"The other six remained on that mountain_The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 24 of 55 1630-34 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

days, during which Father Antonio, father Fray Francisco, and Beatriz

de Acosta were tortured, each one six times, with hot water in the

manner that I have described. Father Fray Vicente was tortured four

times, father Fray Bartolome and brother Fray Gabriel twice, without

any one of them having made the least movement during the whole

time; or shown any sign of feeling the torture. On the contrary, with

wonderful cheerfulness and courage they gave thanks to their torturers,

and sometimes told them that the torture had been slight; at others,

that they should find some other and more cruel torment, so that their

desire to suffer for Christ might be further fulfilled. As a result,

the infidels were as if astounded, for they found them each time more

constant, cheerful, and desirous of suffering; and in Nangasaqui and

Tacacu nothing was talked of but the invincible courage and valor

with which they suffered the torture, whereupon the Christians were

full of joy and remained firmer in the faith. Several of the heathen

began to complain and sneer at the governor of Nangasaqui, who had

tried to make them deny their faith. Accordingly Father Antonio

writes [94] that, during the time while he was on that mountain,

several were brought to the faith; and among the heathen who saw

him and listened to the continual sermons which he preached to them,

many gave him their word to receive the faith, and all conceived the

highest opinion of the faith of God.

"The reason for torturing some oftener than others was that

Father Antonio, being a Japanese, had disobeyed the mandate of the

emperor, and would not follow the counsels and persuasions of the

governor of Nangasaqui and his ministers, nor be affected by the

tortures. Father Fray Francisco suffered because he spoke to them with

much Christian freedom, sang, and prayed in a loud voice, contrary to

their prohibition; and Beatriz de Acosta because, although a woman,

she showed more than a man's courage, both in the tortures and in

resisting the advice which they gave her--for which reason, beside

the torture of boiling water, they inflicted others upon her. They

made her stand upright a long time upon a small rock, threatening her

with insults and affronts; but the more they insisted, the stronger

they found her. The others, being weak and infirm, were not tortured

so long, because the tyrant did not intend to kill them, but only to

conquer them; and for this reason they had, during the whole time,

a physician upon the mountain to cure their hurts.

"Finally the governor saw that he could by no means conquer them; but,

on the contrary, his men informed him that, judging by the courage

and valor which they showed, they would suffer till all the pools and

wells in Unjen were drained, rather than give in. He therefore lost

all hope of a victory over them, and decided to order that they be

taken to Nangasaqui, although he would not do so before his departure

for the court at Meaco; for he thought that it would diminish his

prestige to have them enter as victors into that city while he was

there. After his departure, therefore, he sent on the way advice to

his deputy whom he left there, to bring them to Nangasaqui. This he

accordingly did on the fifth of January, placing Beatriz de Acosta in a

certain house, and putting the five religious into the public prison,

where they still remain. Such was the victorious end of this battle,

wherein our holy faith was nobly vindicated, the Christians encouraged,

and the tyrant overcome and confounded, quite the contrary of what

he had expected and promised.

"During the same time this governor seized and sent to Sendo [95]

the wives and daughters of the holy martyrs who have perished in

Nangasaqui from the year 1617 to the present one, one thousand

six hundred and thirty-two--separating many of them, who were

already married, from their husbands and sons. They all accepted

captivity for so holy a cause with a good will, and before leaving

protested before the governor that they were and always would be

Christians. Three Christians were taken prisoners for the faith in

Fingo at the beginning of the year 631. One of them died most happily

in the prison, a short time ago; and the other two, father and son,

remain in captivity. In Xiqui there were thrown alive into the sea

for the faith, on the twelfth of February past, Thome and Ynes, his

wife; likewise in Firando, a short time ago, another man was thrown

into the sea for the same cause.

"In Oxu [96] a man became a Christian fraudulently; and, after learning

about the principal Christians of Vacamatzu and Ayzu from one of our

household of Ojaca, called Paulo, he went and gave a list thereof to

the governors of Tenca. These immediately advised the governors of

the first two places, and there those whom the talebearer had given

in the list were taken prisoners--among them Brother Juan Yama, of

our Society, who was one whom I had catechized and baptized. Thus

far we have not learned whether they have been martyred or not.

"The governors of Tacacu sent the same information regarding Paulo,

who, although he was not in that city, was so diligently sought after

that they succeeded in arresting him; and some time afterward he,

with his wife Maria and four sons, suffered martyrdom. This led to

a furious persecution, not only in Oxu, but likewise in other parts

of the country, and in the cities of Cami, Meaco, Fugimi, Ojaca,

and Sacay. The cruelty of the tyrant reached such a point that he

sent this year, as exiles to Manilla, even the infirm and leprous

Christians of the before-mentioned cities of Cami; and already more

than ninety of them are at Nangasaqui, awaiting the monsoon, and

others are expected to go. With this, under the holy benediction of

your Reverence, etc. March 22, 1632.

_Christoval Ferreyra_"

From Japon we pass on to China, where the state of Christianity has

been more quiet, and where it is very prosperous. The Society is

established in eight provinces and eleven cities, and, if it were

not for the lack of workers, it would he extended much farther,

and with great results. At present there are in the whole of China

seventeen priests and a few brothers-coadjutor, who are all laboring

with praiseworthy zeal for the conversion of this great kingdom

of China. May the Lord prosper and protect your Reverence as I

desire. Manila, July 2, 1632.

[Another copy of this document, in the same collection (to. 114,

no. 401), adds the following matter as a postscript, dated July 6,

1632:]

The emperor of Japan is dead; [97] so is the king of Arima,

who had intended to come to attack Manila. It is said that his

death was most horrible, and that he caused his servants to put

him to death with clubs, after having scalded him with the water

with which he had tormented the martyrs. All say that this was

plainly a punishment for his tyrannous acts; and that he is paying

for them in hell--whence issued demons in the form of foxes, who

went dancing before his carriage or litter when he returned from

Nangasaqui [_words illegible_] ambassadors, spies sent to Manila,

Father Miguel Matruda, of the Society. These ambassadors--who came as

envoys in behalf of Uni Nudino, governor of Nangasaqui, and of the

tono of Arima, called Asimadoro or Bungodon--were received with the

pomp and courtesy which such an embassy demanded. On that occasion

much caution was displayed by this colony through its chief, who is

governor and captain-general of these islands. For, on the one hand,

he exhibited before those ambassadors the strength of this [_word

illegible_] with its officers and infantry, which was drawn up in

martial array along the streets--almost all the way from the street

nearest the beach where the Japanese disembarked, up to the palace;

and, on the other, he paid them honor with a splendid and friendly

reception. He also offered them presents and entertainments as if

they were envoys sent by Christian princes and our best friends. This

has been cordially remembered, to judge from what has since then been

learned of their designs--at least, that of one of those lords, the

ruler of Arima. This was, that the envoys should carefully ascertain

what were the forces in Manila, in order to see whether the former

plans were adequate. [Our transcriber in Madrid here adds: "This letter

(dated March 30, 1632) goes on to describe the martyrdoms, and ends

thus: 'After these torments, we were again conveyed to the prison

from which they had taken us, where we now are. There are five of us

religious, besides other servants of God who are also prisoners for

His sake. I think that this autumn, when the governor comes, he will

pronounce final sentence upon us.'" It is most probable that this is

part of the letter by Father Antonio Yxida, mentioned in the text.]

LETTER FROM THE ECCLESIASTICAL CABILDO TO FELIPE IV

In all the most opulent kingdoms, provinces, and cities of the Catholic

monarchy of your Majesty, the most remote, the most separated, and

the most distant from the royal presence of its king and sovereign

is the metropolitan cathedral church of this archipelago of islands

without number. Consequently, its cabildo is poorer, more needy,

and more liable to be forgotten than any other; for in order to

set forth its afflictions and poverty, it even has neither feet,

whereby it may go to cast itself at the feet of your Majesty,

nor hands for the solicitude and works that the demand alone would

require. One effort only we can make easily, and that has been made

for many years; that is, to write, petitioning, importuning, urging,

and informing your Majesty of the most important things, not to our

especial advantage. And well do we know that your Majesty is not so

wealthy that you can be liberal in proportion to your greatness;

but only in the points most necessary and important to the Divine

service and worship, and to your Majesty's honor and glory, at whose

expense it flourishes throughout Christendom--especially in this city,

fortified post, and empire of almost all the nations discovered and

known; for in that it equals Roma, and the cities of most commerce in

the whole world. That is the reason that has always moved us to urge

and petition your Majesty, representing the following points. [_In the

margin_: "July 30, 1625. [98] Reply to the cabildo, encouraging them;

and tell them that what they say in their letter will receive care

and attention, without particularizing the paragraphs or the things

that they say."]

One of the things which this cathedral has considered, and considers,

intolerable, is that it always has to be governed by friars. That is a

matter that has in itself many grave inconveniences, that would take

long to relate in a letter which demands brevity. We wish only for

your Majesty to understand and to be assured that the seculars can be

better governed than any other clergy; and that they live with greater

quietness and peace, not only in their souls and spiritual government,

but in what concerns the temporal. Not only do the seculars recognize

this, but the religious themselves; for the secular is always in the

midst of affairs, while the friar must necessarily incline himself

to his order and to those with whom he has been reared. It would be

worse if such a person had not been, in his order, of much learning

and of known virtues, but rather the contrary. Your Majesty will

consider the estimation that all will have for such a man who knew

him before. When this is so, it does not result to edification, which

is your Majesty's intent, but to depreciation of and contempt for the

episcopal dignity, which requires the highest perfection. God our Lord

would be greatly pleased if the honors, dignities, and prelacies of

this country be given to those who have served and labored in it. From

that three blessings of high importance will follow. The first,

that your Majesty will have fulfilled your obligation in accordance

with the excellent principle of distributive justice. Thus have our

sovereigns Kings Philipo Second and Third, of glorious memory, your

Majesty's grand-father and father, ruled, ordered, and commanded in

their royal patronage. And most certain can your Majesty be that there

have always been and there are now men worthy, capable, and of great

talents, from whom much may be expected, both in this cabildo and in

the orders--especially that of St. Dominic and that of St. Francis;

but, since they do not try to obtain the prebendaries of this church,

never will their affairs be known, nor will any of them ever be seen

in that royal court, for neither can they go, nor do they possess the

wherewithal to send. These arguments will have greater force and power

in the future, because of the two universities which your Majesty

has permitted in this city--one in the residence of the Society of

Jesus, and the other in that of Santo Tomas of the Dominican friars,

where students are being trained and many graduated. Thus this city

is today full of poverty-stricken seculars, and one must fear that

there will be so many within a few years that they will die of hunger,

because we have not any benefices to give them in this archbishopric

or throughout the islands; for these are held by friars, who cost your

Majesty so dearly. It is very desirable to refrain from sending many

of the religious who come from España, which is an argument worthy

of much consideration. [_In the margin_: "That great care will be

given to this point when vacancies occur in those churches."]

