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MORGA'S PHILIPPINE ISLANDS
VOLUME I
Of this work five hundred copies are issued separately from "The
Philippine Islands, 1493-1898," in fifty-five volumes.
HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS
From their discovery by Magellan in 1521 to the beginning of the XVII
Century; with descriptions of Japan, China and adjacent countries, by
Dr. ANTONIO DE MORGA
Alcalde of Criminal Causes, in the Royal Audiencia of Nueva España,
and Counsel for the Holy Office of the Inquisition
Completely translated into English, edited and annotated by
E. H. BLAIR and J. A. ROBERTSON With Facsimiles
[Separate publication from "The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898" in
which series this appears as volumes 15 and 16.]
VOLUME I
Cleveland, Ohio The Arthur H. Clark Company 1907
COPYRIGHT 1907
THE ARTUR H. CLARK COMPANY
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
CONTENTS OF VOLUME I [xv of series]
Preface
Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas. Dr. Antonio de Morga; Mexico, 1609
Bibliographical Data
Appendix A: Expedition of Thomas Candish
Appendix B: Early years of the Dutch in the East Indies
ILLUSTRATIONS
View of city of Manila; photographic facsimile of engraving in
Mallet's Description de l'univers (Paris, 1683), ii, p. 127, from
copy in Library of Congress.
Title-page of Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas, by Dr. Antonio de Morga
(Mexico, 1609); photographic facsimile from copy in Lenox Library.
Map showing first landing-place of Legazpi in the Philippines;
photographic facsimile of original MS. map in the pilots' log-book
of the voyage, in Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla.
View of Dutch vessels stationed in bay of Albay; from T. de Bry's
Peregrinationes, 1st ed. (Amsterdame, 1602), tome xvi, no. iv. "Voyage
faict entovr de l'univers par Sr. Olivier dv Nort"--p. 36; photographic
facsimile, from copy in Boston Public Library.
Battle with Oliver van Noordt, near Manila, December 14, 1600; ut
supra, p. 44.
Sinking of the Spanish flagship in battle with van Noordt; ut supra,
p. 45.
Capture of van Noordt's admiral's ship; ut supra, p. 46.
PREFACE
In this volume is presented the first installment of Dr. Antonio
de Morga's Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas. Events here described
cover the years 1493-1603, and the history proper of the islands from
1565. Morga's work is important, as being written by a royal official
and a keen observer and participator in affairs. Consequently he
touches more on the practical everyday affairs of the islands, and in
his narrative shows forth the policies of the government, its ideals,
and its strengths and weaknesses. His book is written in the true
historic spirit, and the various threads of the history of the islands
are followed systematically. As being one of the first of published
books regarding the Philippines, it has especial value. Political,
social, and economic phases of life, both among the natives and their
conquerors, are treated. The futility of the Spanish policy in making
external expeditions, and its consequent neglect of internal affairs;
the great Chinese question; the growth of trade; communication with
Japan; missionary movements from the islands to surrounding countries;
the jealous and envious opposition of the Portuguese; the dangers of
sea-voyages: all these are portrayed vividly, yet soberly. Morga's
position in the state allowed him access to many documents, and he
seems to have been on general good terms with all classes, so that he
readily gained a knowledge of facts. The character of Morga's work
and his comprehensive treatment of the history, institutions, and
products of the Philippines, render possible and desirable the copious
annotations of this and the succeeding volume. These annotations are
contributed in part by those of Lord Stanley's translation of Morga,
and those of Rizal's reprint, while the Recopilación de leyes de
Indias furnishes a considerable number of laws.
The book is preceded by the usual licenses and authorizations, followed
by the author's dedication and introduction. In the latter he declares
his purpose in writing his book to be that "the deeds achieved by our
Spaniards in the discovery, conquest, and conversion of the Filipinas
Islands--as well as various fortunes that they have had from time to
time in the great kingdoms and among the pagan peoples surrounding the
islands" may be known. The first seven chapters of the book treat of
"discoveries, conquests, and other events ... until the death of Don
Pedro de Acuña." The eighth chapter treats of the natives, government,
conversion, and other details.
In rapid survey the author passes the line of demarcation of Alexander
VI, and the voyages of Magalhães and Elcano, Loaisa, Villalobos,
and others, down to the expedition of Legazpi. The salient points
of this expedition are briefly outlined, his peaceful reception
by Tupas and the natives, but their later hostility, because the
Spaniards "seized their provisions," their defeat, the Spaniards'
first settlement in Sebu, and the despatching of the advice-boat to
Nueva España to discover the return passage, and inform the viceroy of
the success of the expedition. From Sebu the conquest and settlement
is extended to other islands, and the Spanish capital is finally moved
to Manila. Events come rapidly. The conquest proceeds "by force of
arms or by the efforts of the religious who have sown the good seeds
of the gospel." Land is allotted to the conquerors, and towns are
gradually founded, and the amount of the natives' tribute is fixed.
At Legazpi's death Guido de Lavezaris assumes his responsibilities
by virtue of a royal despatch among Legazpi's papers, and continues
the latter's plans. The pirate Limahon is defeated after having slain
Martin de Goiti. Trade with China is established "and as a consequence
has been growing ever since." The two towns of Betis and Lubao
allotted by Lavezaris to himself are taken from him later by order
of his successor, Dr. Francisco de Sande, but are restored to him by
express order of the king, together with the office of master-of-camp.
