_Extract from the Relation of Events in the Filipinas During the
Years 1609 and 1610, By Father Gregorio Lopez_ [21]
This country heard last year, by way of Joló and Mindanao, that the
Dutch were going to come in the year 1609, to harass it with a strong
force. Consequently Governor Juan de Silva entered upon his government
with the intention of fortifying the port of Cavite, where our ships
anchor, distant about three leguas from the city. For as Cavite was
unprotected, not having even a cavalier or rampart mounting a couple
of pieces with which to head off the Dutch ships, which might attempt
to anchor in its harbor, the Dutchman could enter with all safety
to himself, and be quite secure. [If he should do so] it would be
a great impediment to all the islands, and a very great nuisance,
both for the despatch of the merchandise--which is the vineyards and
olive-orchards of these regions--and for the easy preparation of some
boats with which to drive the Dutch out of these regions. While the
people remained in this dread, the news was confirmed by another
message, that came on November 3 from the town of Arevalo, eighty
leguas from Manila. By this news it was learned that three Dutch
ships and one patache were near that island of Oton, [22] where they
had seized some boats full of provisions, that were intended for the
relief of Maluco; and that they were making for the port of Yloilo. A
large amount of provisions was gathered in that place; and although
the Dutch did not attack it, all was lost. For our Spaniards, in
order not to let it fall into the hands of the enemy, broke the jars
of wine, and set fire to the rice. As soon as the governor received
this news, he sent the sargento-mayor of troops here, Cristobal de
Azcueta Menchaca (master-of-camp elect of Terrenate), to Oton, in
order that he might attend to what seemed necessary for the defense
of that region, with the men under his command and those who were
there. Among the boats accompanying him was a champan, a Chinese craft;
it contained a considerable number of soldiers. They encountered the
Dutch vessels, which were approaching this city. In the endeavor to
defend themselves, if the enemy, who had perceived them, should try
to attack them the Spaniards began to take the cargo of the champan
ashore by means of lanchas, and with it to fortify themselves for
their protection in a sort of bastion. Among the other things, they
took some barrels of powder ashore; while in others, which were left
aboard, fire was carelessly set, with very great injury to those who
were near it. Many were burned, but at the time only two or three
died there. The rest threw themselves into the water and gained the
shore. One man only was left in the champan which was burning; for he
had been jammed among the beams. Although he cried out loudly for aid,
he could not be helped, and was accordingly burned to ashes. Those who
escaped alive began to march overland toward this city, some leguas
distant from the place where the misfortune occurred. On the way,
some persons died, and the others arrived in such condition that
all who saw them bemoaned their sad lot. Scarce did they seem men,
but swollen cinders, full of maggots. Some even had maggots in the
very palms of their hands. They were treated with much care in the
hospital here. Most of them recovered; but six or seven of them died
in the hospital. The Dutch did not try to harm them, which was a great
mercy of God, because of the facts above stated. On the contrary, the
Dutch continued their route until they reached the mouth of this bay,
in sight of Manila.
The governor was not careless at this time, especially in the
fortification of Cavite. He sent thither the regular infantry of this
camp, with 10,000 musket-balls, 30,000 arquebus-balls, 6,000 brazas
of musket-fuses, 14,000 brazas of arquebus-fuses, and 40 barrels of
powder. He also sent engineers and workmen with material for building
a fort, wherein to mount artillery. To make the work move faster, he
went thither himself to take part in it. From Cavite he sent a summons
to some inhabitants, so that the Spaniards in Cavite numbered more than
six hundred. In this city, the citizens stood guard, and endured many
hardships in it. All lived with great vigilance, born of a fear of the
Sangleys--of whom rumors were circulating that they were restless and
intended to revolt, because they imagined that the Spaniards, through
lack of confidence in them, were about to kill them. But the king's
fiscal, as their protector, went to their parían; and, calling a large
meeting, talked to them with manifestations of great affection. He
promised them all kind treatment, in his Majesty's name. Accordingly,
laying aside all their fear, the Sangleys became quiet. Assuredly,
had they revolted at this time, they would have placed the country in
great straits, for there is a considerable number of them. Besides,
the Dutch were near by with their well-equipped and strong vessels;
and the Spaniards are few. For the greater security and some relief
of the citizens, several companies of Pampangos were summoned. Among
all these islanders they have proved themselves most loyal to the
Spaniards, and most fit for soldiers.
