which he deals at length with the charges of inhumanity and cruelty
made against the Spaniards by Fell, and in sarcastic terms makes
counter charges of cruelty and lack of good faith on the part of the
English. "Manila," he says, "was lost, because it was poorly defended,
the citadel because it was basely surrendered, as was also the port
of Cavite; and not because there was a lack of brave Spaniards, but
because they had the misfortune not to have a leader to manage them,
with less ignominy, disorder, and confused foresight, than those
displayed by the archbishop." After the English entered by assault,
they committed many acts of cruelty, killing often without quarter. The
English have not always respected the white flag, and have used it
for unlawful purposes, such as sending an officer into the Spanish
camp to offer amnesty and pardon to deserters if they would return to
their companies. When Anda was as yet without troops or weapons, the
English proscribed him as a traitor, and put a price on his capture,
alive or dead. Since the English have acted thus inhumanely toward
him, is Anda obliged to regard the laws of warfare? Anda refers to a
British edict of May 17 which he says appears to be in the same hand
as the letter received from Fell. Such a thing does not argue for the
good faith of the English. [106] Anda denies in heated terms charges
of personal cruelty and encouragement of inhumanity and cruelty. He
has used his efforts to restrain his men, especially the natives who
are barbarously inclined. He has even offered a reward of five hundred
pesos for each English officer captured alive and brought in living.]
[A manifesto or edict published by the British government in Manila
under date of June 6, and sent to Anda, "former auditor of the royal
Audiencia and supposed governor of the Filipinas Islands," threshes
the whole matter over again. The acts of the British are carefully
excused of all cruelty, while on the other hand, the inhumanity and
cruelty of Anda and his troops are proved clearly to the satisfaction
of the English. The latter are called pirates and robbers by Anda, but
the term is misapplied; for the British did not take a just vengeance
for the death of one of their officers who was killed under the white
flag. Anda has been, and is, a rebel to the king of Spain, for he has
not regarded the commands of the archbishop, the rightly constituted
Spanish representative of Spanish sovereignty. The archbishop has
never made public the commission with which Anda claims that he left
the city. What more are Anda's men than canaille (a name to which Anda
objects), for they are rebels to the proper authority, and are made up
of vagabond Indians, robbers, and murderers, and some few deserters who
are captained by some irreligious friars, and some persons who broke
their word of honor not to take up arms against the British? Anda has
not scrupled to reward murderers by political offices and money. The
British manifesto offers five thousand pesos for the capture of Anda,
but stipulates that he is to be kept alive. Anda is trying to seduce
the natives and set them against peace and order. If his armed bands
continue, it will result in the shedding of much blood and in the
destruction of the country, for Anda can never drive out and defeat
the English, and reconquer Manila. Even if the city is returned to the
Spaniards, it must either be left to the natives or reconquered from
them by the Spanish king. Auditor Galban, the fiscal, Leandro Viana,
and the marquis of Monte Castro, and many others, have broken their
word of honor and have gone over to Anda. This is a violation of a
most sacred oath. It cannot be excused by saying that the British have
broken their promises, for their promises had nothing to do with the
word of honor given by the Spanish prisoners of war. Anda is breaking
the rights of nations by receiving and welcoming such violators of
their word. Even Villacorta, the only auditor who remains in the city,
has long been holding traitorous communications with the rebels. [107]
In spite of all these things, and the non-fulfilment of the Spaniards
to pay the two million pesos in cash of the four settled upon for
their ransom (failing even to pay the one million which the British
consented to take in cash, because the Spaniards have not given as
freely as they can), the British have ever treated them with the
honor characteristic of the English nation. The peace of the islands
has been prevented by the conduct of the Spaniards.]