Succeeding Lavezaris in 1575, Dr. Francisco de Sande continues "the
pacification of the islands .... especially that of the province
of Camarines." The town of Nueva Cáceres is founded, and Sande's
partially effective campaign to Borneo, and its offshoot--that of
Estevan Rodriguez de Figueroa to Mindanao--undertaken. The "San
Juanillo" is despatched to Nueva España, "but it was lost at sea
and never heard of again." Sande is relieved of his governorship
by Gonzalo Ronquillo de Pefialosa, and after his residencia returns
"to Nueva España as auditor of Mexico."
Chapter III details the events of Gonzalo Ronquillo de
Pefialosa's administration and the interim of government of Diego
Ronquillo. Events, with the greater stability constantly given the
islands, follow more quickly. Gonzalo de Peñalosa, by an agreement with
the king, is to take six hundred colonists--married and single--to
the islands, in return for which he is to be governor for life. He
establishes the town of Arevalo in Panay, builds the Chinese Parián,
endeavors, although unsuccessfully, to discover a return passage
to Nueva España, by the South Sea, and despatches "a ship to Peru
with merchandise to trade for certain goods which he said that the
Filipinas needed." He imposes the two per cent export duty on goods
to Nueva España, and the three per cent duty on Chinese merchandise,
and "although he was censured for having done this without his
Majesty's orders" they "remained in force, and continued to be imposed
thenceforward." The first expedition in aid of Tidore is sent for
the conquest of the island of Ternate, but proves a failure. Cagayan
is first pacified, and the town of Nueva Cáceres founded. Gabriel de
Rivera, after an expedition to Borneo, is sent to Spain to consult
the best interests of the islands. Domingo de Salazar receives his
appointment as bishop, and is accompanied to the islands by Antonio
Sedeño and Alonso Sanchez, the first Jesuits in the islands. In 1583
Gonzalo de Peñalosa dies, and is succeeded by his kinsman Diego
Ronquillo. Shortly after occurs Manila's first disastrous fire,
but the city is rebuilt, although with difficulty. In consequence of
Rivera's trip to Spain, the royal Audiencia of Manila is established
with Santiago de Vera as its president and governor of the islands.
In the fourth chapter are related the events of Santiago de Vera's
administration, and the suppression of the Audiencia. Vera reaches
the islands in 1584, whence shortly afterwards he despatches another
expedition to the Malucos which also fails. The pacification continues,
and the islands are freed from a rebellion and insurrection conspired
between Manila and Pampanga chiefs. Fortifications are built and an
artillery foundry established under the charge of natives. During
this term Candish makes his memorable voyage, passing through
some of the islands. Finally the Audiencia is suppressed, through
the representations made by Alonso Sanchez, who is sent to Spain
and Rome with authority to act for all classes of society. On his
return he brings from Rome "many relics, bulls, and letters for the
Filipinas." Through the influence of the Jesuit, Gomez Perez Dasmariñas
receives appointment as governor of the islands; and with his salary
increased to "ten thousand Castilian ducados" and with despatches for
the suppression of the Audiencia, and the establishment of regular
soldiers, he arrives at Manila in May, 1590.
Chapter V deals with the term of Gomez Perez Dasmariñas and the
interims of Pedro de Rojas and Luis Perez Dasmariñas. The term of the
new governor is characterized by his great energy and enthusiasm. The
Manila wall and other fortifications, the building of galleys, the
regulation of trade, various pacifications, the rebuilding of Manila,
and the opening of negotiations with Japan, are all a part of his
administration, and he is the inspirer of them all. The first note
to the future expeditions to, and troubles with, Camboja and Siam is
struck by an embassy from the first country in charge of Diego Belloso
with offers of trade and friendship and requests for aid against Siam,
the latter being at the time deferred. In accordance with his great
desire to conquer Ternate, the governor fits out a great fleet in
1593, sending the advance vessels to the Pintados in care of his
son. Shortly after, leaving the city in charge of Diego Ronquillo,
although with too few troops for defense, Gomez Perez sets out to
join his son, but is assassinated by his Chinese rowers, who mutiny
and make off with the galley. After his death, the contests for his
office begin, for the dead governor had assured various people that
they would be appointed in case of his death. Especially had he done
this with Estevan Rodriguez de Figueroa, a wealthy man of the Pintados,
to whom he "had shown an appointment drawn in his favor." In Manila,
Pedro de Rojas, lieutenant-assessor, is chosen governor ad interim,
but after forty days Luis Perez Dasmariñas takes the office by
virtue of an appointment regularly drawn in his favor. The return
of the troops to Manila proves an efficacious relief from fears of
a Chinese invasion. The vessels sent to Nueva España in 1593 fail
to make the voyage because of stormy weather, but the governor's
death is learned in Spain by way of India. The troubles between the
bishop and governor culminate somewhat before the latter's death,
in the departure of the former for Spain, as a result of which an
archbishopric with suffragan bishops is established in the islands,
and the Audiencia is reëstablished. The office of lieutenant-assessor
is given more weight and Morga is sent out to fill it in 1595 under
its changed title of lieutenant-governor. In the administration of
Luis Perez Dasmariñas affairs begin actively with Camboja through
the expedition despatched under Juan Xuarez Gallinato, and Blas Ruiz
de Hernan Gonzalez and Diego Belloso. The governor, completely under
the influence of the Dominicans, although against the advice of the
"majority of people in the city" sends a fleet to Camboja. Gallinato