In Cavite the care and diligence expended in fortifying it, were
of great importance; for the Dutch commander, one Francisco Witer,
[23] although he had once before been in these islands as secretary
to Oliverio del Nort--the commander of the two vessels that anchored
near the city in the year 1600, and had returned defeated and disabled
[_con las manos en la cabeza_; literally, "with his hands to his
head"]--yet he was determined to come to try his luck a second time. He
was incited to this by certain traitors to his Majesty. These having
gone over to his side in Maluco, to the disservice of God and the king,
recounted to him all the affairs of the Filipinas. They represented to
him the little resistance that he would encounter from large vessels;
the weakness of the port of Cavite, which he could easily overpower,
and burn whatever it contained; and the immense wealth that he could
seize, of silk, silver, and other merchandise, which come to Manila
from Mejico, Macao, China, and Japon. Especially did one Francisco
Aguirre inform him of the above, in detail. He brought this man with
him, promising him one thousand pesos to induce him to accompany
the Dutch, and to guide him faithfully on this expedition that he
was undertaking. Accordingly, as was reported, the Dutch commander
set sail in the afternoon of St. Martin's day, November 11, three
or four days after he had been seen from this city. With two ships
and his patache (for his flagship was left in the same location),
he approached Cavite. However he was forced to retire because of the
innumerable cannon fired at him. Although these did him no damage,
he did none, either, with the artillery that he fired. But he
noted how slight were their forces for injuring him, for they had
no more than three very small vessels, which could scarcely carry
any artillery; one old, dilapidated ship, called "Espiritu Santo,"
which was already almost useless and broken-up from its voyages
to Nueva España, and was mastless and without rigging; and one
galley of twenty benches. Therefore not anticipating any trouble
with Cavite, where he found the resistance that he did not expect,
and preferring to effect his purpose bloodlessly, and quite safely
to himself, he returned to his post. Not long afterward, he had all
four of his vessels weigh anchor; and going out of sight of the
city, went to anchor at the port called El Fraile ["the Friar"],
at a short distance from his former anchorage. There he began to rob
whatever he could, and prevented the ingress of provisions brought
from all the islands to this city. Alférez Aldana was aboard one of
the boats that he seized coming from a corregidor's district. He,
thinking the Dutch to be Castilian vessels, went to them with great
joy; but his joy was shortly changed into sad captivity, for he was
pillaged and imprisoned. Shortly after this event, four Dutchmen
fled from the Dutch fleet. Their arrival was singularly consoling
for full information was obtained from them of the Dutch force and
object. Not more than three slaves deserted from us to the Dutch;
and, being slaves, they could give but little information regarding
our affairs. Almost the same thing happened to captain Castillo as
to Alférez Aldano; for having come from Japon, whither he had gone
with a fragata, he was sent, as one experienced in these coasts, to
a certain place, to warn the ships from China and Japon of the Dutch,
and that they commanded the sea. One day the [Dutch] patache went so
far in search of ships that Captain Castillo could not be persuaded
that it was not a friendly vessel; consequently he went to give it
information, according to his orders. Although he was afterwards
undeceived, and tried to escape from the Dutch, who pursued him, he
was unable to do so. Their commander tried to learn from him whether
Cavite had greater force than he had seen; but he always answered that
he knew of nothing else, and excused himself by saying that he had but
recently come from Japon. On the contrary, he belittled our affairs,
in order to assure them the more. He managed to write a letter thence
and send it by a Sangley, in which he gave an account of the vessels,
artillery, and men, thus making the battle easier.
A fire broke out in Cavite at this juncture, and almost all the
Spanish houses were burned. The fire nearly caught in the house where
the powder was stored, a circumstance that placed the people in the
utmost danger. Not one was bold enough to try to remedy matters, for
they all feared lest they be burned, until the governor personally
set to work. Then, incited by his example, a considerable number of
people began to drag the barrels to the seashore in order to throw
them into the sea, if the fire came near it. By this means the powder
was preserved, the loss of which would have been felt keenly, besides
the damage that would have resulted from its explosion.
Maluco was also in need of help, and could get it nowhere else
except from this country. Accordingly the master-of-camp, Azcueta, was
ordered to enroll some men in Oton; and two galleys and several smaller
vessels, carrying money and other supplies important for the succor
of that stronghold, went from Manila. All this, although necessary,
meant a decrease of these islands' resources. The two galleys, both
of which were new, returned from Oton. One had been launched shortly
before the arrival of the Dutch, and the other not long after. On this
return voyage, the flagship was in great danger of being lost, because
the crew of rowers attempted to mutiny. This would have been done, had
not a Japanese revealed the plot which they were conspiring. Thereupon
the guilty were punished, and suitable precautions taken. The consort
was more unfortunate. The Chinese and Japanese convicts conspired
to mutiny; and although those nations are like cats and dogs, they
were very much in concord on this occasion. They selected as the
most appropriate time for their treason the hour for the siesta,
when, as it was daytime, the Spaniards slept with less caution. They
first aimed at the head, by striking Captain Cardoso (who was resting
soundly and carelessly) with an ax, which made him awake in the other
life. The blow was given by a Chinaman whom he had favored. After
him some fifty convicts, who were freed from prison, began to work
destruction among the other Spaniards with whatever they could seize,
and set out to kill them all--that is, all who were not of the above
nationalities. The Spaniards were unarmed, all except the sergeant
of the company, who had a sword and executed considerable damage
with it, killing many. He was accompanied and encouraged by another
Spaniard who wielded with both hands the ladle belonging to a piece
of artillery. Finally, the sergeant having impaled a furious Sangley,
or Chinaman, on his sword, the latter was so cramped by the wound that,
not having time to withdraw the weapon the sergeant was compelled to
leave it sticking in the body, and jump into the water, where he saved
himself by swimming. Some others availed themselves of the same plan,
while some took the galley's small boat. Thus some few escaped, to
bear the unfortunate news. It caused universal and great sorrow, as
happening at a time of such need. Many Spaniards had been killed. The
mutineers killed also the convicts themselves--from whom no harm
could be feared--who were not Chinese or Japanese; and although the
poor wretches tried to throw themselves into the sea, when the sudden
assault came, their efforts were useless, for they were shackled,
and hung by their chains [over the side of the galley]. There,
with great cruelty, the mutineers cut off their legs and threw them
overboard, where they helplessly perished. It was feared and suspected
that the galley would go over to the Dutch, but it did not. On the
contrary, it fled from them, so that, although the patache pursued
the mutineers, it could not overtake them. It is yet unknown where
the galley has stopped. Such was the unfortunate death of Captain
Cardoso, whose brother, Alférez Cardoso, had died a few days before,
among those burned on the champan, as related above. It seems that
they have inherited such disasters, for their father--a Portuguese
gentleman, and a gallant soldier--after serving his Majesty in Africa,
had to flee to Ytalia, because of committing an atrocious crime,
which was as follows. Another gentleman insulted a relative of this
gentleman. The insulted man, either for lack of ability to do more,
or because he was a good Christian, did not take vengeance for the
insult. The father of these Cardosos was very angry, and, with the
intention of avenging the injury, left his home. First going to his
relative's house, he abused the latter with words, and even stabbed
him, because he had not taken vengeance. Then he went to the house of
the insulter, and seizing him, thrust him forcibly into a bread-oven,
under which a fire was lighted. Gagging the man, he left him there
until he was dead. After having fled to Ytalia, this gentleman had
charge of a castle, in which was stored a quantity of powder. One day
fire caught in the powder, and a great portion of the castle was blown
up. The Castellan Cardoso was killed, and buried in the ruins. One
of his wife's legs was torn off at the thigh. Although these two boys
(who were quite small then) received no hurt, they ended their lives
in the so disastrous ways that I have related.
