Sire:
In the vessels that I despatched from this bay to Nueva España last
year on the tenth of August, I informed your Majesty of my voyage
and arrival, and of the condition in which I found this country. By
way of Portuguese Yndia I did the same in December of the said year,
adding then what was new. What news I can now give is that, thanks to
God, the said ships reached here on the return voyage on the third of
this month, after a long trip of three and one-half months--and on the
outward trip, the smaller ship spent less than four months, and the
larger seven days more [than four months]. They have been among the
most fortunate ships seen here. Glory be to His Divine Majesty for
everything. These ships have brought two companies with one hundred
and twenty-four volunteer soldiers together, thirty-four sentenced
by justice to serve in these districts, thirty-two convicts for the
galleys, three hundred and seventy-eight thousand five hundred and
eighty-six eight-real pesos, in reals and in bars of silver, also arms,
military stores, and other necessary supplies for the use of these
strongholds and warehouses. Although the troops and money do not equal
what was asked from here--nor what is extremely necessary, because of
the very stringent need here of both men and money--according to what
I have heard of the difficulty in collecting this aid, and the labor
that it cost the viceroy of those provinces to expedite and send it,
he is greatly to be praised for it. I am under obligations to him;
but I find myself also obliged to entreat your Majesty to have him
urged in vigorous terms, saying that you consider yourself served
thereby, and to order him to continue it, doing the utmost possible
in the reënforcements asked from here. He should also be asked to
furnish those reënforcements in the same manner, in those years when
ships do not reach Acapulco from these islands because of having to
put back into port in distress, or from any other forced cause that
prevents their voyage; for it is certain that even if no ship arrive
there, the despatch [from Nueva España] should not be discontinued,
because of its vast importance for the welfare of this community,
and in order to bring provisions and reënforcements, as is usual and
necessary. However much the viceroy be urged on, this country will
not have what it needs, until your Majesty be pleased to have sent
here the reënforcement of the fleet that was promised--adding to the
men and ordering it to be provided with sufficient money for their
sustenance and the execution of what must be done with the fleet. I
trust in our Lord that, if it reach here safely, it will give us very
good results. I offer on my part to procure those good results with
its aid, as far as possible. I shall not again mention in detail the
reasons existing as to why your Majesty should send us this aid, as
they have been written so often by so many men, and are so evident
and well known; and in order to conquer or conserve, or to make war
in any manner, that reënforcement and money are needed. As there is
so great a need of both these things and of small boats, as I wrote
your Majesty in those letters that you acknowledged, I heard that
the rebels of Olanda were coming to these islands with fourteen ships
and a number of caracoas. These latter are the craft of our enemies
of Mindanao, and they do the most harm to these natives. Although
it appeared impossible to make sufficient preparation to resist them
and prevent the depredations which were to be feared from so large a
squadron, I resolved to exert my utmost efforts in order to attend to
our defense, notwithstanding my lack of all things necessary for it
that should have been sent me. Almost at the same time as the news,
arrived the rebels. They had only five ships with high freeboard, to
which were added two others, also large ones, a part of four vessels
that we heard were to come from Japon--according to what was learned
from that kingdom through the fathers of the Society, and by way of
Terrenate, and from some prisoners captured along this coast, not far
from here. The latter, landing in order to reconnoiter the country,
so that they might land some Dutchmen on it, fell into the hands
of a company that I had placed in ambush with the great desire to
gather information and learn the designs of the enemy. In short, it
was learned from those advices, and especially from those from Japon,
that not only was it their intention to pillage the ships from China
(whence proceeds the commerce that sustains this island) and commit
the depredations of former years, but also to await the vessels from
Nueva España, in order at once to conclude and finish everything. That
obliged me to make the night day with my continual toil, so that
the Spaniards who were scattered throughout these islands might be
prepared and collected; and artillery cast, which was lacking to
me for what was necessary (even a place where I could get the metal
and the alloy). Then the workmen on two ships, the construction of
which had been ordered, had to be urged to greater haste and all that
was necessary supplied, so that either one or both of them could be
finished in time to serve on the occasion then presented; and a ship
of moderate size, which was the only one I found in this bay when I
entered it, had to be repaired. The latter was so old that it was
necessary almost to rebuild it. Also I did the same with a small
