_Gonzalo de Santiago_, notary by appointment
In the city of Manila, on the nineteenth day of the month of April, one
thousand five hundred and seventy-nine, the very illustrious Doctor
Francisco de Sande, governor and captain-general for his Majesty
in these Western Islands, and his auditor in the royal Audiencia of
Mexico in Nueva España, declared that he has heard that a war-galley
of the king of Portugal was lost on the coast of Mindanao, and in
order to ascertain where it was going, and whose it was, he ordered
to be made, and did make, the following inquiries.
In verification of the abovesaid, the said governor summoned to his
presence a man, who declared his name to be Bartolome Fernandez,
a native of the city of Goa in Yndia. He said that he was there
a freeman, serving as page a Portuguese named Luis Fragoso; and
that he is a baptized Christian. The oath was taken and received
from him before God and the blessed Mary, and on the sign of the
cross, in the form prescribed by law; under which obligation,
being questioned, this witness said that he left the city of Goa,
in Yndia, about a year or so ago, in a galleon called "San Jhosef,"
under Captain Martin Lopez de Sossa, a nobleman. With the said ship
was a merchant ship from Cochin. The said ship "San Jhosef," had
one hundred old Portuguese soldiers, and one hundred others, young
mestizos of that land. It was equipped with twelve large pieces and
certain culverins. The soldiers were armd with arquebuses and other
weapons. This said vessel was despatched to Maluco, by order of the
governor of Yndia, Don Diego de Meneses, and the said Martin Lopez
de Sossa was captain. In Malaca, more of the mestizos of Yndia,
sons of Portuguese, were shipped, to the number of three hundred
men. These with the mestizos brought from Yndia, made somewhere
about five hundred men in the said galleon. A galley of twenty-four
benches accompanied it, each oar being manned with three men. They
carried lead. The galley was old and was given to them in Malaca by
the captain of Malaca, named Arias de Saldeva, who is captain of the
fortress. The captain of the sea is Matias de Alburquerque. Because
of the said Martin Lopez de Sossa falling sick, he remained in Malaca,
very sick; and one of his brothers, Pedro Lopez de Sossa, came in his
place as captain of the said galleon. Another nobleman, Tome de Sossa,
a former page of the said Matias de Alburquerque, captain of the sea,
was made captain of the said galley. This witness was aboard this
galley, in the service of the said Tome de Sossa, who brought this
witness from Yndia to Malaca. Thus the said galleon and galley, with
the people above mentioned (of whom some fifty soldiers were aboard
the galley and the rest aboard the galleon), set sail for Maluco in
the month of August of last year seventy-eight. After sailing for
a week, they anchored at Borney, near the island of Mohala. When
they were there together, a banca with certain Bornean fishermen
came to talk with the people of the ship and the galley. They asked
who they were, and were answered that they were Portuguese. Then the
said Bornean Moros said "We thought that you were Castilians, for we
are expecting them daily to come for tribute." Thereupon they told
them that a fleet of Castilians with many vessels and a multitude of
people had gone there, and fought with them, and had plundered them.
It was current talk among the Portuguese, that they marveled that
the Spaniards would have plundered the Borneans, for they considered
that people as valiant, since they are accustomed to go to Malaca,
Pegu, and other places for the sake of plunder, and Borney was very
strong. Therefore they were surprised that the Castilians had taken
them. They began a song sung by the rowers, which runs: "Borney, peak
above peak in salt water; there you go to eat buyo." [33] This song
they sang because they formerly regarded the Moros as valiant men,
and in jest. The said captain-in-chief sent this witness in this said
fishing-boat, to talk with the king of Borney, because he knew the
Bornean language. With this witness went an inhabitant of Malaca,
one Quenana, a native of Malavar. They took a present to the said
king of Borney; this was a carpet from Conbaya [Camboja]; which was
given to this witness to give to the king of Borney. He found him in
a large house which belonged to the old king. This witness knew this,
for he formerly knew the said old king of that land. The old king is
dead and the said king is his son. He is a tall, fat man, and quite
black. He was seated with many of his relatives, called panguilans,
and his children and brothers. This witness saw and knew the tumango
and mandahala, the panguilan Salalila, and many others. The said
king of Borney was playing chess, seated in a hall with the said
panguilans. This witness bowed low and made the usual obeisance,
gave him the said carpet, and sat down. One of the king's sons said
to this witness, in his own language, that he talked excellently, and
asked him his nationality. This witness told him, and the said king's
son gave him some buyo to chew. He remained with them some time. The
king asked him what the Portuguese wished. This witness replied that
they were on their way to Maluco, and were looking for some slaves
for their galley, and for food. Thereupon the said king of Borney
ordered the vandahala to go to talk with the captain-in-chief in the
galleon. The vandahala went in a small boat with thirty rowers and
two culverins. When he left the king's house for the said vessel, the
said people showed this witness some vireys, saying that they had taken
them in battle from the Spaniards. They said that they had hanged one
Spaniard, and threatened them. They said that the Spaniards had come
in large vessels and with a numerous fleet, whereat they had fled to
the mountains. They did not tell that the Spaniards had seized any
galleys and artillery. The said bandahala went to the said galleon
to talk with the said captain, Pedro Lopez de Sossa. He asked him,
in the name of the king of Borney, to help him fight the Castilians,
who were about to return there for the tribute; and desired them to
remain in the island. If he would winter there, the king of Borney
would pay him as much as he would gain in Maluco. The said Captain
Pedro Lopez answered him that he was about to make investigations in
Maluco, which was in bad condition, and could not remain in Borney. It
was likewise impossible for him to fight with the Castilians, for they
were brothers. If he wished to ask for help, he must send to request
it from the captain of Malaca. Likewise this witness saw two ships
that they were about to send to Malaca. The said bandahala, thereupon,
went to talk with the king. That night a Cafre blacksmith, a Christian,
one Luis, fled from Borney to the Portuguese. He told the said captain,
Pedro Lopez, that the king of Borney had ordered that the Portuguese
who were in Borney at the arrival of the Castilian fleet should be
killed; that the king had robbed them of their possessions, and that
some sailors had fled with the vessel. When the said captain Pedro
Lopez heard this, he was angry at the Borneans, and sent the small
boats to bring men from the galleon (for he was in the galley), saying
that he intended to enter the river to fight the said Borneans. The
next morning the said bandahala tua, that is to say, "old man," came
in a ship. The Borneans brought fowls, sugar, fruits, _tampo_, and
other things, to sell. They brought no presents. The said captain,
Pedro Lopez, seized the said vandahala and about thirty rowers with
him, and put them in the said galley, with the intention of keeping
them prisoners. The said vandahala asserted that they had not killed
the Portuguese, nor robbed them at all. The said captain, Pedro Lopez,
sent the said trader Quenenia to talk to the king, and to ask him why
they had killed those Portuguese. The said king replied that he knew
of no such thing, and that the tanguilans of the mountain had killed
them. Afterward the said captain, Pedro Lopez, said, "Who is deceiving
me in these things among these Moros?" He then set free the Moros,
and left the said trader Quenena, in Borney with a pack containing
seven or eight hundred pieces of cloth, so that he might trade it for
camphor, wax, and tortoise-shell, and then go to Malaca with it in one
of the two ships that I said were about to sail to Malaca. The said
captain bought eight Javanese slaves, and the king presented to him two
more, making a total of ten. Each slave cost ten pieces of _caniquí_
[34] which we valued at three _vardagos_, each _vardago_ being worth
one _patagon_, which this witness thinks is about equivalent to two
Manila tostones. Then weighing anchor they proceeded on their way
to Maluco. The galley anchored at the river of Tabaran to look for
food. They bought there swine and fowls, receiving five fowls for
one piece of _caniquí_. From there they sailed near a large island,
called by them island of Xordan. There a storm with a vendabal
struck them and destroyed the said galley, which was old. It sprang
a leak under the keel, and was driven upon some rocks near Cabite,
at an island near Canboanga. There the said galley was lost with all
its food, artillery, and ammunition. Five Portuguese were drowned,
and two others were killed by the Moros of that land. All the Cafres
and slaves who were chained were drowned. About forty Portuguese
and twelve Cafres escaped. They scattered into different parties,
so that the natives should not kill them. This witness fell into the
power of some natives of Camboanga, who made him prisoner. A Spaniard
brought this witness and others recently, when they came with his
Majesty's spice. However, this witness did not see what became of the
said Spaniards, nor what became of the galleon, except that he heard
that the galleon collected the men in its small boats and finished
its voyage, by taking another tack, as he heard from the natives of
Camboanga. Therefore this witness never saw the said galleon again. He
heard also that the said galleon had broken its mainmast. This is
what he knows, and his deposition. It is the truth, on the oath that
he took. He affirmed and ratified it. When this witness was asked if
he had been in Maluco, and requested to tell what he knew of matters
there, and why so many Portuguese should go there, he declared that
he had heard it stated publicly and openly in Yndia and in Malaca,
and that he heard Diego de Sanbucho, a noble inhabitant of Malaca,
now there, say that the fortress of Maluco, which the Portuguese held
in Terrenate, was lost to them three years ago. For after the death of
Gonzalo Pereyra, who had gone with the Portuguese to fight at Cubu,
and who had died at Maluco after his return there, the noble above
named, Diego de Sanbucho, was captain of Maluco. He found that certain
of the married men had gone to live at Anbon and others to Malaca,
and that they had taken all their cattle and artillery with them in
two galliots, which they now have at Anbon. The cause of the loss of
the said Maluco was the revolt of the said natives and a war because
a Portuguese had killed their king. Immediately the people revolted,
and besieged the Portuguese. They died from hunger, until the survivors
abandoned the fort, going to Anbon, as I have said; only two Dominican
fathers remained. The said inhabitants of Maluco refused to give
cloves to the Portuguese, and sold them to the Javanese, who in turn
sold them at Malaca. The only cloves brought were those of Anbon,
and only one ship-load at that. The Portuguese go to Anbon by way of
Jaba, across from Borney, since Maluco was lost; the present fleet
came by way of Borney. On account of these troubles, it is sailing
straight for Maluco, in order to construct a fort to fight with the
natives. Another galleon, the "San Juan," under Captain Martin Alfonso,
a noble, is in Malaca, and is about to go to Anbon; and it must go
by way of Jaba, opposite the coast of Borney. With the few men whom
it can take, and those whom it can secure at Anbon, it must go with
them all to Maluco to aid the said captain Pedro Lopez to oppose the
inhabitants of Maluco. This witness knows, too, that the Portuguese
captured a son of the king of Maluco, named Don Francisco, whom they
took to Yndia. This witness saw him lately at Malaca. He has heard
that the people of Maluco begged that he be given up, as he is their
king, and that if he is restored they will make peace and surrender
the fortress. With the said Don Francisco are three of his relatives,
one Don Enrique, one Pablo Desa, and the third Jordan de Fletes. Don
Enrique is undahala at Malaca, which is the office of judge among
the natives. The vessel which is going by way of the coast of Jaba to
Anbon must lay in a good supply of food from Xaba. This witness knows
further that a queen of Xaba is at war with the Portuguese; she is
the queen of Xapara. Consequently the Javanese refuse to take food
to Malaca, which is furnished by the king of Pegu. This witness has
heard that the king of Pegu has made dependents of the kings of Sian
and Patan. The Portuguese have war likewise with the king of Bintan,
for the latter married a daughter of the king of Achen who is hostile
to the Portuguese. This witness has been twice in Maluco, and has seen
what he has described. At the entrance to the port is a rampart, and,
farther in, the fort where the said Portuguese live. They have a vault
there in the middle of the court; and, even if the fort be burned,
the court inside is not burned.