[Letters from Anda to Bishop Bernardo Ustariz and the people of the
province of Ilocos in general, respectively dated June 13, and 12,
return thanks for the victory over the insurgent Silang, and mention
the celebrations with solemn mass that have been held in Bacolor. The
indult issued by the bishop to the Ilocans is approved. Pedro Bicbic,
the chief justice, and Miguel Vicos, are especially thanked for
their part in the victory and remuneration will be made to them. For
the present, the bishop is to have charge of civil affairs in the
province. The arms taken from Silang and distributed by the bishop
to the loyal Ilocans are given them as their own; and report is to
be made the king, so that he may fittingly reward them.]
[Anda writes to the archbishop under date of July 29, refusing
to assent to the truce offered by the latter between Anda and the
British, and which the archbishop declares to have been arranged for
between the sovereigns. Anda demands that communications of such a
nature must be made him directly by the British authorities and not
through the archbishop, whom he cannot trust, and who is, besides,
a prisoner. Indeed, the archbishop has no business to meddle with
the matter at all. Anda distrusts the sincerity of the British, and
suspects some plot to invade his territory. The archbishop should be
mindful of the verbal agreement which he himself made with General
Draper when he surrendered the fort of Santiago, and how it was
completely disregarded. Anda insists on official recognition and the
drawing up of documents that can be used as proof of any negotiations
entered into between himself and the British.]
[The British in Manila publish an edict on September 19, declaring
Anda responsible for any further bloodshed because of his disregard
of the news of the suspension of hostilities, as arranged between
the deputies of the two sovereigns. The first news of the suspension
was brought by a ship from Madras on July 23, 1763, and was sent
forthwith to Anda by the archbishop. The preliminaries of peace,
signed by each side, were brought from the same port on August 26. But
although Anda was also informed of this immediately, he has paid no
attention to it, and has steadfastly dared to violate the orders of
his sovereign. Hence, if he does not acquiesce in the suspension, he,
or any of his adherents, will be attacked, wherever met, with arms;
and at the first opportunity, information regarding his obstinacy
and arrogancy will be sent to Spain. [108]]
[In regard to the alleged suspension of hostilities by the British,
Anda issues two edicts or proclamations, dated September 28,
and October 24, respectively. He complains that he has not been
treated by the invaders as rightful governor, and that no legitimate
messages have been transmitted to him. The attempt of the British
is to inflame the natives against him by a system of trickery. To
publish a suspension of hostilities, and then to commit all sorts of
excesses (as the English have done) is hardly sincere. Anda issues
these proclamations in order that the people may not be deceived by
the trickery and double-dealing of the enemy.]
[The wrongs inflicted by the English, in which are included excesses
and outrages of all sorts, form the subject of Anda's letter of
November 2, to Thomas Becus [Backhouse], commander-in-chief of the
British forces. Several instances of the cruelty of the soldiers are
mentioned, especially those in which no quarter has been shown to
Spaniards who have surrendered. Although the British have published
a suspension of hostilities they have continued to commit all manner
of outrages, such as robbery, arson, bribery, etc., and Anda has been
informed of this suspension only extra-officially. The cannons and
war supplies of Manila and Cavite have been despoiled unlawfully,
for these places are held by the British forces only for the time
being and all their effects are on deposit. [109] Anda asks Becus
to use his influence in restraining these outrages, and to urge the
matter properly with his government. He protests against the payment
of salaries on the Spanish royal account by the British for such
expenses have been met from the situado annually sent to the islands;
and some that have been paid are unauthorized. His last proclamation
is enclosed, and the British are asked to act honorably and cease all
excesses. Especially do the Spanish loyalists wish to have the British
officer Slay [110] delivered to them for proper punishment, for he has
been most guilty and brutal in his overstepping of civilized warfare.]