The governor upon learning of the loss of this galley, had another put
on the stocks, which was finished in two months. Seeing how leisurely
the Dutch were remaining in this country, he began to prepare a fleet
to attack them. For that purpose great haste was given to finishing
a vessel called "San Juan Baptista," which had been commenced in
the island of Marinduque. Although the enemy heard of this, their
information was very confused, for they did not know to what place
the ship "Espiritu Santo"--which was so disabled, as I have depicted
above--had retreated. They were commencing to repair that vessel, and
it cost even more trouble than if it had been built new. The Spaniards
also equipped the two small vessels as well as they could. For lack
of iron for nails, they removed the gratings of the windows, [24]
While Manila was laboring under this anxiety, the strength of the
enemy was increased by a good ship. That vessel came with food, and
thus caused this community much distress. But greater suffering would
have been caused had the Dutch commander's resolution, made in Maluco,
been carried out--namely, that a fortnight after his departure this
ship and one other should follow him hither; and, besides these, a very
large and well-equipped galleon named "The Devil from Holland" built
on purpose to fight with the galleons of Eastern Yndia. The Dutch at
Maluco considered it inexpedient to send more than the said vessel, and
especially so to send the galleon. They considered it very unadvisable
to send it among islands where, if it were wrecked, its loss would
be great and irreparable. It was all the miraculous disposition of
Heaven, as will be seen later. With this new accession, the Dutch
commander determined to come again in sight of Manila. Accordingly he
entered the bay on January 19, and without doing more than to gather
new information concerning our scarcity of vessels, he remained there
until the twenty-seventh of the said month. Then he again left the
bay, and commenced to capture the Chinese vessels that were already
coming with the accustomed merchandise and food. The Dutch seized from
the Chinese their hams and capons, and the choice wine. [25] And even
before the eyes of the Chinese themselves, they gave themselves up to
the wine to such an extent, that the Chinese observed it, and made
jests at, and ridiculed them, talking of them and comparing them to
the most degraded Indians who were wont to become intoxicated. The
Dutch usually threw all other articles of food into the sea, saying
that the Spaniards had no need of them. They seized so many fowls that
even the lowest common seaman was given rations of them. And because
of the number of fowls they established a poultry-yard on an islet,
where they kept two or three thousand capons. They chose what silk
was most to their liking. In the matter of pay there was variety, for
the sailors and almost all the soldiers paid immediately for what they
bought; but the commander and a few others gave the Chinese promises
to pay when they should capture the king's ship from Japon which they
had been awaiting some days, and which was bringing a great amount of
wealth. Certain of these vessels from China escaped; and one, while
fleeing, was wrecked, and lost nearly all its cargo. Some Sangleys,
fleeing overland from the Dutch, fell into the hands of Zambal Indians,
expert archers and bowmen. The latter killed many of them, to our great
sorrow, although, as the said Indians were his Majesty's vassals, this
proceeding was checked as soon as possible. The Zambals also killed six
Dutchmen, who had landed to get water; and brought their heads, with,
great rejoicing, to show to the governor. Because of the misfortunes
recounted daily by the Chinese who came in plundered, and because of
the fear lest the ship from Japon, that from Macao, that from Castilla,
and some of the largest Sangley merchantmen which bring goods for
the Spaniards from China, should fall into the enemy's hands, great
efforts were made in preparing the supplies necessary for the war. The
well-inclined Sangleys offered themselves for any toil, because of
their rage against the Dutch. Public prayers were said throughout the
islands, beseeching and importuning God for a successful outcome. The
governor built a new foundry, where he cast seven large and reenforced
cannon, which were of very great importance. A considerable quantity
of powder was refined which was almost lost. A great number of balls
were cast. In short, the greatest care was exercised in everything
and great haste displayed; and they were able, as a consequence, to
launch the finished and equipped vessel "San Juan Baptista" in the
bay on March 22. That gave extraordinary consolation to the entire
city. It mounted several pieces, and carried some picked soldiers,
who had been assigned for its defense in case the enemy tried to burn
it on the stocks, or to come to meet it in order to seize it. But the
enemy attached so little importance to this vessel, and to the forces
of this land, that they acted with as great security as if anchored
in Holanda. They reproached the Indians that they captured for their
subjection to a people who did not dare to attack them [_i.e._, the
Dutch], and who had no forces for that purpose. Freeing those Indians,
the Dutch told them to sow a quantity of rice, and to rear many fowls
and swine, for they said that the following year they intended to
come with a greater force to make themselves absolute masters of these
islands, and it was necessary that they have plenty of food prepared.
