1565, when the "San Pedro," under command of Felipe de Salcedo, left
Cebú for New Spain. The fleet set sail from "Puerto de Navidad, Monday,
November 20, two hours before midnight, or rather on Tuesday, November
21, three hours before daybreak." It consisted of the flagship,
"San Pedro," the "San Pablo," captained by the master-of-camp,
Mateo del Saz, and the _pataches_ "San Juan" and "San Lucas,"
captained by Juan de la Isla and Alonso de Arellano respectively. The
vessels bore as pilots Esteban Rodriguez (chief pilot), Pierres
Plin (or Plun, a Frenchman), Jaymes Martinez Fortun, Diego Martin,
Rodrigo de Espinosa, and Lope Martin. Legazpi's vessel, the "San
Pedro," carried a small brigantine on her poop deck. On November 25,
Legazpi opened the instructions given him by the _Audiencia_, which
radically changed the course from the one that had been hitherto
pursued--the new course being in accord with the advice of Carrión,
and by the same route which Villalobos had taken. "The religious in
the fleet were very sorry at this, giving out that they had been
deceived; and had they known while yet ashore, that such a route
was to be pursued, they would not have accompanied the expedition,
for the reasons that father Fray Andres de Urdaneta had advanced in
Mexico." But they expressed their willingness to make the expedition
now for the service of God and the holy Catholic faith, the increase
of the kingdom, and the general good of the fleet. On the night of
the twenty-ninth, the "San Lucas," which, by the general's orders,
was accustomed to take its position at night ahead of his vessel,
became separated from the rest of the fleet and was seen no more. [47]
Being speedier than, the others, Legazpi naturally expected that
it would reach the islands ahead of him and there await the fleet,
but he was disappointed. The fleet reached on December 18, the ninth
degree of latitude, from which it must proceed westward to the island
of Los Reyes. It was found that there was no uniformity among the
distances and reckonings of the pilots; and although each contended
for the accuracy of his reckoning, they were accustomed to change
their figures somewhat, before reporting to Legazpi. Urdaneta's
figures proved nearer the truth, but even he changed his reckoning,
enlarging it, that he might be more in harmony with the pilots. Thus
it happened that the daily runs were exaggerated, giving rise to the
belief that Los Reyes had been passed. In accordance with this belief
the course of the fleet was changed on the twenty-eighth of December,
taking the latitude of ten degrees, in order to reach Matalotes and
other islands. On January 8, 1565, the "San Pablo" reported land on
the port bow, and the fleet directed its course southward. The report
proving incorrect, the former course was resumed and on the next day
a low, small island was discovered. The natives fled at sight or the
squadron. The ships ran close to land, and finding no anchorage, for
the anchors failed to touch bottom, Martin de Goyti was ordered to
go ahead to look for an anchorage. Landing-parties (among whom were
Urdaneta and Legazpi's grandson, Felipe de Salcedo, Martin de Goyti,
and Juan de la Isla) went on shore to gather what information they
could, and Salcedo was empowered to take possession of the island for
the king. Meanwhile it became necessary for the vessels to weigh anchor
and set sail, as the ebb-tide was taking them out to sea. The small
boats that had been sent ashore regained the fleet at ten o'clock,
and it continued its voyage. The landing-party had been well received
by the natives who had not decamped--an old man, his wife, and a
young woman with her child--who showed them their houses, fruits,
and articles of food, giving them some of the latter. They showed
signs of regret at the departure of the Spaniards. "The Indian was
well built and the women good looking. They were clad in garments
made of palm-leaf mats, which are very thin and skilfully made. They
had many Castilian fowl, quantities of fish and cocoanuts, potatoes,
yams, and other grain, such as millet." They used canoes, and made
fish-hooks from bone and other articles. "Their hair is loose and
long." This island was named Barbudos. [48] No weapons, offensive
or defensive, were seen. On the tenth they reached another larger
island and many small islets, which they called Los Plazeles from
the surrounding shoals. They appeared uninhabited. The same day
they passed another uninhabited island, which they called the isle
of Birds, from its many wild-fowl. On the twelfth they passed other
uninhabited islands which they called Las Hermanas ["The Sisters"]. On
the fourteenth, they passed islands which Urdaneta declared to be
the Jardines of Villalobos. The pilots ridiculed this assertion,
saying that they were much farther on their course. In a general
council on the seventeenth the best course to the Philippines was