fails to reach that country until after Blas Ruiz and Belloso have
quarreled with the Chinese there, killed the usurping Cambodian king,
Anacaparan, and thrown the country into confusion. Much to their
displeasure Gallinato refuses to continue the conquest, chides the
others harshly, and departs for Manila by way of Cochinchina. At
Cochinchina Blas Ruiz and Belloso go to the kingdom of Lao to find
the legitimate king of Camboja, Prauncar. On their arrival they find
that he has died, but partly through their efforts and those of
two Malays, the king's younger son, who still survives, is placed
on the throne. Gallinato experiences difficulty in Cochinchina,
where he endeavors to regain the standard and various other articles
from the galley of Gomez Perez that had been stolen by the Chinese,
but finally returns safely to Manila. Meanwhile Estevan Rodriguez de
Figueroa agrees to subdue Mindanao at his own expense, in return for
which he is to have its governorship for two generations. In pursuance
of this he fits out a large expedition, but shortly after reaching
the island is killed in a fight and ambush, whereupon his first
commanding officer Juan de la Xara schemes to continue the expedition,
and establishes his men in a settlement near Tampacan, called Murcia.
The administration of Governor Francisco Tello forms the subject-matter
of chapter VI. At his arrival in 1596, news is received in the island
of the appointment of Fray Ignacio de Santibañez as archbishop,
and of two appointments for bishops. News of the death of Estevan
Rodriguez is brought to Manila, and the machinations of Juan de la
Xara to carry on the expedition independently of Manila learned. His
death shortly after arrest, while on his way to Oton to push his suit
with Rodriguez's widow, frustrates his plans. Juan Ronquillo is sent
to Mindanao and takes over the command there, but being discouraged
by the outlook advises an evacuation of the river of Mindanao and the
fortifying of La Caldera, on the Mindanao coast. However he gains a
complete victory over the combined forces of Mindanaos and Ternatans,
which causes him to send another despatch to Tello. But the latter's
reply to the first despatch having been received, in accordance with
its orders he burns his fort, and after establishing a garrison at
La Caldera, returns to Manila with the rest of his command. There
he is arrested for not awaiting Tello's second despatch, but is
liberated on producing a letter ordering him in any event to return
to Manila. Gallinato, on his return from Cochinchina is accused by
his own men of not following up the victory at Camboja, for had
he done so, "all that had been hoped in that kingdom would have
been attained." An incipient rebellion in Cagayan is checked by the
murder of its leader by his own countrymen "who had offered to do it
for a reward." In the year 1596, the remnants of Alvaro de Mendaña
de Neira's expedition that had set out from Peru to rediscover the
Solomon Islands reaches the Philippines after great sufferings from
famine and disease, and after the death of many men, among them the
commander himself. The voyage is related in detail in a letter from
the chief pilot, Pedro Fernandez de Quiros to Morga; it is full of
stirring adventure, and of keen and appreciative observation. One of
the vessels, the "San Geronymo" despatched to Nueva España in 1596,
is forced to put in at a Japanese port because of storms. There they
receive ill-treatment, and the efforts of the Franciscan missionaries
in Japan in their behalf lead to the edict sentencing them to death,
in accordance with which six Franciscans, three Jesuits, and seventeen
native helpers are crucified in 1597. Taicosama's wrath, intensified by
the accusation that the Spaniards conquered kingdoms "by first sending
their religious to the kingdom" and by entering afterward "with their
arms," is satisfied by the crucifixion of the religious and their
assistants, and the men of the "San Geronymo" are allowed to return to
Manila. The religious write a letter of farewell to Dr. Morga, in which
they inform him that Japan intends to attack the Philippines. Luis
Navarrete Fajardo is sent to Japan to demand satisfaction, but
accomplishes little. Faranda Quiemon, one of Taicosama's vassals,
a man of obscure birth, obtaining permission to make an expedition of
conquest, sets about his preparations, but owing to lack of resources
and initiative fails to complete them. Meanwhile great caution is
exercised in Manila, and the Japanese residing there are sent back
to Japan, while those coming on trading vessels are well treated but
gotten rid of as soon as possible. Cambodian affairs are again set on
foot, although against the advice of some, through the instrumentality
of Father Alonso Ximenez, a Dominican who had accompanied Gallinato
on the former expedition, but who had been left behind at Cochinchina
through his own disobedience of orders. Affairs in Mindanao and Jolo
assume a threatening aspect. One Juan Pacho, commander of La Caldera,
is killed in an incursion into Jolo with twenty of his men, and a new
commander of La Caldera is appointed until a punitive expedition can be
undertaken. In 1598 the archbishop arrives, and the Manila Audiencia
is reëstablished by royal order, and the seal received with great
pomp and ceremony. A letter received that same year by Morga from
Blas Ruiz details events in Camboja since he and Belloso went there
with Gallinato's expedition. Blas Ruiz seeks to excuse their actions
in Camboja and holds out the hope of Spanish conquest and influence
on the mainland, and asks help from the islands. As a consequence
of this letter, Luis Perez Dasmariñas secures permission to attempt
an expedition to the mainland at his own expense to aid the king of
Camboja and then to seize the kingdom of Champan, whose king was a
constant menace to all navigators throughout that region. Negotiations
with China and the granting of an open port to Spaniards called El
Pinal, are opened and secured through the efforts of Juan de Zamudio
who is sent to China for saltpeter and metals, although with great and