[In his reply to the preceding letter (November 22), the English
commandant shows himself to be more of a diplomat than Major Fell. He
writes in a conciliatory, yet firm tone, and in a far different
spirit than former English letters. He insists that justice has been
the keynote of the English government since he has taken command of
its forces during the past month. Had he commanded in place of Major
Fell (whom he does not like), and had any outrages been committed by
his soldiers, they would have been punished. He is opposed to war,
but recognizes therein, his responsibility for his own orders. Only
after receiving Anda's letter has he learned that the cannon and
supplies of Manila have been removed and carried to Madras. They
will be replaced, if an order to that effect is received from the
king. Anda's complaints would have had more weight had he consented
to observe the truce arranged between the two sovereigns; but his
threats of vengeance are not quite in good point, especially since the
truth that the treaty has been ratified is proved. Becus deprecates
the possibility of civil war between the factions of the archbishop
and Anda. It would be better for all to join forces and improve the
condition of the country. The British troops will soon leave Manila,
and it will be wise for all to avoid civil war. The outrages committed
in Santa Cruz and in its environs were by bands of ladrones who called
themselves Anda's men. [111] They have committed wanton destruction
of property, and have been guilty of torture and murder. He justifies
his sending military detachments outside Manila for food supplies, as
self preservation is the first requisite the world over. The rupees,
some of which have been put into circulation, are of more value than
the peso, and of better quality, and there is no need to withdraw
them. There has been no false coinage except by some Chinese who have
been hanged. He challenges Anda to prove that bribery and corruption
are common, and that he has refused justice to Spaniard or native. He
would be glad of an interview with Anda.]
[Anda replies in a short paper of January 23, 1764, to the
preliminaries of peace submitted to him by the British commandant. He
outlines his position, and his right to the title of governor and
captain-general, and presents objections to some of the articles.]
[An edict published by Anda, January 24, 1764, states that when the
British give truthful declaration that they will abide exactly by
articles 21 and 22 of the peace preliminaries that have been signed
between the English and Spanish, and which relate to the evacuation of
the places occupied by the former, then hostilities will cease, and the
British will be given all necessary help in their transportation. But
until such time, the war will continue.]
[Anda writes a letter to the English governor Drake, in which he
indignantly refuses to believe the assurances of the latter as
to his humane proceedings, and accuses him of citing instances of
cruelty to Spaniards and natives, profanation of churches, and other
atrocities. He knows this because he has seen it himself in the
provinces where he has been. Drake's actions, leveled also against
those of his own nation, who would have been humane and obedient to
the orders of their sovereign, are those of a pirate and traitor,
and such as befit barbarians.]
[In a note addressed to the British military and civil chiefs
of Manila, January 28, Anda cites two clauses of the treaty of
February 10, 1763, made between the English and Spanish. Article 22
provides: "that all the countries and territories that might have
been gained by conquest in any part of the world, either by the arms
of his Britannic and most faithful Majesty, or by those of his most
Christian and Catholic Majesty, which are not comprehended in the
present articles, article of cession, or article of restitution,
shall be returned without raising any difficulty, and without asking
compensation." Article 22 provided that restitution and evacuation
of places that might have been captured in the East Indies were to
be made within six months. That time, declares Anda, was in August,
1763, yet the British still hold Manila and Cavite, and if they do
not leave in the next month, they must remain until the monsoon of
1765. He earnestly asks that the terms of the treaty be observed,
and all hostilities suspended. In such case, the British will be
furnished with food and all necessary supplies at a just price;
otherwise hostilities will continue. A vigorous protest is made
of all the damage occasioned by Silang and other insurgents in the
provinces who have been aided by the British. Following this note,
Anda addresses another to the same officials February 3, citing article
I of the peace preliminaries, to the effect that orders will be sent
to the three powers to suspend hostilities, and that passports will
be given to the ships of the three powers that are to be despatched
to bear the news of the treaties of the three powers. But since such
orders have not been received by the royal Audiencia, they have
no authority to cease the war unless the British agree to certain
proposals of the royal Audiencia.]
