the greatest good-will. It would be no little pleasure to me to be
employed in naval and military affairs, and other things in which,
with my counsel and my personal aid, I might be able to help; and to
know that the matter of auditors and their demands, their rivalries,
and their faultfinding, should concern another, and that he would have
to oppose and resist those things, which would be not a little. Nor
would there be overmuch time to satisfy, quiet, and render content the
many religious--which is another labor and servitude, with which there
is no way to deal; for it is without remedy, since each one wishes
to be the sole distributer of goods and favors, the moderator and
judge of punishments, and the governor of the governor, or else his
persecutor. [_In the margin_: "Not to be read in the Junta. Join with
it the letters which the auditors write against Don Alonzo Faxardo."]
In so far as concerns the Indians, no more help can be drawn from
them for the service of your Majesty, on account of what the fathers
demand. Nor can they be exempted from labors and penalties if the
latter need their services, or wish to punish them; and may God will
that this bring not loss some day. For one of the ways with which
the enemy best succeeds in winning over the natives is that, besides
exempting them from tributes and personal services, they will not have
to support religious instruction or ministers. Although there are many
good Christians, not all are so forward in this matter. In the same
manner in which I have already stated this, I can declare, and assure
your Majesty, that there are in all these religious orders men of most
holy and exemplary life, who have gathered a great harvest of souls,
[_In the margin_: "If there are several papers on this matter, let
them be joined together and brought in."]
In the prosecution of the work of pacifying, reducing, and subduing
the Indians who are called Ygolotes, and gaining thorough knowledge of
the mines of gold that are in those countries, the riches and profit
that might be obtained from there could not be secured this year,
after the death of Captain Garcia de Aldana, who understood these
matters and had them in charge. This is due both to the loss of his
personal supervision, and to the lack of troops at this time, when the
enemy's fleet were so near; but, if it be possible, nothing shall be
lost. [_In the margin_: "He was written to concerning this last year,
as far as the matter was examined; at present let him again be charged
to continue all the care which he has been taking in the working of
these mines, and, since he sees the importance which lies in this,
let him do all in his power to find persons in every way satisfactory
to go there. Let him inform us every year of what he may be doing;
for he knows in what great straits the royal estate is, and how much is
being spent in those regions, without there being any results from it,
while so much profit lies in those mines, as we have been informed,
and as has been written to him. And let him again be charged to take
the care which is expected of him that this may have the result; let
it be known what he has done in cultivating and improving a matter
of so much importance."]
On account of word that I had of the distress in which the city of
Macan was, with the news that had been received there that the Dutch
and English were about to sack the place, and as they sent from there
to ask me to help them with six large pieces of artillery, I sent it,
and the aid reached them. The people of that city have shown themselves
grateful for this, and send in return the value of the said pieces,
invested in useful and necessary articles for the service of your
Majesty, which have already been received. Immediately upon sending
the guns I had six other larger ones cast, for from twenty-five to
thirty-pound balls, and incomparably better. For we are continually
becoming more skillful in foundry-work and in working the metals;
so that, of almost forty pieces which have been cast in my time, with
the assistance and care of Don Hieronimo de Silva, commander of the
artillery, only one has been a failure. [_In the margin_: "Let him
be thanked for what he mentions here, and let him continue to act
thus when occasion may arise. As for what he says of the artillery,
it has seemed very satisfactory; and let him continue to cast pieces
as he may have need of them, as he says he is doing."]
The reenforcements which this year went to Terrenate arrived there
safely, thanks be to God; and a small ship which routed the enemy with
two or three large ships of war, which he keeps there at the entrance
to those forts, came back thence with Captain Antonio Gomez, who had
the responsibility of conveying the succor, and collected and made
it ready very well with one galley. [_In the margin_: "This is well,
and let him always try to send to these places as much as he can, both
of troops and other things which are ordinarily sent; for he knows how
important a thing it is to keep the forts there in proper condition."]
With this was sent the ordinary quantity of rice and provisions, and
even considerably more; and likewise arms, munitions, clothes, cloth,
and money, and more than a hundred and twenty Spanish soldiers, who
are to remain there. This year I shall try to send more and better
relief than I was able to this time--and earlier than ordinary,
for then it will run less danger from the enemy.
The master-of-camp, Don Luis de Bracamonte, writes me from those parts
that he has news of many vessels of the enemy, and that he has put
those places into the best state of defense that he could--although
there was not much that he could do, because they were in good
condition before, and never so well supplied with troops, money,
and other necessary things as they have been at this time. [_In the
margin_: "Examined."]
He told me of nothing else of any importance except that he gave the
present or gratuity which is usually given in your Majesty's name to
the king of Tidore and his son, and that they are quite peaceful and
well disposed. [_In the margin_: "Examined."]
He also tells me that he has negotiated and agreed with the Dutch for
the ransom of Martin de Sosa de San Pago, governor and commandant of
Fernanbuco, and Doña Angela Benegas, his wife, and their children;
of Captain Sequera y Miranda, and a father of the Augustinian order;
and of other prisoners, soldiers, and sailors, in exchange for some
of theirs, whom we had in our power. [_In the margin_: "Examined."]
The purchase of cloves which was ordered was made in those
islands--which, according to the hopes that have been held out to me,
must have amounted to even more than two hundred and fifty baras
of six hundred and forty libras each. I am told that it could not
be secured in so great a quantity as I wished to send your Majesty,
on account of a crop failure, and small harvest; and the little which
was bought was used for the needs of those forts, and to have means to
satisfy and confer favors on the Portuguese--who, with their galliots,
aid our people with rice and other things. [_In the margin_: "What he
says here is well; and as he has already been told at various times
how important it is that this [_i.e._, the cloves] should be brought
here, let him again be charged to continue the endeavors that he has
exercised, in such manner that he may bring this about, since it is
so important a matter; and let him charge the governor of Terrenate
to maintain this [trade], so that it will not there be applied as he
says it is. Let him use all possible care in this, and advise us of
what he does."]
I shall take care that the accounts of Governor Lucas de Vergara
Gaviria shall be ready; and no more has been possible on account of
the many things which I wrote in regard to this matter, as will appear
to your Majesty by the copy which is brought by Captain Don Jacinto de
Quesada Figueroa. [_In the margin_: "This is well; let him advise us
of what he is doing, and tell him that those papers have not arrived."]
Of the residencias which are entrusted by your Majesty's orders to
the auditor, Don Alvaro de Mesa, he has just finished despatching that
of the fiscal, Don Juan de Alvarado Bracamonte. Unreasonable demands
have been made upon the latter, and he has suffered more than I can
tell--for as it were, behind enmities and oppositions Don Alvaro has
taken him under his jurisdiction, and has given him very good cause
for merits. [_In the margin_: "It is well."]
As for the residencia of Governor Don Juan de Silva, my predecessor,
I have not wished [Don Alvaro] to undertake or begin it, because that
business would prevent him from going out to inspect this country; and,
as this is very necessary, I had assigned that duty to him, in order
that he might accomplish it. For this reason, and for others arising
from his fearful and obstinate temper, his behavior became so furious
that one session day, the last before Palm Sunday, he drove me to such
an extremity that, losing somewhat my self-control and moderation,
we might both have ruined ourselves. But God held me in His hand,
and I am satisfied, in so far as that matter concerned me, with the
remonstrance and sufficient correction which was necessary for his
presumption, leaving it for a later time to write of it, and begin a
process in the matter, conjointly with the alcaldes-in-ordinary, as
your Majesty commands. This is being done, although in his absence
and with his opposition; for he broke from his imprisonment in
the buildings of the cabildo of the city, in which he resided, and
retired to the convent of St. Dominic, where he has been joined by a
certain Pedro de Lussarra and another named Pedro Alvarez, who was
in that of St. Francis--who were also absent, as I have written to
your Majesty in other letters. All three are there sowing discord,
stirring up feeling, and trying to make people envious of me, and
write down their envious complaints; and for this end they employ
means which ought not even to be written. They also avail themselves
of the religious of St. Dominic, and likewise in order to make and
forward such papers and despatches from the shelter and covert of
the tribunal of the Holy Office, the commissary of which here belongs
to this religious order. It is not hard to accomplish it in this way
because they have always done so, and lately with Don Joan de Silva,
my predecessor--against whom, among other despatches, they made one
with full and authenticated documents, which a friar of their order,
named Fray Francisco de Sant Joseph--who was carrying the papers,
and whom they considered a holy man--being at the point of death, and
having scruples of conscience, ordered to be thrown into the sea. As
I am making, in another letter, a longer report to your Majesty in
the matter above mentioned, referring to the auditor Don Alvaro,
I shall add nothing more in this, except to say that his case must
be dropped, and the Audiencia will be obliged to do so, through its
need of judges. The auditor Don Antonio Rodriguez has not been present
at it for a long time, although I have warned and commanded him to do
so. He gives as his excuse that he is in ill health; but it is certain
that that does not fail him for being present almost regularly for
the documents and councils made by the said doctor Don Alvaro, and
with the same intention and wish, influenced by their alliance--which
is known certainly by an investigation which I have made for your
Majesty's information, and send with this, concerning his trading and
trafficking in merchandise, with so much greediness and meanness of
spirit that that and other things which are told about him, and are
said to be well authenticated, would appear to besmirch the honor that
the robe and insignia of his office carry with them, which makes him
unworthy of it. But, as you wish me to tell what is true, I promise
myself honors and favors from your Majesty, and punishment to him who
dares to write or to say what is not true. This does not give me so
much trouble as the preparation and disposal of military affairs, and
other obligations of my office, which I could not fulfil if I had to go
about conjecturing what ill-affected persons do and write against me,
as in this case; and in verifying the facts time would be lost. I do
not know whether he will leave, even if nothing else should be done,
[_In the margin_: "Have the letters and documents in regard to this
matter joined together."]
As there is a lack of money in the royal treasury, and great need
thereof for the maintenance of all the paid sailors and troops,
measures to supply this need were decided upon in the session of
the Audiencia, for this and other objects for the service of your
Majesty--to the effect that thirty thousand pesos could be drawn
from the treasury of estates of deceased persons, lent for this
purpose. Although the orders and documents proper and sufficient
for this were despatched, the auditor Don Alvaro, judge for the
said estates, would not transact the business which pertained
to his office, and what he is under obligation to do for this
purpose. Accordingly it was necessary that the lock (of which he
held the key) be broken open. Of the acts and measures taken in this
case a copy is sent in this despatch. It is understood and likewise
said that the opposition shown by the said doctor Don Alvaro in the
case referred to, was because he was indebted for some deficiency,
to be placed in the said funds, of what should have been therein,
or had been taken from it--a thing which I do not assert, and which
indeed I do not believe (although appearances indicate it), until I
am more certainly informed. [_In the margin_: "See whether there are
documents in regard to this, and have them brought."]
The documents that are drawn up commanding that, for the present,
the license fees of Sangleys who are baptized without cutting their
hair should be paid, I send with this, as I offered to do in the last
letter to your Majesty, that you may be pleased to command that what is
the most just action in this matter shall be decided upon. I likewise
send a sworn statement of the money which various people have imported,
and that all of it has been carefully placed in the royal treasury,
[_In the margin_: "Have these papers joined and brought."]
On account of my continual occupations at various times, and other
delays due to the obstacles made by the auditors to whom this duty
belongs, whom I appointed for the council on accounts, some time has
passed since I have been able to audit the accounts. Together with
the work done thereon by the accountant and inspector of them, they
were despatched in the last session of the council up to the accounts
for the year past, nineteen. They are sent sealed with this despatch
to Nueva España. [_In the margin_: "It is well; and let him continue
this diligence, always sending the accounts to Mexico, as usual."]
The office of clerk of the court is about to be sold, having been
placed at fifteen hundred pesos. He who served in it during the last
eleven years, since the death of the proprietary incumbent, had been
treasurer and chief official of the said office since the time the
Audiencia was founded, and was the most competent and best fitted
person for it who is known in these islands, as well as a settler of
thirty years' standing here. After months of bidding, during which
there was no one who would pay the price set on it, a man obtained it
who was incapable, and lacking in talent and knowledge of the law;
wherefore he has been indicted and accused, as will be seen by the
documents of the case, which I shall try to send with this. At one
stroke the price was raised to eight thousand pesos, with the aid and
encouragement of the auditors, wherein each one of them personally
aided him, in order to hold the new clerk on his side, and to drive
out from the Audiencia a man of integrity and faithfulness. Although
the trouble which will result to them from transacting their business
with such a man as is he whom they are trying to place there will be
enough punishment for such guilt, yet looking more to the service
of your Majesty and the prompt despatch of the administration of
his royal justice, I did not interfere in the matter; but rather I
think that, if there is no other more competent person, it should be
given by purchase to him who was serving in it, even though it were
not at so high a price, because his competency and knowledge of the
law for the service of your Majesty will be very much greater. With
this object in view, he has been continually paid his salary from
the judicial expenses. [_In the margin_: "Let this clause be taken
to the fiscal. This has been done."]