The preparation of the fleet in Cavite was finished, so that it was
ready to sail by April 21. In the midst of the greatest efforts that
were being made to furnish its rigging, news was received that the
Dutch had returned laden with wealth. This filled the whole city
with sadness, on seeing that the Dutch were continuing their ravages
without any chastisement or punishment. But soon it was learned
for certain that it was not so, whereupon the Spaniards were very
joyous and happy. Such was the courage and spirit of our Spaniards,
that they burned with desire to begin the fray. Finding that it could
not be done so quickly, they manifested their anger, and raged like
caged and angry lions or tigers which cannot avenge an insult. A day
or so before our fleet sailed, a Japanese ship arrived at Cavite. The
disastrous loss of the ship "San Francisco," the flagship of three
vessels that sailed hence for Nueva España, was learned from that
vessel. This was the most unfortunate thing that had yet happened;
for by that blow this country was almost ruined, and the death of one
man was hastened, a few days after, by his sorrow. Many Spaniards
of those who escaped the wreck were aboard the said Japanese boat,
and one Augustinian religious. The latter was seized by the Dutch,
together with some of the wrecked Spaniards; but the Dutch did not
harm the Japanese, in order to establish friendly intercourse with
them. Under shelter of the latter, others of the Spaniards were saved,
and a considerable quantity of goods, although the Dutch stole some
anchors and cables of the king's that were aboard the vessel, and
some two hundred sacks of flour from private persons, but nothing
else. At last, after diligent search for Castilian or Portuguese
silver, the Dutch allowed the vessel to continue its voyage, because
of a present of three hundred pesos, given them by the Japanese. In
the beginning of April an edict was issued for the men of the fleet to
make ready. As many as one thousand sailors and soldiers were enlisted,
and many Indians for service and as common seamen. Besides these men,
the governor intended to take two hundred other soldiers of great
courage and valor; on those soldiers he placed great reliance. These
are about two hundred martyrs, whose relics repose in the [church of
the] Society of Jesus in a side chapel. The governor had the reliquary
newly fitted up, with great care; and placed himself with courage under
the care and protection of those martyrs, considering the victory
as his, with such volunteers. The fleet left Cavite on Wednesday,
April 21, between ten and eleven, in search of the enemy, who were at
Playahonda, twenty leguas from Manila. The governor embarked in person
in the fleet, as its commander. His presence inspired the soldiers not
a little, and incited many volunteers to accompany him. On this and
other accounts, which are deeply felt, they regarded his going as very
important, and almost absolutely necessary. His lieutenant was Juan
Juarez Gallinato, who has come this year as master of this camp. His
admiral was Don Fernando de Silva, a courageous and spirited youth,
nephew of the governor. As the admiral's lieutenant and captain of
the almiranta went the sargento-mayor of Maluco, Pedro de Heredia,
who last year overcame the galliot in which the Dutch commander, Pablo
Blancard, [26] was sailing, with seventy of his men. The captains
of the small vessels were: of the "San Yldefonso" (the largest),
Juan Tello de Aguirre, regidor of this city; of the "San Pedro,"
Captain Guillestigui--both of these men Biscayans; of the "San Pedro y
San Pablo," Juan Pardos [27] de Losada, a Galician gentleman; of the
"Santiago," Moreno Donoso. Of the two galleys, Captain Romanico was
lieutenant; and Captain Juan Rodriguez commanded the consort.
The artillery was as follows. The flagship "San Juan Bautista" mounted
twenty-six pieces: four of the new guns, which were eighteen-pounders;
and twenty-two good guns, from four to twelve pounders.
The ship "Espiritu Santo," the almiranta, twenty-two pieces: three of
them of the said new guns; seventeen, from three to fourteen pounders;
and two swivel-guns.
The other four vessels carried four, five, or six medium-sized guns;
the galleys, what they generally carry.
Besides these vessels there were also two galliots and other small
boats laden with provisions, and sheltered by the fleet, and ready
to render assistance should occasion arise.
By day, and even by night, there was continual prayer and entreaty in
the city, in one place and another, for the successful outcome of the
affair. There was also a very solemn procession on Friday morning,
in which our Lady of Guidance [_Nuestra Señora de Guia_] was carried
to the cathedral church from her chapel, which is about one-eighth
of a legua distant.
The fleet anchored outside the bay. Although they intended to sail
at dawn on Friday to give the enemy a rude awakening, [28] they
were unable to do so; for on weighing anchor, at midnight, they were
delayed a long time, and happened to lose four anchors--one from the
almiranta, and three from the small vessels. This did not fail to
cause uneasiness; but at last the Spaniards were able to sight the
enemy on Saturday, between six and seven o'clock in the morning. The
enemy's flagship was riding with two anchors, and the other two vessels
were somewhat farther out to sea. At this juncture, our fleet began
to prepare for the battle. Orders were given for the crew to make
their confessions to the religious aboard the vessels. There were
sixteen of these from the religious orders which are in Manila--two
fathers of St. Dominic, seven of St. Francis, three of St. Augustine,
and four of the Society of Jesus. In addition there was another
religious, a Trinitarian, [29] who accompanied the governor, and a
secular priest. The soldiers proved very valiant and devoted on this
occasion. They uttered many expressions of joy at finding themselves
near the enemy. It seemed as if they were about to attend weddings
and balls with great pleasure and delight, rather than to fight with
vessels so powerful and well-equipped with artillery. Their greatest
anxiety was lest the enemy should run away when he saw our fleet; but
there was nothing to fear, for they were encouraged doubly to fight for
the honor of God and the fame of the Spanish nation. Both of these,
in a certain manner, depended on this battle in districts so remote:
the honor of God, because the Chinese were looking on and saying,
"Now we shall see who is more powerful, the God of the Castilians,
or the God of the Dutch;" and besides this, as the Dutch were about to
take a great part of the silk that they were intercepting, to Japon,
where they already had a trading-post, their trade would be established
firmly in that land, and that new field of Christendom would be in
danger of heresy (which spreads like a cancer), in addition to the
daily calamities to which it is subject under pagan lords. The honor of
the Spanish nation was also concerned, because the temper of many of
these peoples is, "Long live the conqueror!" and they do not dare to
stir because of their idea of the Spaniards. If these nations should
become insolent on seeing the Spaniards overwhelmed and conquered,
their pacification would cost more blood than the first conquest cost,
as has been experienced in Mindanao. Encouraged then, in this manner,
the vessels approached. The Dutch, without any faint-heartedness,
raised one anchor, and placed the other apeak, in order to go to meet
our fleet. They made fun of our fleet, and encouraged their soldiers
to fight by telling them that the Spaniards were coming to scare them
with egg-shells--alluding to the small size and slight force of the
vessels that they had seen. They bore down upon our flagship. At this
juncture, they did not omit to report a singular providence of Heaven,
namely, that our two vessels, the flagship and the almiranta, had some
good pieces mounted low down, whose ports had to be shut, whenever the
sea was choppy, as was experienced on one occasion of that sort. On
that account the enemy had a great advantage, for all their guns were
mounted high up. Accordingly it was our Lord's pleasure that there was
only enough wind to sail by, and the sea was almost like milk [_i.e._,
calm and smooth]. Finally the vessels closed; and each fired heavy
discharges of artillery and musketry. Our pieces--which, as I said,
were mounted low--made the enemy's hull [30] tremble with the damage
received from them. They killed men below decks, where they were
sheltered under their rigging, so that scarcely a man appeared. Our
men, who were above deck without a single shelter, also were injured
by their artillery and swivel-guns. However they did not lose any of
their spirit. They grappled the Dutch vessel, and stayed there fighting
more than three hours; and amid balls, pikes, and broad-swords, they
boarded the hostile vessel, with such courage and valor, that the Dutch
themselves were amazed to see them placing themselves in so manifest
danger without shelter. There was one who, when his companions tried
to make him retire by force, because he had received a ball in his
body, and a nail from a swivel-gun in his throat, tore himself from
those who were carrying him, and returned to the fight, with the fury
with which a wounded boar turns to avenge itself. Our men continued
to decimate the enemy so thoroughly that they had scarcely five men
on deck alive or unwounded. The commander was one of the first to
be killed. The enemy, seeing themselves without any power to resist,
tried to burn the ship. And they would have done it, to the evident
loss of our men, but that was prevented by the master of the vessel,
who, as he declared later, had always been a Catholic. He advised the
Dutch not to do such a thing, for, although they had already lost
their substance, they should not lose their souls. At this advice
they surrendered with fair conditions. Of the Spanish captives [aboard
the enemy's ship], only the Augustinian religious Fray Pedro Montejo
[31] was killed, by a ball from our vessel. The others were safe and
sound. Francisco Aguirre lost a leg in the battle, and being condemned
to be shot as a traitor one day after the victory, he died that same
night. The same that I have related of our flagship occurred in our
almiranta. It grappled with another good vessel, and defeated it after
having fought with it with the same valor. The infantry captains,
Don Pedro de Almazan and Don Juan de la Vega, [32] distinguished
themselves greatly in the battle, showing great courage and valor,
although they were very young. The others can also be praised with
good reason, for they proved themselves valiant captains. Such were
Soriano, Rosa, Don Antonio de Leos, and Captain Madrid.