The need and poverty of this metropolitan church is known and

notorious, for it has no income or revenue other than the concessions

of your Majesty, especially the four hundred pesos that have been

given thus far, by means of which the church is kept in wine, wax, and

oil. For none of those things are given from the royal warehouses, as

they are to the other convents of this city. Consequently, we petition

your Majesty to continue that concession, for it is not a perpetual

concession, but was only for four or six years; and, when that time

expired, it was conceded for another term of four or six years. If it

were made perpetual, your Majesty would be making it a more valuable

concession; for at each prolongation of the time it is necessary to

spend at least one hundred pesos with the agent who is sent from here

to that court. Thus that amount would be saved, and that is a matter

of consideration and importance to so poor a church. [_In the margin_:

"See what is provided in regard to this." "The concession was made."]

This church is also in great need of ornaments and of a sacristy. That

which it now uses is borrowed; but with the sum of three or four

thousand pesos the one that was commenced more than ten years ago

could be finished. It has been impossible to finish it, because we

had not the means to do so. In order that your Majesty need not spend

anything from your royal treasury (which we most earnestly desire),

this could be done by your Majesty ordering that vacant encomiendas,

or pensions on those to which appointments are being made, be given

to the church, in accordance with the condition of the encomienda,

at the will of the governor--as has been done with the house of the

Society of Jesus in this city, to which your Majesty made a grant of

ten thousand pesos, as an aid to the edifice that they are at present

erecting, [_In the margin_: "See what has been ordered in this." "The

concession was made."]

We have often represented to your Majesty the great importance of

having this church well served, as this city is a place of so great

trade and commerce, where so many and so different nations come, as has

been said. The number of prebendaries that the church has at present

is not at all sufficient; for besides the five dignidades, it has no

more than four canons, two racioneros, and two medio-racioneros. And

since the land is so unhealthful and sickly, most of the prebendaries

are generally disabled, and for the greater portion of the year the

work is loaded upon only one canon and one racionero. For that reason,

we earnestly desired in the past years that your Majesty would give us

an increase Of two additional canons and four racioneros; but seeing

that that was not effected because of the great need in which the

times have placed your Majesty, we have found an easy and feasible

remedy for it--namely, to apply to this church some of the benefices

and missions that the orders hold near this city. Let the governor

and archbishop select those which would be most suitable; and let

each of them be given to two seculars--or more, if they should be so

rich. There is a mission outside the walls of this city owned by the

religious of St. Augustine, by name Tondo, where three seculars could

be maintained. One of them could be proprietary, with the title of

archdean or prior of such place and canon of this cathedral, with the

obligation to serve in it, as do the other canons. By this method

the prebendaries would be increased, and the number of religious

whom your Majesty would have to send would be lessened; while the

students who are growing up here in steadily increasing numbers

would be provided for, rewarding the sons of the conquistadors and

settlers, besides many other blessings and advantages which would

follow by so doing. [_In the margin_: "See what has been provided in

this regard, and have this section taken to the fiscal, together with

that provision." "It was taken."]

One of the persons on whom this cabildo has set its eyes--and,

together with all this community, we have been sure that your Majesty

would show him honor--is the archdean, Don Alonso Garcia de Leon;

but, only through his great modesty, he has never put forward any

such claim. Consequently, we petition your Majesty to honor us all

through him--assuring you, with the truth that one ought to speak in

regard to such a matter, that we judge him to be worthy of any favor

and honor that your Majesty might be pleased to show him, which will

be for the glory of God and your Majesty's service. [_In the margin_:

"Consult the memorial."]

Doctor Don Juan Briceño came to these islands twenty-three years ago

with the ordination of a priest, in company with Archbishop Don Diego

Vazquez de Mercado. He immediately occupied himself in learning the

language and in ministering to the natives, to their great approbation

and with benefit to their souls. He has also served this cathedral

more than nine years in the prebends of canon and precentor, the

latter of which he holds at present. He is also at present exercising

the office of vicar-general of this archbishopric, and has been its

visitor-general. In both offices he has acted and given the account

that could be expected from a good priest, learned and experienced,

and publicly recognized as a man of good life and example. Ever since

he came to these islands, there has been nothing contrary to this;

so that he deserves to have your Majesty employ him in matters of

your service, and to honor him according to the merit of his many

good services. [_In the margin_: "Consult the memorial."]

It is well-known that the Order of St. Augustine was the first to

plant the cross of Christ in these remote islands; and it has always

been foremost in continuing that work. Hence it is the one of all

the orders which has most missions, and consequently, most need

of ministers. Many years, no religious come to them from España;

and many of those who are here die, and very quickly. Thus, if your

Majesty do not show them the favor of protecting and replenishing

so necessary and good ministers, they will be obliged to leave many

missions, to the detriment of souls, and of the service of God and

your Majesty--whom it has cost so much from your royal patrimony to

set this flourishing and extensive Christian church in its present

condition. The propagation of Christianity here is due, at least in its

greater part, to that holy order and to its sons, as you will be more

minutely informed by father Fray Diego de Robles, who is now to go as

their procurator-general and definitor, to attend the general chapter

of his order. We are acquainted with his person, and know that he came

to these islands sixteen years ago. He soon learned two languages of

the natives, and has administered in the islands some of the houses,

convents, and missions of greatest importance. His order has honored

him, and has occupied him, now in the ministry of the pulpit for the

Spaniards, now in priorates, and in other offices and dignities of

his order. In all of them he has always furnished a very excellent

example, and has attained fame and renown as a good religious and one

worthy of all credit and honor. Consequently, this cabildo petitions

your Majesty to honor him and his order, for in both things will God

our Lord be greatly pleased. [_In the margin_: "When religious are

requested, have this section brought." "Consult the memorial."]

The Recollect religious of St. Augustine are the last who came to labor

in this field; and for that reason the most toilsome, laborious, and

dangerous part has fallen to their share, as they have been unable to

have their missions and houses together, or in contiguous provinces,

like the other orders; but their convents are separated in different

islands, very far one from another. Although they are the last, we

assure your Majesty that in point of work, zeal for the propagation

of the holy gospel, and the cultivation of souls, the other orders do

not have any advantage over them. Well have they proved that with their

blood; for about three years ago, when the province of Caraga revolted,

the rebels killed seven religious. However, by the grace of God, those

rebels have been reduced again, and punished by the excellent efforts

of Captain Juan de Chaves, one of the best soldiers, and one of the

men of best judgment that your Majesty has in these islands. It will

be of very great service to God and your Majesty to have religious

sent to the said fathers, for many years have passed since a single

religious has come to them, and it is right to encourage and aid so

good workers, [_In the margin_: "When this order shall petition for

religious, let this section be brought."]

The master-of-camp, Don Lorenço de Olasso, who exercises the office

of captain-general because of the death of Governor Don Juan Niño

de Tavora this year, has carried himself with prudence, peace, and

tranquillity. For in this office and in that of master-of-camp, which

he holds by right of appointment, he has shown his good judgment,

especially in his care and vigilance in fortifying the city and

in attending to all that concerns the obligation of his office,

and welfare of this city, and the service of your Majesty. [_In the

margin_: "Consult the memorial."]

As this noble and loyal city had so great need for sending a suitable

person as its procurator to that royal court, it made choice of the

person of General Don Diego de Arqueta Minchaca. It was a choice

so prudent and so well considered, that in quality, services of

his forbears and his own, capacity, prudence, experience, and other

qualities necessary for such action, there is not his equal in this

city. For besides the said qualifications and services (which will

be apparent by his papers), considering the chief thing, namely,

your Majesty's service and the welfare of this community, he is a

person so capable in all matters of government and war, that both

through experience and observation he can inform your Majesty as one

who has seen both all these islands and the Malucas, and as far as

Malaca; because he took part and embarked in all the fleets [sent

against] the invasions of the Dutch enemy, that have been gathered

in these islands since he was a young lad. We assure ourselves of

great results for the increase of Christianity in these islands,

the welfare of this community, and your Majesty's service, by his

going and management. [_In the margin_: "Seen."]

Captain Juan Sarmiento, chancellor of this royal Audiencia, is

the legitimate son of Captain Pedro Sarmiento (one of the first

conquistadors and settlers of these islands), and one of the most

valiant captains who has served your Majesty herein, as will appear

more authoritatively by his papers. He is married to a daughter of

Licentiate Tellez de Almaçan, who was an auditor who came to establish

this Audiencia for the second time. And even were he not so worthy

in his person, he was sufficiently so to be worthy of your Majesty

showing him very great favors. For we recognize in the said auditor a

judge truly upright and Christian, and so in harmony with divine and

human laws, that these islands will ever cherish his memory. God our

Lord has given him abundance of sons and daughters, so that this city

is ennobled by such progeny and posterity. He deserves honor from

your Majesty, and aid, in order that he may become more prosperous

and not less. [_In the margin_: "Consult the memorial."]

