the shipyards at Cavite, whither the archbishop goes in person. In
that city he is royally entertained by the castellan of the fort,
two bullfights being arranged for him, and musical concerts being
given nightly during the five or six days of his stay there. The
archbishop while there spends his time as follows: in the morning
he celebrates mass, and goes to others attended by his suite, among
whom are Manuel Galban, the auditor, and Francisco Viana, the fiscal;
visits the royal storehouses, and the walls which are being repaired;
during the remainder of the afternoon, if there is time, he visits
the environs of the village; and at the time of the Angelus goes to
the church where there is music. Thence, preceded by the musicians,
he goes to his apartments where he listens to a concert until nine,
at which hour he sups. Many complaints are made of this, as well as of
the festivities in the palace at Manila and the time which he spends
in his summer residence of Nagtahan, where he passes the hot months,
namely, April, May, and a part of June. By his efforts to construct
a navy, the archbishop believes that he is doing his duty. He plans
to restrain the Moros from their raids, and has the coasts of the
Visayan Islands guarded.]
19. ... But the embassy of the sultan of Mindanao happening to come
almost at the same time as that of Ba[n]tilan, who is governing the
islands of the sultan of Jolo, [121] both with propositions of peace,
and of valuable conditions, it was becoming very apparent that many
advantages would accrue to our side, and the hostility of the Moros
be kept in check.
20. In regard to what was advised and ordered by his Majesty,
the archbishop received these two embassies, and that from Jolo,
with the previous consent and pleasure of the king of said island,
Don Fernando I, who was greatly obliged by this attention, as well
as by others which the archbishop had observed toward him. For the
archbishop had given him a house and a carriage within the city,
and had taken him from the most unworthy lodgings where he lived in
the royal fort, because of having recognized the need of repairing
it and having begun said work.
21. The ambassador or envoy from Bantilan incited said Don Fernando
to petition and repeat his writings to the archbishop, so that his
cause which had been so long delayed might be reviewed. This cause was
so foggy and laden with many knotty and ancient points which having
been examined and an extract having been made in regard to the whole
matter, the archbishop sent it for a consultative vote to the royal
assembly and in view of what the assembly stated in regard to their
duty to declare him free from prison and with the authorization to
be able to go to his kingdom, the archbishop reserved his consent,
taking the time to arrange the voyage of said Don Fernando and his son,
Prince Isrrael; and having taken measures in regard to his embarcation,
and the other necessary things, fixing the voyage for November of that
same year 1762: the preliminaries of peace were given and concluded,
and the new and voluntary proposition of the said king and his
son, signed by both, in it they conceded that the Spaniards could
have a settlement and build their fort in their principal island of
Jolo. In the meanwhile, the principal fortress of said island was to
be surrendered to them as a mark of the confidence that they had in
them and of the love which they professed to so good a king as the
Catholic monarch. Also, in the island of Basilan the Spaniards were
to be allowed to place their fortress. He ceded other distant islands
which would be freely surrendered, and which were of no use to them. No
other nation was to be permitted to settle in his kingdom without the
consent of the Catholic king. All was accepted with the reservation
of the rights of his Catholic Majesty, to whom a report was to be made.
22. The other ambassador from Mindanao proposed, and it also appeared
in the letters from his sultan, that he would cede Sebugay, where
he was stationed, as he was minded to move to another part of his
possessions. He would maintain the ancient peace of his ancestors
with the Spaniards, and would aid them against the other Moros, if
they gave him arms. Nothing was concluded with this envoy, because,
although the proposals were advantageous, while the archbishop was
giving the matter his attention, and although he was pushing the
matter urgently, the unexpected surprise of the English occurred. That
also occasioned this great harm that our islands would have remained
in security, and with precautions so that they might not be invaded
by the Moros, who have ruined them for so long a time; and with the
above-mentioned project for the settlement of the Spaniards in Jolo,
the settlement which the English claimed and agreed upon with Bantilan
would have been annulled. But everything was frustrated because divine
ordination must prevail over human ideas.