vindictive opposition from the Portuguese, who fear the loss of their
own trade at Macao. At El Pinal the survivors of two of Luis Perez's
three ships meet with Juan de Zamudio, after suffering great storms,
hardships, and wrecks. The same favor is extended him by the Chinese
as to Zamudio, but the Portuguese show their hostility to him also,
imprisoning the men sent by him to Macao to ask for help, and even
attempting force against him. Both Zamudio and a messenger from Luis
Perez carry news of the latter's disaster to Manila, whereupon a ship
and supplies are sent him with orders to return to Manila. Hernando
de los Rios Coronel, sent to Canton by Luis Perez to negotiate with
the Chinese, writes from that city to Dr. Morga concerning China and
the possibility, desirability, and advantages of the Chinese trade in
China instead of Manila, and the opposition of the Portuguese. China
he describes as a country "full of rivers and towns, and without
a palmo of ground left lying idle." Meanwhile the third vessel of
Luis Perez's fleet, commanded by Luis Ortiz, reaches Camboja, where
he and his companions join the Spanish, Portuguese, and Japanese
already there. This small force, which is eyed askance by the Malay
leaders and others envious of, and hostile to them on account of their
prowess and their influence with the weak king, is further increased
by Captain Juan de Mendoza Gamboa and Fray Juan Maldonado, a learned
Dominican, and their men. The former, having obtained permission to
go on a trading expedition to Siam, for which he is given letters of
embassy, is also entrusted to convey certain supplies to Don Luis
at Camboja, where he fails to find him. Maldonado is sent by his
order as a companion to Don Luis. This addition to their forces is
welcomed by the Spaniards in Camboja, and they refuse to let them
depart until hearing definite news of Luis Perez. The arrival of
a contingent of Japanese, mestizos, and one Spaniard, who had left
Japan on a piratical expedition, still further increases the force
in Camboja. The leaders Blas Ruiz, Belloso, and Maldonado treat
with the king on their own account, but not so satisfactorily as
they wish. Conflicts and quarrels arising between their forces and
the Malays, the latter finally overpower and kill the Spaniards,
Portuguese, and Japanese, except several who remain in the country
and Mendoza, Maldonado and a few men who escape in the former's
vessel. In Camboja confusion and anarchy again reign and the king is
bullied and finally killed by the Malays. The Joloans and Mindanaos
are emboldened by the final abandonment and dismantling of the fort
at La Caldera--which is decided upon by the governor against the
opinion of the Audiencia--and, joined in self-defense by the peaceful
natives of Mindanao, make an incursion against Spaniards and natives
in the Pintados in 1599, in which they take immense booty and many
captives. The next year they return with a larger force, but are
defeated by the alcalde-mayor of Arevalo, whereupon they resolve to
be revenged. In Japan the death of Taicosama encourages Geronimo de
Jesus, a Franciscan who has escaped crucifixion, to open negotiations
with his successor Daifusama. The latter, desiring trade for his
own northern province of Quanto, requests the governor of Manila,
through the religious, for commerce, and men to build ships for the
Nueva España trade which he wishes to open. He does not negotiate
concerning religion, for "the profit and benefit to be derived from
friendship and commerce with the Spaniards was more to the taste of
Daifusama than what he had heard concerning their religion." However,
the religious writes that freedom is given to evangelize throughout
Japan, although the only concession given is that the religious could
establish a house at their trading station. In October of 1600 news
reaches Manila of the coming and depredations of Oliver van Noordt's
two vessels. The description of the preparations, made by Morga,
the instructions given him by the governor, his instructions to
Juan de Alcega, and the fight and its consequences follow. In the
same year of 1600 the vessels "Santa Margarita" and "San Geronymo"
are both unable to reach Nueva España, and are wrecked--the latter
near Catanduanes, and the former in the Ladrones, where it is
rifled by the natives and the men surviving distributed through
the different villages. In 1600 the "Santo Tomas" on its way to the
islands puts in at the Ladrones, but the commander, fearing storms,
refuses to wait for the Spanish prisoners of the "Santa Margarita,"
although petitioned to do so by the religious and others. Accordingly
a Franciscan, Juan Pobre, full of pity for the unfortunate men, casts
in his lot with them and voluntarily remains behind. The "San Felipe"
is wrecked eighty leguas from Manila, and its cargo taken overland to
that city. Mindanao and Jolo affairs are meanwhile given into command
of Gallinato, and although he is partially successful, the rains,
hunger, and disease work for the natives, and finally in May of 1602,
Gallinato sends to Manila for instructions. Juan de Mendoza and Fray
Juan Maldonado, after leaving Camboja proceed on their journey to
Siam, but are received there coldly by the king, and their trading
is unsatisfactory. Fearing violence they depart one night without
notifying the Siamese, taking with them certain Portuguese held in
Siam as partial prisoners, but are pursued by the Siamese who molest
them until in the open sea. From wounds received during the week's
continual conflict both Mendoza and Maldonado die, the latter first
writing to his Order and advising them "on their consciences not to
again become instruments of a return to Camboja." Troubles in Maluco
between the Dutch and natives on the one side and the Portuguese and
Spanish on the other, render it necessary to send aid several times
from Manila. In March of 1601, a letter is written by the king of
Tidore to Morga requesting aid against Ternate and the Dutch, in
response to which supplies and reënforcements are sent in 1602.