Since we are so loyal vassals and chaplains of your Majesty, it grieves

us and rends our soul to see the damage done to your Majesty's royal

treasury, because there are not any faithful officials to execute the

so pious and excellent order that was decreed and determined by the

royal decrees of your Majesty, and by the glorious progenitors of your

Majesty; especially in regard to the money that passes annually from

Nueva España to these islands. We inform your Majesty that, besides

the permission of the four hundred thousand pesos that your Majesty has

given for the inhabitants of this city, it is certain that two millions

are brought. That sum is brought from Nueva España by companies and

agents who call themselves inhabitants of Mexico; and your judges

and officials [there] allow them to pass, and dis-simulate because

of the great profit that falls to them in Acapulco. The efforts are

not made in this city either that could be made by those who ought

to make them. Accordingly, having seen this so great loss, both to

your Majesty and to the inhabitants of this city, in assemblies of

the orders that the reverend bishop, governor of this archbishopric,

called on petition of the city, censures were issued, ordering no

one to employ the money of the inhabitants of Nueva España or Piru,

thinking that that would be an efficient remedy. But experience has

demonstrated that it has been of no effect, for all have employed that

money and no one has been denounced. This needs, a stringent remedy,

and there is no other except to carry out fittingly what was ordered by

your Majesty, by appointing trustworthy officials of Christian spirit

and well-known zeal for your Majesty's service. [_In the margin_:

"Let them be advised of what decision was made in this."]

One of the greatest services that the cabildos and corporations can

perform for your Majesty is to advise, inform, and report concerning

the deserving persons who attend to your Majesty's service. For, as the

matter passes before so many eyes, they cannot do else than to write

with great consideration and exactness of truth. One of the men who has

served your Majesty in these islands with ardor, eagerness, and care,

and who has occupied, since the day of his entrance into this city,

posts of great importance (as will appear in detail by his papers),

is General Don Andres Perez Franco. The limitations of a letter do not

allow us to mention his good qualities as a skilled and successful

soldier; for besides being that, God has given him good fortune in

feats of war. In matters of government and of peace, he is so excellent

and accomplished that he has been considered by most of the people

of Cavite, where he has been chief commander most of the time, as a

father rather than as a commander. God has endowed him with affability,

valor, and ability to govern and command with generosity, and actions

which make him loved, feared, and respected. That is apparent to this

cabildo, and we know that it is public and notorious. Will your Majesty

please honor him according to his many good services, so that others

may imitate him, and that they may be encouraged by his example to

serve your Majesty. [_In the margin_: "Consult the memorial."]

Your Majesty granted this archbishopric to Don Fray Hernando de

Guerrero, bishop of Nueva Segovia, an aged religious, and one well

known in these islands. He presented in this cabildo the ordinary

decree which the royal Council generally gives to the persons presented

by your Majesty, in order that the government might be given into

his charge until the bulls come from his Holiness. Inasmuch as this

cabildo is at present deprived of this jurisdiction--given to it by a

canonical law by special brief and indult of his Holiness, obtained

by your Majesty, ordering the senior bishop to govern, by virtue of

which the reverend father, Fray Pedro Arce, archbishop of Zubu, is

governing this church, a holy person and one of blameless life--this

cabildo answered that no one can give what he does not possess; that

the said bishop had the government; and that this cabildo had nothing

more to answer. However the said archbishop insisted upon it as he was

deceived by certain ill-informed lawyers. He even went to the royal

Audiencia, who delayed undeceiving him for many days and after many

meetings. All that was with the object of giving him to understand that

they were doing something for him. That had the end and object that

the auditors know; and it is not unknown that the archbishop wrote

in their favor to the royal Council. That was almost self-evident,

for the explicit manner in which Licentiate Don Francisco de Rojas y

Oñate, visitor of these islands, enlightened him was not sufficient,

when the visitor said that he had no right, and that neither the

cabildo nor the bishop could do anything else. The same thing was

declared by the religious, the lecturers, and professors, and the

other learned men who examined the matter thoroughly; and lastly by

that which was declared, after many meetings and delays, by the royal

assembly. Hence, Sire, the said archbishop has maintained hostility

and ill-will toward this cabildo, and cannot conceal it; but shows

it by words unworthy his dignity, and threats against the time when

the bulls come for him. We see well, Sire, that all the above has no

remedy now, and that your Majesty made him archbishop. We suffer for

God's sake, and He will give us patience. But for the future we humbly

petition your Majesty to consider and repair this so serious damage,

from which so many troubles result, by making choice of learned

and holy persons, of known virtue. There are many in these islands,

both seculars and religious, as we informed your Majesty on another

occasion. Friars should not be consulted who only go to that court

laden with money to demand bishoprics, since by the same case they

make themselves unworthy. Necessarily the injuries that ensue from

this are felt by the poor subordinates; and they even scandalize

the faithful Christians, when they see that the holy and virtuous

priests who are laboring throughout these islands are net rewarded,

because they do not go or send [to that court], [_In the margin_:

"When our bishops are sent, if there should be a number of governors,

have what information there is here brought, so that the senior bishop

of the islands may govern; and have this section also brought."]

Often, Sire, have we given thanks in this cabildo to God our Lord,

deliberating and considering how clearly the presence of the Holy

Ghost is seen in the decisions, ordinances, and enactments in the

royal decrees of your Majesty, looking toward the good government and

increase of the common welfare of these islands. For, if your Majesty

and every one of your counselors had lived in and seen this city and

these islands for many years, they could not have better understood the

matters treated and decided in the said royal decrees. Consequently,

one of your opportune and fortunate measures was the excellent choice

that your Majesty has made in sending Licentiate Don Francisco de Rojas

y Oñate as visitor; for, as long experience and the histories teach us,

and even in the present times we have seen the disputes, the confusion,

the unrest, and anxiety caused in a kingdom by any visitor; while in

this city we have seen quite the contrary with the said visitor. And

he has not been at all lacking in his duty, exercising rigor and

seventy with kindness. He has calmed troubles without drawing blood,

and has obtained the observance of your royal decrees so equitably that

those who were most opposed to him confessed that he was just. Lastly,

Sire, he is completing his visit this year, without having inflicted

extortion or wrong on a single person. He has attended to the service

of your Majesty with continual and incessant labor--which, although

he has not had at all good health, he has not spared by day or night,

on feast days, or in holiday seasons, times in which others rest. In

short, he has been a father to this republic, and a person worthy of

being occupied by your Majesty in things of greater importance in your

service; for God has given him talent for great things, a Christian

spirit, and the fear of God. That he showed because, as soon as he

entered this city, he went to confession and communed often. He chose

as confessor father Fray Domingo Gonçales, one of the most holy and

learned men of the Order of St. Dominic. So great and so illustrious

is his learning that often, when the orders have come together to

argue, they have confessed that, upon asking him his opinion in very

knotty questions, their problems have been solved by his tolerance,

forbearance, and patience; for he did not cause disputes and scandals

on many occasions that people inconsiderate and bold gave him, as

is seen by certain of the writings that he carries; Consequently, we

greatly desire and we earnestly petition His Divine Majesty that he,

may have health, and that He will bear him to your Majesty's feet,

so that he may inform you of what he has seen, accomplished, and

known. From his report we hope ior the relief of these islands in

every way, and increase to the service of God and your Majesty.

_Don Miguel Garcetas_

_Don Alonso García de Leon_

_Doctor Don Juan Reyes_

The treasurer, _Don Thomas Guimarano_

_Don Francisco de Valdes_

_Don Pedro de Quesada Hurtado de Mendoza_

The racionero, _Pablo Rodriguez_

The racionero, _Ruiz de Escalona_

_Diego Ramirez_

[_Endorsed_: "Manila. To his Majesty. The ecclesiastical cabildo. No

date. Examined July 30, and decreed within."]

DOCUMENTS OF 1633-1634

Papal bull concerning missions. Urban VIII; June 28, 1633.

News from the Far East, 1632. Fray Juan García, O.P.; 1633.

Letters to Felipe IV. Juan Cerezo de Salamanca; August 14,

1633.

Report of archbishop on the bakery of Manila. Hernando de

Guerrero; August 3, 1634.

News from Felipinas, Japon, and other parts. [Unsigned];

August 20, 1634.

Letters to Felipe IV. Juan Cerezo de Salamanca; August 10,

1634.

_Sources_: The first, third, fourth, and sixth of these documents

are obtained from MSS. in the Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla;

the second and fifth, from MSS. in the Academia Real de la Historia,

Madrid.

_Translations_: The first document is translated by

Rev. T. C. Middleton, O.S.A.; the third and sixth, by James

A. Robertson; the remainder, by Robert W. Haight.

PAPAL BULL CONCERNING MISSIONS

_Constitution of our most holy lord, by divine Providence pope,

Urban VIII, concerning the missions of religious to Japan and other

regions of the Eastern Indias. Rome: from the press of the reverend

Apostolic Chamber. MDCXX[X]III._

_Urban VIII_

To all the faithful of Christ who shall scan these present letters,

health and apostolic benediction. In fulfilment of our pastoral charge

in regard to the safety of souls and the spread of the Catholic faith,

while readily changing those things which have been wisely, ordained

by the Roman pontiffs our predecessors, wherever through the teachings

of experience change seems advisable, we have made some arrangements,

as the same have seemed expedient in the Lord, in regard to the spread

of the Catholic faith and the health of souls.

In sooth, by his letters in form similar to a brief given on the

twenty-eighth day of January, 1585, and the thirteenth year of his

pontificate, Pope Gregory XIII, our predecessor of happy memory,

led thereto through certain reasons known at the time, issued an

interdict and prohibition to all patriarchs and bishops, including

even the province of China and Japan, under pain of ecclesiastical

interdict and of suspension, from entering the church portals and

the exercise of pontifical power, to all others besides priests,

clerics, and ecclesiastical ministers, both secular and regular--of

whatsoever order, standing, degree, rank, and condition they might

be--under pain of major excommunication to be incurred _ipso facto_,

to this effect: that without his express license and that of the

apostolic see, no one should dare go to the aforesaid countries and

provinces of Japan to preach the gospel, teach Christian doctrine,

administer the sacraments, or discharge other ecclesiastical duties.