When asked what became of the artillery of the galley which was lost
on the coast, he said that the king of Mindanao, who is an old man,
heard of the loss of the said galley there, and went there with forty
vessels, and that the people of Samboanga seized the said artillery,
which they had taken from the galley and took it ashore at the river of
Mindanao. He said that the people of Samboanga burst one piece; and the
Spaniards took it, along with two grappling hooks, and brought it to
this city. All the above is the truth. This witness said also that the
said galley that was lost carried nine pieces of artillery--amidships
a large round swivel-gun; at the bow and along the sides, two large
chambered falcons; at the stern two more; and at the sides four
culverins, two on each side. The chief of Taguima took two culverins,
and the king of Mindanao took all the rest. This is the truth, on the
oath that he has taken; and he affirmed and ratified the same, but
did not sign it. He is about thirty years old, a little more or less.
_Doctor Francisco de Sande_
Before me:
_Alonso Beltran_, his Majesty's notary
_Captain Ribera's Instructions_
The instructions that Captain Grabiel de Rivera must observe in the
expedition that he is about to make, at my command, to the island
and river of Mindanao, are as follows.
First, you shall go to the port of Çubu, where are the artillery and
ships of his Majesty brought from Borney by Captain Esteban Rodriguez,
and the other supplies left there by him. You shall take all of these
supplies that you may need for your expedition as well as the necessary
soldiers and food. The soldiers shall be taken from the inhabitants
of the said city, and from the soldiers taken for the said expedition
by Captain Juan Lopez de Aguirre. This latter shall deliver his men
to the magistrate there. You shall choose from them such men as you
desire, since you have the affair in hand. You shall try to take
some men belonging to the captain and chief named Quilantan, as,
they tell me, he is acquainted in the river of Bindanao.
As you know, Captain Esteban Rodriguez went last year by my orders
to pacify the river of Mindanao. Because of the lack of provisions,
the current of the river, and other causes, he did not carry out my
wishes--namely, to explore that river and all its environs personally,
and to wait there some little time to try to get them to make peace. I
ordered him to represent to the natives how advantageous it would be
for them to become his Majesty's vassals and our allies. He was ordered
to treat them well, and to use kind methods and persuasion with them;
and not to use force, or plunder them, burn their houses, or do any
other damage to them. And that they might become friends, he was not to
ask tribute from them, and should exercise no force in this regard. He
was merely to tell them of his Majesty's heavy expenses in this land,
and the many hardships endured by the Spaniards in going to civilize
them, and to teach them how to live in accordance with the law of
nature, so that they might understand the chief requirements--namely,
to become Christians and recognize the true God, who created and
redeemed them; and in order that they might cease to do evil to their
neighbors, and to commit other cruelties and robberies. And it is just
that, since so much is spent by his Majesty, and by the Christians who
go there, that the natives should on their side aid somewhat, since
they benefit thereby. But the said captain was ordered that whatever
they gave should be decided by the natives themselves. In observance
of this the said Esteban Rodriguez did them no injury whatever;
but they fled. And because, when the Spaniards went to attempt to
pacify them, as I have heard, the natives killed those who went as
ambassadors to them (among whom was a vassal of his Majesty from
the island of Jolo), you will investigate this matter in the city
of Nombre de Jesus among the soldiers who went on that expedition,
in order that you may have the necessary foreknowledge. And if they
really killed those who went on an embassy to them--a barbarous and
cruel act--and if they are wont to display such treachery, then you
shall punish them as you deem best. I leave this to your own judgment
advising you that in his Majesty's fleet, commanded by Villalobos,
they killed certain men, under promise of security, and seized one of
his boats. In this treachery they all shared, for one boat containing
three or four men was attacked by three or four thousand natives. They
killed also the master-of-camp of the said fleet. This will warn you
not to put any trust in them, or to allow them time or opportunity
to enable them to commit any treachery. You will keep strict watch
over your ships and men.
Although you have the said information and you understand clearly
that they are evilly inclined and have committed the said crimes,
you must begin by trying to make them peaceable by kind methods,
as above stated. If they are unruly and it becomes necessary to
punish them, you shall do it. And if they give no occasion for
either peace or war but flee to the mountains, then you shall wait
for them with all the prudence possible, and such as I expect from
you. You shall endeavor always to see that the soldiers and troops
commit no depredations. If the said Indians come peaceably and with
friendliness, you shall receive from them what they offer, as above
stated. And you shall give testimony, before a notary appointed by
yourself as to the way in which the natives of those regions place
themselves under the obedience of his Majesty--by their own wish,
or by act of war, if they commence it; so that, as far as you are
concerned, you may have permanent and just authority to compel them
to obey and pay tribute. In this matter you must exercise care and
diligence, for it is an affair which needs accuracy, so that the land
may be allotted according to the instructions of his Majesty. And in
such case you shall agree with the natives upon the season when the
Spaniards shall return thither next year; and tell them that they shall
come here freely, if they wish, for intercourse and trade with us.
You shall bring in writing a memorandum of the times of harvest and
the products of the land; the gold-mines and places where gold is
washed; the number of inhabitants, their settlements and customs;
whether that river yields cinnamon, and how it should be treated in
order to make it good.
_Item:_ You shall obtain information regarding the islands of Limboton
[35] and Celebes, the course thither, their products, and bring me
a clear statement thereof.
_Item_: You shall order that no Indian be sold outside the island,
representing to them how cruel it is to sell the men of their own land,
and that by such an act they offend God and depopulate the land.
_Item_: You shall order that they cease to rob, within or without
the island, warning them that such is an offense to God, our Lord.
And because I have heard that one of the ships of Villalobos was lost
for want of a small boat, and in it two large anchors and one half
sacre (weighing fourteen quintals, and named "San Marcos"), twelve
culverins, and certain pieces of iron ordnance, you shall try to get
hold of them all, employing therein much diligence.
You shall try to ascertain where their artillery is, and to secure it,
for it is very material that they remain at peace.
And inasmuch as the chief of Mindanao has been deceived for some
time by preachers from Borney who preach the doctrine of Mahoma,
and it is said that there are preachers there endeavoring to convert
them all into Moros; and since our main intention is to convert
them to Christianity: you shall order them to admit no more such
preachers of the sect of Mahoma. And if you can ascertain who they
are, you shall try, to the best of your ability, to bring them here;
and shall burn the edifice wherein the accursed doctrine was read
and taught, and shall order that none other like it be built. You
shall tell the said natives that I will send Christian fathers there,
who will instruct them; that already the mosque at Borney is burned,
and that there are now no more Bornean preachers. You shall also tell
them what occurred in Borney last year.
You shall examine the entrance and port in the river and the ships
of the natives; for it will be allowable to take from them those used
for piracy, leaving them their fishing and trading vessels.
If the said natives pay tribute, it shall be disposed of in accordance
with the custom of that land--namely, one half shall be reserved for
his Majesty, and the other half shall be divided among the soldiers,
as an aid in their necessity.
And since all the importance of this expedition lies in patience and
comfort (because the Indians, having seen that they would soon have to
yield, refuse to come down from the mountains), you shall try to make
yourself as comfortable as possible, paying special attention to the
health and welfare of your troops. And you shall carefully study the
country in general, and its water and food-products, so that you may
inform yourself better, in order if possible, to preserve health,
which is the principal desideratum. In order to guard the health
of your men, I charge you specially that you take good care of your
sick. You shall put a soldier of good temper in charge of them who
shall minister to them. From whatever gold or other property of
his Majesty's you may have, the sick shall be provided with fowls
or whatever is necessary. You shall especially forbid the soldiers
to eat bananas or sugar-cane, or other harmful things, and see that
they live decently.
You shall find out from the Indians of that land whether they sail
or go to Maluco. You shall ask them whether there are any Christians
there; and if there is any Cafre or Christian in Bindanao, you shall
secure him.
Having completed matters at Bindanao, you shall return to the port
of Cavite. [36] Thence, with what men you deem advisable and with
interpreters from Taguima, you shall go to the island of Jolo,
where Captain Esteban made an agreement with the king of that place
to pay tribute to his Majesty. You shall tell that king that I left
Borney for certain reasons, and that I send this other fleet there
for the purpose of telling him that he should abide by his obedience,
in order not to receive more harm.
You shall ask tribute from the lord of Jolo, but this shall be paid at
his pleasure and be very light, inasmuch as he has rendered obedience
to his Majesty but recently, and because of the good will he has
shown in his Majesty's service, in sending a letter and returning
eight slaves that he had there who were taken from the island of Çubu,
who were vassals of his Majesty. However, in return for that, Pedro
de Oseguera wrote me that two men from Jolo, who had been captured
by the men of Çubu, had been given up. If there are any more Joloans
there, you may take them, first seeing whether they are Christians
and whether they go of their own free will. The priest at Çubu shall
declare what it will be right to do in this. You shall tell the said
lord of Xolo also that, if he wishes to ask anything else of me,
he shall despatch ships hither. They shall be secure from injury,
for I have ordered that none molest them; and you shall give him my
letter that you have with you. You shall give him a written permit,
so that his people may pass freely through our territory, if they
show the said letter to the people of this land.
Captain Esteban Rodriguez told me that the lord of Xolo had told him
that he would have two or three tame elephants for his Majesty's
tribute. You shall ask for them, and if he gives them, you shall
bring them here with the utmost care. For that purpose you shall take,
wherever you find it, such ship as is most suitable. If he has no tame
ones to give you, you shall tell him to have them, at all hazards,
next time the Castilians go thither. You shall ascertain the time
and manner in which they can be brought here.
You shall likewise show yourself very affable to the lord of Xolo. You
shall urge him to persevere in the pearl industry. Both from him and
from the inhabitants of Mindanao, you shall ascertain what things
they need from China, so that other methods failing, those articles
may be taken to them from here.
Inasmuch as Captain Esteban Rodriguez brought certain anchors and
pieces of artillery from that island, and did not sound the place where
a ship was lost in a storm from the north, if you have opportunity,
you shall be careful to do so, taking care to return before the season
for sailing is past. On your return you shall see whether Captain
Juan Lopez de Aguirre left any cinnamon because unable to bring it
in the vessels of his fleet.
_Item_: When you return by way of Çubu, you shall bring back all his
Majesty's vessels there, as well as all the artillery left there by
Esteban Rodriguez. You shall bring also a relation of present and
past occurrences there.
You shall try to ascertain whether there is any cinnamon in the
river of Mindanao. If so, you shall try to bring some of it. You
shall try to find out how to treat it, so that it may be of as good
quality as that in Castilla; for his Majesty has had us notified
that that sent from these districts has not been good. On your way
to Çubu, you shall send some one to pacify the tingues [hill-people]
of Butuan and to examine the towns reported by Juan Gutierres Cortes,
in order to discover the people and ascertain their number and their
location. You shall send a cautious man for this, who shall investigate
such matters as are necessary. When you leave Çubu, you shall order
Pedro Navarro to send to this city all his Majesty's ships in that
place, and the artillery taken there by Captain Esteban Rodriguez,
as well as whatever else he has there in his keeping, in charge, of a
careful man. This must be accomplished by the bonancas of April, for
the artillery can be brought more securely then. If any soldier or any
one else should die, you shall make an inventory of his possessions,
and keep the same. You shall note his name and his birthplace, so
that there may be a good account and relation of everything.
Given at Manila, January fifteen, one thousand five hundred and
seventy-nine.
_Doctor Francisco de Sande_
Before me:
_Alonso Beltran_, his Majesty's notary
In the city of Santisimo Nombre de Jesus, in the Filipinas islands of
the West, on the eighteenth day of the month of February, one thousand
five hundred and seventy-nine, the illustrious captain Grabiel de
Rivera--a person who by order and authorization of the very illustrious
Doctor Francisco de Sande, of his Majesty's council, auditor of his
royal Audiencia established in the City of Mexico, and his governor
and captain-general in these islands, is about to go to pacify and
explore the river and island of Mindanao--said that, inasmuch as it is
necessary to appoint a notary for the said expedition, in order that
he may handle and despatch the business that will arise during it;
and inasmuch as Diego Lopez Carreño is a skilful man and qualified
to take charge of this: therefore he appointed, and he did appoint,
him as notary of the fleet and expedition. He authorized him fully,
in so far as he himself is authorized by his Lordship, to enjoy and
exercise this power. He ordered him to take the oath and execute the
formalities required by law, for the exercise of this power. Then the
said Diego Lopez Carreño, who was present, accepted it, according to
the order of the said captain. He took the oath before God and the
blessed Mary, and on a sign of the cross, upon which he placed his
right hand, to exercise the office well and faithfully to the best of
his knowledge and understanding, and to commit no fraud, equivocation,
or deceit; and, if he did thus, may God so reward him; but if not,
then may he be proceeded against.