The third [Dutch] vessel was defeated by the two vessels "San
Yldefonso" and "San Pedro." However so complete a victory was not
obtained as with the others; for when it caught fire, they could not
extinguish the flames. Two excellent bronze pieces were melted by the
fire; and when the flames reached the powder, it blew up the men and
other things and set fire to the neighboring forests, where the fire
lasted for six days. However, they were able to take the artillery. Ten
Chinese vessels witnessed the battle. That was of no little importance,
because of the opinion that they formed of the Spaniards, and the
fear of our men that struck them, besides that which they have always
had. Three of those vessels had already been plundered, and the other
seven expected the same thing. But seeing themselves free, they went
to the governor to thank him for his kindness in freeing them. Having
received permission, they proceeded to Manila immediately, where they
made great feasts for the governor after their arrival.
The fourth Dutch vessel was outside and quite near a Japanese vessel
that it had captured, whose captain and pilot were inside the Dutch
vessel. These having displayed a banner on which was written "Viva
Holanda" ["Long live Holland!"], and a letter of safe-conduct from the
Dutch factors in Japon, the captain of the said vessel answered that
the Japanese had nothing to fear, and that his commander would give
them the best of treatment. But the Dutch only wished to see if they
had any Portuguese or Castilians aboard. But on hearing the sound of
firing, they became anxious; accordingly, sending the said [Japanese]
captain and pilot to their ship, and having crowded all sail in their
own, they commenced to flee in all haste. Others had come in this
Japanese vessel, Spaniards from the ship "San Francisco;" and among
them was its commander, Juan de Esguerra. The Lord delivered them
from this second peril by so signal a victory. The [Dutch] patache
was also looking for vessels. Coming in that night with a Chinese
prize, it sent its boat ahead to reconnoiter the position. Finding
different signs from those that it had left, it became suspicious,
and accordingly began to flee. The almiranta, the ship of Captain Juan
Pardos de Losada, and the flagship of the galleys went in pursuit of
it, but although they searched the neighboring coasts twice, they did
not sight the vessels, or discover what direction they took. The last
time when they went to run along the coast, they met a ship; and, as
it seemed to be the patache, the galley pursued it with sail and oar,
but found it to be a vessel from Macao. The bishop of Macao, [33] of
the Order of St. Dominic, was coming on business of great importance
for the welfare of that community. Thinking our vessels to be Dutch,
they fled at their utmost speed, and threw overboard all their cargo,
although it was valuable, in order to make the vessel lighter.
News of the victory reached Manila at two in the morning. At that hour
the bells were loudly chimed and the people uttered many expressions
of joy. Next day a very solemn procession was made, as a token of
thanksgiving. The procession marched from the cathedral to our church,
where a sermon was preached. It caused great consolation throughout the
city and in all those who were present. After the sermon the governor
sent letters to each order, thanking them for the prayers that they
had said for his success. The one that came to me read as follows:
"We discovered the enemy this morning, and the battle began at seven
o'clock. It lasted about four hours, and during that time, our Lady
and the glorious St. Mark showed themselves favorable to us. For we
obtained the victory with the surrender of their flagship to ours,
and their almiranta to ours. Fire was set to the other ship, and it
was burned. Thus the battle was ended with but slight loss to us,
and some wounded. I confess that this victory has been given me by
reason of the prayers of your Paternity and those reverend fathers,
whom I thank for their care in this, and assure them that I shall
consider the same in what pertains to my office, by aiding whatever
may be of pleasure to your Paternity. May our Lord preserve you,
as I desire. From this vessel "San Juan Baptista," April 24, 1610.
_Don Juan de Silva_."