23. During that time also the disturbance which was roused up against
the Society of Jesus was quieted, some anonymous and libelous writings
being scattered and read freely, and now prohibited with two others of
new writings in these islands, which insulted it even to excess. By
means of an edict and censure that was fulminated, these infernal
stigmas were taken back, and the author of the two above-mentioned
writings having been discovered, namely, a regular, he was corrected
by means of his prelate, who without being induced and with only the
notice had begun to punish him; and it was necessary to moderate that
prelate because of the exhaustion and great age of the culprit who now
recognized his error. So much the more did the archbishop push this
matter as it was apparent to him, and he had experienced the truly
apostolic zeal of that order in these parts, and that its workers
watched with their accustomed spirit and fervor in all that concerned
the good of souls; and in the visit of the archbishopric, they labored
with the archbishop with great fruit and his consolation. Because of
their merit, and through his long and very intimate experience of the
wisdom and spirit of those religious, he wrote to his Holiness who has
protected them so greatly in their adverses. He stated to his Holiness
what his conscience dictated to him in favor and approval of those
evangelical workers and peculiar coadjutors of the bishops. But this
letter perished with the others in the captured ship "La Trinidad."...
[24]. At the same time and at the beginning of his government, noting
the orders that his Majesty had given and the extreme need of his
royal works for rebuilding or repairing them, the archbishop sent
master workmen and intelligent men to report on their condition. In
view of their inspection and in accordance with what they themselves
discovered, after a thorough inspection, those men stated the need
because of the ruin which was threatened, either in whole or in
part, of said buildings, with danger to those who lived in them
and with their dread and uneasiness. In consideration of that,
after investigations and contracts with the masters of the art, he
proceeded to the adjustment of each one, under bonds to grant them
their pay in three instalments, one-third at the beginning of the
work, another third when it was half done, and the last third at its
completion. Thus was a good beginning made in them all, and some of
them were half finished, in which condition they were overtaken by
the event of the war, for all would have been finished during the
first three months of the following year.
[The royal works needing repair are the hospital, the royal college
of Santa Potenciana, the college of San Phelipe, and the royal fort of
Santiago; and the sum necessary to be expended on them is slightly in
excess of forty thousand pesos. The wall of Cavite is also in a very
bad condition, repeated complaints of which have been made to the
government, and to which the archbishop cannot turn a deaf ear. The
terrible hurricane of October 12, 1761, has damaged the walls still
more. Plans are drawn up by the engineers, to put which in operation
would cost one hundred and fifty thousand pesos, and would take more
than eight years. But because of the expense and time necessary, the
engineers are told to discuss a new plan, and accordingly propose
a double stockade of palma brava, which can be constructed for ten
thousand pesos and which will last at least fifteen years. This plan
is followed and is nearing completion when the English enter. The
cracks in the walls of Manila are stopped up, but the war with the
English shows its weakness, for it has been built, not so much to
withstand artillery and civilized warfare, as the attacks of Moros. It
is designed to repair the esplanades of the walls and the gun carriages
mounted thereon, but the English arrive before the stone and timber for
it can be gathered. Twenty men are kept busy, for more than two months,
polishing the one thousand two hundred muskets formerly brought by
Governor Arandia, which have become very rusty. Various other measures
are taken to bring up the military strength of the city, which is in
a wretched state so far as defense is concerned. The treasury enters
upon a new life with the assumption of government by the archbishop,
for although it has but ten thousand pesos from the new tax, and the
sums left by the bishops [espolios] in 1761, by September 22, 1762,
when the English appear (and the annual situado has not yet arrived),
it has 138,633 pesos 5 tomins, 6 granos. This sum includes 36,897
pesos, 5 tomins, 6 granos, in espolios, 40,000 pesos, which the
executor of the property of Governor Arandia is ordered to deposit
there so that a pious foundation may receive the sum left it by the
abovesaid governor, and over 60,000 pesos belonging to the treasury