Subsequently, however, Pope Clement VIII, also our predecessor of

renowned memory, having learned that the countries and provinces of

China and Japan, as well as of other near-by and adjacent islands,

besides the neighboring kingdoms of Eastern India, were very extensive

and thickly inhabited; that, moreover, in order to bring so great

a multitude of souls to the Catholic faith and strengthen them with

spiritual nourishment, more workmen and ministers were needed than

could be levied from the religious of the Society of Jesus, therefore

to all and singular the masters or priors-general of the mendicant

orders for the time being did he make the following grant, to wit:

that whenever necessity required they might send--by way, however,

of Portugal only, and thence by sea to the Indias and the city of

Goa--to the local superiors of their orders resident in those lands,

whomsoever of their subjects they might deem fitting and serviceable

for the discharge of the said offices and ministries, provided the

same were of respectable character and learning. Again, that the

religious of the said orders to be thus sent to the said countries

of the Indias, as well as their fellow-members resident therein,

who had been chosen and approved for the discharge of this said

duty by their masters or priors-general, or other superiors, might

go to the said Japan as well as its near-by and adjacent islands,

and even to the said islands, countries, and provinces of China and

the neighbor-kingdoms and mainland [_terra firma_] of Eastern India.

Moreover, under pain of major excommunication (wherefrom, unless

at the point of death, absolution was not to be granted save by the

Roman pontiff himself); of forfeiture besides of active and passive

vote, and of all dignities, administrations, and offices whatsoever;

furthermore, of disqualification to hold and exercise the same in the

future--all moreover to be incurred _ipso facto_ by all religious, no

matter what privileges had been granted them by the said Clement and

other Roman pontiffs his predecessors, of no matter what tenor or form,

whether general or special, even though with permit attached to preach

the word of God throughout the whole world--no matter, either, whether

hereafter the same or like privileges should be granted, approved,

and renewed as long as therein special, specific, and express mention

of this prohibition and interdict should not be made with annulment of

the same--thereupon he interdicted and forbade them all and singular,

under no matter what pretext or color of design, to leave the islands

known as the Philippines or any other part of the Western Indias or

country held as part of the Western Indias and thence to pass to the

said Japanese Islands, provinces, and countries and other near-by,

adjacent, and neighboring lands. Furthermore he ordered that should

any one have gone to the said Japan or countries near by, or in the

future should go thither, no matter what his reasons, on being warned

he should immediately depart thence and return to the said Philippine

Islands or other countries of the Western Indias, under the same

penalties as above; and, moreover, under the same penalties as well

as others at the option of any ecclesiastical judge whomsoever he

might be constrained and compelled thereto.

While later Pope Paul V, also our predecessor of happy memory, having

learned by experience that the prohibition to go to the Indias and

the city of Goa otherwise than by way of Portugal was neither obeyed,

nor even advantageous for the spread of the Catholic faith: in order

therefore that, as he desired, he might make due provision whereby so

important a work of God might be carried on without hindrance, made

the following grant to all and singular the masters, ministers and

priors--general of the mendicant orders--or the heads of orders for

the time being, by whatever title they might be known--that whenever

necessity should require them to send to Japan and other near-by,

adjacent, and neighboring islands, provinces arid countries, to the

superiors of their orders resident therein, any religious of their

order of respectable character and learning, whomsoever they might deem

fit and serviceable for the discharge of the said duties and offices,

to this end they might freely and lawfully send them otherwise than

by way of Portugal--in all remaining matters, however, being bound in

all respects to observe the said letters of his predecessor Clement,

and the fuller instructions contained in those issued by the said

Gregory and Clement and his predecessor Paul V the tenor whereof in

these our presents we wish to be considered as expressed therein.

Since, however, the experience of many years has shown that the

ordinances contained in the foregoing letters were not of avail, and

that other provision was needed whereby the sacred holy gospel of the

Lord Christ might be the more easily preached and spread throughout

the said islands and kingdoms, therefore in the discharge of our

pastoral duty, following the norm of the said Paul our predecessor,

after mature counsel with our venerable brethren, cardinals of the holy

Roman church, who are in care of the spread of the faith throughout

the whole world, in virtue of these presents to all and singular

the masters, ministers, and priors-general of any religious order,

or institute, even of the Society of Jesus, or the heads of orders, by

whatsoever other title they may be known, hereby through our apostolic

authority, we do grant and convey the following powers, to wit: that

whenever it be deemed expedient, they may freely and lawfully send to

the said islands, provinces, countries, and kingdoms of Eastern India

by other way than by Portugal whatever members of their orders and

institutes they may deem suitable for the missions by reason of age,

character, morals, and learning--provided, however, that in all other

matters (and not otherwise) they follow the said instructions of our

predecessor Clement. Moreover, under penalty of excommunication _latae

sententiae,_ we forbid all ecclesiastics and religious, of whatsoever

order and institute, both of non-mendicants and mendicants, even those

of the Society of Jesus, as well as the seculars of religious, from

hindering the journey of the aforesaid religious to the above-named

islands, provinces, countries, and kingdoms.

At the same time we exhort most earnestly in the Lord the said

religious who are to be, or even have been, sent to the said places,

to observe uniformity in their instructions to the people, especially

those who have been recently converted to the Christian faith, in order

that such neophytes be not scandalized through conflicting teachings,

especially in matters relating to morals.

Wherefore since in matters of so great concern we hold that care

and watchfulness on the part of the aforesaid are of much avail,

hence we again and again urge them to restrict their teachings to

general principles.

Accordingly, to the end that this be the more easily carried out,

in their instructions to the peoples of the said places in Eastern

India, the said religious shall as far as possible use exclusively the

Roman Catechism, and the "Christian Doctrine" (both small and large) of

Robert Bellarmino, a cardinal of the holy Roman church of good renown,

translated and printed in the dialects of the aforesaid peoples.

But since, to the no little grief of our heart, we have learned

that in Japan now for many years is raging a most bitter persecution

against Christians, especially against religious, we therefore grant

and convey to all and singular the Christians now as well as in the

future resident in Japan, the power to receive freely and lawfully

the sacraments (such however as require episcopal ministry being

excepted) even those that appertain to parish priests, from any

priests, as the above, whose services they may secure--provided,

however, these have been, or shall be, sent thither by their generals.

Furthermore, since by the sacred canons, the decrees of councils and

apostolic constitutions, all religious and even other ecclesiastics,

especially such as are in holy orders, are forbidden strictly to

engage in worldly affairs and traffickings, as gravely harmful,

undignified, and unbecoming to persons consecrated to divine service,

especially such as are vowed to the preaching of the sacred holy

gospels of the Lord Christ, therefore following the norm of the said

sacred canons, decrees, and apostolic constitutions, by our apostolic

authority, in virtue of these presents, we interdict and forbid all

and singular the religious in the afore-named places, or who shall go

thither--no matter of what order and institute, whether non-mendicant

or mendicant, even of the Society of Jesus--to devote themselves to,

or engage in, any business or trafficking, no matter in what way,

whether personally or through others, in their own name or that

of their community, be the same directly or indirectly, no matter

under what pretense or color of design; and this under penalty of

excommunication _latae sententiae_ to be incurred _ipso facto_, of

deprival moreover of active and passive vote, and of all offices,

degrees, and dignities whatsoever, of disqualification besides to

hold the same, as well as of forfeiture of all merchandise and the

gains accruing therefrom--the same to be set apart by the superiors

of the orders whereof the delinquents were members, for the service

of the missions in the said Indias in charge of the said orders,

now and hereafter, nor to be used for any other purpose whatsoever.

Moreover, under the same penalties we charge the same superiors,

while keeping watch strictly in this regard, to proceed against

delinquents with the said penalties, nor relieve them from the duty

of forfeiture of the said merchandise, or the repayment of gains,

no matter how small the amount involved. However should disputes

(which God forfend) spring up among the religious of the said orders,

let them be settled and ended by the bishops of the said places for

the time being, in their capacity of delegates of the apostolic see.

But should matters of graver moment be brought to their notice,

let the said bishops without delay refer them to us and the Roman

pontiffs our successors, to the end that, whatever the ruling and

decree, this may be provided for after mature deliberation. Such is

our wish and command.

Moreover, while commanding that without fail these present letters be

observed by all and singular to whom for the time being they appertain,

we withdraw from all and singular the judges--no matter of what rank,

whether ordinary or delegate, even though the same be auditors of

cases appertaining to the apostolic palace--the power and authority

to rule and interpret otherwise, any decisions to the contrary

heretofore given, whether knowingly or through mistake, no matter by

what authority, to be held as null and void. Therefore we command

all and singular the patriarchs, archbishops, bishops, and other

prelates of churches and palaces, even those of religious, throughout

the whole world, without fail to have these present letters observed

in their provinces, cities, dioceses, chapters, and jurisdictions,

besides whenever requested by the religious of the said orders to have

and see that the same be published solemnly, [99] notwithstanding to

the contrary any interdict, prohibitions, letters, or other premises

of our said predecessors, nor any apostolic or synodal decree, be

the same issued in provincial or general council, no matter whether

embodied in special or general constitutions and ordinances (even

in those granted to the Society of Jesus and the other said orders,

provinces and regions); no matter whether confirmed by apostolic pledge

or otherwise by statute, custom, privilege, or apostolic indult and

letters, even those granted by the pontiffs in the fulness of their

power, be the same general or special--all which, in so far as they

conflict with these our present letters, prohibition, and interdict,

wherefore they are to be considered as having been duly expressed and

inserted therein, we hereby desire and command shall be invoked in

favor of no one, no matter of what order, even though of the Society of

Jesus, but be held as null and void. And since it would be difficult

to have these present letters exhibited and published in all places,

we desire that to all copies of them (even in print), whenever the

same be certified to by any public notary, or the secretary of any of

the said orders, and attested with his seal by any church dignitary,

or the generals of the aforesaid orders, the same respect be accorded

in court, or outside, as would be given to these presents were they

themselves to be exhibited or shown. Given at Rome at St. Peter's,

under the seal of the Fisherman, the twenty-second day of February,

1632, and the tenth year of our pontificate.