[March 9, a note from the British officials to Anda (in which he is
addressed by his proper titles in full), [112] informs him of the
arrival of an English vessel from Fort St. George with the definitive
treaty, [113] of which a copy will be sent him as soon as possible. The
British are ordered to return to the Coromandel coast, and intend
to do so if the monsoon permits. [114] In order that Anda may aid
so far as possible, they ask provision of seven or eight thousand
cavans of rice and other provisions and supplies in proportion. A
note from Anda of the same date, states that he was about to send
his agents to Manila, but was holding them until receiving the copy
of the treaty above-mentioned. These agents will have power to treat
on all matters. Anda would go himself, but necessary business renders
it impossible. On the tenth, Anda writes again to the effect that he
will facilitate the furnishing of supplies to the British as far as
possible. He will appoint persons to arrange details of the delivery
of Manila and Cavite, though the delivery itself is to be made to
the troops in military style. [115] Another note from Anda on the
same date, announces that he has appointed the treasurer, Nicólas
Echauz, Sargento-mayor Francisco Salgado, and the infantry captains,
Mariano Thobias and Raymundo Español, to formally receive the effects
of Manila and Cavite, and to treat of other points that may arise.]
ROJO'S NARRATIVE
Relation of the operations of the archbishop of Manila, governor and
captain-general of the Philipinas, during the time of his government,
of the measures taken during the time of the siege or blockade by
the English of the capital of Manila, of its capture by assault,
of the events which followed this unfortunate occurrence. Written
for the defense of his fame and name which were abused and trampled
under foot by envy through its calumnies, injuries, and reproaches
by word and writing in letters and great libels.
[The archbishop [116] begins his relation with a short introduction,
in which he states that his defense against the libels that have been
published against him will consist of a synopsis or summary of his
deeds while archbishop and governor, and of events during the English
siege and invasion. He considers the libels themselves as unworthy an
answer in kind and hence will not satisfy an idle curiosity to such
an extent; and even if the charges made against him were true, to
defend himself so, would only increase the scandal. He is answerable
for his errors, not to the ignorant crowd, but to his king, and to
the learned and prudent men of the Spanish nation.]
Part first. Of the operations of the archbishop during the time of
his government of the islands.
[The archbishop finds it necessary to refer to the events of this
period as some of them are connected with the events of the two
following periods; and because complaints have been made of him. The
first thing noted is the peace that the archbishop brought about
in the ranks of the Augustinians who had split up into various
factions, and who had sought the aid of the law. He also heals the
breach between the visitor and the provincial of the Recollects,
first succeeding in getting a peaceful entry for the visitor. One
of the matters under the latter's jurisdiction having been settled
in favor of the defendant, a religious, whom the order had condemned
and deprived of honor, the breach opens again, but is finally settled
by a council of Dominican and Augustinian religious, the visitor, the
provincial and definitors of the Recollects. By the ship "Philipino,"
the archbishop asks the viceroy of Mexico for one hundred soldiers,
but asks him not to send criminals or evil-minded men. He asks
also that fifty thousand pesos of the annual situado be in small
change in order to replace the clipped coin in circulation and also
to prevent further counterfeiting, which is so widespread. He also
turns his attention to the troops, appointing officers and opening a
recruiting station. He sends one hundred soldiers to Zamboanga, as well
as the annual supplies, including two thousand pesos extra. Eighty
soldiers are sent to the province of Caraga which has been ravaged
by the Moros of late. These are in command of Nicolas Norton, [117]
an Englishman, who has become a naturalized Spaniard. The latter is
commissioned to cultivate spice and cinnamon, the working of which
he understands thoroughly. With him goes a Recollect missionary
to attend to spiritual matters, and good results are promised to
Christianity. The new bishop of Zebù is despatched to his diocese,
taking with him six thousand pesos of the funds of that bishopric,
which has been adjudged him by the Audiencia. [118] The archbishop has
a part in the pacification of Bohol through the above bishop and the
alcalde-mayor newly appointed to that province. [119] They succeed in
reducing the chief insurgent Dagahoy and three thousand men, after the