patache and the galleon in which I came, and the Japanese vessel
which also came with me from Nueva España. It needed not a little
repair, and gave me a great deal of trouble with its owners, so that
they should lend it. But finally they lent it, and now I have had it
bought at a very cheap price. With it, and one of the new ones which
were finished in time (which is the one now about to sail to Nueva
España), and those above mentioned, and another new patache which I
had finished from the bottom up--all together, they comprised two
large vessels, two moderate-sized vessels, two pataches, and four
galleys. They were repaired, and manned in great part with borrowed
slaves and Dutch prisoners (for the Dutch inflict upon the Spaniards
the worst of treatment). While this fleet was so far advanced that
it could sail and fight in a few days afterward, the rebels entered
for the last time into this bay, a thing which they had done eight
times before. After staying a long time in the mouth of the bay,
and seeing it prepared, and some craft ready and filled with men, it
appears that they did not choose to try our arms or tempt fortune;
for they sailed away and left their position, and went farther up
the coast, until they passed the cape of Bolinao [82]--a district
where they thought they would be safe from us, because we could not
go there at that season without evident danger of being unable to
return to this bay, because of having no longer a port to leeward,
save those of Japon, where they have their factories. As soon as
they left here, I sent some light craft after their ships, in order
to ascertain where they were going, and to return to me with the
information, being resolved to go in pursuit of them, and finishing
my preparations for it. The news which was soon brought me was that,
after taking the open sea, a storm struck them. According to that
news, and the report by some Chinese of a junk that was plundered,
and signs that were seen along the said coast, the enemy lost one of
their largest ships on that coast. These Chinese met them on their
way to Japon, so that they abandoned the islands. Although I should
be better satisfied had my toil and ardent desire been employed in
fighting and attaining some good result, with God's help, still I have
also enjoyed great happiness and give His Divine Majesty many thanks
because our vessels have arrived here, and those of the Dutch have
received less gain than loss, and have caused no considerable loss
[to us]. Likewise the despatches that I sent to China were important
for that, in which I advised the Sangleys when and where not to come,
and when and where they could come. I also sent an order and money to
Macan to buy a ship of more than medium size, which was there, from
the chief commandant of that city. According to the letters in which I
have been answered, the ship can arrive here soon. With it, those that
I have here, the other new one (which is now finished), and an _urca_
[83] sent me by the viceroy of Yndia, I shall have seven vessels,
counting larger and medium-sized ones, besides the large one and one
patache which are about to sail to Nueva España, which can direct a
good artillery fire. To them I shall add some artillery recast from
burst pieces which, for lack of alloy that I sent to buy at Malaca,
and which has now arrived, were not cast before. With this, I shall
endeavor to get ready as soon as possible, for whatever time the enemy
may come, or for whatever decision may be made, according to advices
that we shall have of the enemy, and the measures that shall appear
to be most advisable for your Majesty's service. The viceroy of Yndia
sent me the urca above mentioned, after I had sent him a despatch with
the letters that should be sent your Majesty from there, begging him to
send me for next year, and for the occasion that can be expected in it,
some ships with sailors and soldiers, equipped and manned. I also sent
money and an order that, if any good or suitable ship be found, it be
bought; or that they should contract to have one or two built wherever
most convenient--or in Cochin, because the wood is harder than that of
this island. Don Diego Christino, chief commandant of that city, was
charged with it. According to the reply of Captain Gregorio de Vidaño,
whom I sent for that purpose, brought to me in the report that he has
made me of the affairs of Yndia, it seems that that state is in need
of reinforcements and special aid, as are we in this state of ours;
only we, although few, are living in comfort, God be thanked, and
if not with many forces, we are prepared and alert. Accordingly he
returned with the said urca which the viceroy gave him. The latter
sent me many offers of friendly offices in what might occur, and
such as should be possible for him, with expressions of very great
goodwill. I have believed them, for he is so gallant a gentleman,
as is currently reported. However, I doubt their practical results,
and would not like to find his aid necessary; for one can imagine
that the inhabitants of that state would put difficulties in the way
of it. That has already been demonstrated by experience. According
to the little that can be hoped from India, and of what they write
from Nueva España regarding the exhaustion of that country, and the
impossibility of getting from it any of the reënforcements necessary
in this country--as is evident from the so meager aid that has come
here--the sending by your Majesty of the fleet that you have offered