by right. Payments are prompt, and by the methods adopted many losses
are avoided. So far as possible, definite times are set aside for the
administration of justice and government matters. Two serious matters,
especially noteworthy because of their difficulty, are settled by
the archbishop. The first is the case of Dr. Santiago Orendain, who
was proceeded against by the predecessor of Rojo, the bishop-governor
Espeleta, the case being managed by Francisco Villacorta, one of the
auditors. The archbishop settles the matter, (which had assumed so vast
proportions that Villacorta has been excommunicated), but it breaks out
again. Orendain asks for a review of his case, which is concerned with
the administration of the funds of the Cruzada [122] of which he has
been treasurer, and the archbishop accordingly examines the records
which fill over five thousand folios. Orendain is at last declared
free after two years' imprisonment. The archbishop quashes the case by
his decree of November 27, 1761, as he is anxious to restore harmony,
and orders the records sent to the king. The fiscal, Francisco Viana,
appeals to Auditor Simon de Anda, who has recently come to the islands,
and the matter is again stirred up, but it is at length disposed of
definitely, and the records ordered sent to the king. [123] The other
case is a dispute with Simon de Anda y Salazar in regard to the power
of a single auditor to act as the entire Audiencia in the absence of
other auditors, in the issuing of royal provisions. This special case
arises over the property of the late governor Arandia, in regard to
which the judge of the property of deceased persons has recourse to the
royal Audiencia. Anda, on coming to the islands, takes up the case,
and Auditor Davila falling mortally ill, he endeavors to take entire
charge of the matter, even to the issuing of a royal provision. This
the archbishop-governor opposes on the grounds that Anda may not
issue such provisions alone. Although law 180 of the título regarding
audiencias allows one auditor to act as the Audiencia in case of the
absence of the other auditors, that auditor cannot determine matters
finally, and despatch royal provisions; as other laws of the same
titulo forbid that. Among such laws are 62, 63, of titulo XV, book ii,
and as well, 88, 106, et seq., and 111. [124] Notwithstanding Anda's
wrath, the archbishop maintains good relations with him, and seeks
ever to propitiate him, acting so throughout with the other auditors
and the fiscal. Since entering upon his government, it has been the
custom of the archbishop to invite all classes of people to his mass,
in order thereby to promote sociability and restrain complaints and
disturbances. The people of Manila are "only busy for two or three
months each year, getting ready their bales for the Acapulco ship,
and during the rest [of the year] recline at ease. This ease is the
pillow and stimulus of other vices, and one of the effects which is
experienced is the multitude of clerks, and the huge amounts of copying
paper which are consumed throughout the year, especially during the
time of the above-mentioned despatch. Since from a few days after his
arrival at this city, the archbishop realized that the discord and
complaints of Christian charity arose from that vice of laziness, and
that already the dominant vice was the painful detriment of souls, he
began to use the arms of the Church against the terrible Goliath." For
this purpose he begins a mission, in which the love of God and one's
neighbor is preached. The doctrine is also explained throughout
the year every Sunday in one of the three churches assigned for that
purpose. After the archbishop assumes the government of the islands his
custom of expounding the doctrine is not abated but rather increased;
and he keeps a careful watch over all ecclesiastical dispositions.]
Part Second. Of occurrences immediate to the siege in the year 62;
and of the measures taken during that time; and those following the
siege until the year 63.
1. In due time, namely, at the beginning of May, a galley was
despatched to the Embocadero with the fitting aid to meet and assist
the ship "Philipino" which was on its return from Acapulco. In the
middle of May, another galley was despatched for the same purpose,
so that after having met the said ship and after having left it with
the other galley in San Jacinto, it might proceed to Cobadonga and the
island of Leyte. For a long time no authentic news had come from that
place except the ravages of the horrible epidemic which had caused
a great mortality, and among the deceased was the alcalde-mayor. A
person was sent in the said galley to take his place with the fitting
instructions. That person was to repair the casualties which might have
occurred, by aiding those stricken with the plague in the same manner
prescribed by the general measure for all the islands as abovesaid.