discussed, as it was advisable to avoid entering at the hunger-point
of Villalobos. It was agreed to sail along the thirteenth degree,
in which course Urdaneta declared they must meet the Ladrones. On the
twenty-second of January land was sighted which the pilots declared
to be the Philippines, but which Urdaneta said might be the Ladrones,
which he afterwards affirmed to be the case from the lateen-sails
of the native boats, "which the inhabitants of the Filipinas do not
make." The pilots continued to ridicule him, but Urdaneta's reasoning
was correct. The fleet was surrounded by a multitude of boats, whose
occupants, all talking at once, invited them with word and sign to
land, offering refreshment. Some knives, scissors, beads, a mirror,
and other articles were given to the occupants of the nearest canoe. On
the following Tuesday the vessels succeeded in finding an anchorage,
and the instructions as to behavior on land were carefully enjoined
on all the men. [49] They were immediately surrounded by the canoes
of the natives, the occupants of which brought many kinds of food,
but in very small quantity. They would not enter the vessels although
asked to do so by Legazpi, "who showed them much love and affection,
and looked upon them as friends." They sold their food for such things
as playing cards, little bits of cloth, etc. "The father prior talked
with them, using the few words of their language that he remembered,
especially counting up to ten, whereat they manifested great pleasure;
and one of them mentioned the name Gonzalo, which as the father prior
said, was the name of a Spaniard who had been found in one of those
islands, which was called Goam." The natives signed to them to enter
their villages, where they would find food in abundance. "And all the
canoes, and those in them, had their arms, which consisted of shields,
bundles of throwing-sticks, slings, and egg-shaped stones.... They
leave the body quite uncovered. They are tall, robust, well built,
and apparently of great strength. The women, too, are very tall,
and wear only a cord tied about the waist, and to the cord they
hang some grass or leaves from the trees, whereby they cover the
shameful parts. Some cover the latter also with mats made from
palm-leaves. All the rest of the body is uncovered. Both men and
women wear their hair, which is of a yellowish color, loose and long,
gathering it up behind the head." Their canoes are "very neatly and
well made, sewed together with cord, and finished with a white or
orange-colored bitumen, in place of pitch. They are very light, and
the natives sail in them with their lateen sails made of palm-mats,
with so much swiftness against the wind or with a side wind that it
is a thing to marvel at." The trading was all done from the canoes
for the natives would not enter the vessels. They cheated much,
passing up packages filled mainly with sand, or grass, and rocks,
with perhaps a little rice on top to hide the deceit; the cocoa-nut
oil was found to be mixed with water. "Of these the natives made many
and very ridiculous jests." They showed no shame in these deceits,
and, if remonstrance was made, began straightway to show fight. "They
are inclined to do evil, and in their knavishness they exhibit a very
great satisfaction in having done it; and truly whoever gave the name
of island of Ladrones [robbers] was right; for they are robbers and
boast of it, and are quite shameless and inclined to evil. They render
account to no one, each man being sufficient to himself. Thus it was
seen that, whenever the general gave some articles, such as beads,
mirrors, and articles of barter, to the Indians who seemed to be
the principals, they quarreled over who should take them, snatching
them from one another and fleeing. And they were always looking for
something to steal. They unfastened a large piece of one rudder blade
in the _patache_ 'San Joan,' and they tried to, and actually did,
draw out the nails from the sides of the ships." [50] The vessels
having anchored in a small cove for the purpose of refilling the
water-butts, the natives showed hostility, discharging showers of
stones from two sides, wounding some of the Spaniards, among others
Captain Juan de la Isla, whereat the master-of-camp was sent ashore
to remonstrate. The natives, in consequence, promised to keep the
peace. Repeated experiences proved that no confidence could be placed
in these people; for they broke their word as soon as given. Legazpi
took possession of this island "in the name of his majesty"; and the
religious disembarked to say mass, and celebrated divine worship. [51]
Several natives were captured and held as hostages, being well
treated in each case. One escaped, although his legs were fettered
with irons, by swimming; one hanged himself, and the others were set
free. Urdaneta proposed that a settlement be made in this island, and a