He affixed his name thereto. Witnesses were Tome de la Ysla, Pedro
Navarro, Grabiel de Ribera.
_Diego Lopez Carreño_, notary
Off the coast of the river of Mindanao, when sailing toward the said
river, on the thirteenth day of the month of March, one thousand
five hundred and seventy-nine, the illustrious captain, Grabiel de
Ribera, met off the coast of the said river, a small boat. His Grace
ordered it brought to the side of the flagship, in order to find
out whence it was coming and whither bound. When it was brought, it
appeared that certain Indians were aboard; through the interpreter,
Miguel Godines, who understands the language of the said Indians,
they said that they were slaves of Limansacay, king of the said river
of Mindanao. The said captain feasted them, gave them some articles
that he had brought in his galley, and ordered the said interpreter to
inform them that he had come by order and authorization of the very
illustrious governor of these islands; that he came in his Majesty's
name to pacify the said land, to pacify and quiet the said natives,
and to make them friends, vassals, and servants of his Majesty, as
are the natives of the other islands. As vassals of King Don Ffelipe,
our sovereign, they would be greatly profited, would be protected and
aided by the said governor, and his Grace would now protect them in
whatever arose and in what they most desired. The reason why he wished
to have peace with him, and with the other chiefs of the said river,
was because his Majesty wished them to understand the great error
and delusion that they labored under, and to recognize their Creator
and Lord, who is the only true God. And because they were Indians who
could not write and slaves of limited understanding, the captain did
not discuss with them more fully his Grace's reason for coming. He
asked them to tell the said Limansacay all the above things, and told
them that they should have no fear or suspicion of any thing, for
his Grace had no authorization to injure or molest them in any way,
but only to entertain and protect the said Limansacay and the other
chiefs of the said river, as had been done in many other districts,
and as is done with all the natives of all the islands. Thereupon the
said Indians went away, without any harm or insult being offered them;
on the contrary they were feasted.
To all of the above I attest, for it occurred in my presence. Witnesses
are Pedro de Oseguerre, Tome de la Ysla, Ensign Melchor de Torres.
_Grabiel de Ribera_
Before me:
_Diego Lopez Carreno_, notary-elect
Off the coast of the river of Mindanao, four leagues from the said
river, on the fourteenth day of the month of March, one thousand
five hundred and seventy-nine, the illustrious captain Grabiel de
Ribera, sailing toward the said river met a small boat, and in
order to take in water and ascertain their position, ordered it
brought to the flagship. When it was brought, it appeared that it
contained a Boholan Indian, named Umapas, married in the said island
of Mindanao. Two of his brothers-in-law, natives of the said river,
accompanied him. Through the interpreter, Miguel Godines, they were
asked whence they came and whither they were bound. Through the said
interpreter they answered that they were bound for the city of Manila,
at the order of Limansacay, king of Mindanao; and that they were
taking to his Lordship, the governor, two gold-emblazoned daggers,
and two great loaves of wax. Furthermore, the said king ordered them
to collect five taes of gold owed him by some Indians. All this, they
said, was to be given to the said governor in token of recognition and
peace, which they were going, in the name of the said king Limansacay,
to ask from the said governor. Upon hearing this, the said captain
informed the above-named persons that his Grace was going in the name
of his Majesty and by order of his Lordship, in his royal name, to
pacify all that region, and to make peace with all the natives thereof.
Therefore his Grace took them with him to the very mouth of the said
river, and from there despatched the two brothers-in-law of the said
Umapas, who are natives of the said river, in order that they might
advise the said Limansacay, king of the said river, that his Grace
was commissioned by the said governor to treat with him for peace
and alliance, which his father Asututan, now defunct, had requested
from King Don Ffelipe, our sovereign. In consideration of Umapas's
fear and premonition that the king would behead him if he returned,
his Grace despatched the two said brothers-in-law. He ordered them
to tell Limasancay, king of the said river, when they reached his
presence, of the good resolution that his father had taken, and his
great zeal in making peace with his Majesty, and with the governor
in his royal name; that his Grace was ready and prepared to receive
them as vassals of his Majesty, in whose royal name he was come;
and that the king would take them under his royal crown and give
them his royal aid. They would be protected and aided on every
occasion that might arise, and whenever they needed it. In order to
ascertain what were King Limasancay's purposes, and what he intended
to do, his Grace would await a reply to it all, for one natural day
[_i.e.,_ twenty-four hours], anchored at the mouth of the said river
of Mindanao. He ordered all the above to be set down in writing,
that it might stand in the records, and affixed thereto his signature.
_Grabiel de Ribera_
_Miguel Godines_
Before me:
_Diego Lopez Carreno_, notary of the fleet
On the coast of Mindanao, two leagues, more or less, from the said
river, on the fourteenth day of the month of March, one thousand
five hundred and seventy-nine, the illustrious captain Grabiel de
Ribera ordered that the following instructions be imparted to all
those in charge of the warships taken by the said captain for the
conquest and pacification of the said river and island of Mindanao,
and that they should keep it in its entirety.
First, the fragata acting as flagship shall enter first, having on its
right the other fragata under command of Sergeant Lope de Catalaraga,
and on the left, the two vireys--in order that they may be at hand,
if it is necessary that any message be despatched.
Immediately shall enter successively the two Bornean galleys, in
charge, of Tome de la Ysla and Juan Rodriguez de Norvega, so that,
should it be necessary to fire their artillery, they may do it when the
fragatas discharge theirs, for which I shall have the trumpet sounded.
The two virocos shall form a rear-guard, preceding the other viroco,
which has a lack of men. All of them shall sail as closely together
as possible, and those which sail faster shall await the others,
so that we may all keep in order.
No arquebuse shall be fired unless it is necessary, and no one shall
disembark without my permission and order.
I order you to observe great care in all the above, and even more
in looking after the provisions in your vessels; for we do not know
how long we shall stay in the said river, nor do we know whether we
can procure provisions there, and because of the long distance from
this said river to the town of Santísimo Nombre de Jesus, where we
could find the articles necessary for the support of the said fleet. I
order you to observe and obey all the above, and not to violate these
provisions, under penalty of punishment. I order that all the above
instructions be read to each commander of the said vessels, so that
he may know it.
_Grabiel de Ribera_
By order of his Lordship:
_Diego Lopez Carreno_, notary of the fleet
(On the said day, month, and year aforesaid, I, Diego Lopez Carreño,
notary of the fleet, certify that I read the entire instructions
of the other part of this present to all those commanding the
ships of the said fleet, to each one separately. They all answered
that they were ready to observe and obey the contents of the said
instructions. Witnesses are Tome de la Ysla and Sergeant Catalinaga,
who were present the entire time.
Before me:
_Diego Lopez Carreno_, notary of the fleet
In the river of Mindanao, at the mouth of the said river, on the
fifteenth of the month of March, one thousand five hundred and
seventy-nine, the illustrious captain Grabiel de Ribera, after having
waited at the mouth of the said river, during the time which he had set
with the two messengers whom he sent to Limansancay, king of the said
river of Mindanao; and seeing that the above-mentioned persons did not
bring any reply to the message that his Grace had sent to the said king
(as is set forth in more detail in a certain writing in regard to this
matter executed before me the present notary, and to which I refer):
notifying and arranging all his fleet, he entered the said river. After
having ascended it for about a league or so, and reached the first
port in the said river which is settled, a chief called Dato Bandel,
accompanied by many Indians, came, bearing a white flag in his hand. He
told the said captain that he wished to make peace and alliance with
his Majesty, and with him in his royal name. That was his intention,
but he was hostile to Limancansay, king of Mindanao, who was settled up
the river. Therefore his Grace took with him the said chief, and after
arriving at the said village--where, he declared, the said Limasancay
lived--he found there certain Indians. He had them summoned, and when
they readied the flagship he embraced and regaled them, and made them
sit down near him. One of them was a chief, who said through Miguel
Godines, interpreter of their language, that his name was Sicuyrey,
and that he was a cousin to the said king Limasancay. His Grace set
this man next himself, and gave him ornaments and presents from among
his store, as well as to the others. His Grace told and informed them
that he was come in the name of King Don Ffelipe, our sovereign, and
by order of the very illustrious Doctor Francisco de Sande, of his
Majesty's council, and his governor and captain-general throughout
these islands, to make terms with Limasancay, king of this river of
Mindanao, for peace and alliance, and that they might become vassals
of his Majesty. He informed them of the great good that would accrue
to them all and to the said Limasancay in particular, if he made the
said peace and alliance with his Majesty, and with the said governor
in his royal name, at whose order his Grace, was come--principally that
they might recognize Jesus Christ, the Creator of the whole world, our
only salvation. This is his Majesty's principal purpose, and he will
entertain and protect them in all things, as is his custom among all
the other natives of these islands who are under his royal crown. In
order to impart this, and many other things, of advantage to the said
Limasancay and to all the natives of this river, it was necessary that
Limasancay come to his Grace. If he feared anything, the captain was
ready to give him whatever security he wished; for he had not come
to molest, but to favor him, according to the orders of the said
governor. Sicuyrey, having been informed of all the above matters by
the interpreter, answered that the said king, Limasancay, was not at
present in that town, but in another, two leagues distant. He said he
would go to him and confer with him in regard to everything that the
said captain had told him; and that he would bring him back with him,
in order that the captain might discuss all those matters. Then they
left, and the said captain said that he would await the answer given
to the, said Sicuyrey by the said Limasancay; and Sicuyrey went away,
together with the others who had come with him. Four hours later,
he returned to the said captain with the news that he had talked to
his cousin Limasancay, and had told him all his Grace's words. He
sent as answer that upon the following day he would come to talk with
him, and that he should await him. Upon receiving this reply the said
captain said he would wait until the following day. He ordered that no
soldier should go ashore or do any damage in the said port to any one,
until the plan and purpose of the said king Limasancay was evident,
and what he would do in regard to the said alliance and peace that
his Grace wished to make with him in accordance with his Majesty's
orders. In order that all the above, and the said captain's great
zeal and resolution in everything concerning these natives might be
properly recorded, he requested me, the present notary, to set it down
in writing, so that everything might stand in the records. I certify
thereto, for it occurred before me, in the presence of the witnesses,
Ensign Melchor de Torres and Pablo de Asequera.
_Graviel de Ribera_
It took place before me:
_Diego Lopez Carreno_, notary of the fleet
After the above events, on this said day, month, and year above stated,
after all the above had happened in regard to the said chief, the
said captain, considering that the said Dato Bahande had come of his
own accord to make peace, inasmuch as he came with the said flag, his
Grace declared, in the name of his Majesty, and that of the governor
in his royal name, that he received him as his vassal, with all his
subjects--declaring that hereafter they will molest no Spaniard,
will not make war on the Spaniards, and will render assistance in
whatever the governor, or whosoever is authorized by him, shall
order. He said that he was ready to obey. I certify thereto, in the
presence of witnesses Sergeant Catalinaya and Ensign Artiaga.