_M. A. Maraldi_

We, Cæsar Montius, by the grace of God and the apostolic see patriarch

of Antioch, nuncio of our most holy lord Urban VIII, by divine

Providence pope, with power of legate _a latere_ of the same see in

the kingdoms of the Spains, and collector-general for the apostolic

chamber, to all and singular who shall view and see as well as hear

these present letters, hereby do attest and in the word of truth do

vouch that this present copy of the same agrees with the original in

every respect. Wherefore we command that to it full regard be shown. In

testimony whereof we have sealed these presents, signed by our own

hand, and have ordered the same to be issued by our secretary. Maduti,

of the diocese of Ysleta, the twenty-eighth day of June, 1633.

By order of the same most illustrious lord:

_D. Francisco Gutierrez Corrilla_, secretary.

NEWS FROM THE FAR EAST, 1632

_Information which has been sent from the city of Manila of the present

condition of the Catholic religion in Philipinas, Japon, and Great

China; sent by father Fray Juan Garcia, [100] professed religious

of the Order of St. Dominic, to the royal convent of San Pablo at

Sevilla. Account of how the king our lord has taken an island in

Great China, called La Hermosa, with a great fortress which is there_.

During the former year of 631, twenty-eight professed religious of the

Order of St. Dominic, from different convents in Spaña, who voluntarily

offered themselves for the service of God our Lord, the holy apostolic

Roman see, and their order, left the port of San Lucar de Barameda,

having embarked to cross over to the province of Nueva España in the

Yndias, thence to the Philipinas Islands, Japon, and the kingdom of

Great China, in order to preach the faith of Jesus Christ in those

said kingdoms to the barbarous and idolatrous heathen there. After a

prosperous voyage of eleven months they arrived at the city of Manila,

where they were well received by the other religious who reside in

those islands. However there died during the said voyage father Fray

Juan Quixada, a native of Xerez, and a son of that convent; father Fray

Vicente Ripol, a native of Zaragoça, and a son of the same convent;

father Fray Francisco Castañeda and brother Fray Jacinto Robles, both

sons of Salamanca; brother Fray Vicenta Ybañes, a son of the convent

of Valencia; and brother Fray Jayme Escuder, native of Mallorca. The

rest arrived safe and sound, full of joy at finding themselves where

they desired to be busied in the preaching of the holy gospel.

The news from Japon has it that the emperor of that country is holding

a large number of Dutch in prison, on account of difficulties which

they have had with the Japanese, and even worse [were their dealings]

with our people; for through friendship for the Dutch has arisen

the great persecution and martyrdom of so many religious, of so many

different orders, who have suffered martyrdom in those regions. Having

ingratiated themselves with the emperor until they stood well with him,

in order that there might be no increase in the faith of Jesus Christ

they counseled him that it was altogether inexpedient to consent that

any friar of any order should enter his kingdom, for that they were

a vile people, driven out of España, to preach the faith of a God

whom they adored, who had died crucified upon a cross; and that with

that humble garb they were doing great harm, converting the people to

their faith and straightway delivering over the country to the king

of España, as they had done in other parts of the Yndias. But as God

our Lord is ever mindful of his own, His Divine Majesty has permitted

that these works of cunning and these heretical counsels, unfriendly

to our holy Catholic faith, should have no success, and so at present

they have not. For the emperor has commanded that in no way shall any

Japanese be martyred for turning Christian; but that they should be

exiled from the realms of Japon, and landed in a Christian country,

so that, since they had accepted that faith, they might there be

supported and given the necessaries of life. The reason which moved

the emperor to order that they be not martyred is because he fears

that through the martyrdom many heathen Japanese would be converted,

if they were to see those who are martyred dying unwavering in their

Christian faith. Accordingly, in the month of May in the past year of

one thousand six hundred and thirty-two there arrived in this city of

Manila a Japanese ship with more than a hundred Japanese, with their

wives and children. They were exiled Christians who had been told in

their own country that if they abandoned the faith not only would they

not be exiled from their fatherland, but that they would be cared for

at the expense of the emperor. They chose to set out as exiles, fathers

parting from their sons, wives from their husbands, and children

from their parents, to preserve the faith of Jesus Christ, trusting

solely to the providence of God. They arrived at this city of Manila,

having suffered ill-treatment and disease. As soon as they had landed

and been received by the Christians of this city, they all began--men,

women, and children--to sing _Laudate Dominum omnes gentes_, and other

psalms, so that it would have moved stones to pity. They were taken

immediately to a church, at their own request, in procession. And no

sooner did they find themselves in the temple of the Lord for whom

they had suffered so much, than they all commenced to sing aloud

_Nunc dimittis_, from beginning to end, so that the Christians of the

primitive church could have done no more. They were then taken to a

hospital, where they are being cared for at present with liberal good

cheer, for on every hand they are supplied with plentiful alms. The

heathen Japanese went back astonished at this charitable reception

which they received; and therefore they now make martyrs no more,

because they realize that this affects the people, and that more

are converted in the public martyrdoms which they were inflicting

in order to strike the others with fear. What they now do with the

ministers of the gospel whom they can capture is as follows--as has

been done lately with six religious whom they hold prisoners among

them, two of these belonging to our order of St. Dominic: Within the

prison they strip the fathers, and throw boiling hot water on them

over their whole bodies, until they are horribly burned and wounded,

and their skin is quite flayed off. Then they are cared for; and when

they are recovering they are again stripped, and the same thing done,

and so they have been kept for a year.

Concerning missions in the kingdom of Camboxa, we learn that four years

ago, when the king sent to ask for religious in order to make himself

and his kingdom Christian, six belonging to our Dominican order only,

went there, and carried to him a handsome present on behalf of the

governor of Manila. The king received them with much kindness at

first. Afterwards, when they instructed him in our faith and told

him he must give up his idolatries to receive it, he began to hate

them--until, after two years, he ordered them to return; and so that

kingdom is without a Christian, as it was impossible to persuade a

single person; for they are wild barbarians, who, like the negroes,

go about attired in skins.

As for Great China, it is the chief object of our desire; for the

people are intelligent, and the country great and populous. The King

of España has taken an island which lies eighteen leguas from Great

China, and is called Hermosa Island--a thing which was considered

impossible, for it seemed that all the power in the world would

not be enough to conquer it. In this island there is a great fort

and a city, where many Spaniards are in garrison; and six of our

religious, with none of any other order. A ship-load of provisions,

and one company of soldiers, are sent to them every year from this

city of Manila. Five of our friars went this year. In that island

they are engaged in conquering it with soldiers, although most of

it has made peace. Our friars are converting some whose conversion,

through the goodness of God, is very effective. From this island two

of our religious went to Great China; and eight days ago we received

a letter from one of them which reads as follows:

"Your reverences may give thanks to our Lord, for the Order of

St. Dominic is already within Great China. They killed my companion

immediately after we landed. I am considering how the conversion of

this land can be best accomplished, etc. In this city there are about

six hundred Christians, natives of Great China, among eleven thousand

heathen, largely merchants who come to trade. It should be a matter

commended to God to be pleased to open the eyes of this people to a

knowledge of Him, as there are so many souls there to be damned--for

(so they say) there are more people in Great China than in half of

all the rest of the world. It has been revealed to a holy nun, and to

one of our friars of rare virtue, that those who are now living will

see the conversion of this people. I can assure you that the labor is

great, and the workers few; for there are missions in these islands

where, on account of the lack of religious, we can have no more than

one; and he has more than two thousand souls in his charge, and four

villages where he says mass every feast-day, with the permission of the

superior, though one village is two leguas or more from another. It

is a matter for wonder that even one religious is left, after all

this labor and service in so hot and enervating a country."

The original of this letter was addressed to the father master Fray

Alonso Tamariz, formerly prior of this convent of Sevilla.

This information has been sent to the most reverend father-general

of the Order of St. Dominic, that his most reverend Paternity may

prepare those under his command to continue this great enterprise,

and go to those regions, whence so great results are hoped and desired

for the increase and propagation of the holy Catholic faith.

With the permission of the lord provisor and of the alcalde Don Pedro

Pantoja de Ayala. In Sevilla: sold by Juan Gomez de Blas, close to

the Correo Mayor, this year of 1633.

LETTERS FROM JUAN CEREZO DE SALAMANCA TO FELIPE IV

_Military affairs_

Sire:

By two letters of the same date as this, I have informed your Majesty

of my arrival in these islands, in accordance with the orders to

the incumbents of vacancies in these governments. Referring to them,

I intend in this letter to give brief information of what concerns

military matters.

The conservation and increase of the islands depends on the trade with

China and Japon, providing that the other provinces shall steadily

maintain a suitable population. This will be secured by maintaining

the reputation of your Majesty's arms and true military discipline;

and by taking heed to preserve what your Majesty holds today, without

attempting new enterprises. For the one your Majesty has sufficient

force, but for the other there would be needed other and fresh forces.

The army of these islands is composed of nineteen companies. Six of

them are in garrison in this city, and one in the fort of Cavite; six

others in Terrenate; three in the island of Hermosa; one in the island

of Oton; another in that of Cibú; and another in that of Caraga. These

companies will be frequently changed, so that they may all share

alike in the work and the leisure, and so that all may become soldiers.

The castle of Manila has its usual garrison, and is in a state of

defense. The forts of Cavite guard the port where the ships are

anchored; while under its artillery the building and repair of the

ships is carried on. That fort always has one company of the army. The

fort of Zibu is important because of its distance, and because it

has a port in which the reënforcements for Terrenate are made ready;

while it confronts the insurgent Indians of Mindanao and Xolo. For that

reason its garrison has one company of volunteers [_sobresaliente_],

and one of the army. The other two forts of Oton and Caraga are kept

up for the same purpose. As I have but recently arrived, I do not

make so full a relation of them as I shall give next year.