vessel despatched to New Spain, but Legazpi said this would be acting
contrary to his instructions. Before leaving the island, however,
a hundred men under the command of Mateo del Saz landed to inflict
chastisement for the death of a ship-boy whom the natives, finding
him asleep in a palm grove, whither he had gone while the water-butts
were being refilled, had killed in a most barbarous manner. Four of
the natives were captured, three of whom (all wounded) were hanged
at the same place where the boy had been killed; and the other was,
through the intervention of the priests, taken aboard the ship, in
order to send him to New Spain. Many houses were burned, a damage,
"which, although slight, was some punishment for so great baseness and
treachery as they had displayed toward us, ... and was done, so that
when Spaniards, vassals of his majesty, anchor there another time,
the natives shall give them a better reception, and maintain more
steadfastly the friendship made with them." "This island of Goam is
high and mountainous, and throughout, even to its seacoast, is filled
with groves of cocoa-palms and other trees, and thickly inhabited. Even
in the valleys, where there are rivers, it is inhabited. It has many
fields sown with rice, and abundance of yams, sweet potatoes, sugar
cane, and bananas--these last the best I have seen, being in smell
and taste far ahead of those of Nueva España. This same island has
also much ginger, and specimens of sulphurous rock were found." The
island had "no wild or tame cattle, nor any birds, except some little
turtle-doves that are kept in cages." The natives captured would not
eat the meat offered them, nor "would they at first eat anything of
ours." The natives were skilful fishermen, being able to catch the
fish with the naked hands, "which is a thing of great wonder." "They
are excellent swimmers. Their houses are high, and neatly and well
made"--some, placed on posts of stone, served as sleeping-apartments;
other houses were built on the ground, and in them the cooking and
other work was done. They had other large buildings that served as
arsenals for all in common, wherein the large boats and the covered
canoes were kept. "These were very spacious, broad, and high, and
worth seeing." The fleet left this island on February 3, and anchored
on the thirteenth near the island of Cebú. Peace was made with the
natives of one of the islands. Inquiries were made for Bernardo de
la Torre, one of the captains of the Villalobos expedition, and they
were given to understand that he was north from there. The natives,
while professing friendship, brought their visitors but little
food. [52] Legazpi, therefore, sent Juan de la Isla with a party
to look for a good port. This party was gone six days, experiencing
the usual treachery from the natives, who killed one of the men, who
had disembarked without permission. Meanwhile another expedition was
despatched toward the south, with the same object in view. Possession
was taken of the island of Zibabao in the king's name. [53] On the
twentieth of February the fleet set sail passing southward between a
large island and a number of small islets. Next day they cast anchor
off the large island in a large bay to which they gave the name San
Pedro. [54] Here they learned that Tandaya, where they hoped to find
the Spaniards still remaining in these regions from the Villalobos
expedition, was a day's journey farther on. In this bay a native came
to Legazpi's ship who could speak a few words of Spanish. They wished
to send word to Tandaya and to buy provisions, but the natives, though
good promisers, were tardy doers. Goyti was sent in search of Tandaya,
while the general took possession of the island near which the ships
were anchored. The latter, attempting to ascend to the native village,
encountered the hostility of the people. Government here was in
"districts like communal towns, each district having a chief. We could
not ascertain whether they had any great chief or lord." Goyti returned
in ten days with news that he had found a large river which he was
told was Tandaya. As they explored the coasts they were followed by the
natives, who took every occasion of displaying their hostility. He had
passed a large settlement called Cabalian. There was a good anchorage
here, but no port; "and the Indians of Cabalian had golden jewels,
and had many swine and Castilian hens which were near the shore and
which could be seen from the boat." On the fifth of March the fleet
sailed to this town, reaching it on the same day. Friendship was made
with the natives in accordance with their special blood ceremonies
[55] in such cases. Some boats, sent out next day under command of
the master-of-camp, discovered the strait separating this island
from Panay. The usual trouble was experienced by Legazpi in securing
provisions, and it was necessary to despatch Goyti to the shore to