2. Shortly after a despatch was made to Calamianes, by a lesser
alcalde for another official, in charge of that so important post
which is located at the point of Paragua, where the construction of
a fort had been commenced during the term of the preceding governor,
and concluded in that of the archbishop. The latter sent some recruits
and some necessary supplies by that one. Then he also despatched an
intelligent and well-instructed alcalde to the place called Bugason,
[125] which abounds in people and rice, and which could not be well
administered by the alcalde of Yloylo, nor be conveniently stocked with
food at Samboangan: for the expenses and difficulties were doubled in
conducting the fruits and royal treasury to said capital, whence it was
separated under the suitable measures, which made manifest the need
and utility of that separation, advantageous for the royal treasury
of the above-mentioned presidio of Samboanga, and very convenient for
preventing them from giving shelter to the Moros in those districts.
3. The reception of the returning ship and of the one despatched
annually to Acapulco, [126] is the entire occupation of this commerce
and of the inhabitants [of this community]. It holds and calls
the attention of the governors considerably. The latter begins to
despatch measures for the careening of the ship and other things for
its preparation, at the beginning of the year. There was no other ship
than the very large one called "La Trinidad" [127] of which advice
was given to the merchants in regard to the cargo. Its keel having
been inspected, and the ship careened fully, as it was apparent to
the archbishop because of the inspection which the merchants made,
that they did not wish or could not prepare hastily more than one
thousand piezas; and having completed the distribution or allotment of
the tickets in the best manner that this labyrinth of entanglements,
complaints, and vileness permits, they began to stow the cargo in the
ship, and although it was a small cargo, they were retarded greatly
by the vendabals which began at the end of June.
4. At that time happened two events of little importance and
considerable bulk, which the archbishop expedited easily. One was in
regard to the master of the silver collecting the chests, according
to the new order of his Majesty, and the owners not taking them
to the palace, where they had formerly been gathered, whither he
agreed; and in regard to this matter also, the representation of the
commissary of the Inquisition, a person of learning and probity, who
was well considered because of his merit and the due respect to the
holy tribunal. But by the demand of the city and the register being
already shut away, the chests containing it had to be opened for the
necessary note of those who had not been included in said register.
5. The other event was that four merchants of the said city having
prepared some bales, the city delayed giving them audience in order
that they might obtain permission to register it. The hold being about
ready to be closed, they went to the archbishop. The latter granted
them license to embark some bales, on condition that the tickets of
the poor which were left could be accommodated. The others were to be
for the benefit of the royal treasury. The outcry and clamor of the
city, which held many consultations, was great, and greater in their
letters to the viceroy and his Majesty, with ill-founded complaints
that they were deprived of liberty in regard to asking more or less
cargo space. But the archbishop, having been well informed regarding
the royal orders, and aware that the true motive for anger was the
rivalry of the merchants to their other associates, and the application
of the tickets to the royal treasury, he convinced those of the city of
these puerilities and the papers which they had written in opposition
were effectively withdrawn and they asked that the archbishop should
so do. He had only advised the viceroy on account of the attempt
of the merchants, in order that said number of piezas might not be
confiscated. In fact the merchants were convinced, and satisfied,
and thanked the archbishop.
6. With its small cargo of one thousand one hundred and forty-eight
piezas, this ship was able to sail from the port of Cavite, August
1. That same day the vendavals returned with greater force than ever
(and winds which are contrary for leaving the mouth of this bay)
and they blew with tenacity and without intermission all through
August. And although the pilots did their best, and in fact once did
get out through the mouth, they anchored at the islet of Fortuna,
and had to return to the bay and take shelter behind the mountains
of Cabcave. [128]
7. The anxiety caused by this delay obliged the archbishop to call a
meeting of the best pilots, and examine the ancient papers in regard to
the direction of the ship at departure, to see whether it was through
the Embocadero, or by way of Cabo Bojeador which lies at the northern
end of this island. With the assistance of the fiscal and other
intelligent persons, the pilots believed that the course by way of Cabo
Bojeador was more expeditious and advantageous, if the ship left at the
latest by the beginning of July; but, if it were despatched, as usually
happened, at the end of July, or in August, it was to be feared that
the terrible typhoons or hurricanes of the China Sea which reach as
far as the said cape and farther, would carry it away. Consequently,
it was more advisable for the said ship to pursue its voyage through
the Embocadero, and the vendavals would be favorable to it until they
left it, and farther until they reached the Marianas. It was not late,
for other ships had left at the beginning of September. This opinion,
having been attested, was sent to the commander of the ship so that
the pilots might be informed of it. The ship left the mouth in fact on
the third of September, and reached San Jacinto in four days, where it
took wood and water aboard, and where it was overtaken by two boats or
champans with the reënforcement of food, sails, and other supplies,
which had been asked and which they would need. They sailed from the
Embocadero on the thirteenth of said month with a favoring wind. But
when they had sailed three hundred leguas, they were met by a most
violent storm. We shall discuss this misfortune in due time.