The seventh chapter deals with events during the period of Pedro de
Acuña's administration. With his arrival in May of 1602, new life and
energy are infused in public affairs. The new governor first concerns
himself with home affairs. He constructs galleys but has to postpone
an intended visit to Pintados, in order to attend to Japan and Jolo,
and despatch the vessels to Nueva España. It is determined to open
commerce with Quanto, but to defer the matter of sending workmen to
Japan to show the Japanese how to construct ships, as that will be
detrimental. Religious of the various orders go to Japan, but are
received less warmly than Geronymo de Jesus's letter leads them to
expect. The latter pressed by Daifusama for the performance of his
promises finally asks permission to go to Manila to advocate them
in person, whence he brings back assurance of trade with Quanto. The
vessel despatched there is forced to put in at another port, but is
allowed to trade there and to return. Two vessels despatched to Nueva
España in 1602 are forced to return, putting in on the way--the first
at the Ladrones and the other at Japan. The first brings back most of
the men wrecked at the Ladrones. The second after rough treatment in
Japan finally escapes. As a result of an embassy sent to Daifusama from
this vessel chapas or writs of safety are provided to the Spaniards so
that any vessel putting into Japanese ports will be well treated in
the future. The reënforcements sent to Gallinato at Jolo serve only
to enable him to break camp and return to Manila. While Acuña is on
his way to Pintados to inspect those islands, a raiding expedition of
Moros goes as far as Luzon and Mindoro, committing many depredations,
thus compelling the governor to return, who narrowly escapes capture. A
punitive expedition of Spaniards and Indians sent in pursuit of the
Moros inflicts but slight damage. Shortly before this a fleet prepared
at Goa for the chastisement of the Malucos sets out under Andrea
Furtado de Mendoza, but is separated by storms. Some of the vessels
with the commander reach Amboina, but in so crippled and destitute
a condition that they are forced to ask help from Manila. Acuña,
although arranging independently for an expedition to Maluco, sends
a force there under Gallinato in 1603 to aid the Portuguese. Early
in that year the prelude to the Chinese troubles of that same year
is given by the coming of the Chinese mandarins to see the island of
gold, which causes many, among them the archbishop and some religious,
to counsel watchfulness. In 1603 occurs the second disastrous fire
in Manila, with a loss of over one million pesos.
The victorious Malays in Camboja are finally driven out by a
combination of patriotic mandarins, and make the brother of their old
king sovereign, whereupon relations between Camboja and the Philippines
are again established by sending there a number of religious. In May
of 1603 two ships with reënforcements arrive at Manila, bringing
certain ecclesiastical news. The aid rendered Furtado de Mendoza
by Gallinato does not prove sufficient to subdue the Ternatans, and
Gallinato returns to Manila. The present installment of Morga ends
with the courteous letter written to Acuña by Furtado de Mendoza,
in which he renders praise to Gallinato and his men. The remainder
of the book will appear in the succeeding volume.
The present volume ends with two appendices: the first an abstract
of Thomas Candish's circumnavigation; the second an abstract of Dutch
expeditions to the East Indies.
THE EDITORS
May, 1904.
SUCESOS DE LAS ISLAS FILIPINAS
By Dr. Antonio de Morga. Mexico: at the shop of Geronymo Baili,
in the year 1609; printed by Cornelio Adriano Cesar.
SOURCE: The translation is made from the Harvard copy of the original
printed work.
TRANSLATION: This is made by Alfonso de Salvio, Norman F. Hall,
and James Alexander Robertson.
SVCESOS DE LAS ISLAS FILIPINAS
DIRIGIDO
A DON CRISTOVAL GOMEZ DE
Sandoual y Rojas, Duque de Cea.
POR EL DOCTOR ANTONIO DE MORGA,
Alcaldo del Crimen, de la real Audiencia de la Nueua España, Consultor
del santo Oficio de la Inquisicion.
EN MEXICO.
En casa de Geronymo Balli. Año 1609.
Por Cornelio Adriano Cesar
EVENTS IN THE FILIPINAS ISLANDS.
DEDICATED
TO DON CRISTOVAL GOMEZ DE
Sandoval y Rojas, Duke of Cea.