The income which your Majesty orders me to give to Don Miguel de
Legaspi, grandson of the former Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, I have now
given him, assigning him an encomienda with what appeared to be a
sufficient number of Indians. [_In the margin_: "It is well."]
For some time past I have withheld the appointment to several
encomiendas which have been vacated, not only for the aid which
resulted from their tributes to the expenses of the royal treasury,
but particularly because their number was not sufficient to satisfy
and render content so many claimants as there are here--some of them
deserving, and others with a backing of auditors, ecclesiastics, and
religious. These latter are the ones whose demands are most pressing,
and who make the most outcry with their claims and complaints--going
so far as to murmur and consider it unjust that such rewards are given
to those who have not been here so long--although the services of the
latter were rendered in Terrenate, under such hardships and during
war--desiring that their longer residence in this city should be
preferred to the services of the others. [_In the margin_: "Let him
deal out justice as seems most fitting to him."]
The bishop of Camarines, Don Fray Diego de Guevara, died in his
bishopric. He had ardently desired, as he explained and told me
many times, to leave it and go to España to beseech your Majesty to
approve his departure from this country--for it appeared to him that
no bishop was necessary in that region [of Camarines], nor so many
in so small a country as are these islands--if it were not that the
disagreements and difficulties which he had with the friars of that
province obliged him to remain. There was lost in his person one of
the most zealous for the service of your Majesty that were here; and
one who labored for it with most affection, good sense, and integrity,
without aiming at private ends or his own aggrandizement. [_In the
margin_: "There is already a person appointed in his place."]
The bishop of Cebu, Don Fray Pedro de Arce, is likewise little or not
at all desirous of greater honors. On the contrary, according to his
own words, he desires the quiet of a cell, with scant alms from your
Majesty, for the repose of his old age; and we all believe this, for
we regard him, as he is generally reputed, as a holy man, as humble
as the latest novice of his order. [_In the margin_: "It is well."]
The archbishop of this city, Don Fray Miguel Garcia Serrano, showing
his zeal for the service of your Majesty and for procuring the
assistance and welfare of these islands, planned and offered himself
to go to that court [of España], laying aside his own repose for
the hardships of so long a voyage. In this matter, I think that the
officials of his church did not divert him from the exercise of his
office--this being my opinion, and that of many others--in order to
leave themselves freed from so much domination and authority as this
office entails, and with more free will, as they were wont to be before
[he came]; and for this reason I will not say that they were making
illegal use of that office--although they have discussed my affairs
in an unfriendly way, at the instance of someone who induced them
to do so; but, on the other hand, they have acted with great virtue
and as very good ecclesiastics. When I had consulted the Audiencia,
in their session, about the purpose of this voyage, it appeared that
it was not quite necessary, and that your Majesty therefore might not
approve of it; accordingly, this opinion was stated to the archbishop,
with many thanks for his zeal and his kind offer. According to what
I have heard, he was hurt by it; so it appears that he would have
liked better that his desires should be realized. [_In the margin_:
"Examined."]
I wrote to your Majesty concerning the auditor, Hieronimo de Legaspi,
immediately upon arriving here and making his acquaintance, what
I heard and saw of his proceedings; I will therefore dispense with
repeating that, since I am fulfilling my obligation by what I have
already written concerning him to your Majesty, and what I am doing
here, on my own part, and shall do, to curb him in his way of life
and his lawless acts. And I do not repeat what might be added,
as it is almost all of the same sort as those of which I have
written--being the effects of a depraved character, as is evident,
for his will is governed by unfitting motives. He has, moreover,
a son who is accustomed to argue with him, increasing his covetous
disposition, although there is no need for that. [_In the margin_:
"Let the papers in regard to this matter be examined."]
[In accordance with] what your Majesty has commanded that the
archbishop and I should do, calling together the provincials of the
orders resident in these islands, notice has been given them concerning
the things which your Majesty mentions concerning their methods of
procedure, and the incidental exactions and excessive fees which some
of them levy upon the Indians--for masses, burials, and suffrages;
[7] for the building of vessels, and of churches and their houses;
and for repartimientos and new impositions with which they were
loading down and harassing the natives; and charging them with the
reformation of this. It did not seem necessary to the archbishop,
but for my part I shall nevertheless carry it out, informing each one
of the provincials separately, and trying to further the royal will of
your Majesty, without allowing scandal to result by making this public,
and difficulties from such things becoming known. I would already
have done so if I were not waiting for an opportune occasion when I
should be free from the occupations that I have had--encounters with
enemies, the equipment of vessels, procuring supplies, and the many
other things for the service of your Majesty. These can be attended
to only with great difficulty, lacking the favor of the religious
orders, [which much be considered] in order not to annoy them; for
most of them are very easily irritated, especially those of the Order
of St. Dominic. For, even when they have no cause for displeasure,
there is no one who can bring them to reason, since it appears that
they regard it as their vocation to be opposed to the government
and to the governors, as they have done since their establishment
in these islands, without a single exception--unless only it be Don
Luis Perez Dasmariñas, whom, with the asperity on which they pride
themselves, and their tyrannical ways they subjected in such manner
that they ruled him. In order that those who succeed me may continue
attending to the service of your Majesty without the difficulties
and quarrels which we, the former governors and I, have experienced,
it will be expedient that your Majesty order them not to interfere so
much in the government, and that they must restrain their audacious
and insolent mode [of speech]. For this is so uncurbed and terrible
that any honorable man would fear it on account of what the friars
cast at him, to the prejudice of anyone who acts contrary to their
wishes; and this they do not only through the pulpits, but by various
other means, as I have said they did with the past governors--and
particularly with Don Juan de Silva, my predecessor--and which I
also have sufficiently experienced and suffered. [_In the margin_:
"Let him exercise care to do what is ordered in this matter, and have
it done at the first opportunity." _In another hand_: "Write a letter
to the provincial of St. Dominic, telling him that the insolence
which his friars display is known, and what Don Alonso says here,
and accordingly the provincial must convene and reprimand them,
obliging them to look after the affairs of their order alone, and the
conversion of souls, as is their duty (which is the principal reason
why they went there); and let them not mix in government affairs,
or any others not concerning their order; and have him advise us of
what he shall do." _In another hand_: "Write to Don Alonso that such
a letter has been sent to the provincial of St. Dominic, that he may
be aware of it."]
None of these things of which I have informed your Majesty and have
just written about are meant to comprehend, nor can they concern, the
fathers of the Society of Jesus; for they are judicious, prudent, and
moderate men, and, without in the least failing in their obligation to
the service of your Majesty, they attend to those of their vocation,
and to the protection of their Indians, so that each of them is
suitably occupied. To spare what I might write concerning their
well-ordered procedure, I will say that these fathers who are here
are of the same [character] as those who are under the inspection of
your Majesty and that of the supreme pontiff. They are religious who
reap a great harvest among souls in this newly-christianized land. It
would be expedient for your Majesty to order their general to send
[more of] his men here, increasing the number of them; for they are
greatly needed for the mission villages that these fathers have in
their charge, and the work which they accomplish therein, and the
other duties of their office. Nor is there anyone of that order who
talks of going back to those kingdoms without the most urgent reason
making it necessary. [_In the margin_: "Examined."]
I have understood that several auditors of this Audiencia, meeting
outside of the sessions and by themselves, have written to your
Majesty, and have caused various persons to write by different methods
and routes, things against me, [accusing me of acts] unworthy of my
office, and even incredible of my character. Perhaps [they do this]
on account of what I have written to your Majesty concerning their
actions, and to satisfy their unjust resentment, uniting [against me]
for this reason and to justify themselves. As it would not be just
that, relying upon the great distance and the long time which is
necessary to clear up the truth, and on the changes and innovations
which in the course of time usually occur, any one should dare
to write letters not true of persons like myself, and especially
to your Majesty, I beseech you humbly to be pleased to entrust my
residencia and those of the said auditors to a person who would take
it from all of us, with authority to prove the facts and inflict such
punishment as shall be necessary. Copies of what has been written
against me, and of what I have written, should be produced, so that
whoever shall not prove his statements may be punished as the crime
deserves, for informing your Majesty maliciously against other people's
reputation. On account of the importance of this, whoever is to take
the residencias should be a person not belonging to this country,
and who will not have to remain here, living with these auditors,
or the auditors with him. Whether he shall find me with much or with
little property, I pledge whatever I have; whatever may be lacking
for it will oblige me to pay the cost of an inspection, and the
condemnation of the guilty. But I have no more than what I inherit,
tied up with so many debts from this voyage that I have not been
able to pay them, nor even to acquit myself of the two-thirds of my
[first year's] salary which I owe to your Majesty, as I was forced to
make use of it for my living. Although all will not be pleased at the
inspection, I assure you that, if it could be general for all classes,
there would be found plenty of things to be regulated, and much more in
the man who thinks that he is the one most secure therefrom. With this
I will end this letter, leaving it in this state until it is time to
seal it, in case anything should occur to be added. [_In the margin_:
"Have this clause taken to the fiscal." "It has been done."]
When I had written this, and the despatch of these vessels was so far
along that they would, with the help of God, pursue their way when
moon and weather should favor the voyage, His Divine Majesty (to whom
be thanks!) was pleased to rejoice and encourage this land by bringing
safely to a port of this country, near the point of Balinao, in this
neighborhood, the capitana "San Andres" which was expected from Nueva
España. Although thus far we do not know how much money comes in her on
your Majesty's account for the maintenance of affairs here, with it in
this country, however little it may be, things will go much better than
without it, and with the anxiety over its delay. [_In the margin_: "It
is well, and we thank our Lord for this news, and hope in His Divine
Majesty that we shall have other and better news from those islands."]
The reenforcement of soldiers is so scant that, even if all went to
Terrenate, there would not be many; for the enlistments of those who
came in two companies do not amount to a hundred and ten, besides
seventy convicts [_forcados_] who come for service, and I know not
how many galley-slaves. The number of those who die here ordinarily
is very great, as I have already explained, whereby the lack of
troops--which is what we most suffer from here, and can least be
supplied--becomes every day greater; and in the same degree my labor
and anxiety increase, adding to this and my obligations the fulfilment
of so many duties as this government entails, with so little means
to carry them out, and with so much as must be done to carry on
war with so many enemies as there are in these regions. With this,
and the knowledge of the misfortune and loss of the fleet which
was coming to help us, we have already ceased to consider what we
may have to bear. But nevertheless, with the help of God, I hope
that the enemy, when they come here as they have hitherto done, may
lose more than they gain. In the meantime we will exercise skill,
care, and vigilance in this matter, until the reenforcements which
I am expecting are added to our forces here, to punish the enemy,
and better results are obtained than in the past. I will nor repeat
again the many things which are necessary, as I have already done so
sufficiently; nor again state the better facilities for sending aid
regularly by way of Panama, which is the most important thing. This
must have been already examined and considered, if the letters in which
I discussed it at length have not been lost. I beseech your Majesty
to be pleased to have executed immediately what is most expedient for
the royal service in this matter. [_In the margin_: "Write to the
viceroy of Nueva España, sending a copy of this clause, so that he
may see how few troops are being sent to the governor; accordingly,
let him be charged to reenforce him with all the soldiers that he can,
since he can see how important it is that that country be fortified
and have troops; and entrust it to his care and zeal that this year
there shall be sent sufficient help, as has been written to him,
and let him continue this every year."]
The letters of your Majesty have not arrived, but we are waiting for
them and hope that in time they will come, and that these ships will
not lose the favorable weather necessary for their voyage, on account
of the great importance of securing it. If they should come with the
promptness with which I charged the person whom I sent for them, I
shall answer them in the most important matters. If not, I shall do so
as soon as possible, as befits the importance of what is contained in
them, and the service of your Majesty. [_In the margin_: "Examined."]