to these islands becomes unavoidable. You should see that the infantry
contingent be in excess of two thousand men; that the contingent of
sailors and artillerymen reach nine hundred--embarking them in such
vessels as can come with comfort. It should be noted that ships for
these regions and for the journey from España must not be less than
five hundred toneladas, nor much greater than six hundred. Vessels of
this burden, if new and strong, will be of very great service both
for war and for trade and commerce with Nueva España; and each one
will be assigned to the use most fitting to it, in accordance with its
build. And if they carry efficient troops and artillery, a quantity of
anchors and cables, capable commanders and sailors, and an order that
the money for their sustenance be provided, they will be very welcome,
whatever may be their fashion and build, as the restoration of this
country will be certain. This is the only remedy hoped for. I have
sent reënforcements of food, money, and other things, to the forts of
Terrenate, with which, according to the advices received from that
island, they are sufficiently provided until the regular time comes
again to send them help, as it is the usual custom to do. When that
time expires, which now is just the opposite of this voyage [i.e. to
Nueva España], I shall try, with God's help, to send, together with the
ordinary help, two companies of infantry, with some other soldiers of
those who have come this year from Nueva España. If I can increase it
to a greater number, I shall do so, by changing some of the soldiers
who have been there so many years, and leaving those that shall be
necessary for the defense of those forts. I shall also try to send
two galleys, as galleys are more important among those islands than
among any other parts of the islands of this region. I would already
have sent those soldiers, if the season had not hindered, after the
Dutch had left here; and until then it was impossible to divide the
forces which were being collected to oppose them.
I have had many loud complaints from the forts of Terrenate, written
by religious and laymen, of the governor there, Lucas de Bergara
Gaviria--not only of his asperity and harsh government, but of his lack
of balance in other things. Since these complaints were so numerous,
I was obliged to get the opinion and resolution of the members of
this royal Audiencía; but at the same time came letters from Lucas de
Bergara Gaviria, asking permission to resign his post. Consequently
I was forced to seek some one to go there. After nominating for
that post the master-of-camp, Don Geronimo de Silba, as one to whom
your Majesty had entrusted that government, he excused himself from
going there, with arguments that he advanced for it. Accordingly
the master-of-camp, Don Luis de Bracamonte, was appointed in his
stead. Although I consider the latter a man of so good qualities,
that I know of no one here who is better than he, still--both because
he goes with little desire to stay there (as he shows), and because
the choice of the one who must go to those islands will be very much
better if made by your Majesty's Council--I beg you to be pleased to
have the choice made, and to order that the person appointed for it
go immediately to discharge his duties.
I do not altogether believe what is said and written about Lucas de
Bergara Gaviria, as this is a country where accusation is practiced
considerably, and even the giving of false testimonies; and in this
way some men make themselves feared. Such men have even obtained in
that way what they have not merited by other and lawful means. And
notwithstanding that in the long time that elapses before the truth
is established, the rival suffers, there is no one who will not
[finally] bear the stigma [of his wrongdoing], and especially if any
religious are dissatisfied. In such cases, there is nothing to do but
keep patient, and to pray God for a remedy, for it is the most cruel
persecution that is suffered. Seldom is a man so fortunate that with
but little to give he can satisfy many claimants. As each one tries
to favor his own client or clients, they all resent any other being
preferred to them; and their eagerness or partiality does not allow
the advantage of merits to be recognized, even if it be known. A
good example of this was seen during the term of the good governor,
Don Juan de Silba, who was discussed quite differently in writing
and in the pulpits than he deserved. Consequently, by having heard
these reports, I have resolved not to believe those which have been
written of Bergara; but when the investigation that I ordered to be
made comes, I shall advise your Majesty of what shall be considered
as true, so that you may enact what is most fitting for your service.
I have not heard other Maluco news with the certainty that I may
affirm it. However, those items that are considered most certain are,
that the Dutch have a great number of ships, and although not more than
enough men, they still have sufficient for them; and the number of men
cannot be small if they can man the ships after leaving the necessary
men in their forts and factories. Of this and other details of their
and our forts, a long relation is given by Captain and Sargento-mayor
Alonso Martin Quirante (who is one of the most trustworthy soldiers
and one of the most experienced in those regions), so that it may be
sent to your Majesty with this letter.