take what was needed, but with orders not to harm the natives. Next
day Legazpi sent to the shore what was considered the equivalent of
the food thus taken, in beads and other articles, by a native who was
on his vessel. The general learned from hostages aboard his ship the
names of many of the islands. On the ninth of March the fleet set sail
for Mazagua, being guided by one of these hostages. Failing to meet
here the hoped-for friendship, they determined to go to the island of
Camiguinin, [56] first setting free all the hostages, giving them back
their canoe, provisioning it for three days, and giving many presents
of clothes to them, in order by this liberality to contract a lasting
friendship. On the eleventh of March the coast of this island was
reached. This island "is very thickly wooded." The natives, as usual,
fled. On the fourteenth the fleet set sail for Butuan in Mindanao,
but owing to contrary winds, they were not able to sail that day
beyond Bohol. The _patache_ "San Juan" was despatched to Butuan from
this place, to try to make peace with its king and the people; and the
captain of this vessel was ordered to treat well any junks he might
meet from "China or Borneo, and other parts." The Malayan interpreter,
Geronimo Pacheco, was sent in this vessel, and they were ordered
to obtain as much information as possible in regard to trade. The
time given them for this expedition was twenty-five days. News being
received that a large sail had been seen, the master-of-camp was sent
in a small boat to investigate. Two days later he returned, reporting
that the junk was from Borneo, and that he had fought with it "for it
would not listen to peace." In the end the junk surrendered, and was
brought in a prisoner; but the enemy "had killed a good soldier with
a lance-thrust through the throat," and had wounded twenty more. The
men of the junk were Moros, and they had fought most valiantly,
and "were determined to die." Legazpi gave the Moros their liberty,
whereat they expressed many thanks; he gathered as much information
as possible from them in regard to the islands and peoples of these
regions. "The Moros told him that they carried iron and tin from
Borney, and from China porcelain, bells made of copper according
to their manner, benzoin, and painted tapestry; from India pans and
tempered iron pots." Among the captured Moros was the pilot, "a most
experienced man who had much knowledge, not only of matters concerning
these Filipinas Islands, but of those of Maluco, Borney, Malaca, Jaba,
India, and China, where he had had much experience in navigation and
trade." The Moros being shown the articles of trade brought by the
fleet, advised them to go to Borneo, Siam, Patan, or Malaca, where
they could easily trade them, but "although we wandered about these
islands for ten years, we could not dispose of so many silks, cloths,
and linens." "This Moro told the general that two junks from Luzon were
in Butuan, trading gold, wax, and slaves.... He said that the island
of Luzon is farther north than Borney." The Castilians learn that the
hostility and fear of the natives of these islands is the result of
a marauding expedition conducted by Portuguese, who had represented
themselves to be Castilians. [57] With the aid of the Moro pilot peace
and friendship were made with one of the chief men of the island of
Bohol; and now for the first time food was received in any quantity,
many sardines especially being brought by the natives. Legazpi
despatched one of the small boats to Cebú in order to make friendship
and peace with its inhabitants, and to gather all possible information
for the relation he was to send back to New Spain. They were guided
by the Moro, who acted in the capacity of interpreter, as he knew the
language of the natives. A negro "who had been in India and Malaca,
and knew the Malay tongue" acted as interpreter between this pilot and
the Spaniards. "The Borneans said that the Indians had two Spaniards,
and that sometime ago they had given one of them to Bornean merchants;
they did not know whether they had the other yet, or what had been done
with him. The Portuguese had ransomed the one taken by the Borneans and
had taken him to Malaca." As the men sent to Cebú did not return within
the time appointed by Legazpi--they had been provisioned for but one
week--a canoe of natives, who offered themselves, was sent to look for
them. Meanwhile the "San Juan," which had been despatched to Butuan,
returned without having accomplished the full object of its mission,
namely, to procure information regarding cinnamon. The captain reported
having "found at the port of Botuan two Moro junks from Luzon," with
which they traded for gold and wax. The soldiers, hearing that the
Moros had much gold in their junks, were insistent that they should
seize them, alleging as an excuse the deceit practiced by the Moros in