I have ordered in the session, several times, that careful abstracts
should be made of the enactments made therein of which it is desirable
that an account should be given your Majesty. Thus far it has not
been possible to carry this out, in which matter I did not choose,
merely in order to avoid trouble with them, to employ any repressive
measure, which might increase their ill-humor; and likewise because
I do not know that anything more has happened than what I write to
your Majesty. The reason for the auditors neglecting this matter
is well known to be that the definite account which we must make
to your Majesty from this Audiencia may not clash with that which
the auditors who met together separately have made to your Majesty
and your ministers. This leads me, every time when I speak of it, to
repeat my supplication to your Majesty, as I now humbly do, that this
may not go on without the inquiry of residencia which I have requested,
and the punishment due each one. May God protect the Catholic person
of your Majesty in accordance with the needs of Christendom. Manila,
July 21, 1621.
_Don Alonso Fajardo de Tenca_
[_In the margin_: "Examined."]
[_Endorsed_: "Examined and decreed within on the margin, that which
concerns both the Council and the Junta. On September 22, 622."]
Letter from Archbishop Miguel Garcia Serrano to the King
_Condition of the archbishopric of Manila in regard to the affairs
of ecclesiastical and secular government._
Sire:
Although I am writing to your Majesty at length informing you of
the condition of these islands regarding the enemies who come to
infest them, I cannot refrain from writing this letter apart,
in which I inform your Majesty of matters that, in my opinion,
your Majesty needs and ought to know. For, although I have written
concerning many of them these three years past, I must--inasmuch as
I have had no answer from your Majesty, not even of their receipt in
the Council--repeat what I have written, again and again, until I am
certain that my letters have reached that royal Council. Knowing that,
my mind will be at rest, and I shall be content with what your Majesty
shall be pleased to order to be done in all things.
From the time of the establishment of the faith in these islands,
no ecclesiastical council [8] has been held in them; [but this is] a
matter that is urgently recommended by the holy general councils, for
the correction of abuses and the reform of morals. It is most necessary
in this archbishopric, in order to establish the administration of
the sacraments with uniformity of ceremonies, the celebration of
holy days, and for unusual and peculiar cases that occur in this
new world. Therefore, I petition your Majesty to be pleased to
send me permission so that I, with my three suffragans, may hold
a council as soon as they reach these islands. [_Marginal note_:
"That a letter has already been sent to him regarding this matter;
and he is to follow its directions."]
The devotion, sire, to the most holy sacrament had greatly fallen
into disuse in this city, just as if we who are its residents had not
come from the Christian country of España. Consequently, as soon as
I entered upon the government of this church, I endeavored to promote
this observance, and exerted all my effort and strength--so that, by
the goodness of God, this devotion is being introduced in good earnest,
being aided by the indulgences that our most holy father [_i.e._,
probably Pope Paul V] conceded at the instance of your Majesty;
and there are few persons who do not have those indulgences in their
houses, through an edition that I caused to be printed in order that
all might receive the benefit of them. [_Marginal note_: "That it
is well, and that thanks are given him for his care in this matter;
and that he continue thus, since it is a matter that is so important."]
The principal feast [_i.e._, Corpus Christi] of this revered and
admirable sacrament cannot be held at its season, as the universal
Church has ordained, because then the rainy or winter season begins
in these regions. Consequently, but seldom has the weather given
opportunity to hold the procession in the streets, nor can the
streets be draped or adorned. It would be a very great consolation,
if your Majesty would be pleased to obtain a brief from his Holiness,
in which he concedes us authority in these islands to anticipate the
feast of the most holy sacrament, [celebrating it] on the Thursday
after the octave of Easter; or otherwise, that this feast may come
later--as his Holiness conceded for all of Yndia, in order to hold it
at the most convenient season, since its own time came during the rainy
season; in both regions the same reasons and obstacles occur so that
the feast cannot be celebrated with due and proper observance. I am
enclosing to your Majesty a copy of the brief cited. [_Marginal note_:
"Have a letter sent to the ambassador at Roma, giving him an account
of this section, and sending him a copy of the brief here cited, in
order that he may petition it from his Holiness; for it is a matter
that should be solemnized with so great propriety. Send a letter to
the archbishop, telling him that a request to this effect has already
been made, and that he will be advised of the answer."]
The poverty of this cathedral is so great that it has had no revenue
with which to furnish not only a reredos, or the necessary ornaments
as regards the colors of the seasons, but also a veil to cover the
altar during Lent. On Palm Sunday the two prebendaries who accompanied
me as assistants, when I performed the pontifical office on that day,
wore cloaks of different color from what they should have worn, as we
did not have the right ones in the church. For as the church has not
a single real of income, nor has had hitherto any other aid than the
alms that the inhabitants have given it, it suffers the need of which
I speak. The royal Audiencia has investigated this matter, on petition
of the cabildo, in order to refer it to that royal council. I humbly
petition your Majesty to be pleased to consider that this city is a
general place of concourse for all the nations of the world; that it
seems a necessary obligation that--since it is impossible to celebrate
the divine offices in the other churches of Manila with due propriety,
because of their great poverty--at least these peoples may see that
it will be done in the cathedral, the metropolitan of all the others;
since we do not act as we ought toward so great a Lord, yet as we can,
and with more propriety than in other regions. [_Marginal note_:
"Have a copy of this section sent to the governor and Audiencia,
and let them assist in a matter so necessary. They shall plan how
this may be done with due propriety, and shall advise us of their
action. Have a letter sent to the archbishop, enclosing a copy of
what is written to them, so that he may understand it."]
The cabildo of this holy church at present, through the goodness of
God and your Majesty's care in filling the prebends with such persons,
consists of excellent persons. If the reason advanced to your Majesty,
by means of which a special brief was obtained from his Holiness
for the senior bishop to govern this church--[which has been done]
through three vacancies in the see--had any justification at that time,
surely, Sire, that justification has now ceased, as the cabildo is now
filled by entirely satisfactory men. Hence your Majesty can certainly
be served by not having this government leave the cabildo in the two
vacancies that will follow hereafter; for, in truth, during the few
days while they governed in the last vacant see, before the arrival
of the senior bishop from his bishopric, they so disposed affairs
that the said bishop simply retained what they had decided, and did
not change anything that he found established. [_Marginal note_:
"Observe the custom."]
Great annoyances result because the governor does not communicate with
the archbishop as to the persons whom he presents for the dignidades
and prebends of this church, who are appointed until your Majesty
shall fill the places. For if it proves that the person is incapable or
unworthy--either because of any secret reason known to the archbishop,
or for any suit that he has pending or for any other reason--the
remedy is more easy in its beginning, by first conferring together
about the case. Your Majesty seems to have so ordered, as appears from
the presentations made by Governors Don Pedro de Acuña and Don Juan de
Silba, which read as follows: "Having communicated with the archbishop,
and having observed the order and decree of his Majesty, I present
So-and-so," etc. There it appears that your Majesty has ordered in
this matter that consultation be held thereon. It would be well to
order this again; for the governor says that he has not seen such a
decree, nor do I find it in the book of decrees. [_Marginal note_:
"Have this decree found and brought. Let them observe the decrees
regarding this. Let the governor report on what the archbishop asks."]
Two appointments from your Majesty came last year to this metropolitan
church of Manila. One was to the deanship, of Santiago de Castro,
a sick man who has not left his house for more than three years. He
is sick and old, and so deaf that he can hold no intercourse or
communication with men. Consequently, he is expecting death daily,
and he may therefore be numbered among the dead, as far as human
intercourse is concerned. This alone could hinder the execution of
his appointment, for in other things he has excellent qualifications
for the dignity. Since his condition renders him unfit for service,
and since the dean must necessarily take upon himself the management
and headship of the cabildo, much consideration should be given to
this appointment--especially as another appointment (as archdean)
came for Canon Thomas de Guimarano, an unlettered man, to whom some
years ago they did not dare to grant permission to hear confessions
on the galleys, where he was chaplain. Therefore, Archbishop Don
Fray Miguel de Benavides wrote these words to your Majesty in the
year 604, the copy of which is in my possession. "Don Pedro de Acuña
gave a chaplaincy in the seminary of Santa Potenciana to one of his
followers, who lives in his palace, one Thomas de Guimarano--a man
of so little capacity that the said archdean and commissary of the
Holy Office examined him at my order, in order that he might hear
confessions in the galley, whose chaplain he was, and did not find him
capable of doing it." Such are the words of the said archbishop as to
his ignorance. He has almost no capacity for management. If he were
seen in this dignity people would greatly blame him who should have
conferred it on him without having first notified your Majesty of his
unfitness. This is the reason why I have kept the two appointments of
the said Guimarano and Santiago de Castro sealed, as they came, and
guarded with all secrecy, until your Majesty could be advised. Your
royal will, I am sure, is that these appointments be not given to them,
thereby entailing so much loss of prestige to the Church, and scandal
to the city. On the other hand, there is no lack, the office of dean
being filled by Licentiate Don Francisco Gomez de Arellano, a man of
good conduct and of exemplary life, in approbation of whom letters
have been written to your Majesty at various times. [_Marginal note_:
"Provision has already been made herein."]
Inasmuch as your Majesty's appointment, and the favor that you were
pleased to grant him in conferring on him the dignity of treasurer of
this holy church, came for Licentiate Don Miguel Garcetas (of whose
good qualities I have written during these last years); and inasmuch
as, by his taking possession of that office, that of precentor fell
vacant, which he was filling _ad interim_: the governor presented for
it Don Juan Cevicos, a priest of good education, very great austerity
and exemplary life, and zealous for the general welfare. In him are
also found many other very excellent qualities; and he is a very
suitable man for your Majesty to confer upon him the dignity that he
holds, or what should afterward become vacant in this church, and even
of anything of greater importance. He has not been graduated; for since
the permission that is expected for the foundation of a university
(which is the intention of the college of the Society of Jesus)
has not yet reached this city, he has not yet had the opportunity to
receive a degree. I have employed him in the capacity of my provisor
[9] and vicar-general where he is of great help, for he is a man of
considerable business capacity. [_Marginal note_: "Seen."]
About seven months ago the governor presented Juan de Miranda for a
_ración_ that was vacant. He is a good ecclesiastic and necessary for
that ministry; for setting aside his virtue, example, and good life,
he is an excellent singer, and has been reared from childhood in this
church. Accordingly I gave him the office very willingly. I petition
your Majesty to be pleased to confirm it. [_Marginal note_: "Seen."]
It often happens that certain individuals, depending on their favor at
court, try to obtain prebends and dignities from your Majesty which
they do not merit. They are of such a sort that I am told of persons
who even do not know Latin. They hope to be preferred to those who
have spent all their lives in study. It would be of great importance
for the prelate and cabildo of the district of the said ecclesiastics
to inform your Majesty for these appointments, so that, having that
information, the most advisable measures for the service of God and
that of your Majesty may be taken. [_Marginal note_: "Seen."]
During the month of last December, an ecclesiastic named Don Patricio
Arcaya de Guevara, a native of Murcia, left this country for those
regions [of Europe] via India. The governor was accompanied by him
when he came here, and presented him for the treasurership of this
holy church; and in fact he served therein _ad interim_, although
the governor did not know then that he had been expelled from the
Order of St. Augustine in the province of Andalucia, and that he was
living in this country incontinently and with reproach, and with less
discretion than was fitting. I inform your Majesty, for, according to
his resolve, he was going to ask for a dignity in this or some other
church of the Yndias, for which he is not fit. [_Marginal note_:
"It is well. Attention will be given to this in the office, if the
papers regarding this man are sent."]
The wretchedness and misery suffered by my poor ecclesiastics in
this my archbishopric is very great, because of their number having
increased rapidly in these latter years, on account of the college
and seminary of the Society of Jesus, and the care that has been
taken therein to maintain its studies--teaching in the classes Latin,
the arts, and theology; besides the students who are being reared
in the college of Santo Thomas, founded about two years ago by the
Order of St. Dominic. As I say, they suffer so great poverty that I
am assured that some cannot leave their houses because they have no
cassocks to wear--and that, too, in a country where cloth is generally
so cheap. This is a matter that is breaking my heart. I have nothing
with which to employ them, since the ministries are all managed by
the religious. The poor ecclesiastics have only eight benefices of
Indians to administer, besides two Spanish curacies--namely that of
this city, which is administered by two parish priests [_curas_];
and that of Santiago, outside the walls--and one other which has in
charge the Indians and slaves of Manila. Within the last few days two
ecclesiastics, theologues, competed for a sacristy in the benefice of
Nuestra Señora de Guia, which has a salary of only ninety pesos. One
of them had taken four years of theology, and is an excellent student,
and not so fitting for other things. They competed for it only in order
to get a morsel of food, so they would not have to beg it from door
to door. Will your Majesty be pleased to have provided what is most
suitable for the service of God and your own. [_Marginal note_: "Since
he has the case in hand, let him take what measures are advisable."]