The English who go within range of the Flemish factories are
having fierce engagements and wars with them, according to the news
received. It has been learned from some that they [i.e., the English]
wish to ally themselves with us, so that we may together attack the
Flemish. Although I am not in relations with those people, they pledge
that those who do not confederate with them they will not fail to
regard as enemies. Meanwhile, there is no permission from your Majesty
to trade here; nor do they render the submission due, and which should
be assigned to them. Still, so that we may proceed in the service of
your Majesty with greater certainty, I entreat that you will have sent
to me the order that I am to observe in this, as well as toward some
Dutch prisoners who are here; it does not seem proper for me to put
them to death, as that would be in so cold blood, and it is even less
so to trust in those who desire liberty for themselves and evil for us.
The king of Terrenate is also a prisoner here, and is causing expense
to your Majesty, and anxiety to those who guard him. In my opinion,
I do not know whether he can do us more harm, if he was in his own
country, than that which his son is causing us, who possesses the
country and has allied himself with the Dutch. On the other hand,
the king might cause revolt among themselves and their vassals, if
he tried to dispossess his son of the government, since the king is
so offended and so angered as he is with the ill-treatment that he
has experienced from his son. Will your Majesty ascertain what is
most to your service in this, and order me accordingly.
I have been unable to make any investigation in the loss of the six
galleons that had occurred when I reached this country, of which I
immediately informed your Majesty. For, as Don Geronimo de Silba would
have to be blamed for it, as the one who was captain-general on sea
and land, and in the event of his acquittal, the blame must fall upon
another, or he would remain guilty; and inasmuch as he is protected by
the judge conservator with bulls from his order (that of St. John),
to which likewise is joined the assertion that an order from your
Majesty is necessary to make that investigation: for that reason, I
have been unable to investigate it fully and specifically, but 1 shall
fulfil whatever your Majesty shall command, on the arrival of those
orders. If now I should try to make any investigation I could not do
so, as I have heard so much different talk about it. In my opinion
such and greater disasters may happen, without any blame resting
on those who give the orders, or on those who execute them. Many
such disasters have been seen to occur, thus in the sea, when it is
excited by any violent storm--and more, since it is among islands,
where there is no place for the ships to run free.
Don Geronimo de Silba has petitioned me to appoint him to the office
of captain-general of the artillery, with the officials and assignment
that it has in other districts. That has been refused him, inasmuch as
there is nothing here for which or with which to add that expense. If
I gave him the title, it was rather to fulfil your Majesty's decree
ordering it, than by any necessity of there being such an office. He
is also talking of a journey to that court, if your Majesty will be
pleased to grant him permission.
I petition your Majesty to appoint, for the third person who serves,
one of such qualities and characteristics that he can succeed to
this government, if a person for that should be lacking, and to the
presidency, in case that your Majesty does not now wish the Audiencia
to succeed to everything; for if they always avoid having more than
one head, your Majesty's service will fare better--and of that we have
already had experience here, as in other regions. For the same reasons
it would be advisable for such a person to be governor of Terrenate,
and even the castellan of this castle; even if he should not have
to serve for more than his duties there, and with his counsels,
your Majesty would be excellently served. With that intention I have
proposed to your Majesty the persons whom I know, in my opinion,
to be suitable. Likewise other persons should be sent me for other
purposes, chiefly for clerkships [_officios de la pluma_] and for the
administration of the royal treasury. They should have been reared in
a good school and have exhibited good qualities; and they should be of
no other [than the clerical] class, because of the great importance
of efficient care, method, and system in the handling of papers and
accounts. That care and system signifies much in such employment,
and even more when it is lacking, since a deficiency therein is more
grievous. Inasmuch as the accountant, Francisco Lopez Tamayo, left the
department of accounts because of his advanced age and his ill-health,
I appointed Pedro de Lensarra as accountant in his stead. He came
in the caravels with Ruy Gonzalez de Sequeyra. I appointed him here
for this purpose for I thought him a man just and intelligent in
the matter, according to what I have hitherto been able to learn;
and I made more of his good qualities than of the jealousy exhibited
toward him by some, who call him a criminal and blasphemer--but I
am not surprised that it is rather unusual here to praise any person
very highly. What I can say of him is that the way in which he fills
his office has not as yet displeased me. On account of his report to
me and that of the royal officials, in response to an order of mine
issued for the correction of certain abuses, which I shall mention
below, I instituted a reform in them as follows.