their trading. The captain would not permit this, and in order to avoid
a collision with the Moros returned to the fleet, leaving part of his
duty unaccomplished, for which Legazpi reprimanded him severely. The
general, calling a council of his officers and others, consulted with
them as to the advisability of colonizing one of the islands. All but
the religious were unanimous that a settlement should be made on one
of them, but the latter did not care "to deliberate upon this." [58]
Questioned as to what island they preferred, if Legazpi should
order a settlement made, they signified as their choice the island of
Cabalian, where although there was no port, a settlement could be made
in the interior, as food was abundant there, and the return vessel to
Spain could be easily provisioned. The unanimous opinion was that the
"San Pedro" should return with news of the expedition to New Spain,
as it was a lighter and better vessel than the "San Pablo." Nine days
after their departure the canoe returned without news of the Spaniards
sent to Cebú, which caused Legazpi great anxiety. That same night,
however, these men returned alive and well, but the Moro pilot had
been treacherously killed by some natives, while bathing in a river
of the island of Negros. They had not anchored at Cebú, because of
the violence of the tides about it. They had coasted about Negros and
Cebú, and reported a large population and a plentiful food supply on
the latter island. A council having been called it was determined that
the fleet should go to Cebú, without delay, in order that they might
make a settlement and despatch the "San Pedro" before the rainy season
set in. Therefore on Easter Day the fleet set sail for this island,
distant from Bohol fifteen or sixteen leagues. Being delayed by calms
and contrary winds and the tides they did not reach their destination
until the twenty-seventh and thirtieth of April. In conformity with the
opinion that it was allowable to fight with the inhabitants of this
island if they refused food and would not make a true friendship and
peace--inasmuch as their chiefs had been baptized, and had afterward
apostatized, and had treated Magalháes treacherously--Legazpi,
after meeting with expressions of hostility and defiance, sent a
party ashore to take the island. The natives immediately fled, and
the soldiers were unable to find any of them on disembarking. "Their
weapons are long sharp iron lances, throwing-sticks, shields, small
daggers, wooden corselets, corded breastplates, a few bows and arrows,
and culverins." About one hundred houses were burned, the fire having
started from an accidental shot from one of the vessels, or having
been lit purposely by the natives. The soldiers were quartered in the
houses remaining after the fire. "There was found a marvelous thing,
namely, a child Jesus like those of Flanders, in its little pine
cradle and its little loose shirt, such as come from those parts,
and a little velvet hat, like those of Flanders--and all so well
preserved that only the little cross, which is generally upon the
globe that he holds in his hands, was missing. [59] Meanwhile, as
was right, the general had this prize, and when he saw it, he fell
on his knees, receiving it with great devotion. He took it in his
hands and kissed its feet; and raising his eyes to heaven, he said:
'Lord, thou art powerful to punish the offenses, committed in this
island against thy majesty, and to found herein thy house, and holy
Church, where thy most glorious name shall be praised and magnified. I
supplicate thee that thou enlighten and guide me, so that all that
we do here may be to thy glory and honor, and the exaltation of
thy holy Catholic faith.' And he ordered that this sacred image be
placed with all reverence in the first church that should be founded,
and that the church be called Nombre de Jesus ['Name of Jesus']. It
gave great happiness and inspiration to all to see such an auspicious
beginning, for of a truth it seemed a work of God to have preserved
so completely this image among infidels for such a long time; and
an auspicious augury in the part where the settlement was to be
made." On May 8, the fort was commenced, Legazpi breaking the first
ground, and "dedicating it to the most blessed name of Jesus." [60]
The sites for the Spanish quarters and the church were chosen, and
the town was called San Miguel, because founded on the day of this
saint's apparition. That night the natives returned, setting fire to
the remaining houses, so that the whole town was in danger of being
burnt, with all the goods brought ashore from the ships. The site
of the house wherein had been found the sacred image was selected
"as the site of the Monastery of the Name of Jesus ... and from the
said house the child Jesus was brought to the ... church in solemn
procession, and with the great devotion, rejoicing, and gladness of