News reached this city in the month of January last of this year, of
the death of the bishop of Nueva Cáceres, Fray Diego de Guevara, of the
Order of St. Augustine; he died while visiting his bishopric. Inasmuch
as that church has no cabildo, the task of its government devolved
upon me, as does likewise that of Nueva Segovia. As the bishop of the
latter church, Don Juan de Renteria, has not arrived, I petition your
Majesty to be pleased to have notice taken that greater competency is
required for these bishoprics that are so distant from Manila--in which
counsel can [not] easily be taken on the troubles that confront the
ministry at every step, and the bishop, like him who holds the office
of magistrate, must alone determine these doubts of fuerza--than for
the very large bishoprics of España. Will your Majesty please take
the advisable measures. [_Marginal note_: "Seen and provided."]
The facility of these natives in going to law about marriage is very
great. In fact, they achieve their purpose by alleging obstacles
arising from their own illicit intercourse, before the marriage,
with the relatives of their wives. Often they maliciously conceal
this obstacle and are silent until, the wives after experiencing with
the lapse of time, during their married life, not so good treatment
as they expected from their husbands, and the husbands having
less pleasure in the marriage than they had promised themselves,
they advance their obstacles, and petition for the annulment of the
marriage. With the ease with which they find witnesses for any purpose,
they succeed in carrying their desires into effect--with the liability,
if what they have alleged and proved is false, of living throughout
life in the sin that they have committed to the wrong of marriage;
and if true, as they say, of having been unscrupulous in not having
declared the obstacle. In order to avoid these troubles, it would be
of great importance for your Majesty to be pleased to obtain from his
Holiness power for the ministers in these islands to give absolution
for all the secret obstacles of these neophytes when they come to be
married, in order to contract the said marriage. In this way it will
be managed with less offense and with more ease to the conscience
than now. [_Marginal note_: "Have the ambassador at Roma notified to
propose this matter to his Holiness; and if it be not unadvisable,
to petition him to concede it. After doing this, advise and notify
the archbishop that the matter has been sent to Roma, and that he
will be notified of the result."]
Your Majesty ordered by a decree, twice issued (the second dated
at San Lorenço, November, 603), that the bishops should inspect
the religious who give instruction, in regard to their duty of the
care of souls. It would be very advisable for so holy a decree to
be executed now, without more delay; for although the orders contain
many who attend most earnestly to the service of our Lord, there are
certain persons who allow themselves to be too easily led by their
inclinations, and who do not labor in their ministry with the devotion
and fidelity requisite. Besides the bad example thus furnished to
these natives, the latter are wronged, and without any remedy, because
there is no superior to whom they can go for vindication--for the
provincials, sometimes for private reasons, generally sustain such
subordinates. That would cease with the visit of the bishops, and
the provincials would find themselves obliged, or the bishops would
oblige them, always to station in the missions ministers of learning,
virtue, and exemplary life. That would bring a cessation of such
troubles. The friars then could not assert that they would leave the
ministries, as they did when there were no secular clergy, since that
is clearly impossible; for there are now so many seculars that they
are sufficient to administer what the orders would abandon. [_Marginal
note_: "Have the decree in regard to this sent to him, and have him
observe the order, as declared in the said decree. Despatch decrees
to the archbishop and his suffragans, in accordance with those already
despatched to the archbishop of Mexico and his suffragan bishops."]
The kingdom of Xapon is in such an upheaval, and the persecution
against Christians so bloody, that it seems rash for religious to go
there. However, those who go there from the orders, guided by the
spirit of the Lord, go clad as merchants, and go about at Manila
in the same way, some days before their passage, in order to have
the Japanese get to know them and take them for men who are going to
their country to trade. Any other method would be rash, as I say, if
they went openly as religious. Further, as Fray Luis Sotelo, of the
Order of St. Francis, tried to go with the name of bishop of Xapon,
delegate of the pope, and commissary-general (a thing prohibited by
your Majesty), and as the bulls for it have been detained by your royal
Council; and as your Council has declared that its opinion is that,
if there were an open door, there would be many things to consider
as to whether Fray Luis Sotelo should go [to Xapon], because of the
many reasons that constrain them to prevent his passage; therefore,
it is expedient for your Majesty to order that quickly; and that they
recall the said Sotelo and take him from these islands, so that he
may not go to Xapon. [_Marginal note_: "Have what was ordered in this
matter brought."]
Having to speak of the orders in particular, I feel obliged to inform
your Majesty of occurrences in this city between that of St. Dominic
and the Society. It was on an occasion of the death of a man in this
city by stabbing, who begged loudly for confession. It was not granted
to him, because a father of St. Dominic said that absolution ought
not to be given him, although the bystanders said that he had called
for confession. A father of the Society stating that absolution ought
to have been given him, there arose between the two orders a very
serious and violent controversy; for the Dominican fathers printed
certain conclusions, in which they declared that it was a rash idea,
and in practice a grave and sacrilegious offense to absolve one
who, only by the report of bystanders had begged for confession,
but was deprived of the power of speech. The fathers of the Society
of Jesus drew up other printed conclusions, in which they declared
that it was not a rash or sacrilegious idea but a very pious one to
absolve such a penitent. They persuaded the people and the orders
and so inflamed the controversy that I ordered them by a decree to
put an end to both contentions. Both orders agreeing to dispute in
my presence, I assigned judges from my cabildo, and from the orders
of St. Augustine and St. Francis, and learned persons of the city,
to be present at the disputation, and consider the arguments on each
side. This was done, and the result was that, having assembled the
other day, all the judges declared, _nemine discrepante_ [_i.e._,
"no one dissenting"], that the opinion of the Society was pious and
reasonable, and could be followed. The reverend Dominican fathers
greatly resented this decision, and tried to carry their point by
persuading the people to accept their conclusions. I thought it a
matter of scandal to condemn ministers, in an affair of the sacraments,
by asserting that they were committing sacrilege. I issued a censure,
and ordered that no one should agree to their conclusions, and that the
Dominicans should not hold them. Upon this second decree they elected
a judge-conservator who accepted the office, but did not continue
in it; so the cause was suspended, and the parties intended to have
recourse to Roma regarding the case. At this juncture the ritual of
our very holy father Paul V, with a bull of his Holiness, dated Roma,
June 17, 1614, came to my hands, in which they order absolution to
such a penitent, who asks for confession after losing his power of
speech, if he shall give signs, in person or through others, of his
desire. Upon seeing the said ritual, I ordered it to be published,
and it was done on the day of Sts. Peter and Paul, in our church of
Manila, this year of 621. A judicial record was made of all of this
matter, and authentic papers with the arguments of each party. That
alone is being sent to your Majesty as a report, in order to inform
you of everything, as is my duty. [_Marginal note_: "Seen."]
The Order of St. Francis in these islands is discalced. There
is generally a visitor from the commissaries, who is sent by
the commissary-general of Nueva España, who must be of the same
discalced. This year one came, who was not received by the provincial
and his definitors because he did not come in the way required by the
rules and privileges of this their province. Although the Audiencia
tried to admit the one from Nueva España, matters came to such a pass
and so menacing a condition that by way of authority, and in order
to avoid scandals, Don Alonso Faxardo, governor of these islands,
determined to suspend the commission, after first having conferred
with me. What I did was to assemble the orders and learned persons of
my cabildo. I found: first, that the commissary was not discalced,
although he must be so by virtue of a bull and express privilege,
which he carries in order to visit this province, or to exercise
an act of jurisdiction. The authorization borne by him was very
extraordinary and had a great excess of the ordinary warrants. There
was added a very forcible argument of administration, which is that
twenty or more of the leading friars had been sworn witnesses in
the present contention, while the commissary had given testimony
contrary to theirs, so that no good administration was looked for,
but only numerous scandals and dissensions. Then affairs almost
reached the point where the province was in hostile array, one side
against another. Accordingly, all those of the council, without any
dissenting voice, resolved that it was inexpedient for the commissary
to enter on the administration. That resolution was followed, and
the provincial proceeded with his duties in peace. Therefore, those
in Nueva España will be informed from here to send hereafter only
persons of the discalced religious and of their profession, and they
will be peaceably received. For if they are of the cloth [_paño_],
[10] the discalced religious fear that they are trying to introduce
themselves into this province and into that of Xapon, and to drive
the discalced from here; this has been attempted, contrary to what
this city has requested your Majesty several times to order--namely,
that no friars of the cloth come to these islands, but only discalced,
with whom the province has always been established. [_Marginal note_:
"Seen."]
The great service which the Society of Jesus is performing for God
and your Majesty in the conversion of souls is well known. But they
cannot continue to prosecute what has hitherto been done in this
province because of their lack of workers; for many have succumbed
to the hardships of their ministry, while others are crippled and
incapacitated from helping in the missions. Consequently there is
need of a goodly shipment of these servants of God to be sent, who
so edify and instruct by their good example and learning. For this
purpose, the order is sending Father Francisco Gutierrez as their
procurator-general. I humbly petition your Majesty to be pleased to
order that he be despatched here, so that this so urgent need may be
supplied. [_Marginal note:_ "Have us reminded of this at the time,
if the Society should request it."]
The other orders, those of St. Augustine, St. Dominic, and St. Francis,
experience the same lack of religious. They have their procurators
at that court. Will your Majesty be pleased to have them given
a goodly number of religious, so that they may attend to their
ministries. [_Marginal note_: "Have us reminded in due season."]
The hospitals--of which I am informing your Majesty in a separate
letter--need the efforts of the brethren of [St.] John of God, so that
the sick may be treated as is fitting, and which is the chief object
of those brethren. Hitherto the discalced Franciscan religious of this
province have had charge of their spiritual matters. As that is not
one of their vows, and they do not have charge of temporal matters,
the sick have suffered greatly. Accordingly, should your Majesty
be pleased to send some of those brethren from that country, and to
order them to take charge of the administration of these hospitals,
it would be a very great service to our Lord. [_Marginal note_:
"Observe what is decreed regarding this matter."]
The official investigations that are made in the royal Audiencia
are made with so little secrecy that the parties interested know
the witnesses and their depositions. The same occurs in the letters
of recommendation that are obtained from the cabildos and from some
orders--which the interested party takes to them, made out as they
desire, and only asks for their signatures. These are obtained easily,
whence follow the sinister reports that they give your Majesty, to
the harm of the public welfare. [_Marginal note_: "It is well. Let
us be advised of this on the occasions that arise."]
Although this royal Audiencia by right should attend the principal
feasts at the cathedral, they have not done so; nor have I seen them
attend in a body since I took up the government of this church--now
upwards of a year--except once only. That was on St. Andrew's day,
when a prayer was made for the coming of the ships from Mexico. I do
not know whether the reason has been the want of harmony between the
governor and the auditors, or because the governor's wife took a seat
beside her husband--a thing that has never been practiced in this city
in the time of the former governors. Will your Majesty decide what
should be done in this matter, as the governor's wife must be placated
in it; and whether the position to be occupied by her is to be before
or behind that of the Audiencia. [_Marginal note_: "Have the Audiencia
informed that they must not miss one of the prescribed days, and
are to report on the other matters. Write to the archbishop that the
Audiencia has already been notified to attend on the prescribed days."]
Your Majesty has already provided by your royal decrees that the
ships should set sail for Nueva España from this port, under any
circumstances, during the month of June, because of their peril of
having to make some port in distress, or of being wrecked, if they sail
later. It would be expedient to apply a more constraining remedy,
in order that this be executed; for were your Majesty's decrees
observed in these islands, as I have many times said, there would
be no errors made in what pertains to the service of our Lord and
that of your Majesty, the welfare of these islands, and the profit
of their inhabitants. But, Sire, as they are not obeyed, and there
is no execution of them, there is general error in what could with
so great facility be done aright. [_Marginal note_: "Have a letter
written to the governor, telling him that we have heard that those
ships that sail to Nueva España sail very late, and that consequently
they suffer in the tempests and hardships that are known; and that
now and henceforth he shall see that they sail as was the custom
before and as is ordered."]