In regard to the island of Hermosa, I shall not inform your Majesty,

until I have sufficient knowledge to do so, of what I think; for I

see that the expenses incurred by your Majesty are heavy, while the

island is of no use. On the other hand, trustworthy persons give

confident expectations of its population, growth, and utility.

The reënforcements for Terrenate are what cause most solicitude; they

are made at great risk, and at a heavy cost to your Majesty. That of

last year reached the fort with reputation, because it was carried

by a powerful ship which could withstand the Dutch, defensively

and offensively. The governor [of Terrenate], Pedro de Heredia,

has advised us that it will be expedient for your Majesty's service

that the first reënforcement be sent in such manner that it may

not be endangered, inasmuch as the enemy is making preparations to

await it with greater forces. Consequently, I am trying to have it

conveyed by two war galleons, and to have them leave at the time

considered advisable by men of experience. From now on, all the

reënforcements will carry two entire infantry companies, so that two

others may return in their place. In this way that garrison will be

changed every three years, and all the companies of the army will

share the work equally. It is advisable for your Majesty to order

the governors to do this, absolutely; for in this there has been

lack of system. Your Majesty should not allow portions of companies

to be sent; but whole companies should go, so that the unprotected

should not be wronged, or the privileged favored. [_In the margin_:

"Let this be marked, and also let advice of this clause be given

to the new governor. [101] Portions of companies shall not be sent

to Terrenate, but whole companies shall go there, as is here said,

so that those companies which are changed may return entire."]

Pedro de Heredia, who has been many years governor of Terrenate,

is a good soldier; but he is old and rich, and it is advisable for

your Majesty to send a successor to him. He should be one who will

be content with the honor and dignity of the post of governor.

Your Majesty has sustained here a number of galleys at a great

expense. They have been of very little or of no service. Some of

them have fallen to pieces with the lapse of time; and others have

been wrecked, not so much on account of disasters, as for the lack

of experienced officers for that navigation, as it is very different

from that of galleons. In this port there is now but one old galley;

and as I have taken a trip in it, I can assure your Majesty that it

serves for nothing else than vanity. To keep it up costs considerable,

and therefore, and because this treasury is so deeply in debt, I have

determined to prevent so excessive a cost to your Majesty. I shall

only keep up the galley of Terrenate, which is necessary and cannot be

spared; for your Majesty's revenues do not allow superfluities. And,

so long as your Majesty does not resolve upon another course, I shall

not venture upon more at present than to repair this galley, which is

old and unmanageable, in order that there may be something in which

to occupy the crew (who lie idle the whole year), until a new order

comes from your Majesty. [_In the margin_: "Have the new governor

notified, in accordance with what the last one has written, in how bad

a condition is the galley of which mention is made, the great expense

that would be required to repair it, of how little use it is; that it

can be dispensed with; and that, if there are no other reasons that

prevent, or any inconveniences, he shall do so, and, after doing it,

he shall give information of what has occurred, and of his opinion."]

Your Majesty has a captain-general of artillery here, which is a

superfluous post, not only on account of the little that there is for

him to do, but because there will never be a land campaign; and on

all occasions the governor attends to this, as to other things. It

is also proper to adjust the jurisdictions of all [the officers],

for they are all at variance, as some are trying to meddle in the

affairs of others. That results in confusion and disorder; for the

master-of-camp, in accordance with his title, claims that he can try

causes in the first instance of all the men who are paid, both in

and out of the army. The governor of the artillery, the castellans,

the military captains, the substitutes [_entretenidos_], and others

who are not soldiers of the army claim that they are exempt from

such jurisdiction. I have thought it best to inform your Majesty,

so that you may please order the measures taken that are most to your

pleasure. [_In the margin_: "When that post falls vacant, have this

section brought."]

It is not advisable that it be known here that the governors

should give so particular an account as I am giving, and as I shall

always give, in accordance with the dictates of my conscience; for

others, fearful of it, will not neglect to advise of many things of

importance. Will your Majesty provide throughout, what is most to your

pleasure. May God preserve your Majesty, etc. Manila, August 14, 1633.

_Don Juan Cerezo Salamanca_

_Government matters_

Sire:

I have informed your Majesty from Mexico that, in accordance with the

regulations in regard to the vacancies in this government of Filipinas,

the viceroy of Nueva España entrusted me _ad interim_ with it because

of the death of Don Juan Niño de Tavora, the regularly-appointed

incumbent. I left Acapulco April 5, and entered these islands with the

flagship and almiranta July 8, after a prosperous voyage, although

the great calms of this year have obliged the ships to make port in

the island of Mindoro, at a distance of twenty-five leguas from this

city, where they are awaiting suitable weather to enable them to get

to this city of Cavite. Accordingly, I came in an oared vessel to

take possession of this government, on the second of the present month.

I am obliged to inform your Majesty of the judicial, treasury,

military, and government matters, and as a new arrival I shall be able

to do it quite free from interest and passion, and with the sole desire

of fulfilling my duty as a vassal. I shall endeavor with all truth to

give a succinct relation of all that I have found, so that, after your

Majesty has read them, you may have the most advisable measures taken.

This government and the preservation of its provinces consists in

that the commerce of Great China and Japon be current, and especially

that of Japon. In truth this is more considerable, both as it is a

powerful neighbor, and because they are wont to bring from that kingdom

many products which are needed [here]--namely, iron, copper, lead,

saltpeter, flour, salt pork, vegetables, drugs, and silver--and which

it costs your Majesty considerable to have to supply from Nueva España.

Our relations with Japon are broken up, because the Dutch with their

accustomed scheming--that king having been irritated on account of

the religious who have preached the holy gospel from these provinces,

and fearful of new conquest--have converted into hate the old-time

friendship. The Japanese employ extraordinary harshness toward the

Catholics; and although your Majesty has ordered my predecessors

in so prudent and Christian a manner, by your royal decrees, not

to allow the religious to go to Japon until the times change, they

have been unable to prevent it; for the religious have imprudently

embarked in secret, thereby causing more trouble than good. They

have thus left a deficiency in the missions of these provinces,

where they have sufficient in which to busy themselves, since whole

nations are heathens. The measure that I believe to be practical is

for your Majesty to command the provincials of the orders not to allow

any religious to go to Japon for the present; for they only serve to

irritate one who, if placated, will some day, when undeceived in regard

to the Dutch malice, grant the liberty which he now denies. Now and

henceforth I shall endeavor to give Japon to understand your Majesty's

desire of good friendship and relationship. In accordance with this

I shall attempt the same with the provincials, and have them concern

themselves in converting the Japanese and Sangleys who live among us,

until your Majesty be pleased to order otherwise, [_In the margin_:

"This was provided for by writing to the governor to pay attention

to this matter, and to arrange matters as may be most advisable."]

The trade with Great China has also declined, because the Portuguese of

Macan have become masters of it, as they are so near. Being admitted

here, contrary to all good government, they come here to retail the

products which the said Sangleys formerly brought directly, whereby

these provinces are suffering a great scarcity. All of that results to

our damage and to the advantage of China, because of the great advance

in price over the [former] cheapness of their goods--[an excess]

which, moreover, they carry to their own land. The relief that I

believe can be had, although at its beginning some privation may be

felt, is for your Majesty to prohibit the trade of Macan with Manila,

and decree that no Portuguese be admitted in this government. Besides

the attainment of the aforesaid object, your Majesty's duties will

increase--which is a matter worth consideration; for until now all

has been expense. [_In the margin_: "Collect the papers that we have

upon this matter and those written upon it, and bring them here."]

I have found these islands in need of men, whose numbers are decreasing

because of the poor climate. The need of them requires that your

Majesty provide a remedy; for the reënforcements from Nueva España

are costly. Although the governors have exceeded their authority by

giving licenses [to leave the country], I can not avoid representing

to your Majesty that the inhabitants of Manila are worthy of the

favors that your Majesty may be pleased to show them, provided it

does not result in disservice to your Majesty--as I warn you by a

separate letter touching revenue matters, in order that I may not

confuse those matters in this letter; and in another letter touching

military matters, I advise your Majesty of certain points, which also

depend on the same thing. [_In the margin_: "Write to the governor

to avoid giving licenses; and to the viceroy [of Nueva España] that

he send some men there, as is ordered."]

The governors whom your Majesty shall provide for these islands

should be as experienced in nautical matters as in those of the land;

and should at the same time understand judicial and legislative

matters. [_In the margin_: "Seen."]

Licentiate Don Francisco de Rojas finished his visit, and has proceeded

in it as an honest and good minister. He has done considerable in

so brief a term, when one considers his poor health. He goes well

informed on the affairs of these regions, in order to inform your

Majesty of what he has seen. Although he has borne himself with

discretion, he leaves these provinces afflicted, because he has

taken away encomiendas from very poor persons who have served well,

and who by virtue of these grants have become citizens. They have

been condemned because they did not secure the confirmation of your

Majesty within the time set. Their excuse is, not only that it is not

more than two years since your Majesty's decree requiring that the

confirmation be given was proclaimed, but that, besides their living

in the most remote provinces in the world, the advice-ships from Nueva

España were wrecked this year. The ships sailing hence have put back to

port, and their despatches have not arrived; and as they are soldiers,

with careless agents who employ but little effort in soliciting their

causes, will your Majesty be pleased to show them the favor that is

agreeable to you. [_In the margin_: "It was provided."]

Two auditors have remained in this royal Audiencia, because the visitor

suspended the other two. There is a lack of officials, for I also

found that the fiscal, Don Juan de Quesada, was dead. The government

appointed in his place, before my arrival, Don Juan Fernandez de

Ledo, until your Majesty order otherwise. I am informed that he is

a capable person, and that he is very learned and of praiseworthy

morals. Will your Majesty be pleased to show him the favor that you

may deem advisable. [_In the margin_: "It was provided."]