Before me:
_Diego Lopez Carreno_, notary of the fleet
While anchored in the river of Mindanao at the port reported to
belong to Limansancay, king of the said river, on the fifteenth of
the said month of March, one thousand five hundred and seventy-nine,
at about four o'clock in the afternoon, or a trifle later, certain
Indians of the small boats carried by the ships of the said fleet
went ashore at the said port, to look for wood with which to cook
their food. It appears that an Indian (from the fragata commanded by
Juan Rodriguez de Norvega) who was a native of the town of Cayut, of
Tome de la Ysla's encomienda, received five wounds from other natives
of the said river of Mindanao who were at the said town--one in the
abdomen, which caused his intestines to protrude, and the rest in his
arms and thighs. The natives of the said river and village inflicted
these wounds on the said Indian treacherously, giving him some buyo,
and while he was reaching for it, wounding him. He died as a result and
was buried in the said village. Although this injury was inflicted on
us, the captain, because he was awaiting the said Limasancay, for the
said peace, ordered all the soldiers and the other Indians of the fleet
not to harm the natives of the said village, until it was seen what
the said Limasancay would do regarding the agreement which he had made
with the said captain. In order that this, as well as the death of the
said Indian and the wounds he had received, might be evident, the said
captain requested me to give him the present writing as certification
and attestation in the manner above stated. Witnesses, Ensign Melchor
de Torres, Pedro de Esequera, and Diego de Artiaga Gamboa.
_Graviel de Ribera_
Before me:
_Diego Lopez Carreno_, notary of the fleet
In the river and village called Mindanao, on the sixteenth of the
month of March, one thousand five hundred and seventy-nine, the fleet
being anchored at the entrance of the said village, wherein it is said
Limasancay, petty king of the said river, usually lives and resides,
at about three o'clock or so in the afternoon, in the presence of me,
the notary, and the witnesses hereunto subscribed--the illustrious
captain, Grabiel de Ribera, being in his flagship--it appears that
Sicurey summoned him from the other side of the river. The said
captain had sent him, one or two days previously, to summon the
said Limasancay. To ascertain the reply of the above king and what
the said Sicurey asked from him, his Grace, accompanied by me, the
present notary and the witnesses, went to an uninhabited house in
the said village and ascended to its top, in order to be able to see
and talk with the said Sicurey--who as above stated was on the other
side of the river with certain Indians who came with him. Through
the interpreter whom his Grace carried he ordered the said Sicurey
to be interrogated concerning the reply that he brought to what the
said captain had sent him to tell his cousin Limasancay; and the said
captain told Sicurey that he should come from the other side of the
river in order that he might talk with him, and ascertain what message
the said Limasancay sent, what was the latter's intention and purpose,
and whether he desired to make the said peace that he had requested
in his Majesty's name. To all of this the said Sicurey answered,
without coming to his Grace, that he had talked to his cousin, the said
Limasancay, who was three days' journey up the river from where the
said captain was stationed; that the said village is called Busayen,
and that he had told the king everything that he had been ordered to
tell. But the king had answered that he was afraid that he would be
seized, and for that reason he would not come to see his Grace; but
he told Sicurey that he should return thanks to the said captain for
the presents which his Grace had given to him and to the others. He
would return to talk again with the said Limasancay, and would again
ask him to come. The said captain told him that, since he was willing
to do him that pleasure, and return again, he should tell the said
Limasancay that his Grace did not come to seize or annoy him; for,
had he wished to annoy him, he would not have asked as he had that the
king come to make peace. The intent of his Majesty, and that of the
very illustrious governor, by whose commission and mandate he comes,
is only to inform the people in that so great river where they are
and live, that they should become vassals of his Majesty, and of the
said governor in his royal name, as the natives of other islands have
done. If he and the other chiefs give obedience to his Majesty, to whom
all render obedience, and are willing to be his vassals and desire to
be protected under his royal crown and favor, his Grace would regale
them and would not molest or annoy them. They could remain in their
own lands and settlement. If they would, of their own volition and
without being forced, give some tribute, his Grace would receive it
in his Majesty's name, and only in token of obedience and so that it
might be understood that they wished peace and were obedient under his
royal crown; that they themselves should decide whatever they wished
to give for this purpose. If the said Limasancay feared, as he said,
that his Grace would seize him, he was prepared to give him any and
all security that he might desire, so that he might come to treat with
the said captain and that he might understand that the latter has no
intention of illtreating him; for if his intention were to molest the
king, his Grace had had occasion therefor already, and could have
seized the said Sicurey and other chiefs who came to discuss peace
with his Grace, as well as a chief called Dato Bahandie. This last
has come peacefully and has rendered obedience to his Majesty; and
in return therefor the said captain has regaled him and will protect
him on every occasion. If the said Limasancay purposes to attempt
treachery and deceit toward the said captain, and in short not to
come peacefully, he shall send word immediately as to his intention;
for, if he do not come peacefully, then his Grace will employ all
the correctives and artifices possible, until he leaves this land
pacified and its inhabitants as vassals of his Majesty. His Grace
has been informed, by natives and chiefs of the said river, that
the said Limasancay is preventing and hindering many chiefs from
surrendering themselves as vassals of his Majesty, by saying that,
if they did, he would persecute and destroy them. Since he prevents
this, and refuses to make friendship, as has been required of him,
and prevents others from doing so, his Grace, as above stated, will
proceed against the said Limasancay by all possible ways and methods,
as against a man who prevents the chiefs of the said river from making
peace and rendering obedience to his Majesty as they wish: his Grace
will also proceed against all his paniaguados, and against all those
who refuse peace and obedience to his Majesty. The said Sicurey having
heard all the above declaration, and other words to the same effect,
replied that he would repeat it all to the said Limasancay, and would
return within three days. Because the said village of Mindanao did
not contain food for the soldiers, the captain told the said Sicurey
that he would await him and his reply in Tampaca, six leagues up the
river above the said village of Mindanao. In order that this might
appear in the records, I attest and certify the same, which took
place before me. Witnesses, Pedro de Eseguera and Ensign Arteaga.
_Grabiel de Ribera_
Before me:
_Diego Lopez Carreno_, notary of the fleet
At the river and village of Mindanao, on the seventeenth day of the
month of March, one thousand five hundred and seventy-nine, after
the illustrious captain, Grabiel Ribera, had waited three days at his
anchorage for Limasancay to come, to make peace as he had requested
of him; and seeing that he did not come and that food was becoming
scarce, and, the said village being depopulated, he could find no food
there; and because his Grace had been told by natives of the said
river that the said Limasancay was retiring up river to one of his
villages, to make a fort there for his defense; and seeing that the
king was dealing treacherously, in order to gain time to build the
said fort: in order to avoid the possible great danger in allowing
the said Limasancay to fortify himself, and likewise because he had
heard that the village of Tapaca, about four leagues up the river,
contained food, from which the fleet (some vessels of which were in
want) might be reprovisioned; to look for and collect certain pieces
of artillery which were said to be in the said village, and which
were reported to have belonged to the lost Portuguese galley--his
Grace on this said day, ascended the river to the said village, for
the causes and reasons above stated. I attest the same. Witnesses,
Pedro de Eseguera, Ensign Melchor de Torres, and Ensign Arteaga.
_Grabiel de Ribera_
Before me:
_Diego Lopez Carreno_, notary of the fleet
In the village of Tapaca, on the nineteenth day of the month of March,
one thousand five hundred and seventy-nine, in fulfilment of the order
given by the illustrious captain Grabiel de Ribera, after having
voyaged for three days up stream to the village of Tapaca, whither
his Grace shaped his course, it appears that, at the entrance of the
port, the said captain despatched a small barangay with certain Indians
and three soldiers. He ordered these to go ahead to notify the chiefs
of the said town that his Grace was coming, by order of his Majesty,
to pacify the said town and its vicinity; and that the said natives
should come peaceably. It appears that, at the entrance of the said
village, before talking to any of the natives, according to his Grace's
orders, certain culverins and many arrows were discharged at the said
barangay. As soon as the said captain learned of this, he ordered
immediately all the soldiers and men in the ships of his fleet, to set
in order for instant action the cannons, muskets, and other firearms,
so that if necessity demanded, they might be fired. When everything
was in order, he entered the said village. At the said entrance many
culverins and arrows were fired at the said fleet. Consequently his
Grace ordered all the soldiers to keep together and not to separate
at all. Thus the said captain went up the river to the said village,
where he disembarked. Accompanied by me, the present notary, certain
soldiers, a chief whom he took as interpreter, named Quilantan, and
other chiefs and interpreters, the said captain advanced, carrying a
white peace-flag; and he ordered the said chiefs to call out and summon
the Indians who were on the other side of the river. Thereupon these
latter summoned them, and some of those on the other side came, upon
which the said captain ordered his interpreters to ask the said natives
why they had fled and deserted the town, and why they had discharged
those arrows and culverins, inasmuch as his Grace had given them no
cause therefor. He informed them all that he did not come to harm or
offend them; he came to this river solely at the command of the very
illustrious Doctor Francisco de Sande, of his Majesty's Council, and
his governor for all these islands--who had sent his Grace to inform
them of the great error and delusion under which they live and labor,
and to make them vassals of his Majesty, and of the said governor in
his royal name. Being vassals, great gain and advantage would accrue
to them, and they would dwell in quiet and peace in their lands and
settlements, as at present. They would not be ousted or dispossessed
of them, and no person should annoy or molest them. On the contrary,
they would be protected, defended, and aided by his Majesty and
the very illustrious governor in his royal name. By his Grace also,
protection would be given, in whatever required it at present, as
he had promised to Dato Bahandie, a native of this village, who,
because he came peacefully and rendered obedience to his Majesty,
had been received under his royal protection. He and others of his
opinion would be protected in all necessities, and on all occasions,
as vassals of his Majesty. They should understand that the captain has
not come to plunder them or to seize, their possessions, but only for
the purpose above stated. If they had any food, his Grace had need of
it, and would pay them in full for it. They should return to their
houses and land and should not abandon their village. He did not
wish them to pay him tribute or other things. While summoning them
and notifying them of these and other things which his Grace tried
to make them understand, they sent a volley of arrows toward his
Grace, and by good luck missed killing one of the said interpreters
and chiefs there. And as soon as the said Indians on the other side
heard the said summons, they declared that the Castilians were rogues
and had come to deceive them. Thereupon the said captain returned
to the rest of his men. To all of the above, I, the present notary,
certify. Witnesses, Francisco Gomez, Sergeant Lope de Catalinaga,
and Juan Rodriguez de Norvega.
_Grabiel de Ribera_
Before me:
_Diego Lopez Carreno_, notary of the fleet
In the village of Tapaca on the twentieth day of the month of March,
one thousand five hundred and seventy-nine, Captain Grabiel de Rivera,
seeing that he had had no intercourse with the natives nor was able to
secure it since his arrival in the said village, ordered that three
ambuscades be made inland. Thereupon a certain number of soldiers
and some friendly Indian rowers whom he had, penetrated inland about
one and one-half leagues. It appears that in four hours the said
soldiers returned with the report that it was utterly impossible to
advance farther, because of the numerous swamps and marshes, where
the water reached their knees and higher. Consequently, and because
the captain saw how the food was failing, and because he had been
informed by certain friendly Indians who had come in peace and by
Dato Bahandie, that the petty king Limasancay must be in the village
above Tampaca, he authorized Pedro Brizeño de Eseguera, a citizen
of the town of Santísimo Nombre de Jesus, a discreet and capable man
and one experienced in that land, to ascend the river in two vireys
and one small barangay, with twenty-six soldiers; for these vessels
were light and the current of the river strong and his Grace could
not ascend the said river with the other ships of the fleet. Indeed,
coming from the village of Mindanao to this village of Tapaca, it
had taken four days to make four leagues (the distance between the
two towns), and he had arrived after great effort, and being towed
by the Indians. He gave, for this reason, the said commission to the
said Pedro de Oseguera, and ordered him to obey and observe in every
particular, and not to exceed the tenor and order of what was commanded
him in the said commission given him by the captain. Thus he ordered
and affixed thereto his signature. Witnesses, Sergeant Catalinaga,
Juan Rodriguez de Norvega, and Francisco Velazquez.