When the city of Manila petitioned your Majesty to be pleased to have
the governors of these Filipinas make the appointments to the offices
of the ships which are despatched hence to Nueva España, from that
of commander to the least office, it was to obviate one disadvantage,
according to their opinion (and in truth not a slight one), by which
the said offices were given by the viceroys to their relatives and
retainers, thus depriving this country's inhabitants of them. That
disadvantage not only has not been corrected by this expedient--since
the governors, not heeding more than their own private interests,
give the said offices to their own followers--but has even given rise
to a greater disadvantage, respecting the return of the ships to these
islands. For, since the viceroys do not appoint to the said offices as
they did before, the result is usually a lack in the reenforcements
that are sent from there [_i.e._, Nueva España]; and there is less
care bestowed on the despatch of the said ships for the return than
is fitting. Consequently, they arrive so late that already the season
of the vendavals, the contrary winds of these islands, has set in;
and therefore the ships have been compelled to put in at Xapon, as
happened in the year 17, and last year. On that account they ran a
risk of being captured by the Dutch; for since the viceroys are not
interested, even in making those provisions, the ships sail later
than they would be permitted if the persons who have charge of the
ships were appointed by him, in whose good success would be also his
share of reputation, or the contrary. Will your Majesty be pleased
to order this to be noted, and take what measures may be most to your
royal pleasure. [_Marginal note_: "Obey the ordinances."]
One could not believe the injury that is done to the soldiers and
sailors, and to all the wage-earners, by not paying the vouchers earned
by their labor and sweat; and on the other hand, by buying these for
much less than their face value. For, being rendered desperate, they
sell vouchers valued at one thousand pesos for one hundred, and the
lamentable thing is that, if they did not sell them, they would never
be paid. Scarcely have they sold the vouchers when they are immediately
paid, and the purchasers even take the poor wretches to the office of
accounts, so that they may be present at the payment, and that it may
appear justified, by their saying that they did it of their own accord,
for which they give a receipt. As it is the price of blood, and they
see that others take that price, it is a grief and sorrow that cries to
heaven for redress, and petitions your Majesty to be pleased to have
a very effective and rigorous correction applied. [_Marginal note_:
"Have a letter written to the governor that this has been learned;
and that he accordingly must correct it immediately, if there is need
therefor, and advise us of what shall be done."]
There are at present more than sixteen thousand Chinese in this
city of Manila, who have received license to stay in the country. In
addition about one-third as many generally remain without having a
license, so that, on good computation, there are now more Chinese
in the country than there were sixteen and a half years ago, when
they revolted and made war on us--without reckoning a great number
of Japanese, whose number I have been unable to ascertain, although I
am told that it exceeds three thousand. Accordingly, in a council of
all the estates called by the governor about two months ago, in which
he asked whether it would be advisable or not to go out to fight the
enemy then in the mouths of this bay--who had seized them with nine
very strongly armed ships, while the governor had four ships (two of
them powerful galleons) and four galleys--the city forbade him to go
out under any circumstances. Among other reasons it was said that if
the governor went out, he would leave the city of Manila unprotected in
his absence, and exposed to the will of so great a number of enemies,
composed of Chinese and Japanese. That argument was not the one of
least weight in the council in determining that our fleet should
not sail against the enemy. I think that there has been neglect and
laxity in the matter of not driving out the Japanese. But, in the
case of the Chinese [it is] the greed for the eight pesos that each
one pays for the license to remain in the country, and the excessive
profits gained by the numerous agents of justice whom the governors
have introduced, unnecessarily and in violation of what your Majesty
has so piously ruled and ordained--namely, that only those remain who
cannot be spared for the service of the country, and it is certain that
we cannot live without them. If your Majesty's decrees were observed,
all would be well managed, and we would live more comfortably and in
less fear of them than we now have. I do not know, Sire, what expedient
can be adopted in this. I know only that it is advisable to execute
the orders of your Majesty's royal decrees, for that was the care
and anxiety of the former archbishops and of the entire community,
who always petitioned for this same thing. Hence I am surprised
that your Majesty has not ordered that what restraint you are able
to place should be imposed, so that your royal decrees be obeyed. I
do not know for what reason (since all or nearly all of them concern
the good government and advantage of these wretched inhabitants) they
are directed either against the governors, the Audiencia, or their
agents, tying their hands with their prohibitions. Since they are the
executors of the decrees, it results that nothing is done. Even the
city is very much interested in this matter of the Chinese remaining,
in order to get their profits and rents in their alcaicerías. Hence I
do not think that it would be worth while to petition for [limitation
of] the number of the Chinese, unless your Majesty assign that
number. Truly, with four or five thousand Chinese, the community
would be well served and the country free from danger. [_Marginal
note_: "Have a letter sent to the governor, telling him of this,
but not the writer; and that since he has charge of so important a
matter, he must see that the decrees and orders that have been issued
regarding this be obeyed. He shall advise us of what shall be done,
so that the Council may understand the matter."]
There have been many complaints, in regard to the allotment of
encomiendas, from the old and worthy soldiers who have spent their
lives and blood in your Majesty's service. It has already been enacted
in this matter, by royal decrees, what must be done. The relief that
I find is for your Majesty to be pleased to order strictly that
the regulations made in regard to it be obeyed. [_Marginal note_:
"Have the governor notified to obey what is decreed regarding this."]
For the last two years it has been customary in these islands for
private persons residing here who have money and protection to despatch
their own small ships both to Macan and to Malaca, Sian, Camboja,
and other parts of this archipelago. Since they have the authority,
they send the best sailors that we have here in those ships. Thus
it occurs that we can get no hands, nor even the best soldiers, when
it is necessary to prepare them and fleets for the occasion of your
Majesty's service; for fleeing from the annoyances and ill treatment
that they experience, many absent themselves on such occasions. Verily,
there is not a leech that sucks out the blood from the body more than
these little ships do this camp of men. It would be very expedient for
your Majesty to order what measure is most fitting for your service;
for ¡f we weaken the body by our own hands, so that it will have but
little strength in time of need, and if this land is exhausted of men,
how can the enemy be resisted when they attack us? In truth, Sire,
I understand that the neighboring kingdoms of Macan, Japon, Malaca,
Sian, Camboja, and all the other lands, have so many Spaniards that
a great troop for your Majesty's service could be formed from them
alone. [_Marginal note_: "Have sent to the governor a relation of
this, and that he accordingly take upon himself the remedy for it,
since it is so important a matter that the soldiers that he shall
have do not leave there; and that he advise us of what shall be done."]
Lastly, I petition your Majesty to be pleased to have an answer written
to me regarding the matters of this letter that require a reply. For
since some of them concern the common welfare of the ministry, others
the special welfare of this church, and others that of this city,
I shall necessarily be forced to repeat them on all occasions until
I am certain that they have come to the notice of that royal Council
of your Majesty--whose very Catholic person may our Lord preserve
for the welfare of your kingdoms with the increase of many others,
as we your humble chaplains desire. Manila, July 30, 1621.
_Fray Miguel Garcia Serrano_,
archbishop of Manila.
[_Endorsed_: "Seen and decreed within. In the Council, September
30, 622."]
[The bull mentioned in the first part of the above letter follows:]
_Copy well and faithfully drawn of the bull in which his Holiness
concedes that the feast of Corpus Christi in Eastern Yndia and the
regions subject to the crown of Portugal, be anticipated or transferred
to another and more suitable day, besides other favors and privileges._
Antonius, by the divine mercy cardinal priest of the holy _Quatuor
Coronati_, [11] to the illustrious the most serene king of Portugale
and Algarbes, health in the Lord. According to the pledge of loyalty
enjoined upon us by the apostolic see, we willingly charge ourselves
with those matters whereby divine worship may everywhere be advanced,
the devotion of the faithful of Christ increased, and fitting regard
paid to the safety of their souls in the Lord.
In truth, the petition presented to us not long ago concerning your
interests stated that, since in the regions of the Indias, Ethiopia,
Arabia, and Persia (through favor of the divine clemency lately brought
under our rule), by reason of the difference of the seasons in those
countries, the day whereon the solemn feast of the sacrament of Corpus
Christi is celebrated, falls, according to ordinance of the universal
Church, in the winter time, wherefore it cannot be celebrated at that
season with due ceremonies and solemnity--[the faithful] are desirous
that the same feast be transferred to some other season outside of
winter, that it may be kept more fittingly and with greater honor.
Moreover, since the said countries are very far away from your kingdom
of Portugal, the cities and towns and provinces therein being also
at great distances from one another, it is therefore difficult for
any Catholic prelate either to pass thither from your said kingdom
of Portugal, or, if resident there, to go from one region to another,
and therein bless whatever things be needed for divine worship, as well
as purify the churches themselves, with their burial-places, that may
have been defiled through the shedding of human blood or seed; again,
since the holy oils, which everywhere are to be consecrated each year,
cannot because of the difficulty of the voyage thither be carried from
your said kingdom of Portugal, wherefore you are unable to have them
renewed according to church ordinance; again, as in cases of apostasy
from the orthodox faith of persons who subsequently, through divine
inspiration, are moved to return, as well as in regard to the many
Turks and Mahometans, or followers of other misbeliefs whatsoever,
who are desirous to embrace the same faith, there is no recourse
possible to the apostolic see, or to others in your said kingdom of
Portugal who are especially delegated therefor: hence do you humbly
petition the same see mercifully to make due provision therein for
yourselves and the peoples of the said countries under your care,
to the effect that all and singular the rectors of churches in those
countries may be granted full and free power to bless newly erected
churches and burial-places, to purify them when defiled, as well as
to use holy oils brought from Portugal, or consecrated by any prelate
in those countries, even five years previous; that moreover the same
rectors of churches in those countries also be empowered to reconcile
apostates from the faith, absolve them, and restore them to their
former state in all things, and through all.
Therefore, while commending in the Lord your praiseworthy desires
in this regard, being inclined also to favor you as in duty bound,
through the gracious authority of our lord the pope, whose charge
we fill as penitentiary, as well as through his special and express
command given us therein _viva voce_, we hereby do grant to all
and singular the venerable fathers in Christ, by the grace of God
bishops in those countries, as well as to you [and] your successors
respectively now and for the time being, or their vicars-general in
spirituals now and for the time being, the following powers, to wit:
That with the council of their respective clergy and people they be
empowered to transfer the said feast of the most holy Body of Christ
to another season of the year, outside of winter, when it may be
celebrated with due solemnities and ceremonies. That whosoever shall
take part in the celebration of the feast thus transferred may gain,
all and singular, the indulgences and graces which they would otherwise
gain were they present on the day set by the universal Church. That in
their respective churches, all and singular, the rectors of churches
and districts for the time, being may bless vestments, crosses,
images, or other church ornaments whatsoever that are needed or proper
in divine worship--not, however, chalices and patens. Moreover, that
wherever there is not present a Catholic prelate who is a bishop, they
may purify and bless the churches themselves, with their chapels and
burial-places, should they be defiled through the shedding of human
blood or seed, or any other things that have been blessed by any
bishop, or, in the absence of a bishop, by any person constituted in
church dignity, or by a rector of any parish church actually holding
the care of souls, provided they duly employ the proper rites usually
observed in such matters. Again, that they may use the holy oil brought
from Portugal within the previous five years, and, if consecrated by
any Catholic prelate in those countries, when it is three years old.
Besides, with regard to such persons as, having once received holy
baptism with the true faith of Christ, have fallen away therefrom,
but are now desirous to return, we grant full and free leave and
power to absolve the same from the heresy that they subsequently have
incurred, as often as in any manner they may have fallen therein,
as well as from whatsoever other faults and spots wherewith by reason
of human frailty they may be stained and marked; and to receive the
same back to the bosom of holy mother Church, and to restore them to
their former state in all things and through all, with the fulfilment,
however, of salutary penance for their fault--provided, however, that
these things are to be done by a bishop as often as one is present,
in the places where there is a bishop.
[These things are granted] notwithstanding any apostolic, provincial or
synodal decrees, or customs, or constitutions and ordinances of general
or particular councils, or other things whatsoever, to the contrary.
Given at Rome at St. Peter's under the seal of office of the
penitentiary, the XV Kalends of July in the third year of the
pontificate of our lord Paul III.