Because of my having taken possession of this government so late,

although your Majesty had ordered that the ships that sail annually to

Nueva España should depart on the first of June I have found, on the

second of August, their despatch so delayed that it has been impossible

to make it before now, although I have not endeavored to accomplish any

other thing since my arrival. I desire to have your Majesty informed

that this despatch is not chargeable to me. [_In the margin_: "Seen."]

May God preserve your Majesty, etc. Manila, August 14, 1633.

_Don Juan Cerezo Salamanca_

_Revenue matters_

Sire:

Although I informed your Majesty in two other letters, of equal date

with this, of my arrival in these islands, and that this temporary

government is in my hands, I intend to tell briefly in this letter

only the matters that I observe concerning the revenues.

I have found your Majesty's revenues very inadequate, and that the

royal treasury owes eighty-eight thousand eight hundred pesos to the

inhabitants of Manila, which have been borrowed in reals; and it is

necessary to pay them from the aid that I bring.

I have found no lumber in the shipyards for the repair of the ships,

and for the other needs that are wont to arise. There is a lack of

rigging, of food, and of all the supplies necessary. I advise your

Majesty of it, in case my ability should not be sufficient to supply

so great needs as there have been; although my principal endeavor

shall be to strive, in these beginnings, that all shall be restored

to its former condition. [_In the margin_: "Examined January 25,

34. Write to the new governor that we have heard of the lack of

wood and of the other things that are [_word illegible in MS._;

necessary?] in the magazines, so that everything may be provided as

is expected from his care and zeal."]

I am obliged in conscience to inform your Majesty (in case my own

efforts should prove insufficient) of all that I shall esteem worthy

of correction in your royal service; and of what I saw in the port

of Acapulco, where I embarked, and in the ships up to the present. In

order to be able to do so, it is necessary for me to repeat in brief

the favors and privileges which your Majesty has conceded to these

inhabitants of Manila, in order to show them favor, with the desire

that they increase in numbers, and so that they alone may enjoy the

fruits of the trade and traffic of these provinces, entirely excluding

from it the inhabitants of Nueva España. Surely this is an important

matter, but the custom and malice of men has had so much influence

that experience shows us that neither that which your Majesty orders

is sufficient, nor do the citizens of Manila realize the value of the

favors which they receive. The worst of all is that, to judge from

the condition of affairs, there is no one from whom to obtain the

fitting remedy. The principal abuse is that, although your Majesty

ordered that no money pass from Nueva España here, and although you

granted permission to these inhabitants to receive only five hundred

thousand ducados, a way has been found whereby they secretly send

annually as much as they wish--and that without the said prohibition

being any hindrance to any person of Nueva España, or those of any

other region. The governors my predecessors have had knowledge of this

abuse, but they have not dared to remedy it because of the annoyances

that arise in so well-established a practice, and one in which nearly

all the vassals of your Majesty are included. For this same reason,

and because I have so recently arrived, I have considered it fitting to

inform your Majesty, so that, in so grave a matter, you may determine

what will be most fitting to your royal service. [_In the margin_:

"Send this letter to Don Juan de Palafox, so that he may be informed

of it." "Seen by the [_word illegible in MS._] J. Palafox."]

It is my opinion that since it has been impossible to check the

practice of sending every year money for these parts from Nueva España

(and I suspect that two millions are sent, and that the dearness

occasioned by this abundance of silver results only to the benefit

of Great China, where the money stops without your Majesty having

collected your duties), it will be considered as an aid to the great

expenses of the galleons of this line that your Majesty allow the money

that shall have to pass to be openly registered in Acapulco, at the

rate of five per cent. By so doing your Majesty will enjoy what has

hitherto been usurped by the officers (both the higher and the lower)

of the said ships; and at a reasonable price, and with permission,

no one would conceal the money that he was sending. And now since no

other remedy is found, it will be right for your Majesty to do this,

so that you may not lose your duties. In regard to the difficulties

on account of which they might at Acapulco refuse to accept this tax,

which will reach so great an amount of income, I answer that the trade

of these islands is not injured nor will the exchanges of the money

that comes annually from Nueva España increase. Only that which has

hitherto been done surreptitiously will be done openly in the future,

to the benefit of the royal treasury. The higher and lower officers

of the galleons will content themselves with the emoluments of their

offices, which are those that they are enjoying for this. Will your

Majesty have this matter considered very closely; for here, to one

who has the matter before him, it is a clear case.

In the port of Acapulco, your Majesty has three royal officials, who

are present from the time of the arrival of these ships until they

have once more set sail. In the despatching of the vessels they look

as much to their own comforts as to the service of your Majesty. They

make friends among the registrars, and shut their eyes to the money

that is wont to be sent on commission. The governors are powerless to

remedy this from here. I think that your Majesty can dispense with

all these three positions; and that, besides saving their salaries,

your Majesty will be much better served if, at the arrival of the

ships, your Majesty order that the castellan and the alcalde-mayor

of Acapulco do not permit them to discharge their cargoes, and that

an accountant-in-chief of the bureau of accounts be always sent from

Mexico on the first of December to attend to the unlading; and that he

be accompanied by the alcalde-mayor of Acapulco, or by the castellan

of that fort.

In the letters that I write pertaining to government and military

affairs, I touch on some points which also touch this matter of the

revenue; and I do not repeat them, in order not to become prolix. I

only go back in this to represent the difficulties occasioned here by

its being known that the governors give account of everything--as I am

giving it and shall continue to give it as my conscience dictates to

me; for others will not neglect to advise you of many things pertaining

to your royal service. Will your Majesty provide in this what will be

most suitable. May God preserve your Majesty. Manila, August 14, 1633.

_Don Juan Cerezo Salamanca_

REPORT OF ARCHBISHOP ON THE BAKERY OF MANILA

Sire:

On behalf of this city a royal decree has been presented to me in

which your Majesty commands me to inform you in regard to the favor

which Governor Don Fernando de Silva extended to the said city

and to Captain Andres Fernandez de Puebla, giving them the income

from the bakery of this city, which was established on the site and

lot belonging to the said Andres Fernandez de Puebla, he enjoying

half the rent and the said city the other half. The said Andres

Fernandez de Puebla is an old citizen, who has served your Majesty

with approval. Complying with the said instruction, and in order to

investigate the matter with fairness and accuracy, as it should be,

I personally went to the said bakery and inspected it. I found it

walled entirely about with cut stone, and with doors and stout locks,

so that when it is locked up at night no one can go in or come out. The

site is ramparted and habitable where the ovens stand. Although there

are some filling timbers lacking in the middle, it is nothing of

importance, and may be easily repaired. I found in the said bakery

a Spanish overseer, who serves as a faithful manager and who lives

there continually, as I have been informed. He does not allow the

Chinese bakers to adulterate the flour, and is always present to see

that they make clean bread. It seems to me that it is very useful

and advantageous for this city that all the ovens be placed together

in the said bakery, and in no other place. It is fitting that your

Majesty should order this; for there are very great difficulties in

the maintenance of ovens in private houses, as they are haunts where

are committed thefts and offenses against God, which are commonly

known. This is my opinion and is based on my forty years' experience

since I have been in these islands. May God protect the Catholic and

royal person of your Majesty, according to the needs of Christianity.

Dated at Manila, on the third of August, 1634.

_Fray Hernando_, archbishop of Manila.

NEWS FROM FELIPINAS, JAPON, AND OTHER PARTS

By the last express the following news arrived in a letter which came

from Manila, dated August 20, 634: "Father Manuel Cuello writes that

he is in Camboja in disguise, in order to pass on to Japon, where the

persecution is so bloody that it is publicly cried that five hundred

pesos will be given to any person who makes known the whereabouts of

any priest. In this way during four months sixteen of our fathers

have been arrested, besides the brothers and dogicos who are being

seized every day. While they were awaiting death, it happened that the

emperor was bedridden, suffering with the leprosy for a long time;

and he could find no remedy in his medicines, nor in the sacrifices

to his idols. He heard many loud cries and wails in the garden,

and commanded his people to learn what it was. When they came back,

they said that the sounds proceeded from a large bamboo, a plant which

is very plentiful in that country. They opened it and found within a

cross, red as if dipped in blood, which caused them great wonder. They

took it to the emperor, who was much more astounded because the day

before he had seen a very brilliant cross in the air, although he had

told no one of it; but, when this portent was found in his garden, he

had his soothsayers called in to tell him what it meant. Some of them

said one thing and some another; but the chief of them said that these

crosses were from the fathers who, although blameless, had been put to

death for teaching the veneration of the cross. This explanation was

confirmed by a bonze, one of his favorites, who added that he believed

that the leprosy which he suffered was owing to his having slain so

many innocent people. When the emperor asked him [what he meant], he

added: 'The fathers and Christians whom your Majesty ordered to be

killed at Nangasaqui. I believe that your Majesty has already seen

that with all our efforts we cannot cure you; and you should call

upon the bonzes of Nanbamcas (as they call our fathers) and perhaps

they may be able to grant and perform this miracle, as they do others.'