_Grabiel de Ribera_
Before me:
_Diego Lopez Carreno_, notary of the fleet
I, Grabiel de Ribera, captain of infantry for his Majesty in the
Filipinas islands of the West, who by order of the very illustrious
Doctor Francisco de Sande, governor and captain-general of these
islands, come to pacify and explore the river of Mindanao, by virtue
of the commission and instructions given me by his Lordship to make
the said expedition: inasmuch as I have reached the village of Tapaca
in prosecution of my voyage, and after remaining here certain days,
summoning and notifying the natives--in the presence of a notary,
who attested the same--to come to make peace; and having informed
them that I came in his Majesty's name to pacify the said river,
and to make the natives and residents of that region vassals of his
Majesty--which was proclaimed through interpreters who understand
their language; and inasmuch as the natives of the said village,
although all the above information was proclaimed, have fled and
abandoned their houses and lands, and the fleet is suffering from
lack of provisions, for the food is all gone; and because it would
be extremely difficult for it to ascend the river farther, and would
require much time, because of the great strength of the current all
along the river, it having taken three days to tow the galleys and
fragatas by means of small oared vireys from the village of Mindanao
to this of Tapaca (a distance of four leagues), because of the said
current: therefore in the name of his Majesty, and for the proper
provision and despatch of the said fleet and men, and so that the
instructions of his Lordship may be observed and obeyed, he said
that he delegated, and he did delegate, all his power, as far as
he possesses it for the said purpose, to Pedro Brizeño de Oseguera,
a citizen of the town of Santísimo Nombre de Jesus--a deserving and
capable man, and experienced in that land--so that with two vireys and
one barangay, all oared boats, and accompanied by twenty-six soldiers,
he may ascend the said river.
When he has reached certain settlements on the river, and in especial
that of the village of Ybatel (where it is said the petty king
Limasancay is), he shall notify him and the chiefs of the said village,
and those of the village of Buayen, through the interpreters that
he shall take with him, that the said Pedro Brizeño de Oseguera goes
by my orders to the said villages, to inform them that I have come by
order of the said governor to execute and fulfil the above purpose; and
that I am awaiting, in this village of Tapaca, the said Limasancay and
the other chiefs to come to make peace and to acknowledge themselves
vassals of his Majesty, as Dato Bahandie, chief of this river, has
done. Likewise he shall inform them that his Majesty's purpose in
sending me to this said river is to pacify it and make it peaceful,
and to make them understand the great delusion in which all the natives
thereof live; that they shall become vassals of King Don Ffelipe, our
sovereign (whom may God preserve), as are all the natives of the island
of Panay, the Pintados islands, and those of the island of Luçon; and
that they may be instructed in the matters which pertain to our holy
Catholic faith. If they become vassals of his Majesty they will be
protected and guarded, whenever they have need and whenever occasion
requires. They shall return to their houses and towns as formerly,
for I have given them no occasion to abandon these. I do not come
to plunder their possessions or to harm them, or to require them
to give tribute, beyond what they give now of their own volition,
in token of recognition and obedience, so that it may be understood
that they desire peace and alliance. Furthermore he shall try to
ascertain and discover with all solicitude and care the whereabouts
of Limasancay, for I have heard that he is in the village of Buyayen
with his father-in-law, the chief of the said town, by name Seproa. He
shall try to confer and treat with Limasancay; and, that failing,
he shall send another person to tell him to come to this village of
Tapacan, where I am at present, and that he shall have no fear, or
be alarmed at anything; and that, if he comes, we shall treat for the
peace and friendship that I come to make with him and the other chiefs
of the said river in his Majesty's name. I am thoroughly aware that
the reason for the hostility of the natives of this entire river and
their abandonment of their houses and native places is his instigation
and command. If he does not intend to come to treat with me, he shall
not hinder or prevent the said chiefs who, as I have been informed,
desire to do so, from coming to make peace. For this reason he shall
not do it. Likewise he [Oseguera] shall inform the said Limasancay
and the said chiefs that, if they become his Majesty's vassals and
render him obedience, they shall be protected and aided, and live
quietly and peaceably in their lands and native places. No one shall
molest or annoy them in any way. If they do not do this, then there
will result many wanderings and anxieties, and many other troubles
and losses will come upon them. For all the above and for whatever
happens in the said summons, he shall appoint a notary before whom
declarations shall be made. I give him power and authority, in all
the fulness delegated to me by his Lordship for the said purpose. He
shall exercise great diligence and care therein. He shall not allow
the soldiers who take with them Indian rowers to molest or trouble
the natives of the said village, or their houses and possessions. He
shall take as many days as he deems necessary for this purpose, but
no more. Given at the said village of Tapacan, on the twentieth day
of the month of March, one thousand five hundred and seventy-nine.
_Grabiel de Ribera_
By order of the captain:
_Diego Lopez_, notary of the fleet
In the village of Tapacan, on the river of Mindanao, on the
twenty-third day of the month of March, one thousand five hundred and
seventy-nine, before the illustrious Grabiel de Ribera, captain of
infantry for his Majesty in these islands, and before me, Diego Lopez
Carreño, notary of the fleet, appeared Pedro Brizeño de Oseguera. He
said that, in fulfilment of the commission and instructions given him
by the said captain, to ascend the river with the two vireys and one
barangay, accompanied by others, as declared in the said instructions,
he went, in prosecution of his voyage, and arrived at the village
of Buayen, about four leagues from this village of Tapacan, passing
some small uninhabited villages on the way. When he reached the said
village of Buayen carrying a white flag in token of peace, many shouts
were raised by his Indians, who called in their own language Siproa,
chief of the said town and father-in-law of Limasancay. Although they
shouted, as said, and tried to find some natives in order to confer
with them, they could see nothing of them. On this account they could
not inform the natives of the said village of their object. Therefore
he went on to the village of Ybalet, about three leagues from the
said town of Buayen. Carrying his said white flag, he looked for
Indians in the said village, and found certain Indians. He ordered
the interpreters with him to summon these Indians to him, declaring
that he would not harm them, for he came only to request their peace
and alliance, and that they become vassals of King Don Ffelipe, our
sovereign, as is Dato Bahandie, chief and native of this river. When
they were asked where the said Limasancay and other chiefs were, they
answered that they had left them behind in the village of Buayen and
that they had no chief in their village, for he too was hidden with
the said Limasancay. The said Pedro Brizeño de Oseguera also sought
provisions in both the villages of Buayen and Ybalet, for the support
of the said fleet, but found nothing in either one, for the natives
were all hostile, and all their houses had been abandoned. When the
said Indians were asked the above questions, and he saw how scanty was
the information derived from them, he [Oseguera] tried to lay certain
ambuscades, in order to capture some Indian to have speech with him
concerning the said river. Therefore the two ambuscades were laid,
but an Indian could be taken in neither one; for none appeared to be
captured, as all had fled, and were so afraid of the soldiers that
upon seeing Spaniards in their land they took to the mountains. Thus
retired the Indians who talked with the said Pedro de Oseguera,
refusing to come to him. Since he saw that these two villages--the most
important, so far as he knew, on all this river--contained no peaceful
Indian with whom to treat and from whom he could ascertain what was
happening; and that he could find no food, he decided to return to
the said captain to advise him of what he said had occurred. This
relation is true, and witnesses present were Ensign Melchor de Torres,
Francisco Rodriguez de Salamanca, and San Juan de Cavala. He affixed
his signature, jointly with Captain Grabiel de Ribera.
_Pedro Brizeno de Oseguera_
Before me:
_Diego Lopez Carreno_, notary of the fleet
In the village of Tapaca, located on the river above the village of
Mindanao, on the twenty-fifth day of the month of March, one thousand
five hundred and seventy-nine, the illustrious Captain Grabiel de
Ribera, after remaining seven days at the said village of Tapaca,
anchored there with his fleet and soldiers; and, having seen that the
natives of the said village and all its vicinity refused to come to
make peace--as is stated above more in detail and as appears by the
records made in regard to this matter, to which I refer--in order to
fulfil and observe the orders contained in the instructions given him
by the very illustrious Doctor Francisco de Sande, in consideration
of the fact that the location and settlement of the said village of
Tapaca is very unhealthful, and that some of his soldiers and many
Indian rowers had fallen ill, in order to avoid the danger that might
again occur for the above reason, ordered all the commanders of ships
to make ready to come to this village of Mindanao, where his Grace had
formerly been with the said fleet, without committing any depredations
in the said village; for the said village of Mindanao is a healthful
village and settlement, and its climate is excellent. Accordingly,
he left the said village of Tapaca on this said day to return to
this of Mindanao, where he arrived on the same day at five o'clock
in the afternoon. I attest the same. Witnesses, Pedro de Oseguera,
Tome de la Ysla, and Francisco Velazquez.
_Grabiel de Ribera_
By order of his Lordship:
_Diego Lopez Carreno_, notary of the fleet
In the village of Tapaca, on the twenty-fifth day of the month of
March, one thousand five hundred and seventy-nine, the illustrious
Captain Grabiel de Ribera, upon finding that he had been unable to
seize any Indians in the ambuscades which his Grace had ordered to
be made in the said village, in order to talk with them regarding
affairs of the said river, left, when about to depart, two ambuscades
of soldiers in the said village of Tapaca. Two Indians were taken
in this way by the soldiers, who were led before the said captain,
then anchored with the rest Of his men and boats in the village
of Lusa, one-half a league from Tanpaca. They were brought before
me, the present notary, and the interpreter Laquian--an Indian,
who understands the language of the natives of this river; and the
following questions were asked them.
One of them on being asked his name and whose slave he was, responded
that his name was Sidurman and that he was the slave of Batala, a
chief of the said village of Tapaca, and brother-in-law to Limasancay,
petty king of the said river.
Being interrogated by the said interpreter why he and his companion
came to the said village of Tanpaca, where the said captain was, since
the natives of the said village had hidden themselves and abandoned
the said village, he declared that the said Batala sent them both to
the said village in order to find out what the Castilians were doing
there. This was their reason for coming.
Being asked to tell where the said Batala was when he sent him and
his companion on the above-mentioned errand, he said that he was in
a village called Bulon, situated on the said river. The said captain
asked him what he [Sidurman] was doing in the said village, and why
Batala and all the other chiefs had abandoned their own village. He
said and answered that they had fled from fear and terror of the
Castilians, for Limasancay had sent word by a slave to his said
master to do this, and that he was doing the same to the village of
Buyen. Therefore the said Batala and the other chiefs went to the
said village, as above stated.
He was asked if there was a road by which his Grace might go to the
said village, where the said Batala was, in order to treat with him
for peace. If there is, his Grace said, he would loose them and give
them their liberty. This witness said that the creek by which he
came is navigable only with barotos, and he and his companion came
in one. It is quite impassable in one part and swampy in the other,
with water up to the breast, and higher. When the said Batala and
all his wives and the rest of the people went thither, they used very
small barotos, and then with difficulty. Therefore the Spaniards do
not dare go thither by way of the said swamps.
This witness being asked where his master Batala keeps his artillery,
said that he knew that he had two falcons that were brought from the
town of Zamboanga, when Batala was with Limasancay. These were taken
from the lost Portuguese galley. When he went away, he took these
pieces with him in a baroto, and has them, as well as other small
culverins, in his possession.
Being asked where the said Limasancay and the other people are, since
Limasancay sent word to his said master, Batala, to flee and abandon
his village, he said that he knows only what he has heard--namely,
that he is in the village of Buayen with his father-in-law, Siproa,
and that they are hidden in a marsh. Sidurman was also asked, as he
is a native of this river, if he knows where Limasancay keeps his
artillery, and that which he brought from Samboanga. He said that he
does not know. This he deposed through the said interpreter before
the said captain and in the presence of me, the said notary.
_Grabiel de Ribera_
Before me:
_Diego Lopez Carreno_, notary of the fleet
On this said day, month, and year aforesaid, the said captain
summoned to his presence the Indian Laman, the companion of the said
Sidurman. The same questions and articles put to the said Sidurman were
asked of Laman through the interpreter. His answers were similar to
those declared by the same Sidurman in his deposition. I, the present
notary, attest the same.