During the term of my predecessor a meeting was held by the president,
auditors, and royal officials then in office (some of whom still hold
their offices). In that meeting reasons were given, with precedents
and instances, that were deemed sufficient for them to resolve to
distribute among themselves and other officials of the Audiencia,
and the archbishop of this church, three thousand five hundred fanegas
of rice, at the price at which the grain is furnished as tributes to
your Majesty. Since I saw that there was no royal order for it from
you, and that no approbation of the resolution had come in so long an
interval; and considering that that quantity, and much more which is
added to it, is bought on the account of the royal treasury for the
ordinary expenses and rations furnished by the royal treasury, which
makes an assessment among the Indians in order to get it, and that
your Majesty pays for what we take, at the rate of four reals, and
at times four pesos--but more often without paying the poor Indians,
because [the treasury] has not the wherewithal; [and considering that]
for that reason of not giving those Indians the money and of the loss
suffered by them--who, in order to comply with the assessment, have
to buy at much dearer rates--not only resulted the harm in the loss of
the money, but sometimes loss of liberty to some, as they have become
slaves because of it: therefore, in order to reform so great an evil,
I have enacted that this rice should not continue to be given to us,
and that what has been received be restored, unless your Majesty
shall order otherwise. [84] I have enacted the same in regard to
four hundred pesos that were ordered to be given to the government
secretary every year, by a similar meeting of the royal treasury,
and excusing him from securing your Majesty's confirmation. Since
his office is such that he bought it for seventeen thousand pesos
at a time when it had no more perquisites than now, and not so many,
consequently, that increased salary will cease and the money withdrawn
on this account from the royal treasury will be returned to it. I have
ordered that the money which is generally removed from the division of
the accounts of probated estates [_bienes de difuntos_] here to that
of Mexico, without any benefit from their property for the souls of
the deceased or for the heirs, when distributed or invested by order
of the judge of those estates [i.e., probate judge] shall be placed
in this royal treasury. The necessary vouchers shall be given, so
that an amount equal thereto may be delivered to the division of the
accounts of probated property in that city from the money that has
to be sent from the treasury of Mexico on your Majesty's account to
this treasury here. Thus will be avoided the expense of carrying that
money to the port and the danger of the sea, while it has even greater
conveniences, without any hurt to the heirs. And although it appears
so just, as will be learned from it, persons have not been lacking to
resent the limiting and lessening of the handling of the money. In
regard to the accounts of the alms from the bulls I would do the
same, if the agreements and conditions of their collection allowed,
as it would have the same convenience as the aforesaid procedure,
and would prove a very great blessing to the inhabitants of this
community, by obviating the investment of this money and the space
that it occupies in the vessels that carry it to Nueva España. Will
your Majesty be pleased to ascertain whatever is most to your service,
and that orders be given to me accordingly. In this matter, as in
those above, there are not wanting some to oppose it.