BY DOCTOR ANTONIO DE MORGA,
Alcalde of Criminal Causes, in the Royal Audiencia of Nuevà España,
and Counsel for the holy Office of the Inquisition.
IN MEXICO.
At the shop of Geronymo Balli, in the year 1609.
By Cornelio Adriano Cesar.
EVENTS IN THE FILIPINAS ISLANDS
By order of the most excellent Don Luis de Velasco, viceroy of this
Nueva España, and of the most illustrious and reverend Don Fray Garcia
Guerra, archbishop of Mexico, and member of his Majesty's council,
I have examined this book of the Events in the Philipinas Islands,
written by Doctor Antonio de Morga, alcalde of the court in the royal
Audiencia of Mexico. In my judgment it is entertaining, profitable,
and worthy of publication. The author has strictly obeyed the laws of
history therein, in the excellent arrangement of his work, in which
he shows his soundness of intellect and a concise style to which
few attain, together with a true exposition of the subject matter,
as it was written by one who was so fully conversant with it, during
the years that he governed those islands. I have accordingly affixed
my signature to this instrument here at the professed house of the
Society of Jesus in Mexico, on the first of April, 1609.
JUAN SANCHEZ
Don Luys de Velasco, knight of the Order of Sanctiago,
viceroy-lieutenant of the king our sovereign, governor and
captain-general of Nueva España, and president of the royal Audiencia
and Chancillería established therein, etc. Whereas Doctor Antonio de
Morga, alcalde of criminal causes in this royal Audiencia, informed me
that he had written a book and treatise on the Events in the Filipinas
Islands, from their earliest discoveries and conquest until the end
of the past year six hundred and seven, and requested me to grant him
permission and privilege to have it printed, to the exclusion of all
others doing the same for a certain period; and whereas I entrusted
Father Juan Sanchez, of the Society of Jesus, with the inspection
of the said book, as my proxy: therefore, I hereby grant permission
to the said Doctor Antonio de Morga, so that, for the period of the
next ten years, he, or his appointee, may freely have the said book
printed by whatever printer he pleases; and I forbid any other person
to do the same within the said time and without the said permission,
under penalty of losing--and he shall lose--the type and accessories
with which the said impression shall be made, and the same shall be
applied in equal shares to his Majesty's exchequer and to the said
Doctor Antonio de Morga. Given in Mexico, on the seventh of the month
of April, one thousand six hundred and nine.
DON LUYS DE VELASCO
By order of the viceroy:
MARTIN LOPEZ GAUNA
Don Fray Garcia Guerra, by the divine grace and that of the holy
apostolic see, archbishop of Mexico, member of his Majesty's Council,
etc. Having seen the opinion expressed by Father Juan Sanchez, of the
Society of Jesus, after he had examined the book presented to us by
Doctor Antonio de Morga, alcalde in this court and Chancillería,
entitled Events in the Filipinas Islands, their Conquest and
Conversion, for which we granted him authority; and since it is
evident, by the above-mentioned opinion, that it contains nothing
against our holy Catholic faith, or good morals, but that, on the
contrary, it is useful and profitable to all persons who may read it:
therefore we do hereby grant permission to the said Doctor Antonio de
Morga, to have the said book of the said conquest and conversion of
the Filipinas Islands printed in any of the printing establishments
of the city. Given in Mexico, on the seventh of April, one thousand
six hundred and nine.
FRAY GARCIA, archbishop of Mexico.
By order of his most illustrious Lordship, the archbishop of Mexico:
DON JUAN DE PORTILLA, secretary.
¶To Don Cristoval Gomez de Sandoval y Rojas, duke of Cea [1]
I offer your Excellency this small work, worthy of a kind reception as
much for its faithful relation as for its freedom from artifice and
adornment. Knowing my poor resources, I began it with fear; but what
encouraged me to proceed was the fact that, if what is given were
to bear an equal proportion to the receiver, there would be no one
worthy of placing his works in your Excellency's hands; and oblivion
would await the deeds achieved in these times by our Spaniards in
the discovery, conquest, and conversion of the Filipinas Islands--as
well as various fortunes which they have had from time to time in the
great kingdoms and among the pagan peoples surrounding the islands:
for, on account of the remoteness of those regions, no account has
been given to the public which purports to treat of them from their
beginnings down to the present condition. I entreat your Excellency to
accept my good will, which is laid prostrate at your feet; and should
this short treatise not afford that pleasure, which self-love--that
infirmity of the human mind--leads me to expect, will your Excellency
deal with me, as you are wont to deal with all, and read this book
and conceal its imperfections with the exercise of your toleration
and gentleness. For you are so richly endowed with these and other
virtues--which, through the divine power, cause lofty things not to
keep aloof from humble ones; and which, in addition to your own natural
greatness, have placed your Excellency in your present office for the
good of these realms, where you reward and favor the good, and correct
and check the opposite. In such rule consists the welfare of the state;
and this made the ancient philosopher, Democritus, say that reward and
punishment were true gods. In order to enjoy this happiness, we need
not crave any bygone time, but, contenting ourselves with the present,
pray that God may preserve your Excellency to us for many years.