_Grabiel de Ribera_
Before me:
_Diego Lopez Carreno_, notary of the fleet
In the river of Mindanao, on the twenty-seventh day of the month of
March, one thousand five hundred and seventy-nine, while the fleet was
anchored at the village of Limasancay, petty king of the said river,
the captain, considering that in the villages of Tapaca, Buayen, and
Balete (the most important villages of the said river), and in many
other villages of the river, he had endeavored to induce Limasancay
and the other chiefs to come to make peace (as is contained in the
reports, to which I refer), said that, in order that the natives of
the said river might understand that his Grace would not return,
or leave the said river until he left it pacified and tranquil,
under the protection of King Don Ffelipe, our sovereign (whom may
God preserve), be ordered for this purpose a fort to be commenced
in the said village of Mindanao, on a point made by two arms of the
river, near where the fleet is anchored. [37] He ordered palm-trees
and other wood needed for it to be cut. Therefore, on this said day,
and in presence of me, the said notary, certain palm-trees were cut,
and the said fort begun. I certify thereto. Witnesses, Sergeant
Catalinaga, Tome de la Ysla, and Pedro Brizeño de Eseguera.
_Grabiel de Ribera_
Before me:
_Diego Lopez_, notary of the fleet
In the village of Mindanao, on this said day, month, and year
aforesaid, the said captain ordered Aquilantan, a chief of Tanae,
who accompanied his Grace, to go to the town of Silanga, situated on
the said river, to summon its chief, Dato Bahandil, the one with whom
his Grace had made peace when he ascended the river. He was to tell
him to come immediately to his Grace, who wished to discuss certain
matters with him. The said Quilantan summoned the said Bahandil, and
he came on the same day. When he and the other chiefs who accompanied
him from the same village were brought before the captain, they
were informed through Laquian, the interpreter, that his Grace had
ascended the river to the town of Balete, displaying a white flag
all along the said river, as a peace token. He had summoned the
natives of the river to make peace, as he did not come to plunder
or harm them. Although he did his utmost to make peace with them,
he could not effect it. His Grace has understood that Limasancay is
responsible for this condition of affairs. Through his cunning and
by his order, all the people have been hostile to the Spaniards, and
have abandoned their villages. He requested Dato Bahandil, since he
is the vassal and ally of his Majesty, to go or send to the village
of Buayen, where the said Limasancay is, and tell him that the said
captain did not come to rob or harm him, but only to make alliance
and peace, and that he should place himself under the dominion of
King Don Ffelipe, our sovereign (whom may God preserve), From this
much advantage would accrue to him, and he and all the other chiefs
would be dispossessed of the error in which they all are, and would
recognize their Creator, who is the only true God. Although his Grace
had many excuses for putting him to death--inasmuch as they killed
one of his Grace's Indians in the said village of Mindanao and had
discharged many arrows at the Spaniards all along the river, both
by day and night--yet he had no desire to harm them, notwithstanding
his opportunities therefor; for he could have burned their villages,
cut down their palm-trees, and seized and killed many people, and
that whenever he wished. Consequently they should understand that he
bore express command from the very illustrious Doctor Francisco de
Sande, governor of all these islands, not to harm them in any way,
and hitherto he has not done so. Should the said Limasancay refuse to
come to make peace, he should not prevent the other chiefs and natives
of this river from coming to render obedience to his Majesty. His
Grace has heard that, because Limasancay will not consent to come,
no one else dares to come to make peace. The said Dato Bahandil
having heard and understood all of the foregoing, answered that,
having had war with Limasancay and having made peace but recently,
he did not dare to go to talk with him or any other of his village;
for, if he had any trouble with him, the latter would immediately
order him to be killed. Therefore he declined to go. The said captain
asked him, since he would not go, to find some one in his village
who would go to tell the said Limasancay all the above, saying that
he would pay this man. Likewise Limasancay should be told that his
Grace was building a fort in his said village, and that he did not
intend to leave until the king should make peace. Dato Bahandil went,
saying that he would return with the answer within two days and that
he would try to despatch the said Indian to the said Limasancay. The
payment for this man was given to the said Dato Bahandil. I certify
to all the above. Witnesses, Pedro Brizeño de Eseguera, Melchor de
Torres, and Pedro de Brito.
_Grabiel de Ribera_
Before me:
_Diego Lopez Carreno_, notary of the fleet
On this said day, month, and year aforesaid, while the said captain,
in the said village of Mindanao, was holding a conference there with
the said Dato Bahandil and other chiefs of the said village--wherein
he discussed all the matters above stated, and declared--before the
said captain and in the presence of me, the said notary, and of the
greater part of the people of his fleet, a volley of poisoned arrows
was discharged from the other side of the river and fell near the said
captain and among the others. By great good fortune none of those with
the said captain were wounded. Thereupon the said chiefs, seeing this
shameless conduct of the Indians, begged and persuaded the said captain
to send men and soldiers to kill the said Indians. Persuaded by them,
he ordered some soldiers to fire a few arquebuses in the direction of
the firing of the said arrows, in order to stop further volleys. Yet
they refused to desist, and sent another volley of arrows. And
because of the excitement among the Indians engaged on the fort,
the captain ordered six soldiers and a few of his Indians to go to
the other side to try to capture an Indian, in order to ascertain
who they were and who sent them there. The said soldiers went to
execute this order, and the Indians who had fired the said arrows
began to defend themselves. Therefore the friendly Indians killed
three of them and took one prisoner. He was taken to the captain,
who ordered him to be imprisoned. I certify thereto. Witnesses,
Sergeant Catalinaga and Tome de la Ysla.
_Grabiel de Ribera_
Before me:
_Diego Lopez Carreno_, notary of the fleet
After the above events, in the said village of Mindanao, on the
twenty-eighth of March, one thousand five hundred and seventy-nine,
Atangata, an Indian slave of Limasancay, was summoned before the
illustrious captain Graviel de Ribera, and in the presence of me,
Diego Lopez Carreño, notary, that I might take down his confession
and deposition. Upon his appearance he was interrogated thus.
He was asked who were the people with him when he was captured, who
were shooting at the Spaniards, and at whose commission and command
they came to shoot those arrows. He said that they were fourteen
Indians who came to discharge those arrows; that some of them were
timaguas, and others slaves belonging to Limasancay, at whose order
they had come; and that they had left the town of Buayen, where the
said Limasancay is, two days ago, coming hither in barotos.
Being asked whether the said arrows that were shot were poisoned,
in order thereby to kill the Spaniards who were in the said village,
and who gave the poison, he said that they brought it from the said
town of Buayen, and that some arrows were poisoned when they came,
and others they themselves poisoned when they were ready to use
them. The herb used was poisonous, and if any Castilian should be
wounded, he would die therefrom.
Being asked, since he is a slave of the said Limasancay, where his
said master keeps the artillery that he brought from the village of
Samboanga (from that lost in the Portuguese galley), and that which
the said Limasancay has of his own, he declared that he knows that
he threw a large piece into the river in front and near to his house
(one brought from Samboanga), as well as another and smaller piece. The
rest of the artillery being small, he took it all with him when he
went away. These pieces consist of three very small culverins. As the
rest were large, he threw them into the river in front of his house.
Being asked where Limasancay was hiding and why he had fled, he said
that Limasancay had gone away, through fear of the Spaniards, to the
village of Buayen, where he is with his father-in-law. Beyond that
he does not know where he is hidden. This witness was not with him,
for they took the barotos in which they came hither from the village
of Ertala, where he lived. This is what he knows of the matter,
and nothing else.
_Grabiel de Ribera_
Before me:
_Diego Lopez_, notary of the fleet
On the twenty-eighth of the said month of March, of the year above
stated, considering that, by his confession above given, Atagayta,
the slave of Limasancay, deposed that the said artillery was in
the river in front of the house where Limasancay lived and resided,
he ordered all his Indian rowers, and those of the other vessels,
that they should look for it in the river at low tide, at that point
where the said Indian signified that they were. His Grace ordered
them to look for it, saying that he who should find it would be
given and paid one-half tae of gold. Accordingly they began to look
for the said artillery, and found, in the said river in front of the
houses where the said Limasancay generally lives, one large piece,
from the artillery found in Samboanga; one small culverin, one small
grappling-iron, and three googings of the anchor, two of these broken
and one whole. His Grace ordered all these to be brought ashore,
giving the Indian who discovered them the one-half tae of gold. I,
the present notary, testify thereto. Witnesses, Ensign de Arteaga
and Pedro de Oseguera.
_Grabiel de Ribera_
Before me:
_Diego Lopez Carreno_, notary of the fleet
On the twenty-ninth of the said month of March, the said captain
ordered the said Indians to search the said river for the other
pieces; and, as on the preceding day, his Grace said that he who
found any piece would be paid and rewarded. Accordingly many of the
Indian rowers searched throughout the whole river, but found no other
pieces, nor anything beyond what was found the previous day. I testify
thereto. Witnesses, Tome de la Ysla and Pedro de Brito.
_Grabiel de Ribera_
Before me:
_Diego Lopez_, notary of the fleet
In the village of Mindanao, on the thirtieth of the month of March,
one thousand five hundred and seventy-nine, the illustrious Captain
Grabiel de Ribera, captain of infantry for his Majesty and of the
fleet and troops who came to pacify this river and the villages of
this island and the island of Jolo, by order of the very illustrious
governor and captain-general of these islands, declared that, inasmuch
as his Grace has arrested Diego Lopez Carreño, notary, hitherto of
this fleet for necessary reasons, and as it is necessary to appoint
another person to exercise the said office and to act as notary of the
said fleet: in consideration of the ability and capacity of Benito
de Mediola, a soldier of this fleet, and as he has confidence that
he will perform his duty thoroughly and faithfully, said that he
appointed, and he did appoint him, as notary of the said fleet. He
ordered him to accept it with the formality and oath required by
law. I, the said Benito de Mendiola, being present, placed my hand
on a sign of the cross which the captain made with his right hand,
and swore before God and on the said cross, and promised to exercise
the said office of notary faithfully, legally, and diligently, under
pain of incurring the penalties incurred by those who do not exercise
their duties legally, and to keep secrets. I affix my signature,
together with the captain--who, when he saw my oath and formality,
said that he gave me complete power in form of law to exercise the said
office, and said that he would confirm by his authority and judicial
decree the acts that were executed before me, so that they should be
valid in court or out of it. Witnesses, Sergeant Lope de Catalinaga,
Juan de Avila, and Don Sebastian de Baeça, soldiers.
_Grabiel de Ribera_
_Benito de Mendiola_, notary of the fleet
In the said village of Mindanao, on the thirtieth day of the month of
March of the said year, Dato Bahandil, chief of the said village of
Silanga, appeared before the said captain, and said that, in obedience
to his Grace's orders in regard to the messenger that should be sent
to the said Limasancay, he sent yesterday, the twenty-ninth day of
this present month, an Indian timagua from his village accompanied
by four Indians, in a baroto. He gave these men the payment that
his Grace had given him for this purpose. He told and charged them
all that his Grace had ordered to be told to the said Limasancay and
other chiefs. He expects a reply within three days.
Being asked by the said Laquidan, interpreter, how it is that, being
hostile to the said Limasancay, as he says, he does not know where
he is and where he is living, Dato Bahandil answered that the said
Limasancay is fleeing with one virey and ten vancas. From fear of the
Spaniards he never remains in one town permanently but is in one swamp
today and another tomorrow. This he declared before the witnesses,
Sergeant Catalinaga and Juan Davila.
_Grabiel de Ribera_
Before me:
_Benito de Mendiola_, notary of the fleet
In the said village of Mindanao, on the thirty-first day of the said
month of March, Sihauil, a friendly Indian of Dato Bahandil's town,
appeared before the said captain and in the presence of me, the present
notary. Through the said interpreter, Laquian, he told the said captain
that, if he would pay him, he would tell him where was the other
large piece of artillery brought by Limasancay from the said village
of Samboanga. He asked them not to tell Limasancay who had told them,
lest he order him to be killed. The captain bargained with the said
Indian in my presence to pay him three taes of ingot [_linguague_]
gold, which was proved with the touchstone, according to the said
law; and they were weighed out and given to him immediately. Then
many of the Indians and soldiers went to look for the said piece,
and dragged a small marsh, which is covered by the river at high tide,
quite near the fort built by order of the said captain. They found a
bronze piece of artillery bearing the arms of the king of Portugal,
apparently some seven or eight quintals in weight. The said captain
ordered it placed on one of the fragatas--that commanded by Lope de
Catalinaga. And although many people looked for other pieces throughout
that entire swamp, no more were found. I certify thereto. Witnesses,
Pedro Brizeño de Eseguera, Diego Nuñez, and Ensign Melchor de Torres.