all the men. Arriving at the church, they all adored it, and placed
it on the principal altar, and all vowed to observe, sanctify,
and celebrate solemnly as a feast day each year, the day on which
it had been found, April 28. [61] And in addition a brotherhood of
the most blessed name of Jesus was established in the same manner,
under the conditions of that of San Agustin of Mexico, the majority of
the people entering as members and brothers." In this procession took
part a number of natives under two chiefs who professed friendship to
the Spaniards. Finally peace and friendship was made between Legazpi
and the greatest chief of the island, Tupas; and it was arranged that
tributes should be paid in produce, since the people had no gold--not
because of "any necessity the King of Castilla had of it" but merely
as a tribute and token that they recognized him as their lord. But,
perhaps through the maliciousness of the Moro interpreters, this
peace was not concluded or kept; and certain of the natives, finding
one of the company, Pedro de Arana, alone, killed him and cut off his
head. "In this manner do the Indians of these islands keep peace and
friendship, who in our presence refuse or deny nothing; but twenty
paces away they keep nothing that they have promised. They have no
knowledge of truth, nor are they accustomed to it. Therefore it is
understood, that it will be very difficult to trade with them in a
friendly manner, unless they understand subjection or fear." On the
twenty-seventh of May, Legazpi ordered that the roll of those remaining
be taken, in order that it might be sent to New Spain. Certain men
of gentle birth, headed by one Pedro de Mena, objected to serving as
Legazpi's body-guard, saying that such was the duty of servants. The
master-of-camp hearing this, disrespect to the general, chided them,
and sentenced them to serve in the companies. In revenge for this some
one set fire to the house in which Legazpi's personal effects had been
stored. The fire was put out and the danger averted with difficulty,
during which "some of the soldiers were burned and hurt." De Mena and
Esteban Terra were arrested, and the latter was given a hearing and
found guilty. He was executed next morning. "From this it will be seen
that not only are there enemies outside, but even in the very camp
itself ... and it will be seen how necessary and suitable is the aid
that must come from Nueva España." (Tomo ii, no. xxvii, pp. 217-351.)
Zubu, May 28, 1565. Andrés de Mirandaola writes to the king various
details of the expedition. "The products we have seen as yet among
the natives, are gold, cinnamon, and wax; and their trade consists in
these articles. And we are certain that these things can be had in
abundance if your vassals, the Spaniards, cultivate the friendship
of this land, for the aforesaid natives ... are a people who live
without any restraint, neither regarding nor respecting those whom they
designate as their seigniors.... It will be necessary for your majesty
to conquer this region, for I believe without any doubt, that by no
other way can it prove beneficial; nor can the Christian religion
be otherwise advanced, because the people are extremely vicious,
treacherous, and possessed of many evil customs. Therefore it is
necessary for your majesty to order the conquest of this region, which
can be done, with our Lord's aid, without much loss, if your majesty
order people, arms, and ammunition to be provided, of all of which
we suffer great lack at present." He tells of the damage inflicted
on the Spanish in these regions by the Portuguese. Speaking of the
Moro junks found at Butuan, Mirandaola says of the island of Borneo:
"This island of Borney is rich, according to what we have heard
of it. It is well populated and is very well fortified, having much
artillery. Its people are warlike, and there is much trade in all parts
of it." A brief account of the Spanish establishment on Cebú follows,
and the consequent communications with the natives, which differ in
no respect from other accounts. "Fray Andrés de Urdaneta, my uncle,
is returning, and is going to serve your majesty in this discovery;
and for his companion goes Fray Andrés de Aguirre. As captain goes
Felipe de Salcedo and Juan de Aguirre, persons whom we know will
serve your majesty with all fidelity, faith, and cheerfulness." He
asks (in addition to the "two hundred well armed and equipped men"
requested from New Spain) from the king "six hundred well armed men
... of whom four hundred should be arquebusers and two hundred pikemen;
large artillery, such as culverins, with ammunition; and ammunition
and weapons for those who are here now. The people should be the best
that can be found and of good lives." He asks the king to confirm the
reward granted him by Velasco, and to increase his salary to three
thousand ducats on account of the high cost of living. (Tomo ii,
no. xxxii, pp. 365-372.)