DON ANTONIO DE MORGA [2]
To the reader [3]
The greatness of the monarchy of the Spanish kings is due to the zeal
and care with which they have defended, within their own hereditary
kingdoms, the holy Catholic faith taught by the Roman church, against
all enemies who oppose it, or seek by various errors to obscure its
truth which the kings have disseminated throughout the world. Thus,
by the mercy of God, they preserve their kingdoms and subjects in
the purity of the Christian religion, meriting thereby their glorious
title and renown of "Defenders of the Faith." Moreover, by the valor
of their indomitable hearts, and at the expense of their revenues and
possessions, they have ploughed the seas with Spanish fleets and men,
and discovered and conquered vast kingdoms in the most remote and
unknown parts of the world. They have led the inhabitants of these
regions to a knowledge of the true God, and into the fold of the
Christian church, in which those peoples now live, governed in civil
and political matters with peace and justice, under the shelter and
protection of the royal arm and power, which were wanting to them
when weighed down by blind tyrannies and barbarous cruelties, on
which the enemy of the human race had so long reared them for himself.
For this reason the crown and scepter of España have extended
themselves wherever the sun sheds its light, from its rising to its
setting, with the glory and splendor of their power and majesty, and
the Spanish monarchs have excelled the other princes of the earth by
having gained innumerable souls for heaven, which has been España's
principal intention and its wealth. These, together with the great
riches and treasures which España enjoys, and the famous deeds and
victories which it has won, cause the whole world to magnify and
extol its lofty name and the energy and valor of its subjects, who
in accomplishing these deeds have lavished their blood.
Having won America, the fourth part of the earth, of which the
ancients knew naught, they sailed in the course of the sun until
they discovered an archipelago of many islands in the eastern
ocean, adjacent to farther Asia, inhabited by various peoples,
and abounding in rich metals, precious stones, and pearls, and all
manner of fruit. There raising the standard of the Faith, they freed
those peoples from the yoke and power of the demon, and placed them
under the command and government of the Faith. Consequently they may
justly raise in those islands the pillars and trophies of Non plus
ultra which the famous Hercules left on the shore of the Cadiz Sea,
which were afterward cast down by the strong arm of Cárlos V, [4]
our sovereign, who surpassed Hercules in great deeds and enterprises.
After the islands had been conquered by the sovereign light of the
holy gospel which entered therein, the heathen were baptized, the
darkness of their paganism was banished, and they changed their own for
Christian names. The islands also, losing their former name, took--with
the change of religion and the baptism of their inhabitants--that
of Filipinas Islands, in recognition of the great favors received
at the hands of his Majesty Filipo the Second, our sovereign, in
whose fortunate time and reign they were conquered, protected, and
encouraged, as a work and achievement of his royal hands.
Their discovery, conquest, and conversion were not accomplished without
great expenditure, labor, and Spanish blood, with varying success,
and amid dangers: these things render the work more illustrious,
and furnish a spacious field of which historians may treat, for such
is their office. Certainly the subject matter is not scanty, and
contains both serious and pleasant elements sufficient to be worthy
of attention, so that it will not depreciate historians to treat of
Indian occurrences and wars, which those who have not experienced
undervalue. For the people of those regions are valiant and warlike
nations of Asia, who have been reared in continual warfare, both by
sea and by land, and who use artillery and other warlike implements,
which the necessity of defending themselves against great and powerful
neighboring kingdoms, taught them to use skilfully; and--although
somewhat imperfectly--they have gained dexterity and have completed
their education in the school of España, which recently brought war to
their gates--thus sharing the experience of other provinces of Europe,
who also had formerly been ignorant and careless of the use of arms.
Some painstaking persons, to whom--for lack of time and means--I have
given and delivered many papers and relations which I possessed, have
planned to write this history; and I hope that they will publish it
in better shape than the fragmentary histories which we have hitherto
received from some contemporary historians. [5]
I spent eight years in the Filipinas Islands, the best years of
my life, serving continuously as lieutenant of the governor and
captain-general, and, as soon as the royal Audiencia of Manila was
established, in the office of auditor, which I was the first to
fill. [6] And desirous that the affairs of those islands should be
known, especially those which occurred during my connection with
them, I have related these matters in a book of eight chapters,
tracing them from their origin so far as was necessary. The first
seven chapters contain an account of the discoveries, conquests, and
other events in the islands and neighboring kingdoms and provinces,
which occurred during the time of the proprietary governors [7]
until the death of Don Pedro de Acuña. The eighth and last chapter
contains a brief summary and account of the nature of these regions,
their inhabitants, the manner of governing and converting them, and
other details; moreover, it treats of the acquaintance, dealings,
and intercourse which they maintain with their neighboring islands and
pagan communities. As fearful am I for the imperfections which will be
found in this work, as I am persuaded that they deserve forgiveness,
since my design and chief intent has been to give each one his due and
to present the truth without hatred or flattery, which has been injured
in some current narratives. [8] The latter is a fault to be severely
reproved in those who relate the deeds of others, inasmuch as it was
prohibited by a penal law which Cato and Marcius, tribunes of the
Roman people, established for those who, in relating their own deeds,
overstepped the truth--although this seemed less worthy of punishment,
on account of the self-love which intervenes in such a case.