_Grabiel de Ribera_
Before me:
_Benito de Mendiola_, notary of the fleet
In the said village of Mindanao, on this said day, the thirty-first
of March of the said year, the said captain, considering that, by
reason of the long voyage and bad weather, and the great lack of all
kinds of food in the fleet, because of his long stay; and seeing how
much was needed if he accomplish the purpose for which the governor
despatched him on this expedition, and the said hunger and want; and
that he could not by any method secure provisions in all this river:
therefore he ordered that certain of those captured Indians, natives
of this country, be set to making _landan_, [38] a food eaten in that
river. For this purpose he ordered a great quantity of palm-trees,
of the sort that produces the said landan, to be cut; and they began
to work it and to make the said landan, and it is being made for the
above-named purpose. He ordered me, the present notary, also to set
down the above in the proceedings; and he affixed his signature. I,
the present notary, attest the same. Witnesses, Lope de Catalinaga,
Pedro de Eseguera, and many other soldiers. Likewise I certify that
it takes four days to make the said landan.
_Grabiel de Ribera_
Before me:
_Benito de Mendiola_, notary of the fleet
In the said village of Mindanao, on the thirty-first day of the month
of March of the said year, Sibandao, a chief of this village, said to
be a cousin of the petty king Limasancay, with Sinago, Siligan, a chief
of this said village, and many other timagua Indians, appeared before
the said captain and in the presence of me, the present notary, and of
witnesses. They told the said captain through the interpreter Laquian,
that they wished to become allies of the Castilians. They were received
by the captain with great display of affection. He regaled them,
embraced them, and showed them in every way kind treatment. Through
the said interpreter he told them of the advantage that would accrue
to them from becoming allies and vassals of King Don Ffelipe, our
sovereign, and how they would be protected and favored. He told
and informed them that they were deceived by their idols and that
they should believe in one all-powerful God, who created heaven and
earth--three persons but one sole and true God--in whom we all believe;
and they were very attentive to this. He told them that, as allies,
the governor of these islands would send them priests to instruct them
in the Catholic faith. He told them also, through the said interpreter,
that he was sorry that the said Limasancay had fled and was absent;
for his Grace came, not to rob or injure them, but to secure their
alliance and peace and to teach them the said Catholic faith. Such
were the orders of the said governor. He requested them urgently to
go to tell this to the king. They replied that they did not dare,
for the said Limasancay was evilly inclined; but if his father were
alive they would go. They were unable to pay any tribute in gold or
wax now, as their Indians had fled; but they would give some food
from their stores, equivalent to forty tributes. Then the above-named
chiefs departed, promising to bring this food within three days.
Witnesses, Pedro Brizeño de Eseguera, Tome de la Ysla, and Ensign
Melchor de Torres.
_Gabriel de Rivera_
Before me:
_Benito de Mendiola_, notary of the fleet
In the said village of Mindanao, on the second day of the month of
April, one thousand five hundred and seventy-nine, the illustrious
Gabriel de Ribera, captain of infantry and of the fleet and people who
came to pacify this river and that of Jolo by order of the governor
of these islands, said that, whereas the majority of the Spaniards of
this fleet have told him that many Spaniards and Indian rowers of this
fleet are daily becoming sick, and that he should provide the necessary
remedy therefor, in order to avoid the danger that might ensue,
as his Grace knows the nature of the land and its unhealthfulness:
therefore he ordered Sergeant Lope de Catalinaga, accompanied by the
present notary, to go to see and visit the said sick both Spaniards and
Indians. He ordered us to give him full information regarding it and to
make attestation regarding the sick, so that it might be evident that
his Grace has had and has exercised the requisite care and diligence
in everything. This he ordered and affixed his signature thereto.
_Gabriel de Ribera_
Before me:
_Benito de Mendiola_, notary of the fleet
Thereupon the said sergeant, Lope de Catalinaga, and I, the present
notary, went to the fragata of the said captain, where we visited, and
saw, in two beds, Francisco Gomez and Bartolome Ruiz, both soldiers,
and in another Ensign Diego de Arteaga. They complained of fever,
and their appearance bore out this statement. We found also in the
flagship, six Indian Moros, rowers, who were sick; and their appearance
showed it. As witnesses to all the above were Melchor de Medrano and
Juanes de Yraçabal.
_Lope de Catalinaga_
Before me:
_Benito de Mendiola_, notary of the fleet
Thereupon the said sergeant Lope de Catalinaga and I, the
present notary, went to the vessel commanded by Juan Rodriguez de
Norvega. There we saw in one bed the said Juan Rodriguez de Norvega,
and in another Pedro de Brito. Both of them complained of sickness--the
said Juan Rodriguez of a very bad abscess in the leg, and the said
Pedro de Brito of a violent fever; and their appearance confirmed
their complaints. We saw also in the said vessel Juan de Leon,
a soldier and Anton Martin, a sailor sick with chills and fever,
as was evident from their appearance. Further in this same vessel,
Diego de Anaya, a soldier, is sick with fever, as is evident. In the
same vessel are nine sick Indians, from among the rowers. Witnesses
of this were Juan de Avila and Goncalo Ruiz, a soldier.
_Lope de Catalinaga_
Before me:
_Benito de Mendiola_, notary of the fleet
Then the said sergeant Lope de Catalinaga and I, the present notary,
went to the ship commanded by Francisco Velasquez. There were the
said Francisco Velazquez and Miguel Nuñez in one bed. They complained
of sickness, and their appearance proved it. Ten Indian rowers were
sick in this vessel, as their appearance proved. Witnesses to this
were Juan Lopez, Melchor de Medrano.
_Lope de Catalinaga_
Before me:
_Benito de Mendiola_, notary of the fleet
Then we went immediately to the virey commanded by San Juan de
Çavala. We found there sick the said San Juan de Çavala and Gonzalo
de Villanueva, as their appearance proved. Eight Indian rowers are
sick in this vessel. Witnesses, Bernabe Cortes and Miguel Godines.
_Lope de Catalinaga_
Before me:
_Benito de Mendiola_, notary of the fleet
Then we went to the virey commanded by Francisco Rodriguez de
Salamanca. We found sick there the said Francisco Rodriguez
de Salamanca and Miguel Romero, as was very evident from
their appearance. There are three Indian rowers sick on this
vessel. Witnesses, Bernabe Cortes and Miguel Godines.
_Lope de Catalinaga_
Before me:
_Benito de Mendiola_, notary of the fleet
Then we went immediately to the viroco commanded by Alonso
Pimentel. There the said Pimentel, Juan Ortuño de Oñate, and
Diego Carrion appeared to be sick, and such was evident from their
appearance. Eleven Indian rowers are sick in this vessel. To this
were witnesses, Diego Nuñez and Tomas Dato.
_Lope de Catalinaga_
Before me:
_Benito de Mendiola_, notary of the fleet
Then we went immediately to the vessel in command of Tome de la
Ysla. There were ten Indian rowers sick there, and their appearance
proved it. In this vessel Miguel Rodriguez has been sick more than
one week. Witnesses, Marcos Quenta [?] and Pedro de Arana.
_Lope de Catalinaga_
Before me:
_Benito de Mendiola_, notary of the fleet
Then we went immediately to the vessel used to carry provisions from
the flagship. There are four Indian rowers sick in it, besides Pedro
Lopez, a Spaniard, and their appearance proved it. Witnesses, Domingo
de Santurcio and Francisco Quenta [?].
_Lope de Catalinaga_
Before me:
_Benito de Mendiola_, notary of the fleet
Then we went immediately to the fragata commanded by the said sergeant,
Lope de Catalinaga. In it appeared to be sick eight Indian rowers,
and their aspect proved it. Witnesses, Domingo de Santurcio and
Francisco Quenta [?].
_Lope de Catalinaga_
Before me:
_Benito de Mendiola_, notary of the fleet
In the village of Mindanao, on the second day of the month of April,
one thousand five hundred and seventy-nine, the said captain, in the
presence of me, the present notary, and of witnesses, asked Dato
Bahandil, chief of the village of Silangan, how many people there
are in all this river, and in the lake and coast of this island;
and the names of the villages, and the number of inhabitants in each
one. The above Bahandil, through the said interpreters Laquian and
Miguel Godines, made the following declaration.
In his own village, Silangan, there are about two hundred Indians,
counting slaves and timaguas; in the village of Sinurey, two hundred;
in the village of Caracan, one hundred; in Catituan, one hundred
and fifty; Vindanao, seven hundred; Vitala, one hundred and thirty;
Vinuruan, four hundred; Luçon, one hundred and sixty; Tanpacan,
one thousand; Atalayan, seventy; Burruan, two hundred; Balabaca,
seventy; Caburundan, one hundred; Macapan, eighty; Corocoan, one
hundred and forty; Buayen, eight hundred; Tuoca, one hundred; Balete,
one thousand; Batunan, one hundred; Baluaquen, one hundred; Ybalen,
one hundred and eighty; Tolendin, six hundred; Salunbun, one hundred;
Quibaca, two hundred; Cacaren, two hundred and fifty; Matinguaguanen,
four hundred; Cabacan, one hundred and eighty; Bagaygaran, one hundred
and forty. Total, seven thousand nine hundred and fifty.
The said Dato Bahandil declared that all the above villages were on
the said river, swamps, and lake of this province of Mindanao. He said
that a river called Ytilurey flowed into this lake, [39] which comes
from the mountains of Butuan and Caragan, and it has places where
gold is washed. When he was asked how much gold each person could
wash daily, he said that he had not seen it, but he had heard that
they got sometimes one-half a tae, and from that down to six, four,
or two maes. This river contains six thousand men, and near by is
another branch of the river called Dumanen with about seven hundred
Indians. From the said river of Esirey is another branch called Sula
with about one thousand Indians living at its confluence with the large
river which flows into the lake. There is a settlement called Megatan,
under a chief Cacopi, with two thousand men. It is near the junction
of the three branches, which form a cross. This lake is about one-half
league wide. In summer it dries up and is then full of sedges. In the
rainy season it is quite full of water. From this river of Mindanao
to the tingues [mountains], whence flows the said river of Tirurey,
it is a twenty days' journey up the lake.
He was asked how many people the coast of this said river of Mindanao
contained. He said that a day's journey along the shore of this river
by which we came is a province called Tabungao. It has about three
thousand Indians, who harvest a great quantity of rice. They live
inland a distance of four leagues. Farther on and adjacent to this
province is another settlement, called the province of Picon. It has
one thousand five hundred Indians, who are well supplied with food.
Along the coast two days' journey eastward, is a settlement called
Bilan. It is a river with gold mines. He says that along the entire
river dwell ten thousand Ytingues [mountaineers] Indians who are not
settled, and that they are at peace with a village at the mouth of the
river, called Canipaan. With all others they are at war. The people
are very rich. All the rest of the coast is settled by Lutaos. [40]
The chief food of the river of Mindanao is landan, which is made from
certain palm-trees very abundant in that land, called buri. After
soaking this substance they make from it a sort of flour which is their
food. For this reason they do not sow much rice although they have
rice-fields. The rice harvest is in October and November. They have
exceedingly large palm-groves and abundance of cocoanuts both green
and dry; also many swine, which are as large as those in Castilla. The
bar is covered with three to four brazas of water, or four at full
tide. Upon entering there is a good depth of water all the way to
the lake, a distance of eighteen leagues. This is the deposition of
the said Dato Bahandil, and what he has seen hitherto. The captain
signed it; and Francisco Gomez, Lope de Catalinaga, and many other
soldiers were witnesses.