Licentiate Andres de Alcaraz, senior auditor of this royal Audiencia,
intended to depart this year with the vessels now about to leave
for Nueva España, but has deferred his departure both because of
his ill-health, from which he is recovering, and because I insisted
strenuously that he do not leave this Audiencia until the other
auditors of it become used to the despatch and customs of their
offices, and until they are more in harmony among themselves; for
since they are new men, and each one is self-confident in his own
capacity and sufficiency, they have had differences of opinion,
and partisans. Consequently for a year back there has been more
wrangling here, in suits in the Audiencia, than from the time it was
established. There would have been many more, had not Licentiate
Alcaraz, notwithstanding his many excuses and his advanced age,
been urged to attend it whenever possible, in order to avoid that
wrangling and the scandal resulting from it. He has endeavored to
bring them to agreement, a matter that caused him no little trouble,
and excused me from much, for finally the displeasure of those who
found that they could not do just as they wished, as it was not just,
has been shared between me and Licentiate Alcaraz. Concerning him,
I assure your Majesty that he is one of the discreet and sensible
judges in your service; and less than his going to take part in what
he deserves and in what can commend him to your Majesty's eyes, could
not console me at seeing him separated from me. For I do not know how
one who wishes to rule aright can have anything more to his taste than
such a counselor and one of so great experience in matters--such an
one whom, until now, I have been unable to have. And since I was so
assured of his good qualities, when I was about to embark in the fleet
to fight the Dutch fleet, I persuaded the said licentiate Alcaraz,
that if I died on that occasion, under no considerations was he to
forsake this country and the Audiencia until your Majesty should
have taken measures for all things. Although I gave clear reasons
for it, namely the long experience of the said licentiate Alcaraz
and other reasons, without thus touching on my distrust of the good
government of the other two auditors--although I could perhaps give
some different reason, if it were necessary--such was the spite that
those two exhibited toward us, that Licentiate Alcaraz tried to avoid
the charge of the government. At the end he conquered me and convinced
me to have Don Fray Miguel Garcia Serrano, archbishop elect of this
city, summoned to aid him in it; he was then absent from the city. The
latter is one in whom, besides his qualifications of devotion,
virtue, and learning, combine other qualities so good that they can
commend him for governments more important than this. Accordingly he
came to me at my request, and at the same entreaty he is staying,
and is daily putting me under new obligations to him, the greatest
of which is my seeing him so intent on and inclined to the service
of your Majesty, both in whatever pertains to his own office and
in what can aid me in mine. To conclude the account of what ensued
with the auditors--Licentiate Geronimo de Legaspi y Echabarria and
Doctor Don Albaro de Messa y Lugo--I shall say that whether for the
causes here written, or because of restraining them and trying to
reduce them to harmony and a desirable moderation; or because the
correction of justice is also overtaking the members of their families
(a matter on which I could debate by writing more); or, finally,
whether it be by deductions from these things (which I know not),
the two have so grudged their courtesies that they do not visit me
since I have come from outside--although I have been careful to go
to their houses oftener than was sufficient. Neither do their wives
visit mine. Will your Majesty be pleased to have them advised that
what they ought to do in this matter to another president than to me,
be not lacking to me. In other things, I shall manage with the fitting
mildness and delicacy, so that we all may proceed very conformably to
the service of your Majesty. I hope for this, for on my part there is
the desire and on theirs so many obligations. Very soon they will make
a trial of the obligations that they have in their offices. In order
not to neglect the fulfilment of my obligations and the discharge
of my conscience, I assure your Majesty that I do not consider it
advisable for your royal service that the present order be executed,
ruling that he who shall be senior auditor shall exercise the office
of captain-general because of the death of the governor; but [I
recommend] that, in case your Majesty should have appointed no person
for that purpose, the whole Audiencia, together with the archbishop,
shall appoint him, and the appointee shall remain subordinate to the
Audiencia, as are other captains-general, in the royal council of war:
Thus may be avoided the existence of two heads, which occurs with the
division of the departments of war and peace of the government, and
the great inconveniences that usually result from it. And according
to what I, as a Christian, believe, the inconveniences that could
be feared, were Licentiate Geronimo de Legazpi to take this office
(who in the event of the absence of Licentiate Andres de Alcaraz will
be senior auditor), would not be few; for as yet he is a person who
has not exhibited the capacity and qualities required for it. On the
contrary a certain incontinence has been noted in his morals. With
the scandal and bad example of that and certain inclinations in the
administration of justice, and complaints from persons to whom he
has failed to return money which he received from them to invest in
merchandise or to pay to them here, he has become as disreputable
as in other matters of his own private affairs. Since he allows one
of his sons, the eldest one here, called Don Atanasió de Legazpi,
to live so licentious a life, it is said of him that his father is
making amends for the fault of his son's bad rearing. He endures from
his son much disrespect, even fearing him and following his will in
unjust things. Hence it can be inferred that he who cannot govern
his own son will illy govern so many others. Further, with such a
counterpoise, and since this matter is so worthy of consideration,
and so important to the service of your Majesty, and since it is
not a matter on which I can take action here or which I can remedy,
I could not neglect reporting it to your Majesty, in order that you
may take those measures most suitable to your royal service.