And inasmuch as he makes mention of our Lady and St. Mark, I must not
neglect to report a matter that seems worthy of consideration. At the
beginning when the war was discussed, the governor had a dream. In it,
he saw a venerable man, who told him that he would obtain a glorious
victory on St. Mark's day. Although it seemed too late to go to
attack the enemy, as it was thought that he had already gone with
his ships full of plunder--which meant to go with shouts of victory,
yet on this account the governor hastened to sail before the day of
the holy evangelist, with the intent of punishing the enemy. However,
he could not prepare the fleet as was necessary before April 21. Making
an attempt to attack the Dutch on Friday, the twenty-third, they could
not, for the reason above stated, of losing their anchors. Consequently
the time went by until the twenty-fourth, for us, Saturday, the day
of our Lady. The governor had had her image put on the royal standard
and implored her aid by that verse, _Mostrate esse Matrem_ [_i.e._,
"Show thyself to be our Mother"]. This day was for those who came
from Maluco the twenty-fifth of April, or St. Mark's day, as it was
also for those from Japon. It is an extraordinary thing to find this
conflict in the days when they unite, namely, those who sail east
and those who sail west meet. [34] It appears that those days had,
as it were, overlapped, so that the victory might be obtained on our
Lady's day, for our favor; and on St. Mark's day for the ruin of the
Dutch--the saint warring upon them as on Calvinists, since Calvinists
made spiritual warfare upon his state of Venecia. Besides, the victory
was gained past noon on St. Mark's day, when his day strictly begins.
In the pocket of the dead commander was found a copy of the order
given to his vessels for their departure, which was to be within
one week after St. Mark's day. As a farewell, he had intended to
make a demonstration in Manila Bay with many streamers, pendants,
and bannerets. But may our Lord decree that these heretics go to no
place where they may prosper better.
Before the return of the fleet, they sent in the wounded on either
side (who were numerous) to this city, where they were tended with
great care. A Dutch surgeon helped in the treatment of the Dutch and
Spaniards. That surgeon had been aboard the enemy's flagship, and he
displayed great skill. The governor went to visit his soldiers upon his
arrival, and consoled them for their pains, and praised them as brave
and valiant men. The sick men were greatly consoled at that. Before
entering Cavite, the governor assembled the volunteers, and thanked
them in his Majesty's name for their toil, and for the good that
they had achieved. He assured them that he would without fail assist
their necessities, since they had also assisted the king's service. To
those who had died in their services for all, his Lordship instituted
certain honors with a mass and sermon in [the church of] St. Francis
in this city; and he erected for them a rich catafalque, elegantly
adorned. This catafalque had three square stories. On each corner was
a pyramid. On the last story was a tomb covered with crimson brocade
from the spoil, instead of the pall. The rest of the catafalque was
filled with tapers, and Latin and Spanish epitaphs, and with images
of mortality [_muertes_], with appropriate inscriptions. The church
was all hung with different colored silks, and displayed signs of
gladness rather than of weeping, because of the so glorious death
of those who perished. On them were conferred the following honors:
the pontifical chant; the mass by the bishop of Macao, in the presence
of the governor, Audiencia, the ecclesiastical and secular cabildos,
and all the orders. After that the spoils were distributed. They were
very rich, for the said vessels contained a quantity of silk and silver
(not to mention the hulls of the vessels, the ammunition, and more
than fifty pieces of artillery), and other things such as wine, oil,
etc.--all worth three or four hundred thousand pesos.
Many of the Dutch who were wounded have confessed, and died reconciled
to the Church. Among them was the master who, as I said above, had
prevented the fire, in order not to lose his soul. We hope that he
gained his soul, for he died from a wound received in the flight from
the battle, with signs of great repentance for his sins, and leaving
excellent pledges of his salvation. Father Andres de la Camara, of
the Society of Jesus, attended to the Dutch. He was a native of Gante
[_i.e._, Ghent], and although he has seldom used his own language
[_i.e._, the Flemish] for eighteen or twenty years, one would believe
that our God's mercy aided him with especial efficacy; for he conversed
with the Dutch elegantly and fluently of the divine mysteries. Such
is the outcome of the war. Now we shall recount something of other
matters concerning what I have thus far told.
A ship of Chinese merchants went to Maluco to trade merchandise with
the Dutch. The latter gave the captain of the said vessel, called
Caichuan, a general, fourteen thousand pesos to invest in trust for
them. He returned to China, and thinking that it was a good sum,
and that there was no one to bring suit against him, he kept the
said money, as he never again expected to see the Dutch. Some of
the interested persons were in these Dutch vessels, and they did not
fail to ask, of every ship that they seized, after that of Cachuan,
and threatened to punish him severely if they caught him. Had he
been seized, it would have been a great loss to this city, for,
as is affirmed, he brought fifty thousand pesos invested by our
citizens. His time to come arrived, and when he least expected it,
he found himself near the Dutch patache. He started to escape, and
the patache to pursue him. Cachuan, seeing himself closely pursued,
cried out to his men that there was good hope of help, and advised
them all to kneel down and ask protection of the God of the Castilas
[_i.e._, Castilians] as they call us--saying that He was sufficiently
able to deliver that ship from the Dutch, since it contained so much
property of those who adored and served Him. They prayed, whereupon
a fresh wind immediately came, which took them, against their wish,
to an unknown islet, where the patache lost sight of them. The
Chinese did not cease to pray as above for the space of five days,
twice each day. At the end of that time, they had a favorable wind,
with the aid of which they entered the channel used by the ships of
Castilla, many leguas from their right and usual path, and at last
reached port in safety after the victory.
The ship from Japon for which the Dutch had so ardent a desire ran
great risk in its voyage. It arrived [in Japon] after a violent gale,
almost under water, without rigging and masts. There it learned from
the Dutch factors that their vessels were about to come to harass
these islands. On that account they did not return as quickly as they
intended, waiting until they believed that we had already driven
the Dutch away with our fleet. Although, when they had reached the
province of Pangasinan, we had already obtained the victory, still
they had no news of it. Accordingly, assured of finding enemies,
they went into a safe river after landing their cargo, because of the
bar, which was dangerous. Then when about to leave the river again,
after hearing the good news, they were wrecked, and lost considerable
property, besides their boat.