I, Gabriel de Muxica Buitran, secretary of his Excellency, Don Fray
Miguel Garcia Serrano, archbishop of the Filipinas and member of his
Majesty's council, and notary-public of the ecclesiastical court of
this archbishopric, attest and witness truly that this copy was drawn
from another that appears to have been authorized by the bishop of
Malaca, Don Goncalo de Silva, signed with his signature and sealed
with a seal, which appears to be that of his arms. This is a certain
and true copy, and has been corrected, revised, and collated with
the said original copy from which it was drawn. For its validity,
Don Juan de Cevicos, precentor in the holy metropolitan church of
this city of Manila, and judge-provisor and vicar-general in it and
its archbishopric for the said his Excellency, affixed his signature,
interposing his judicial authority and decree. It is sealed with the
smaller seal of the aforesaid. As witnesses at its correction and
revision were Father Thomas Saravia, secular priest, and Luis Mendes
de Leon, gospel priest, citizens and residents of this said city,
on July last, one thousand six hundred and twenty-one.
_Don Juan Cevicos_
In witness of truth:
_Gabriel de Muxica Buitran_
Letter to the King from Geronimo de Silva
Sire:
A detailed relation of the condition and affairs of these islands
having been sent to your Majesty in the vessels despatched to Nueva
España in August of last year, God was pleased that, after some
months of navigation, the almiranta should put back in distress on the
thirteenth of November, mastless and badly racked, because of the many
hurricanes and the bad weather that it met on the high seas. That was
a most severe loss for this city, since the chief sinew of its support
at present is nothing but the trade of those two ships; for as the
times go, there is now no other recourse. It is considered as certain
that the flagship made the voyage, although there is no more certainty
than trust that God has taken it to safety; for since it was already
so late, and the monsoon of the vendavals had set in, it has not as
yet returned from Nueva España, nor has any other advice come. That is
no little cause for anxiety to this wretched city, in addition to the
ravages of enemies and other disasters that ordinarily afflict it. May
God in His mercy ordain what is most advisable for His holy service.
Governor Don Alonsso Fajardo, having despatched the vessels of
Castilla, began to undertake the aid for Terrenate; and attempted
to send it earlier than formerly, in order to guard against the
enemy, who continually await the ship at the entrance of those
forts. Notwithstanding the small amount of money and other supplies
that could be taken hence, because the misery here had become as
extreme as one can imagine, yet what was sent in men, food, and
war-supplies, was the most abundant that has entered those forts for a
considerable number of years--as the governor, being the one in charge
of all those matters, will fully inform your Majesty. With that relief
a present was also sent to the king of Macazar in your Majesty's
name, in recognition of the friendly reception and entertainment
found in his country by your Majesty's [_word illegible in MS._]
vassals, and for the great importance of preserving his friendship,
as I have stated in other letters.
Governor Don Alonso Fajardo heard by way of Japon--through an entirely
trustworthy person, who is accustomed always to give information of
very important matters--that the Dutch enemy had allied themselves
with the English, and that both nations had made an alliance to come
to pillage these coasts, and that they had prepared and well equipped
for that purpose a squadron of twelve large ships belonging to both
nations. That news caused keen anxiety in this city, inasmuch as two
so powerful nations were seen to be allied for its destruction and
ruin. The most anxious was the governor, not so much because the remedy
depended upon him, as because he found himself with so few forces,
and it was impossible to be able to prevent so serious injury as was
expected. Before anything else he tried to inform your Majesty of that
alliance, sending a despatch for that purpose by way of Portuguese
India, so that it might reach your Majesty's royal hands with the
promptness that so important a matter demanded.
Notwithstanding that there were not wanting some here who doubted
the truth of those despatches from Japon, yet the governor, being so
anxious for your Majesty's service, began to prepare and furnish all
that was necessary for the repair of the vessels stationed in the
port of Cavite, and many other things that had need of repair. At
that time, on the second of February, he heard that the enemy were
on the coast. In a very few days they entered by the mouth of this
bay with nine vessels, seven of them of great burden, and the other
two of medium size. As commander of that squadron came the Englishman
with four well-equipped vessels of his nation; and, as admiral, the
Dutchman with five vessels, no less adequately equipped and armed than
the English. They sighted the port of Cavite in order to reconnoiter
the strength of the fleet stationed there. Everything was placed in
the best state of defense that time allowed, so that any attack of the
enemy could be repulsed. But the enemy took a better resolve, namely,
to anchor in the mouths of this bay and await there the Chinese ships,
while they sent two vessels to run along the coast, in order that
those vessels that should anchor along it might not escape them.
At this juncture a vessel arrived at this city with a special embassy
from Macan to beg the governor to aid them with some large pieces
of artillery; for, as they were advised from Japon, they were hourly
awaiting that same squadron--for, as the rumor ran, they were about
to attack that city. Notwithstanding that the necessity here was more
urgent, yet it was resolved, after having called a special council of
the treasury and war, to send six large pieces of the best casting
for the defense of that city--as the governor, to whom I refer,
will inform your Majesty more minutely.
The depredations and prizes made by the enemy in all that time have
not been of great importance, since as yet it is not known that they
have captured more than five Chinese vessels, which according to the
report of the Sangleys in them were not those of the wealthy men (who
are here called Anayes). [12] Consequently, with the pillage of this
year, they will not be able to meet their obligations in Japon, for
which thanks are due our Lord. What I can affirm to your Majesty is
that all possible efforts were made, both in sending advices to China
and in carefully watching through outposts this entire coast, which
was partly the reason why the enemy failed to cause greater damage.
The founding of the artillery made here hitherto cost so much labor,
and it resulted so unsatisfactorily, that we were all in the greatest
perplexity because we could not determine where the defect lay. But,
after many different experiments in alloying the metals, it has been
God's pleasure that we hit upon it. I can also assure your Majesty that
the artillery that is cast now is as good and safe as that of Pirú,
and costs much less in metal and labor than the pieces formerly cast.
One cannot help reflecting how great and distressing would be the
anxiety and uneasiness of the governor if the enemy should attack him
and he were without possibility of collecting the forces with which to
drive him from these islands. But for all that might happen, and in
case the enemy should divide his fleet, in order to be able to make
use of any good opportunity, the governor placed in order two good
galleons--a flagship and an almiranta--two other quite small ships,
and two galleys. That represents the total strength of your Majesty's
fleet in this port and all the islands. In order to equip them with
men, the governor withdrew as many men as possible from the presidios
of Oton, Cibu, and Nueva Segovia. He sent edicts to all the provinces
to assemble the wandering Indians therein. Although the greatest rigor
was employed for this purpose, those collected amounted to so few,
that their number did not reach seventy persons. It is a pitiful thing
to see how few men your Majesty has for service in these islands, as
I can certify, since the army is in my charge. For the paid infantry
does not exceed four hundred in actual service, outside of the crippled
and sick in the hospital, where they are continually dying. Many of
those who are not on pay escape to India and other regions, without
any possibility of avoiding it. Consequently, Sire, this matter remains
in the above condition, and demands very speedy betterment, which your
Majesty should furnish by sending a number of men and the other things
needed for the conservation of all this land. For by doing otherwise,
a well-known danger is invited, as your Majesty will learn more fully
from the relation that the governor will send, to which I refer.
On the thirteenth of the month of last June, a ship from Malaca
anchored in this port, bearing news of the advices that your Majesty
ordered to be sent to Portuguese Yndia, in regard to the alliance
between the states of Olanda and Ynglaterra, and their purpose to
attack these regions with the huge fleet that was thought to have
come for that purpose. It also brought news that sixteen Dutch
ships had already arrived at La Sunda, and that the rest of the
fleet was on the way. May God, in His infinite goodness, bring their
evil plans to naught, since we here are so in need of human forces
to frustrate them. I can assure your Majesty that we will always
exercise the requisite care and vigilance here, if your Majesty
will send and provide the most important and necessary things;
this the governor has begun to do, especially in his cleansing the
country of so many people that occupy it, with whom there is very
little security. Especially is that true of the Japanese, who are
seditious and arrogant, with whom the enemy hold so intimate trade
and intercourse in their own country. For these reasons we keep
strict and careful watch over them, since the suspicions conceived
of them have been often verified. The number of Sangleys whom it is
advisable to allow to remain in this city is also being lessened,
and only those sufficient for its service are left. By that means,
I trust in our Lord that we can withstand our enemies' designs. Those
designs, as we have heard, are to besiege this city, or the forts of
Terrenate, or to establish themselves in Otton in your Majesty's fort
on the point of Ylo Ylo. I trust in His Divine Majesty that they will
not succeed in their attempt, for, although we have so few forces,
we will resist to the utmost until your Majesty shall furnish those
forces advisable for greater results in your royal service.
All of these things, although so considerable, could be endured, if
the royal treasury had the sum requisite for affairs so difficult. But
I can assure your Majesty with entire truth that the need of your
treasury is so pressing now that it is incomparable. Not less so is
the barrenness of this country, which was formerly and usually the
last resource. Consequently there is so universal misery that no
words could exaggerate it to your Majesty.
During the month of last April occurred a somewhat sharp encounter
between Governor Don Alonso Fajardo and Auditor Don Alvaro de Mesa y
Lugo, on going into the assembly hall--in which, according to report,
the auditor was somewhat lavish of words. For that reason the governor
had him arrested and imprisoned in the cabildo's halls, where he was
kept a few days, until he left his prison and retired into the convent
of St. Dominic of this city, where he still is--as your Majesty will
learn more fully by the judicial reports that were sent you in regard
to this matter, and to which I refer.
All these exhibitions of temper and anger result from what I have
pointed out to your Majesty in many other letters. They will exist
as long as there is an Audiencia and auditors in this city. I base
this assertion on the arguments and reasons that my experience
during the time of my residence in these islands has shown me. Again
referring to several of those reasons, I shall mention here only
three to your Majesty: first, that the auditors have so few causes
to judge that there are no more than those of four Indians in regard
to their houseplots and lands--in which they finally spend more in
costs than the principal over which they are litigating; the second
because the auditors are stubbornly opposed to the governors, for
which reason the latter cannot attain success in many things, and
your Majesty's service suffers. The aim of the auditors is naught
else than to get all the posts for their relatives, intimates, and
comrades; but with these many retired captains can be recompensed,
who have served and serve your Majesty here whenever necessary,
without return or pay. When their requests are not granted, these men
withdraw to their homes, which causes the country to be divided into
factions and parties. The third reason is the number of pesos that
your Majesty would save from the salaries of the auditors and other
officials of the Audiencia. With that sum, twice as much infantry
could be maintained as that which your Majesty has here. That, in
the light of present conditions, is the most important thing for the
necessary maintenance and defense of these islands. I have dared to
relate this to your Majesty because of my zeal as a loyal vassal,
and as one who looks at things dispassionately. Will your Majesty
decide as is most advisable to your royal service.
In all the letters that I have written to your Majesty in the past,
I have made a full report of the services that I have tried to
perform for your Majesty in more than forty consecutive years, not
only in these regions, but in the States of Flandes, and in Ytalia,
and in other lands, of which your Majesty already has information. At
present I only beg your Majesty to be pleased to consider that my age
is over sixty, and, although I might thereby be somewhat hindered,
still I will appreciate it more than I can express, to finish the
remainder of my life in the service of your Majesty, employed in the
post and grant that your Majesty may be pleased to confer upon me,
according to the capacity and talent found in me, as I hope from the
royal hand of your Majesty.