_Gabriel de Ribera_
Before me:
_Benito de Mendiola_, notary of the fleet
In the said river of Mindanao, on the second day of the month of April
of the said year, an Indian said to be a native of the village of Dato
Bahandil of this river, appeared before the said captain Gabriel de
Ribera, and before me, the present notary, and witnesses. Through
the interpreter Laquian, he said that his name was Simangary and
that he was one of the messengers despatched in accordance with the
captain's orders by the said Dato Bahandil, with the reward given him,
in order to confer and treat with Limasancay and his people, as is
contained in the above record. In regard to this, he deposed that
he went in a baroto with four Indians to the village of Tanpacan,
where he found Dato Sibatala, to whom he related the object of his
journey. The said Dato Sibatala told him that he did not care to
be the ally of the Castilians, even should they burn the natives'
houses and cut down their palm-trees. He told him also not to go
farther for the purpose of talking with the said Limasancay; for,
if he knew that Simangary was coming from the lord of the Castilians,
he would behead him. Upon this he returned to notify the captain. The
latter ordered it set down in the records and signed it. Witnesses,
Joan Lopez, Francisco Velazquez, and many other soldiers.
_Gabriel de Ribera_
Before me:
_Benito de Mendiola_, notary of the fleet
In the said village of Mindanao, on this said day, month, and year, the
said Siligan, a chief, appeared before the said captain, and brought
as tribute, to apply on what he was to give, five tributes of rice,
two bundles of tortoise-shell; three dishes, and two _medriñaque_
robes, one green and the other white.
This same day Dato Bahandil brought to apply on the tributes
to be given by him, sixty _chicubetillos_ of landan, five hogs,
and six fowls. The captain took it all, and ordered the food to be
apportioned among the fleet. Witnesses, Alonso Pimentel, Francisco
Gomez, Francisco Velazquez.
_Gabriel de Ribera_
Before me:
_Benito de Mendiola_, notary of the fleet
In the said village of Mindanao, on this said day, the second of
April, of the said year, the said captain, after receiving the answer
brought by the man who went to talk with Limasancay, ordered Pedro
Brizeño de Oseguera, in the presence of many Indians of this river
who have made peace, to embark in the virey commanded by Francisco
Rodriguez de Salamanca in order to go to the channel to look for food
for the fleet. To exchange therefor, he was given dishes, gold, and
_tacley_. He was to inform the said Indians through the interpreters
that his Grace was sending the above vessel and the Spaniards who
accompanied him to the town of Çubu for men to settle in this village,
and for food. He ordered it to be set down in the records. Witnesses,
Lope de Catalinaga, Juan Lopez de Queto, and others.
_Gabriel de Ribera_
Before me:
_Benito de Mendiola_, notary of the fleet
In the said village of Mindanao, on the second day of the said
month of April of the said year, Simagao, an Indian chief of this
settlement of Mindanao, who claimed to be a relative of the petty
king Limasancay, together with many other timaguas and native Indians,
appeared before the said captain and in the presence of me, the notary,
and of witnesses. Through the said interpreter, Laquian, he said that
he wished to become the ally of the Castilians. The captain regaled
him and treated him hospitably. He told them what, advantage they
would derive in becoming vassals of his Majesty, informing him, as he
had hitherto told all the others, that he would be very glad to see
the said Limasancay. He told them that if the said Limasancay would
come, he would not be required to pay tribute for this year. He asked
Simagao what they would give as a token of recognition. They answered
that they had no gold, but would give provisions, such as they had,
to the value of fourteen tributes. Thereupon the said captain showed
them all hospitality and affection. Witnesses were Alonso Pimentel,
Tome de la Ysla, and other soldiers.
_Gabriel de Ribera_
Before me:
_Benito de Mendiola_, notary of the fleet
In the said village of Mindanao, on this said second day of April of
this year, the said Simagao, chief of this river, appeared before the
said captain, and before me, the notary, and witnesses. The captain,
asked him why--since he was an ally of the Spaniards and was a chief,
and saw that so kind treatment was accorded to all who made peace and
placed themselves under the protection of his Majesty, as had been
done to himself and the others--he did not talk to the other chiefs
who had not come to do the same. The said Simagao answered, through
the said interpreter Silaquian, that he had talked to another chief
named Silitula, who had answered that he did not care for peace, as
he had no gold for tribute. He had told him that we desired gold. The
said captain told him, through the said interpreter, that he did not
come to levy tribute beyond what the chief himself should choose to
give as a token of putting himself under the protection of King Don
Ffelipe, our sovereign. This he did to all his allies. Thereupon the
said chief went away. Witnesses, Ensign Melchor de Torres, Juan Lopez,
and Francisco Velazquez.
_Grabiel de Ribera_
Before me:
_Benito de Mendiola_, notary of the fleet
In the village of Mindanao, on the fourth day of the said month of
April, of the said year, Taganchina, a chief, who claimed to be from
Catituan, a town of this river, came, and appeared before the said
captain and me, the present notary, and witnesses. Through Miguel
Godines, the interpreter, he said that he wished to become the ally
of the Castilians and to enroll himself under the protection of his
Majesty--himself and his Indians, both timaguas and slaves. Many
Indians from his village came with him. The said captain received him
very kindly and informed him of the great gain that would accrue to him
in becoming his Majesty's vassal, telling him among other things of the
[Catholic] faith, of which he had told the others. He listened with
attention and said that he would assemble his people and give what he
could in recognition and tribute. The said captain told him to give
what he pleased. He tried to induce him to confer with Limasancay to
persuade the latter to make peace, discussing in detail all that he
had told the other chiefs. These Indians went away, promising to return
tomorrow. Witnesses, Juan Lopez de Queto, Tome de la Ysla, and others.
_Gabriel de Ribera_
_Miguel Godinez_
Before me:
_Benito de Mendiola_, notary of the fleet
In the village of Mindanao, on the sixth day of the month of April
of the said year, Sibahandil, chief of the village of Silangay;
Simangao, of this village of Mindanao; Simaganchina, of Catiman; and
Sibandao, chief of this village, appeared before the captain and me,
the notary, and witnesses, The said Bahandil gave an account of the
tribute he had promised--two hundred _yrcuvitillos_ of landan, each
of them about one ganta; [41] and ten swine, large and small. The said
Sibandao brought two hogs, and twenty tributes in rice, and medriñaque
cloth, and two dishes from China, as tribute; for he gave nothing
else. The said Sibangao gave four tributes in rice, each tribute of
one _chicuvite_. The said Mahanchina gave twelve tributes in dishes as
above mentioned. They said, through the said interpreter, that their
reason for not coming before and not bringing tribute more fully was
because of the great poverty that they were undergoing--since all the
natives were in revolt and were suffering severely from famine, as
they were all unwilling to come for peace. They asked pardon for their
inability to do more. If they were at their own homes, they would pay
more. The captain ordered it put down thus in the records. Witnesses,
Francisco Velazquez, Ensign Melchor de Torres, Juan Lopez de Queto.
_Grabiel de Ribera_
Before me:
_Benito de Mendiola_, notary of the fleet
In the village of Mindanao, on the sixth day of the month of April,
one thousand five hundred and seventy-nine, the illustrious Gabriel
de Ribera, captain of infantry and of the fleet and men sent to
pacify this island and that of Jolo by the very illustrious Doctor
Francisco de Sande, governor and captain-general of these islands
for his Majesty, made the following declaration. Inasmuch as his
Grace has remained twenty-four days in this river and has done all
that is declared in the records above, during all of which time he
has striven to make peace and alliance with the petty king Limasancay
and his chiefs, exercising for this purpose the utmost possible care,
committing no injury--although indeed he has had much excuse therefor;
and has contrived to have messengers sent to the said Limasancay,
in order to confer with him, but the latter refused to talk, nor does
anyone care to take a message to him, for they assert that they would
be beheaded; and, besides, since Limasancay prevents his chiefs from
coming to make peace; and although some chiefs have come to make peace
and enroll themselves under his Majesty's protection (as, for instance,
the chiefs of Silangay of this village of Mindanao and of Catituan),
they do not pay us the tribute promised; and some of those who come
bring two or three tributes of articles of little value, or of no
importance, which is an ill way of amusing us, and of no advantage;
and having seen the great need and lack of food suffered by the entire
fleet, because of the long voyage and severe storms that they have
experienced; and because of the many sick--each day both Spaniards and
Indian rowers falling ill, because of the unhealthful climate of the
land, and the lack of all food, except rice--and very little of that,
on many days having only one ration a day, to all the people, both
Bisayans and Moros; and considering the long voyage ahead of them,
and the amount of work that must still be done in order to obey his
Lordship's commands; and having no certain assurance of provisions--as
this island is so short of them; and although his Grace sent Pedro
de Oseguera with gold and articles of barter six days ago to search
for food, still he is not sure that he has found it: therefore he
said that he ordered, and he did order, all the vessels of this
fleet to prepare to cross the bar, in order to make the voyage. His
Grace ordered that a copy of a letter written in the Moro tongue,
to the said Limasancay be placed in these records, so that it might
be manifest. He signed the above. Witnesses, Francisco Velazquez,
Tome de la Ysla, and Lope de Catalinaga
_Gabriel de Ribera_
Before me:
_Benito de Mendiola_, notary of the fleet
In fulfilment of the above order of the said captain, I, the present
notary, caused to be made and did make, a copy of the letter written by
order of the said captain to Limasancay, which was first written in a
rough draft, so that the essentials of the said letter might therein
be set down. It was written in the Moro language by the interpreter
Laquian, an Indian Moro, who can write in the said tongue. In order
that the said Laquian might write the said letter, it was explained
to him by Miguel Godines, Spanish interpreter. Its tenor is as follows:
To Limasancay, the panguilan who is lord over this river and the
environs of Mindanao: I came to this river by order of the very
illustrious Doctor Francisco de Sande, governor and captain-general
of the islands of Luçon, the Pintados, and the other islands, which he
governs and rules for King Don Ffelipe, our sovereign, king of Castilla
(whom may God preserve during many years). He ordered me to come to
treat with you for the alliance that your father Sulatan so earnestly
desired with the Castilians; to enroll you under the protection of the
said king, our sovereign; and to warn you of the great error under
which you and all the natives of this island are living because you
do not know your Creator--who is three persons yet the one and only
true God who created all men, the heavens, and the earth--so that,
believing on Him, you might merit the enjoyment of the heaven that He
created for those who believe and serve Him. At the entrance of this
river I met Umapas, a slave of yours, who told me that he was going
with a letter and message from you to the said governor, wherein
you say that you wish to be his ally. In acknowledgment, you were
sending two daggers and two cakes of wax. I ordered him to return to
you, in order to tell you that I was coming for the purposes above;
and that you should not flee or have any fear, for I was not coming,
nor had I commission, to molest you in any way. But the said Umapas
answered that he did not dare go upon this embassy for you would behead
him. Likewise I sent to you one day prior to this two of your slaves
(whom I seized on the sea in a ship), that they might advise you of
my coming and that you should have no fear. You refused however to
observe this; and not only have you fled and revolted, but you have
caused the entire district and its chiefs to revolt. They desire to
have peace with the Castilians and to be under the protection of
the said king, our sovereign. But you have counseled them evilly;
for, like a stripling, you do not know the blessings and advantages
which you are losing, and which would be yours if you became the
ally of the Castilians and placed yourself under the control of
the said governor, both for your own and your land's tranquillity,
and for your soul's salvation. Now this is the twenty-fourth day of
this my stay in this river, without having injured you in any way,
although I had good warrant therefor, and during which time I ascended
the river of Balete in search of you, and then returned to this your
village. Thence I sent messengers to tell you the above, none of whom
have returned with a reply from you or have dared to talk with you. Now
I am going to the island of Jolo to confer with its chief. I request
you urgently to consider well what I have said for it concerns you
much. I shall await your reply at Cavite and shall be able to receive
it within twelve days. May God give you grace to come to His knowledge.