There will not be wanting some person who will point out my oversights,
but I shall have already answered him by confessing them; and should
this not suffice to silence him, I shall stop up my ears like another
Ulysses, and--considering the haste with which I have written--endure
this inconvenience and difficulty, desiring only to please and serve
whomsoever may read it; and this will be sufficient to protect me
from greater dangers.
Notice is given that
In reading this history, one may find certain words--names of
provinces, towns, magistrates, arms, and vessels--which it has seemed
more suitable to write by their usual names in those regions. In
the last chapter, which contains an account of the islands and their
peculiarities, these words will be explained and defined.
¶ Of the first discoveries of the eastern islands; the voyage thither
by Adelantado Miguel Lopez de Legazpi; the conquest and pacification of
the Filipinas during his governorship, and that of Guido de Labazarris,
who afterward held the office.
¶ CHAPTER FIRST
According to ancient and modern cosmographers, that part of the world
called Asia has adjacent to it a multitude of greater and lesser
islands, inhabited by various nations and peoples, and as rich in
precious stones, gold, silver, and other minerals, as they abound in
fruit and grain, flocks, and animals. Some of the islands yield all
kinds of spices which are carried away and distributed throughout
the world. These islands are commonly designated in their books,
descriptions, and sea-charts, as the great archipelago of San Lazaro,
and are located in the eastern ocean. Among the most famous of them
are the islands of Maluco, Céleves, Tendaya, Luzon, Mindanao, and
Borneo, which are now called the Filipinas.
When Pope Alexander the Sixth divided the conquests of the new world
between the kings of Castilla and of Portugal, the kings agreed to
make the division by means of a line drawn across the world by the
cosmographers, so that they might continue their discoveries and
conquests, one toward the west and the other toward the east, and
pacify whatever regions each might gain within his own demarcation.
After the crown of Portugal had conquered the city of Malaca, on
the mainland of Asia, in the kingdom of Jor [Johore]--called by
the ancients Aurea Chersonesus--a Portuguese fleet, in the year one
thousand five hundred and eleven, on hearing of neighboring islands
and especially of those of Maluco and Banda, where cloves and nutmegs
are gathered, went to discover them. After touching at Banda, they
went to Terrenate, one of the islands of Maluco, at the invitation
of its king, to defend him against his neighbor, the king of Tidore,
with whom he was at war. This was the beginning of the Portuguese
settlement in Maluco.
Francisco Serrano, who after this discovery returned to Malaca, and
thence went to India with the purpose of going to Portugal to give
an account of the discovery, died before he had accomplished this
voyage, but not, however, without having communicated in letters to
his friend, Fernando de Magallanes, what he had seen; [9] for they
had been together at the taking of Malaca, although the latter was
then in Portugal. From this relation, Magallanes learned whatever
was necessary for the discovery and navigation of these islands. [10]
At this time, Magallanes, who for certain reasons had entered the
service of the king of Castilla, told the emperor Cárlos V, our
sovereign, that the islands of Maluco fell within the demarcation of
the latter's crown of Castilla, and that their conquest belonged to
him, according to the concessions made by Pope Alexander; moreover,
he offered to make the expedition and navigation to the islands in
the emperor's name, by sailing through that part of the demarcation
belonging to Castilla, and by availing himself of a famous astrologer
and cosmographer, named Ruyfarelo [sic], whom he had with him.
The emperor, moved by the importance of the undertaking, entrusted
Fernando de Magallanes with this expedition and discovery, supplying
him with the necessary ships and provisions therefor. Thus equipped, he
set sail and discovered the strait to which he gave his name. Through
this he entered the southern sea, and sailed to the islands of Tendaya
and Sebu, where he was killed by the natives of Matan, which is one of
these islands. His ships proceeded to Maluco, where the sailors fell
into disputes and contentions with the Portuguese then stationed in the
island of Terrenate. Finally, not being able to maintain themselves
there, the Castilians left Maluco in a ship, called the "Victoria,"
the only remaining vessel of their fleet. As leader and captain,
they chose Juan Sebastian del Caño, who made the voyage to Castilla
by way of India, where he arrived with but few men, and informed his
Majesty of the discovery of the great archipelago, and of his voyage.
The same enterprise was attempted at other times, and was carried
out by Juan Sebastian del Caño, Comendador Loaisa, the Saoneses,
and the bishop of Plasencia. [11] But these did not bear the fruits
expected, on account of the hardships and perils of so long a voyage,
and the opposition received by those who reached Maluco, from the
Portuguese there.
After all these events, as it was thought that this discovery might
be made quicker and better by way of Nueva España, in the year one
thousand five hundred and forty-five, [12] a fleet, under command of
Rui Lopez de Villalobos, was sent by that route. They reached Maluco
by way of Sebu, where they quarreled with the Portuguese, and suffered
misfortunes and hardships, so that they were unable to effect the
desired end; nor could the fleet return to Nueva España whence it
had sailed, but was destroyed. Some of the surviving Castilians left
Maluco by way of Portuguese India and returned to Castilla. There they
related the occurrences of their voyage, and the quality and nature
of the islands of Maluco and of the other islands that they had seen.