When I was about to seal this packet, news reached this city of the
happy arrival at these islands of the ship "San Andres," which was
expected from Nueva España. That news has caused a quite universal
happiness to this wretched community. The ship has anchored in the
province of Ylocos, eighty leguas from here, as the weather does not
permit it to come to this port. Your Majesty's letters have not yet
reached this port, and, as the vessels which are being despatched are
on the point of sailing, it will not be possible to answer them, as
the governor will more fully inform your Majesty--whose Catholic and
royal person may our Lord preserve for many years, as is necessary
to Christendom, etc. Manila, August first, 1621. Your Majesty's
humble servant,
_Don Hieronimo de Silva_
Affairs in the Franciscan Province
Sire:
I, Fray Pedro de Sant Pablo, [13] preacher and minister provincial of
this province of Sant Gregorio of the Philipinas Islands of the order
of the discalced religious of our seraphic father St. Francis, and son
of the province of Sant Joseph of the same order, who minister in the
convent of La Purissima Concepcion [_i.e._, "the most pure conception"]
in the town of Barajas, and the least vassal of your Majesty, and
your humble and unworthy chaplain, give your Majesty in the present
an account of the unhappy condition of the province, in my own behalf
and in the name of all this province. I declare that for the last few
years the province has become restless, factional, and divided into
parties, which it is a pity to see. It is one thing to see it, and
another to bear it. On account of its condition, I have often resolved
to resign my office as its head, as I was unable to remedy these ills;
but I have refrained from doing so, as I think that I am doing some
service to God our Lord therein, from whom I await the remedy. The
cause of all these troubles is the coming to this province of your
Majesty--which was established in so great discalcedness, [14] strict
observance, and poverty--of religious not discalced, or reared on that
good milk, but belonging to the cloth in those [Spanish] kingdoms,
of religious reared (although under a rule) with different principles
and mode of life. So different are these that under no consideration
can there be the remedy that they will accommodate their way to ours,
or we conform to theirs. Some of us appeal to Paul and others to Zefas
[_i.e._, Cephas] [15]--a most lamentable and injurious condition of
affairs, and the destruction of this conversion, and of our own peace
within and without. In order not to weary your Majesty, I shall not
dwell longer upon this, or spend time setting forth our losses. But
although peace--the essential thing--has fled, it has been preserved
[here] in the reform, separation from the world, poverty, and strict
mode of life which are observed among the discalced religious of those
kingdoms of España; and I think that, in poverty, this province even
exceeds [the practice of] that virtue in those kingdoms. To Indians
that appears a miraculous thing, beyond what is either acquired or
natural. To God be the thanks!
This province was established and has been preserved with holy
religious, sons of the provinces of the discalced in España;
and at present about two-thirds of these religious are from the
said provinces. But little by little, religious of the cloth have
come among them, clad as discalced religious only in order to gain
admission to these regions. So many of them have gathered here that
they are sufficient to form parties and divisions by themselves, aided
by some of our discalced religious who join their party. What most
encourages this is, that as our fathers-general, commissaries-general,
and other superiors are those who govern us, they try to favor those of
the provinces of the cloth with offices as superiors and commissaries,
and with other privileges, whereby they are advantaged and plant the
foot of superiority above others much more deserving and worthy than
they; consequently they plant their feet upon all in order to attain
their ends. In this way do they destroy the peace of one and all of
us, so that I am fain to be able to express my grief to your sacred
and royal Majesty.
This would be checked provided our said father superiors would
observe and place in execution an order and royal command, which
it is said that your Majesty gave long ago, ordering that the said
fathers of the Observance should not come to these islands, but only
the professed religious of the discalced branch. But this they do,
thinking that they comply with your Majesty's said order by clothing
those said religious of the cloth in the shabby habit of the discalced
religious, in order to pass over here--whereby your Majesty's royal
will is defrauded and your royal officials at your ports deceived.
Therefore I petition your Majesty, by the blood of Christ our Lord,
to provide the remedy. That consists in one of two alternatives:
namely, either that your Majesty order that, since there are so many
friars, no religious who has not made profession in the provinces
of the discalced religious of España shall take passage henceforth
for these islands and for Japon, and that religious who come to these
islands and provinces must go from those provinces [of the discalced],
and not from the provinces of the cloth, for the said fathers have
so many and so extensive conversions in which to employ themselves;
or that, on the contrary, no discalced religious may take passage,
but that all be of the cloth. For in this manner the one class will
decrease and the others will increase, and all will soon belong to
the one class; and, by the help of God our Lord, there will be peace.
The condition of Japon is as follows. About two years ago (that is,
in 1618), brother [_sc._ father] Fray Luis Sotelo came here with
letters from our most reverend father Fray Juan de Vivanco, confirmed
by the nuncio of those kingdoms and by our father commissary-general
of Nueva España. Entrance was gained for us by him to Japon, but
he was taken away from us by fuerza; [16] and this year, 1620, our
father commissary-general of Nueva España, Fray Diego de Otalora,
sent another in his place, a son of the province of Santiago in
España, of the cloth. We also had a letter from our most reverend
father, Fray Juan de Venido, commissary of court, dated at that
court in the year 1619. According to one clause of it, the patent
of brother Fray Luis de Sotelo, and that of Fray Francisco Ximenez,
whom they but lately sent as commissary for the said Japon, were
revoked. This province, having taken depositions in regard to it,
with the aid of the said letter, adjudged Japon accordingly. Both
of them were notified, heard the act, and asked for copies. In this
condition the affair (which is all litigation) remains; for, although
the province remains thus, the pending suit still encumbers it. For
the love of our Lord Jesus Christ, I humbly petition your Majesty,
prostrate at your royal feet, to aid us in this, so that the matter may
be confirmed in favor of the said province; for Japon belongs to it,
and was founded and planted by it, and God has watered that land with
the blood of our sons. For it is impossible by any manner or method,
or by any way or expedient, that authority can be given to pass to
that province of Japon, or that it can be preserved, except by this;
for in these two years while its condition has been as described,
this province has furnished both religious and other supplies. Besides
this, they are depriving us of a house and shrine of this province,
called Sant Francisco del Monte, used for the training of novitiates;
and they have deprived us of it, together with the said province of
Japon. Besides, there are many other troubles that they have caused us
(of which the procurator of this province will inform your Majesty)
in order that the discalced branch should not proceed with the said
conversion, which has hitherto cost it so much.
For that reason has arisen in this province the resentment that
is just, and it is commended to our Lord with many fastings and
disciplines. Will your Majesty examine this matter with those royal
eyes, so void of passion, and set it right, as I have here petitioned,
for thus will it be expedient for the royal service of His Divine
Majesty and that of your Majesty. May His Divine Majesty augment, keep,
and preserve you, as we, all these your faithful vassals, desire--who
(and I, the most wretched of them) prostrate ourselves before the
royal feet of your Majesty, which we kiss a thousand times. Given in
Sant Francisco in Manila, July 31, 1620, and by your royal Majesty's
most unworthy servant,
_Fray Pedro de San Pablo_, minister provincial.
We, the provincial and definitors of the province of Sant Gregorio
of the Philipinas Islands, of the order of the discalced religious
of our seraphic father St. Francis, the humble and loyal vassals
of your Majesty, declare that, inasmuch as our Lord God took to
Himself and allowed to die the first fathers and founders who had
come hither, with great virtue and sanctity, from the provinces of
the discalced religious of the kingdom of Castilla, those who were
in this province set about appointing some heads from the religious
reared in this country. Because of that, this holy province began
to be divided into great factions some few years ago; and it has
been so divided that it would break the heart of one who knew it
[as it was] before. The sole cause of fomenting these factions is
that the fathers of the Observance have passed to this province and
these islands, in violation of a royal decree of your Majesty, and
dwell among us wearing the habits of discalced religious, fomenting
these factions and divisions, to the great loss and ruin of all good
and reform. Those troubles are prevailing in this province because
the latter is directly governed by the father commissary-general
of Nueva España, who is of the same observance and not a discalced
religious. We are suffering great detriment at present, and many
scandals have arisen, to the great loss of our credit and the welfare
of these conversions. This is especially true of that of the kingdoms
of Xapon, which the said father commissary-general of Nueva España
has attempted to wrest from us with great violence, although that is
greatly to the disservice of His Divine Majesty, and that of your
Majesty. Such also would be the case if our holy order cannot be
established in that and other fields of conversion--discalced, poor,
and reformed, and with as great admiration as that with which it has
been hitherto established and preserved amid all these nations.
The remedy for the avoidance of these evils lies in your Majesty again
ordering that not any of the said fathers of the Observance shall
come to these regions, as they are wont to come, feigning by their
habits to be discalced religious; and in your assigning us a resident
commissary-general, subject forever to a province of the discalced
branch of Castilla, so that the said reform may be preserved, and that
he may govern the province better, as having been reared in the said
discalced branch, of which this province has more experience. If this
be impossible, then we petition your Majesty to be pleased to order
that we may be freed from obligation to the father commissary-general
of Nueva España, and to allow this province to be immediately under
the government of one of our fathers-general, a commissary-general
of all the Yndias resident in your court, as thus it is advisable.
This we humbly petition and supplicate from your Majesty. In case
that be impossible, then we petition your Majesty to hand these
conversions over to the said fathers of the Observance; for, being a
unit and being harmonious, they will attend better to the ministry
of souls. If the said fathers come to attend to these conversions,
will your Majesty be pleased to give permission and equipment to all
of us discalced religious who have come from Castilla to return to our
province. Confiding in the accustomed largess and kindness of your
Majesty, we shall say no more. May His Divine Majesty preserve and
augment your Majesty, as we, these unworthy chaplains of your Majesty,
petition and desire in our prayers and sacrifices, etc. Given in this
convent of your Majesty of Nuestra Señora de los Angeles, of Manila,
July 20, 1621.
_Fray Pedro de San Pablo_, minister provincial.
_Fray Andres del Sacramento_, [17] definitor.
_Fray Agustín de Tordesilla_, [18] definitor.
_Fray Christoval de Santa Ana_, definitor.
_Fray Antonio de Nombela_, definitor.
[_Notes at beginning_: "The minister provincial and the definitors
of the province of San Gregorio in Manila, of the Order of St. Francis.
"They mention the extortions committed on that province by some
auditors of the Audiencia, which compelled them to receive father
Fray Francisco Ximinez in your Majesty's name, although in violation
of a brief of his Holiness. It is petitioned that a remonstrance be
sent to them, so that they may not exercise similar violence on any
other occasion."]
Sire:
We, the provincial and definitors of the province of Sant Gregorio
of the Philipinas Islands of the order of the discalced religious
of our seraphic Father St. Francis, your Majesty's loyal vassals
and humble chaplains, declare that this province has been signally
injured and aggrieved, with great detriment to its general credit and
good name, and the opinion of all our order, and in particular that
of the said province, by Licentiate Hieronimo del Gaspi Chabarria,
Doctor Don Albaro de Mesa y Lugo, and Doctor Don Antonio Rodriguez
de Villegas, auditors of your royal Audiencia of these islands,
by reason of their having granted your royal aid to Fray Francisco
Ximenez, an Observantine religious. The latter came to this province
with a commission granted by the father commissary-general of our
order in Nueva España, ordering us to receive him--although he ought
not to be received, as it was in violation of the general rule of
government in our order; and in violation of a brief of his Holiness,
Gregory Thirteenth. Moreover, such action tends to the destruction
of the discalced religious, and of the reform and common welfare of
this province, and of the conversions in these new kingdoms of your
Majesty--especially when the said auditors compel this province to
receive him in your royal name, making an ill use of your name and
of the royal authority, and insulting it--and he does that, who,
under pretext of such name, practices injustices and extortions,
and who does not observe the terms of laws and ordinances; and much
more, when they are practiced against an order and province that your
Majesty has always esteemed and esteems so highly. Thus, nominally by
your royal authority, we have suffered great violence and scandals,
and it is certain that had this occurred nearer to your Majesty's pious
eyes, a most signal and exemplary chastisement would have followed. But
in these so remote regions, where redress arrives late, it is usual,
and almost necessary for us chaplains of your Majesty and the orders
to suffer these extortions; and if they did not result in detriment
to virtue and to the public welfare, by bearing them patiently we
would not lose, but rather gain much.
Therefore we petition and supplicate your Majesty to examine this
cause with your own eyes, and provide redress for the injuries
received--annulling these acts of violence and rebuking your said
auditors, so that it may serve them as a correction, and others as
an example and warning; and so that the ministers of the gospel and
the orders in these islands may not be annoyed or injured by the
evil example furnished to the newly converted, whereby they would
esteem the ecclesiastical estate and divine worship less. For such
is not the will of your Majesty. In this respect, there is in these
regions a great deficiency in all your officials; consequently the
ecclesiastical class need to have your Majesty renew your decrees
that give injunctions to your agents. By so doing your Majesty will
render a great service to His Divine Majesty, favor to all of us,
and good to these new plants. May God our Lord preserve your Majesty
for years, as we desire, and augment your happy state, as we your
least and unworthy chaplains desire, etc. Given in this convent of
your Majesty, Nuestra Señora de los Angeles, Manila, in 1621.
_Fray Pedro de San Pablo_, minister provincial.
_Fray Agustin de Tordesillas_, [_MS. uncertain_] [19] and definitor.
_Fray Andres del Sacremento_, definitor.
_Fray Antonio de Nombela_, definitor.