8. On the fourteenth of the said month of September word was received
from the river of Canas, in a latitude a short distance from the islet
of Fortuna, that a ship and its boat had been seen in said river. That
piece of news communicated by two Indians, caused great anxiety in
Manila, and people variously conjectured as to whether it were the
"Philipino" or whether the "Trinidad" had put back, or perhaps whether
it were some foreign ship. Order was immediately given for an official
to go from Cavite to prove the news, and follow the ship as far as
possible. But after three days of this diligence, and the ship had
not been found, it was asserted that another ship had been seen in
Mariveles. Through the neglect of the alcalde-mayor of Orani, in not
having imparted this news immediately, as he must have had bantayes
[129] or bajias in Mariveles, he was ordered to be imprisoned, and an
official put in his place. Without delay a message [cordillera] was
despatched through all the Embocadero, ordering people to be on their
guard, as a ship, whose destination and nationality were unknown, had
been seen. If the "Philipino" had already entered, it was to be advised
(and a letter was written to the commander with this order) not to
enter by the bay, but by Sorsogon, Camarines, or any other place, in
order to discharge its silver and despatches, and to be on the lookout,
and give full report of everything. This order was duplicated within
three days, and a galley was being prepared with an official already
appointed and the instruction advisable for this same measure. But on
going to execute it, and on embarking with the galley, on the afternoon
of September 22, it was frustrated by the sudden entrance into the bay,
at five in the afternoon of the same day, of the English squadron.
9. The entrance of this squadron composed of thirteen ships,
which formed in line and with wind or easter astern, entered
and took possession of the bay, surprised our minds greatly. They
stretched from the middle of the bay in a circle to the point called
Sangley. The confusion of Manila and its environs with so unlooked-for
a squadron, in an unprepared place can not be imagined. The people
ran through the streets. Those of the suburbs came into the city,
those of the city went outside, and there were some persons (as was
learned afterward), who started immediately for the mountains and
for Laguna. The archbishop could do no less than be surprised, and
much more the chief inhabitants and auditors who surrounded him. But
it was immediately resolved to write to the leader of the squadron,
and that was done with courtesy, asking him his nationality and
destination and granting him port and provisions according to his
need and the custom of civilized nations.
10. In the meanwhile, one of the most pressing anxieties and one
of danger was attended to, in regard to a large amount of powder,
stored in what is called the powder works [polverista], where it is
manufactured, and which is three-quarters of a legua from the city
along the beach. But in the morning of the following day, a great
portion of it remained to be brought, and the archbishop found it
necessary to go a-horseback accompanied by his Majesty's fiscal and
several others. At twelve o'clock, this task was really finished,
in which there was necessarily a great waste of this material. When
they reëntered, some of the ships were almost within cannon-shot,
and were threatening in that direction, which is toward the south,
with respect to the city.
11. The reply of the generals was, with their letter or challenge,
arrogant, and to the effect that Manila and its forts should be
surrendered to the king of Gran Bretaña, from whose power the most
remote possessions of the Catholic king were not free, whose court,
through its evil conduct, had proclaimed war against Ynglaterra. If
the Spaniards of Manila were not infatuated, they would surrender,
in order not to experience the severity of their powerful arms.