The vessel from Macao, laden with wealth of amber, musk, pearls,
and precious stones, and more than three hundred slaves, would have
fallen into the hands of the Dutch, who were awaiting it, had not
a shoal stopped it, and knocked it to pieces, and caused the death
of some hundred persons of the five hundred aboard it. Among the
drowned were two ecclesiastics who were returning from Macao, but
recently ordained priests; and Captain Tijon, who not a few times
had escaped from similar shipwrecks. The rest of the people went to
an uninhabited island, where the Lord had prepared for their support
a great number of turtles, and of the birds called boobies [_bobos,
i.e._, "stupid"], [35] to which this name is applied because they
allow themselves to be caught with the hand. After the wreck of that
ship, Garci Perez de Baltasar, appointed sargento-mayor of this camp,
embarked in a small boat which they fitted up, with as many people
as it could carry, to beg that some one be sent from this city to get
the people on the island. After several days' voyage, they were seen
and perceived by the Dutch, which obliged them to ground their boat
on the beach and take to the woods inland. They all escaped overland,
and arrived safely at Manila; their boat was burned by the Dutch. When
the expedition against the latter was ended, they sent for the people
who had been left on the island; but as yet they have not arrived.
In the beginning of January, 1610, a fragata was sent to Macao with
warning for the said ship to remain there until the Dutch were driven
from these seas. As commander in it was the pilot, Juan Bernardo de
Fuentidueñas, who was sick with the fever. He went on the voyage,
and before dawn of Thursday, January 28, ran foul of a reef, where no
land could be seen in any direction, except a few rocky points at low
tide. The fever left the pilot at this sudden catastrophe, and at dawn
the Spaniards saw on the reefs a large ship, that looked like a Chinese
vessel, which had been wrecked. They went to this vessel to get its
small boats. Entering it, they found not a soul, living or dead. But
they found considerable silver scattered about. Not content with what
they found in the vessel, the Indians began to dive into the water
to see if they could find any more. Their efforts were not in vain,
for they must have found in that way about eight thousand reals of
eight to the peso, although somewhat oxidized by the sea-water. From
the top of the little elevation, an islet was discovered, of not more
than one legua in circumference. They went thither in successive trips
of the small boat, and found three Lequian Indians, who had been there
for months. They were the only survivors of ten who had left their
country. On this island, the Spaniards refitted, as well as possible,
their boat and another one that the Lequians had at hand, although
it was also small. They divided themselves between the two boats, and
taking as much of the money as they could carry, started for Macao. A
short time after, a very violent vendaval struck and separated the
boats. The boat of the pilot Fuentidueña, obedient to the waves, was
able to escape the danger and reach its destination. Nothing is known
of the other. It is regarded as certain that it has foundered, and
that its occupants have perished. The ship for which they were looking
in order to warn it had left Macao five days before for Manila, where
the pilot himself returned many days after. Upon his relation of the
event, he was sent as pilot of the boat that went to look for the men
of the wrecked ship. On the way, perhaps he will look for the reef or
the Chinese ship again, in order to finish getting what money it has.
Three ships left here in July of 1609 for Nueva España, and all of
them were exposed to dangers and storms. The ship "San Andres,"
which was almiranta, and was the only one to reach Nueva España,
encountered so terrific storms that its bow was under water during
most of the voyage, and they were in so great danger that the pilot
vowed never to embark again--a very rare thing.
The ship "Santa Ana," almost entirely dismantled by the violent winds
and heavy seas, reached Japon, and its arrival there was through not
a little of God's mercy. Although it remained thirteen days aground in
a port of the kingdom of Bungo, [36] still it did not go to pieces. On
the contrary it was able to refit, and intends to prosecute its voyage
this June of 1610.
The ship "San Francisco" of the said two ships [that failed to reach
Nueva España] encountered a greater storm. From the first it gave the
passengers plenty of fear, both because of its dangerous leaks and a
poor helm, and because of the disservices to the Divine Majesty which
were committed. To narrate all its fortunes would be long, so I shall
content myself by referring to some of them. In this country, leave
to return to Castilla is granted with difficulty. [37] Accordingly,
certain persons desirous of returning are wont to go below deck and
conceal themselves until the ship is fifteen or sixteen days at sea,
at which time they open the hatchway and come out into the light of
day. Such people are called _llovidos_ [_i.e._, stowaways; literally,
"those rained down"], and feed themselves from the stores of the
passengers. While they remain hidden, they open jars of food and
liquor, which causes not a little annoyance to their owners. After
coming out of their place of concealment, they accommodate themselves
one day with one mess, and next with another, and thus exist throughout
the voyage. One day a passenger of high rank gave a blow to one of
these persons. The aggrieved one was so overwhelmed with sadness and
grief from what had happened to him, that he appeared inconsolable. One
of our fathers, talking to him in order to console him, found him
like one demented, and he seemed to rave. Finally, when it was least
expected in the ship, the poor wretch cast himself into the sea. It was
noted with wonder that, although he made no movement with his body or
tried to swim--which he could have done, as the weather was fair--he
floated above water for half a legua. Later, during the last storm,
a wave washed off the man who struck him, and he was found drowned
on the strand, a most hideous and misshapen mass. During the first
gale the ship, at its beginning, because of obeying its helm poorly,
was struck head on. The sails pulled with such force on the masts,
that, as the captain dared not take them in, they were blown into
shreds. The pilots began to throw overboard whatever was above decks,
until nothing was left on them. They threw overboard the boat, and the
boxes and bales of merchandise On that account the sailors lost their
poor possessions, and some of the passengers lost a goodly amount. The
ship tossed and rolled frightfully, and dipped below the water on both
sides. Consequently it shipped so much water that it was generally
half an estado deep above decks. The waves were furious and high,
and so great that the fore and after cabins shipped water. One wave
carried away a considerable portion of the stern gallery, together
with four little slave girls who were in it. In this way they passed
one night, almost in despair of seeing the morrow. But day came,
and they repaired the ship by binding other sails that were carried
for that purpose. After this storm the ship was very crank, and even
in fair weather its sides were under water, although it had a high
freeboard. Consequently, it shipped so much water that the waves
washed over the decks with great noise and uproar, and entered the
berths where the better-class passengers are generally quartered. The
rigging had to be repaired piecemeal. Consequently, for those reasons,
and as the vessel lacked other necessities, some tried to make them put
back to Manila. However, this was without effect, and they proceeded
on their way with some storms; and in the last, which was frightful,
the people had no safety, even inside the boat, for the waves tore
them from it, and drew men after them. The ship leaked very badly,
and consequently it was necessary to work the pumps continually. All,
seeing the danger before their face, helped in this; even Don Rodrigo
de Bivero, [38] who had just completed his office as president of
the Audiencia and governor and captain-general, assisted in his turn,
as did Father Pedro de Montes and the other religious.