_Fray Christoval de Santa Ana_, [20] definitor.
Letter from Fajardo to the King
Sire:
In the ships which left here this year for Nueva Spaña I gave your
Majesty a long account of everything which, up to that time, could be
related, or which occurred to me, with duplicates of different letters,
therefore the most that I have to add today is the reception of your
Majesty's letter and your royal decrees. I have not done this before as
I had not sufficient leisure to examine them, or do so in the interval
allowed by the season. What I have to say at present concerning their
contents is, that I shall act in all respects, and carry out what your
Majesty orders therein, according to my ability, and as best I can,
and as is most expedient for your Majesty's service. In conformity
therewith and in due form, acts of obedience were rendered; and, in
some points which appear to me to demand more detailed explanation
than was given in that general answer, I will furnish it.
As to what your Majesty wrote to the Marques de Guadalcaxar, [21]
former viceroy of Nueva Spaña, in regard to [the statement] that on
the ship "San Nicolas" three hundred and thirty persons died on account
of its late departure from these islands, all that I can say is that,
since a person of his position and character undertook to write it,
he should certainly have first informed himself thoroughly in the
matter. Although I was present at the despatching of this ship and
went out with it well outside of Cavite, it did not appear to me that,
in regard to the people who were going, the ship was carrying half [of
its quota]; for at most there are accustomed to go with the officers
usually seventy seamen and gunners, more or less, according to the
tonnage of the ships, although the number mentioned is for a ship
of very large tonnage. With these there usually go as many more,
Indians from this country, as common seamen, and some slaves that
the said officers and the passengers are allowed to take with them
for their service, paying the duties which are usually paid to your
Majesty. The passengers are usually kept down to as small a number as
possible; and if so many died as is affirmed in the supposed relation,
they were not Spaniards, because of these not many died. They must
have been negroes and slaves, who were hidden after embarkation by
those who took them aboard, with an eye to the great gain which there
usually is in this, by saving the cost and the duties that they owe,
when the royal officials at Acapulco are friends of theirs, or those
who thus convey slaves are of the household of the viceroy. [22]
In so far as concerns their departure, the regulation of that is
not at present in the power of the governor of these islands; for
the enemy are accustomed to come hither, as has been evident during
the little more than three years while I have been here; they have
come twice, and I am likewise expecting them now--and always with
at least twice the fleet and troops that we have. Every day they are
gaining more strength, as is seen by the presence of so many of them
on this coast. The ships from China do not come, and it is with their
merchandise that our ships must go to Nueva Spaña. We are, moreover,
obliged to keep the small vessels which can be manned, ready for war,
in order to compel the enemy not to divide their forces and thus
inflict the damage which, without this check, they would accomplish;
and in order to fight with them, offering them an opportunity to do
so even though they might obtain from us some advantage, which might
be made up by the gain [of keeping them in check]. As we had to attend
to this and then direct our efforts to fitting up the ships for Nueva
Spaña--shutting up the gun-ports, and changing the vessels so that they
are suitable for merchant ships, and even at times enlarging them and
increasing the conveniences within, and waiting until the amount of the
merchandise has been completed, so that they may carry it--we could not
get them off so quickly as was wished, nor upon an appointed day as
before, when there was no war, and when at Christmas we used to have
thirty or forty ships from China. The viceroy can inform you of this,
for he too can ascertain this through the relations, as well as I.
As for the memorial which your Majesty orders me to send touching the
diminution of the quantity of silver which comes from Nueva Spaña to
these islands, having looked into the matter it appears to me that
not only is this design a proper one, but that it is very necessary
to bring about this result; for I judge that only with the utmost
difficulty can the drain of so much silver every year from that
country and those mines be continued. They, too, are being exhausted
like those of other countries, and the natives are diminishing; so
that the silver is obtained in the most costly and scanty fashion,
to be carried hither and go away to lie in the treasure-house of the
king of China. I did not neglect to consider this when I proposed to
your Majesty that the trade of these islands with Nueva Spaña should
be exclusive of silk and woven goods, except linen and other products
of this country, which are not of great importance; for although the
coming of silver from there would not thus be altogether stopped,
there is no doubt that it would be less, and we would avoid the
drain from España by the French, English, and Flemish, of what they
are accustomed to take away [in payment] for the linens which they
carry thither to sell, and this saving would pass to the Yndias, as
I have explained more at length in the letter which treats of this,
a copy of which accompanies the present. If this is done, there will
undoubtedly be more trade with Xapon, with the opportunity given by the
silk trade; and in this manner we might continue establishing a trade
so that the linen trade with Nueva Spaña might also be restricted,
if linens for Indias could be more advantageously provided by some
other part of España.
Although in the memorial there is a matter which demands so
much attention as the depopulation of a town like Macan, and the
difficulties are set forth arising from its occupation by the Dutch
or English, and their admission [to trade] by the Chinese--who,
with their greediness, would seek the profit which they formerly
gained from the Portuguese, thus destroying, at a single stroke, the
commerce of this country with Nueva Spaña, which is the means whereby
all who reside here support themselves--to do so would appear a matter
of the most difficulty. It would seem necessary and requisite for the
[preservation of the] Japanese trade to transport some or the greater
part of those people [of Macao] to the province of Nueva Segovia,
or to the island of Hermosa, getting a foothold there whence we might
better continue and carry on the navigation from China to that place
and from there to Xapon, and not from here; for silks are already
as high in this city as in Nangasaqui, on account of the danger from
enemies which the Chinese risk in coming here. It has appeared best
to me not to make any hasty decision in this matter without informing
myself more thoroughly and considering it, so that I may be better
able to state my judgment to your Majesty by the first ships which
shall be despatched, by the favor of God. While my opinion is that,
in the meantime, no more definite plan or decision should be adopted,
there is no more effective remedy for limiting the drain from Nueva
Spaña through this country than to regulate the capacity and cargoes of
the ships which go from here; because if they are large they are bound
to be filled, even though it be with clothing and useful articles for
households, and they must bring back the price of these things, cost
what they may. But if they are smaller vessels they cannot take on so
large cargoes, and accordingly what is bought to be carried in them,
as less has to be bought for this purpose, is cheaper, and, as not
so much is carried, it brings a higher price in Nueva Spaña; in this
manner, therefore, the investment of ten is worth as much as that of
twenty going in large ships, and it is rather profit than loss for the
citizens here, and likewise for the service of your Majesty--although
the citizens of the city of Mexico who have correspondents and secret
factors here will be affected by it, because they will not obtain so
large a portion of the investment and the cheap cargo, as the people
here will need all that the ships can carry. This is all I can say
regarding this at present.
As for what your Majesty writes me concerning the factor and inspector,
Diego de Castro Lisson, in the matter of this office of accounts,
in which relation your Majesty orders me to appoint to the office of
accountant thereof someone who is a fit person, I will say that you
may have information as to what the said Diego de Castro Lisson is,
as he was already in your service when I arrived here. I do not find
him, but in his place Luis de Vera Encalada, a person who for this
office or any other of this profession, or one of trust, ought not
to be preferred to Juan de Messa Suero, if the latter were not dead
(as I have explained to your Majesty in another letter). As for your
Majesty making the choice and appointment of this office, there will
be no other difficulty than that the salary must be larger--as the
authority will be, if the appointment is from the royal hand of your
Majesty--and the business is of so little importance and no profit;
for although he is called accountant of accounts, in my opinion
he is coming to be the director thereof, since the examination and
decision of difficulties or additions is made by us, the president,
two auditors, and a fiscal.
The offices which, being vacant, are filled in the interim until your
Majesty shall grant the appointment and favor thereof have been in
my term merely for half the salary, without the person who served in
them in this way having received any allowance for expenses, in any
manner whatsoever; nor is there anything here with which to make such
allowance, and I have understood that this has always been the case.
The memorial of the pilot Gaspar Conquero, which treats of the
exploring of the island of Oro, which is here called Rica de Oro,
has been examined; and as soon as he makes this port, or there is any
other person suitable for conducting this exploration, and to be given
the island as an encomienda, I shall do so as your Majesty orders.
As for what your Majesty orders to the effect that I should inform
you of the wound which was given Captain Matheo des Villerias, all
I can say is that on the night when it was given I sent to tell the
auditor, Don Alvaro de Messa, that he should conduct the investigation,
and take the proper measures; but he did not do so, although there
was no reason which should hinder him; accordingly, not to lose any
time in this, the auditor Hieronimo de Legaspi undertook the work,
and before him the case was tried. No guilt was charged against any
one, although the wounded man said that he conjectured that it was
Captain Silvestre de Aybar. Afterward his suspicion was changed, and
he told me personally that he suspected Admiral Don Luis de Cordova;
and, although we could not be sure that it was he, the presumption was
stronger since it was learned that Captain Villerias had spoken very
ill of matters which concerned the viceroy Marques de Guadalcacar,
to whose party the said Don Luis de Cordova belongs. Villerias had
another quarrel of this sort with the latter, after which they were
quite friendly. This is not the first trouble which has happened to
Villerias on account of having talked and interfered too much, but he
has had other and more important ones. This would not be any too small
to be worth judicial consideration if the matter could be cleared
up, and if the occasion which, it is said, he gave for his wound by
speaking thus concerning the said marques, could be ascertained.
I have not been able to learn in these islands that there are any
Jerominian, Benedictine, Carmelite, Trinitarian, or Victorian friars
here, although I have tried to exercise the care which your Majesty
directs in this regard.
In accordance with the contents of another decree of August 25, of
the past year 620, it appears that your Majesty has been informed that
the reason why the ships left these islands for Nueva Spaña later than
in past years was because the president and auditors were interested,
and principal shippers therein. The truth is, that their not leaving
earlier was due to the coming of the enemy with large fleets to these
coasts, and to the fact that the ships which bring the merchandise for
these shipments [to Nueva Spaña] were late or did not come for fear
of the enemy (as I have already written to you more at length and in
detail), and likewise on account of negotiations and agreements between
the auditors and the present president. I will swear to it that the
report which has been made to your Majesty on this point is untrue,
because I was not brought up in the households or under the instruction
of merchants, but in the good way of military exercises, as were my
ancestors. It must be evident to your Majesty, as the property that
I possess could well attest, that it would be very well for me if it
were increased by the amounts that are lacking and pledged.
As for the property of deceased persons, this treasury has a judge,
on which account I have less knowledge of its administration--although
whenever opportunity offers and it is expedient to take any action
regarding it, I do so according to my duty, and before your Majesty
orders it, as he does order in the decree which treats of this. I made
strenuous efforts not to have individual depositaries appointed for
this property; but not only in this but likewise in the court fines,
and other condemnations and various deposits which ought to enter into
the said treasury, and into the royal treasury and general depositary
in each case where it is concerned, there has been no way of forcing
the auditor Hieronimo de Legaspi to cease making the deposits with
various persons that they might have the profit thereof. For it is
plain and well known that as my occupation keeps me most of the time
encumbered with duties outside of the Audiencia, and often outside
of the city, in my absence these things are done, and others which
should not be. I attempt to correct them, although I do not hope for
amendment from the licentiate Legaspi in this matter of money and
other very unlawful things, ill-befitting his office and his age,
the illegal character of his acts eliciting many complaints which I
have received. I have received a memorial, a copy of which I send
with this, containing more than forty separate heads against him,
and offering proof of them--which, although they are not unknown
or secret things, it will be no little matter to prove against an
auditor while holding his office. Since I have given your Majesty at
other times an account of this person, although summarily, I shall not
say any more of him in this letter; yet more may be said concerning
both him and the auditor Alvaro de Messa. The latter is still in
[the convent of] Ssancto Domingo, stirring up trouble and revolution,
as is his nature, and making people jealous of me--sowing discord and
untrue and evil words to this end, and to destroy my reputation and
render null my services; and afterward to go back and gather them up
in sworn statements and depositions in documents, as a public matter,
without considering that this act of his is insubordination. With this,
and as he has gone so far as to seek false depositions against me--as
is evident from the true ones which I have sent your Majesty--I do
not think that anything further can be said concerning a professing
Christian. Nor can we live in safety and honor where such infernal
actions are committed, if they be not punished and corrected by your
Majesty's just and powerful hand--by ordering that with him shall also
be rebuked the friars of that convent, who not only keep the said
doctor in their house and aid him in his actions against my person
and office, but also give refuge with the same object to a certain
Pedro de Lussara and one Pedro Alvarez, h
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