Precautions Submitted to the War-Officials and Certain of the Cabildo
of the City
That the citizens reserve their arms and food to as great an extent
as possible, and, for possible contingencies, fowls and any other
delicacies for the sick.
That the vessels coming from Xapon be examined carefully to see
whether they bring in secret other articles than those which they
announce publicly.
That twenty vessels--virocos and fragatas--well manned and equipped,
be stationed in the river, below the artillery of the fort, in
order to be used in carrying food, news, or messages to any point
considered advisable; and that the other boats--champans, and all
other vessels--not needed there, go up the river, where they can not be
attacked by the enemy and used for making entrenchments by them, and in
order that the seacoast may be kept clear for fighting and skirmishing.
That an immediate general review and muster be made of all the Spanish
forces for the defense of this city; every one, not only of those
who are paid, but of the old inhabitants, to be entered on the list,
with his weapons.
That a proclamation be made throughout the coast of these islands
that no viroco, banca, fragata, or other vessel, leave the islands
without permission; for, should they happen to meet the enemy, the
latter would have news of affairs here.
Another proclamation that no citizen or anyone else may remove from
this city gold, silver, property, wife, children, or household,
or leave it without permission, under penalty of his life, and
confiscation of the property thus removed, the latter to be applied
to the expenses of war.
As we see our fears of the Xaponese enemy so confirmed in every
direction, and that the German [51] pirates are actually here and
committing daily depredations along the coast, it seems that, in order
to relieve ourselves from anxiety regarding so many Xaponese traders
as are in the city, it would be advisable to assign them a settlement
or location outside of the city, after first taking away all their
weapons; and that they live there and sell their property. Likewise,
the question of what shall be done with the Xaponese servants here
should be considered, for there is a great number of them, and they
have free entrance into our houses and this city; in this great danger
they would be able to set fire to it, or cause other like damage.
Also, it will be advisable to send word throughout the coasts of
Mindoro, Lunban, Valayan, Ylocos, and other districts that piratical
enemies are about, so that they may be forewarned and that the natives
may be protected.
That the coast be reconnoitered from Parañaque to Cavite, to ascertain
whether the enemy have disembarked along it, and to discover what
location and convenience there is for laying ambushes and keeping
the enemy busy.
What is said here of our fears of Xapon should be understood as well
of the Chinese, since we have so little confidence in them.
That word be sent to Gallinato to set a price on rice, and gather as
much as possible, on the account of his Majesty's tributes there.
That four fragatas be fitted up and used for nothing else than to
transport rice and food, putting each fragata under command of a
thoroughly trustworthy master.
That the biscuit brought by the Chinese, should be taken, and also
one-half the flour brought by this Xaponese ship, in order to give
it a trial, at a moderate price; and if any well-preserved tunny-fish
have been brought, they should be taken, although first it should be
ascertained whether they have any yew-tree or other poison in them.
_Item_: It appears advisable that two careful regidors of this city--in
order that they may secure due respect, and act in the name of the
city--should go to bring twelve or fourteen thousand fanegas of rice
and one thousand five hundred jars of wine, from such district or
districts as they may choose, for any necessities that might arise in
general--namely, in city, monasteries, and hospitals; since all are
sustained by alms, and, in such times, there is no possibility that
these can be supplied or provided for them from any place. For this
reason it would be advisable to levy an assessment among the citizens
of this city; for, although there may be no necessity therefor,
it can be sold, and paid to those who should have lent or furnished
the said rice and wine, and up to the amount that shall have been
lent--so that, in one way or another, having either consumed or sold
it, each one shall receive satisfaction for his loan.
_Item_: It is advisable that, in case anyone of us, from myself and my
son first, down even to the least, should be captured while fighting
with the enemy, no one shall be ransomed, even though the enemy be
willing to surrender him for a very small ransom; and that this be
with no exceptions or with no equivocation, so that each one may fight
with greater courage and resolution, preferring--though God grant
that we come not to blows with the enemy--death rather than capture.
_Item_: whether it would be advisable that, in the tingues
and mountainous districts near Manila, forts and strongholds be
established, to which, if possible, there be a safe path from this
city, and an entrance and exit therefrom to that place. Then, when
occasion should arise, the women, children, old people, sick, and
other non-combatants might be placed there; for, if they remained in
the city, they would hinder us and cause us to starve, while there
they will have more comfort and refreshment.