Finally, at the end of this struggle, they were wrecked on the coast
of the kingdom of Ouantu, at the head of Japon, in almost its extreme
east. That coast extends from the kingdom to the district of Ximo,
where the port of Nangasaqui is located. Thence many vessels sail to
Manila annually, which is farther west. [39]
Almost four hundred persons went ashore--that is, all except
some twenty-five or thirty, who were drowned in the course of the
voyage. After a time the sea washed ashore some pieces of gorgoran,
[40] satin, and velvet. Those who had gotten away with less clothing
wrapped these about their bodies, while they made sandals from bits
of silk, like those of leather worn by shepherds in España, because
of the sharp rocks upon which they were walking barefoot. They found
two Japanese in some fields, and were greatly comforted thereby;
for they imagined that land to be a desert islet without any food,
upon which fortune had cast them to die. However, they would have
had not a little mercy from God if they had been able to die after
confessing at leisure. The Japanese guided them to a town near by,
where they were given some rice for their support. There most of them
were kept carefully guarded for many days. The chief Japanese continued
to take charge of all the silk that could be saved, but did not give
it up until an edict therefor was granted to the Spaniards by the
king. Consequently some of it was given to them; but the Japanese
rebought it at what prices they wished, paying for it very impure
silver. Consequently the Spaniards were scarce able to get fifty
thousand pesos in current Castilian money for it; although it is
regarded as certain that if all that could have been saved had been
delivered to the Spaniards, and they had sold it at a just price,
they would have received five hundred thousand pesos beyond all
doubt. Although General Juan de Esguerra tried to negotiate with the
king for the return of some forty boxes which were held by one of the
Japanese lords, he failed to do so. On the contrary, the counselors
advised him to be content with what had been returned, unless he
wished to keep nothing. In short they are pagans, who believe in only
the law of might, and do not keep faith and friendship more than they
think advisable. Governor Don Rodrigo de Bivero visited the king in
his court at Suronga. The king received him and treated him with great
honor, and gave him one thousand taels as a concession. Each tael is
worth ten reals when made into money. The general gave this money to
the people to provide for their journey to Nangasaqui, whence many
have come to this city [_i.e._, Manila]. Don Rodrigo de Bivero and
Father Montes continued their voyage in the ship "Santa Ana," which
was in Bungo. The Japanese came very near attacking it, but they say
that they did not do so because such action was not expedient; for
they had injured their trade with Macao, by attacking the galleon en
route from that city to Japon with silk, until they had to burn it,
with the loss of eight hundred thousand taels; and they would curtail
their trade with this country and suffer great lack of silk.
I will end this relation with the affairs of, and voyage to,
Maluco, for whose relief, as I stated above, two galleys made an
expedition. The food and men were divided among various caracoas,
fragatas, and champans, in Oton. After setting sail, they proceeded
without disaster as far as Sarragan in Siao. There one of the boats was
wrecked by a fierce gale, although only one Spaniard and ten Indians
of its crew were drowned. The rest escaped without weapons or anything
else besides their shirts. Those who escaped were given shelter in
the other boats. One afternoon while continuing their voyage, they
discovered four Dutch vessels, in sight of the island of Maluco. They
put to sea in order to escape them, with the intention of making port
that night. In this way some of them reached a place of safety. But
one fragata, which carried one of the captains, went toward the enemy,
because our men had not reconnoitered the land well. Consequently,
in the morning, it found itself surrounded by four ships and one
patache, and accordingly had to remain with them. Those [Dutch]
ships also seized a large champan which had been left behind, and
which carried a cargo of food and goods, belonging both to the king
and to private persons.
These boats that were captured by the Dutch contained all that we were
sending to the fathers at Maluco--namely, one hundred and two baskets
of clean rice, thirty-one jars of wine, meat, and butter, which were
very necessary to them, in the condition of affairs there, for Father
Masonio having gone to visit the fort of Bachan, with nine slaves
who served him as a boat-crew, they were taken by the Dutch and their
Terrenatan allies. In the fight sixteen Spanish soldiers were killed,
besides some of the natives. Of the slaves whom the father was taking
with him, three were killed and six were captured by the Dutch. After
the father confessed the wounded and entered their fort, he escaped
and hid for a week in the woods; and, although many persons were paid
by the Dutch to look for him, they could not find him. In that place
the father lost a large supply of food, besides other things. It
was being sent to him there from Malaca, to whose province pertains
the port of Maluco. Not the least of his losses was to be deprived
of his companion, by the death of Father Gabriel de la Cruz, [41]
who was called Rengifo in España. The latter was his only associate
in that exile. A long illness preceded his death, although during it
he continued to work as if he were healthy and alone. He died after a
long life of glorious labor in the islands of the Moros, so devoid of
human consolations, but so full of the consolations of heaven--as our
blessed Father Francisco Javier certified, who was the first to sow
there the seed of the gospel. His death caused great sorrow, because
that field of Christendom remained without a shepherd. Although they
tried to send a companion to Father Masonio from Malaca, over three
hundred leguas away, sending by way of these islands Father Antonio
Pereira, they were not successful, for the latter died on the voyage,
in the manner that I stated at the beginning. [42] But we hope,
through our Father, that some day those seas will become free from
pirates, so that Maluco may be supplied from its own province with
men and other necessities.
Word is also received from Maluco that the Dutch commander, Pablo
Blancard, was ransomed this year. The Dutch gave eighty thousand pesos
for him last year; and now they have given fifty-two Spaniards held
captive among them, one hundred natives friendly to us, the fragata
and all its cargo, and six thousand pesos in money.
I have endeavored to make this relation very faithful for the greater
glory of God our Lord. May He preserve your Paternity [43] for the
welfare of all the Society. Manila, July 1, 1610.
_Gregorio Lopez_