"It is a great deal that soothsayers and bonzes, who are so much

opposed to us, should speak so in our favor; but the Lord can do

much greater things, and as it seems that the portent is His work,

[_words illegible_] the interpretation. The result was that the emperor

immediately sent messengers to Nangasaqui and other places to bring

to him the fathers who were in prison. They brought from Nangasaqui

father Fray Luis, of the Franciscan order; and the father-provincial

Christobal Ferreira, and Father Sevastian de Viera, of the Society--the

latter having been for a long time a laborer in that church whence

he was sent to Rome as procurator. When our father invited him to

remain here, as he was so old and had labored so long, he preferred

to end his life with the children whom he had begotten in Christ,

since they were engaged in such wars, rather than enjoy the peace of

Europa. Two years ago he arrived at Manila from Rome; and a little

more than a half a year ago he left Manila for Japon, in the garb

of a Sangley. But as he was so well known, as soon as he secured an

entrance to that country, and the search for the Christians began,

more than a thousand agents were sent over the whole kingdom in search

of him, so great a desire had they to get hold of him. As they were

so numerous, and the reward great, he was unable to escape. He finally

was made a prisoner with the other Christians at Nangasaqui, who were

awaiting death (it was this that made him go back to Japon); and,

although they believed it to be certain when the order came to convey

them to court, all were greatly encouraged to suffer it. But, in place

of that, the ambassador of Macao who is at that court writes that the

kindly treatment which the emperor extended to them was remarkable. He

ordered them to be taken from the prisons and spoke to them with much

gentleness. He told the fathers that if their faith was such truth as

they said, they should obtain from their God the cure of his leprosy,

so that he might recognize its truth; and see that he had done wrong

in taking the lives of those who followed it. The fathers offered to

ask this from our Lord, if his Majesty wished, for the cause was His;

and He heard their petitions and our desires. This emperor may be the

Constantine of that church, in whom the blood that he shed of so many

noble laborers wrought the health which was restored to him; and this

made him unwilling to shed the blood of the humble innocents. We hope

that this omen has assuaged the persecution, and his health goes far

to confirm this. We have the same hope for China, where our Lord has

made us so acceptable to the emperor that he has given us one of the

study-halls at his court at Paquin. Our fathers are giving lectures

to large audiences, and are highly esteemed by all the court, whence

springs our hope of founding many colleges in that kingdom. [102]

May it please his Majesty to further this."

LETTERS FROM JUAN CEREZO DE SALAMANCA TO FELIPE IV

_Revenue affairs_

Sire:

I informed your Majesty by way of Yndia, on the twenty-second of

October of last year, of the treasury matters, and of the resistance

which these royal officials were making about accepting the new

ordinances that were left them by the visitor, Don Francisco de Roxas,

by having appealed from them, and having represented in the royal

Council of the Yndias the impossibility of being able to comply

with these in the service of your Majesty. Notwithstanding their

allegations, and the resignation of their offices which they made in

writing, I continued, by what methods I could avail myself of, to urge

them to accept the said ordinances of the visitor. As they persevered

in their disobedience, I arrested all three royal officials, and kept

them together in the treasury, so that the despatch [of business]

might not cease; thereupon they obeyed, and from that time on we have

been following the new ordinances. Although I blamed the too great

resistance which they made, ever since I have excused them somewhat,

through having experienced the great inconvenience and embarrassments

which some of the ordinances contained; and I confess how prudent

they were in the exercise of their authority before they experienced

the present damage. Matters are in such condition that while I am

trying to adjust myself to the new ordinances and not to depart one

jot from them, I find myself more embarrassed, and the despatches that

demand the greatest haste delayed--as happened to me in the stress of

sending the reënforcements in a fleet which I sent to Terrenate this

year, in which consisted the security of those forts, which were in

danger. It was necessary for me to facilitate it by making use of the

precedents of other times. Now, in order to fulfil my obligation, I

assure you that what most is needed in Philipinas is the facilitation

of the course of business, and the choice of [government] ministers

who are entirely trustworthy; for in so remote provinces where all

is invasion from the enemy, it will be most difficult to succeed in

performing your Majesty's service, if the jurisdiction and authority

are so limited. In order to be able to await what your Majesty may be

pleased [to order], I have adopted, in certain doubts, the expedient

which has seemed most advisable, after holding meetings and consulting

with persons in whom I have confidence.

One of these new ordinances directs that the governor shall deliver,

whether in large or small quantity, all the goods and wares of

these magazines which are used for various purposes. Those which

are in danger of spoiling shall be distributed by his order; and

what shall not be thus disposed of shall not be passed over, at the

time, to the royal officials. That ordinance is impractical, for,

besides the continual occupations of the governor in affairs of greater

importance and his inability to personally supervise things so minute,

your Majesty had issued the necessary ordinance before the visit, and

I have followed it in the preparation of fleets and reëenforcements;

and I do not pay any attention to the delivery in small quantities when

that is necessary. But I am endeavoring to make it understood that

it is impossible to do so always, without obstructing the despatches

which usually demand attention suddenly. What is of importance to the

service of your Majesty is that we, the governor, royal officials,

and other ministers, are attending to the best administration of the

royal revenues.

In accordance with these new ordinances, the alcaldes-mayor, the

assistants of the royal officials, and shipmasters must annually settle

their accounts exactly. Because of the difficulty of navigation between

some of the islands, it is impossible to obey this ordinance to the

letter, or to cease receiving from such men at the time of [settling]

the account, what their salaries allow, as the emoluments which

they receive are small or nothing. Thus do we continue to proceed,

according to the weather-conditions of the season, and the distance

[from Manila] of the places where they live.

Whenever ships or fleets have been despatched, some advance pay

has been given to the regular sailors and soldiers. It is a harsh

measure that because we do not have, for all the greater and less

matters that arise, a distinct decree from your Majesty which is in

accord with one of the new ordinances, the royal officials should

continually impugn and oppose the orders that exist in some of the

same matters; and although there should be nothing else to do than

to obey the ordinances, the greater part of the time is passed in

summons and replies. I have received in these ships a royal decree

from your Majesty, under date of August 26 of the past year, in which

your Majesty is pleased to order me to collect two per cent on the

merchandise exported to Nueva España, in addition to the other three

per cent that has been paid hitherto, in accordance with what the

visitor agreed with this city by way of a gracious gift; and that

on the first occasion _[word illegible in MS._; I make?] decision

of what must be observed, and give information whether this duty is

collected here, or whether the benefit of it is obtained along with

the situado of these islands. I caused it to be obeyed and executed

according to its contents. And in order that these citizens might

appraise their goods in accordance with this order I had the said

royal decree published in the usual places, and it was communicated to

the cabildo, judiciary, and magistracy of this city. Seeing that the

citizens were exceedingly remiss in lading, and the time far advanced

for the ships to make their voyage, I proceeded to stimulate them

by edicts and orders, and finally by placing them under the penalty

of losing the favors which your Majesty has granted them in allowing

the five hundred thousand pesos that are brought every year from Nueva

España. The city replied to that by appealing from my act and from the

said royal decree to your Majesty, as the relation given by the visitor

was not in harmony with the acts, and as their citizens had not made

any [such] agreement. The four thousand pesos which they gave as a

donation was for that time, provided that no further action should

be taken regarding this duty until the matter had been discussed

in the royal Council of the Yndias. In proof of it, the visitor

embarked without having made a beginning in this collection. After

many discussions, the citizens had resolved not to lade any goods at

present for Nueva España. I gave a copy of all this to the fiscal and

the royal officials. I resolved [not] to despatch the ships without

cargoes, and even to take the boxes and bales from where they should

be found and actually put them on board the ships; but the auditors

and officials believed that it would be contrary to law to force the

citizens. Therefore I determined to call a meeting of the Audiencia,

archbishop, fiscal, and royal officials, in order to determine what

ought to be done in this matter. All were of the opinion that the

ships should be laded, even though we should postpone the fulfilment

of what your Majesty lately ordered, for the damage that would ensue

from the ships going empty would be beyond comparison far greater

than the gain of the two per cent; and that the appeal interposed by

the citizens ought to be granted, as it was apparent that the report

which the visitor had made was different from what had actually and

truly taken place. In accordance with this, the city has given bonds

for all the sum to which this duty can amount, now and henceforth,

until your Majesty be pleased to provide what is most advisable. In

order that this may be apparent from the investigations, I enclose

herewith a testimony of the acts.

In respect to my report, Sire, I declare that the three per cent which

has been collected hitherto, has entered into this royal treasury,

and has never been reckoned with the situado. The same will have

to be done with this two per cent, for it is all needed for the

ordinary support, unless that your Majesty should be better served

[by ordering otherwise].

The visitor at his departure gave me an account of all that he had done

during the two years while he has been occupied in his visit. According

to the report which he gave me of accounts which had been settled,

I learned that this treasury was clear of debt, and had much money

besides. But I have found by experience since then that, although in

appearance he stirred up affairs, in fact the expense was greater than

the gain. For most of the settlements of which he made a parade are in

litigation, and are being nullified by the acquittal of the parties

[in the suit], while others in the Audiencia are even abandoned;

and few reach the point of collecting [the amounts due]. Some of the

new ordinances that he left suffered the same misfortune, because

he did not dictate them or draw them up, but entrusted them to two

clerks before his visit--for his poor health did not permit him to

do more. It is not to be believed that a well-informed lawyer would

try to obstruct the service of your Majesty, for nearly all his

ordinances are directed to and reflect distrust of the fidelity of

the royal officials, to whom your Majesty has hitherto entrusted your

revenues. From the good disposition that I observe in them and the work

that they do, I judge them to be your very good and faithful servants.

It is advisable that your Majesty be pleased to send an accountant

for settling accounts, and that he be a person of authority,

with adequate pay. He who serves in that office in the meanwhile

was formerly the servant of one of these auditors; and he is more

concerned in occupying his time in sustaining friendships than in

attending to what is necessary. On that account if some of the new

ordinances were to be remade, this would be bettered.

I received some decrees in these last ships, which were despatched in

the year thirty-two, and others of the year thirty-three, concerning

the treasury, which are obeyed and will be carried out as is therein

contained. When these ships set sail--and that has not been done

before as the decrees were received late, and by way of India--I

shall give an account of the condition of these matters.

The viceroy of Nueva España has sent me four companies as a

reënforcement, and this camp has six others. I have reorganized five,

so that there are now six companies in this city, each with more

than one hundred soldiers, which is the least number that a company

generally has.

Since the month of August of last year, when I began to govern these

islands, the half-annats [103] have been collected with the care

ordered by your Majesty, in which I coöperated with the commissary

for that tax. The royal officials and the auditor who was appointed

commissary are doing as they should.

The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 24 of 55 1630-34 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 · 第 15 / 16 章

"The other six remained on that mountain, where they spent twenty-three