ANNO DOM. 1701.
The Administration of Don Domingo Zabalburu.
Don Domingo Zabalburu took possession of his government on the 8th
of September, 1701. He finished the royal magazines which had been
begun by his predecessor, re-built the redoubt of San Antonio Abad,
and repaired the fortification of Cavite, the inhabitants of Manila
contributing with their accustomed generosity by presents for the
purpose. At this time the Kings of Jolo and Mindanao had a serious
misunderstanding, each requesting assistance from the Governor,
which, however, he declined, knowing that by taking part with one,
he exposed these islands to the enmity of the other. He sent the
Jesuit Antonio de Borga to reestablish harmony between these two
nations upon any justifiable ground, as war had been declared by
Spain against the English and Dutch, and it was deemed necessary to
maintain a respectable maritime force to defend these islands, and
in particular to protect our galleons, exposed as they were in their
voyage from New Spain, to be captured by the ships of these nations,
as happened with the Rosario, which was attacked by two English ships
among the islands of Nativity and Salagur, in December, 1704; but she
compelled them to fly, and she pursued her voyage to Acapulco. The
following year the galleon San Xaviar was wrecked, which was severely
felt in Manila.