province had been in rebellion for over fourteen years, during which
two Jesuits have been killed. "At the beginning of the archbishop's
term of government, a contagious epidemic of smallpox showed and
declared itself, which had stealthily and slowly gained a foothold
in the city and spread rapidly through the villages in its environs,
without escaping little or big of the very great population of the
natives." The archbishop meets the issue by various spiritual and
temporal measures, detailing ecclesiastical ministers to administer
the sacraments, in which both regulars and Jesuits aid manfully. "A
holy field was assigned for burials, because of the horror caused
by the dead in the churches, and to prevent the pest from spreading
because of the stench. He appointed four deputies from the regidors,
and a like number from the ecclesiastical cabildo with instructions
and orders which he gave to attend to all the necessities of the
poor and sick." He gives these men one thousand pesos of his own
income, and various sums resulting from fines, especially from play
(more than two thousand pesos) for the charitable work. A council
of physicians is called to write a prescription which is posted up
in all the churches of the villages and in other public places. The
archbishop keeps a sharp eye on temporal and spiritual matters,
during the entire time of the epidemic. The general calamity is still
further heightened by a violent typhoon which occurs on October 12
of this year, when the epidemic is at its worst. Relief to both is
accorded through the many supplications made to heaven. The epidemic
spreading through the provinces, the measures for spiritual and
temporal relief are extended thither. In the middle of the month of
December the archbishop begins to suffer from a disease of the eyes
which lasts for more than two months, which obliges him to use a signet
seal instead of writing his name, in order that the business of the
country might not cease. January 20, the anniversary of the birth of
the king is held with great solemnity, and despite his affliction,
the archbishop fulfils his share in the ceremonial celebrations. It
is learned that Auditor Francisco Villacorta has not been present
at the celebration because his carriage has been detained at the
palace-door leading to the living apartments of the governor, and
where the archbishop-governor has prohibited entrance on account of his
illness, the Audiencia using the other or general door. As punishment
for his non-attendance he is ordered to remain a prisoner in his
house and threatened with a fine. This gives occasion for a breach
between the official and the archbishop-governor. In the following
month are held the celebrations in honor of our Lady of Guadalupe,
the ceremonies being both ecclesiastical and social. [120] Among
the latter are three afternoons given up to bullfights, "which was
properly an entertainment, without any fear of danger, for the bulls
hereabout are not courageous and fierce like those of both Españas,"
and anyone could indulge in the sport, even the unskilled. There are
also musical entertainments and dancing which are designed chiefly
for the ladies. The illness of the archbishop, however, compels him
to hold aloof from the celebration. During Lent and the three days of
jubilee in honor of the coronation of the pope, the proper ceremonies
are observed, but the archbishop's illness allows him to take but
little part in them.]
16. Since the archbishop assumed the responsibility, at the beginning
of his government, of the many measures which were necessary for the
fulfilment of that post, among various others to which he attended,
he set his gaze and hand to the navy which was both in a backward
state and important. He immediately endeavored to get boats, and was
able to purchase three galleys--one a large one, and two small--and
two champans. He gave order and money to the new alcalde-mayor of
Pangasinan for two galleys and two champans; to the alcalde-mayor
of Sorsogon for two more galleys, and sent him a shipbuilder; to
the alcalde-mayor of Orani and Zambales order and money for a like
number of the above-mentioned boats. Since he also had an order from
his Majesty to construct two fragatas of fifty cannons, this was the
chief thing to which he turned his attention. Having been informed of
the great amount of wood which had been collected for this purpose
by Mariscal Arandia, in the two cuttings which he had ordered in
various places, and that said wood was for the most part used, and
that at the moment of the conclusion of his government, his successor
had had the cutting stopped, the archbishop again established them,
in the districts which were found to be most suitable. Consequently,
methodically and economically, the necessary timber was collected
for a fragata, and the speedy sending of a like amount or more for
the other fragata.