Auditor Don Antonio Rodriguez de Villegas has just arrived in that
ship from Nueva España, but he is in so poor health that he cannot
attend the Audiencia except in any necessary case when Licentiate
Legazpi and Don Albaro must have a third person. At such times he is
requested to attend so that certain business may not be delayed. He
has given many signs of prudence, wisdom, and good intentions. That is
what hitherto we have been able to understand of him; and I promise
myself that his person will be of great service to your Majesty from
his good beginnings and the many good qualities that are found in him.
Licentiate Don Juan de Albarado Bracamonte, fiscal of this Audiencia,
has served in it and in the office of protector-general of the natives
and Sangleys of these islands, for eleven years, and, as I have thus
far understood, with great satisfaction and ability. He has ever
attended with peculiar care to the advancement of the preparation of
the fleets that have been prepared during that time, and to all other
matters of war and administration that have arisen. And according to
my good opinion of him, I would entrust to him even many more things
in matters touching your Majesty's service, and also with my own
affairs. As certain reports were made to me upon my arrival at these
islands last year, that were opposed to his method of procedure,
I endeavored to investigate them secretly and cautiously, and to
ascertain the truth concerning them. And although his duties are so
fitting and proper for the breeding of ill-will in those querulous
persons against whom he has prosecuted cases, or in his subordinates,
I have not found anything of importance that contradicts his rectitude
and integrity. Those are the qualities most to be esteemed in the
ministers of the Yndias. Consequently in consideration of his good
qualities, capacity, and skill, I regard him as deserving the grace
that your Majesty may be pleased to show him outside this Audiencia
in that of Mexico or Lima, in which I think that your Majesty will
be very well served.
A few days ago while I was in Cavite attending to the fleet which
I prepared for the purpose that I have related to your Majesty, Don
Fray Pedro de Arçe, bishop of the city of Santisimo Nombre de Jesus,
and governor of this archbishopric, advised me that he heard that
certain persons were losing the respect due the college of Santa
Potenciana, of which your Majesty is patron. I replied to him that
I would immediately come to this city to procure the most suitable
remedy. Although I did so immediately without loss of time, I found
that Licentiate Legazpi, resolving quickly upon such notice as he
had, entered the said college and began to make investigations. He
examined witnesses on whom he used tortures. Upon seeing this case
already in this state, and considering the scandal and dishonor of
that royal house and of the guilty persons, it was judged necessary
for want of another remedy more honorable and private, to punish the
criminals as an example. Accordingly, by employing great diligence,
I had them arrested; and the master-of-camp, Don Geronimo de Silba,
having judged one of them in the first instance, by name Captain
Juan Lemoedano, and sentenced him to the gallows, he appealed to me;
but I have not been able as yet to examine his case because of lack
of the time necessary for it. The case of another, namely, Captain
Don Fernando Becerra, against whom there is apparently less proof,
has not yet been sentenced by the said master-of-camp, for he is
yet hearing evidence in it. From the investigations of this, guilt
is found against Don Juan Manuel de la Vega, ex-commander of the
ships of this line to Nueva España (son of Doctor Manuel de la Vega,
ex-auditor of this Audiencia), whom, according to the sufficient proof,
I ought and do condemn to be beheaded and his head exposed to [public]
view, and to the loss of one-half of his property. Nor is there any
necessity, for this [severity], to collect the evidence in the suit
brought against him for the loss of the galleon "San Marcos." He
was commander of that vessel when Don Juan Ronquillo fought with the
fleet of these islands against that of the Dutch at Playa Honda. He
appealed from this sentence to the royal Audiencia, where the case is
now proceeding--very slowly, because of the superfluous justification
that he is presenting. This has been an affair where it is desirable to
manifest great rigor; for otherwise the other correction that I have
tried to apply for the honor and defense of this royal house will not
be sufficient. On the contrary it would be a damaging precedent, so
that others might follow similar acts of audacity. In what pertains
to me I shall always endeavor to do justice, although, with these
appeals, it is impossible to do it in time, or with the energy that
is necessary. Especially in war, and as is customary in it, is rigor
at times necessary, and without any delays. Much more is it needed in
this land than in others, as dissimulation and failure to punish are
so usual in it. Thence result many acts of lawlessness, disobedience,
and crime, which inflict great injuries. To restrict them, punishment
is necessary, and without it no good government can result, even in
peace, much less in war.
Certain doubts are wont to arise in the matter of jurisdictions,
and the Audiencia and I understand differently one of your Majesty's
decrees which treats of those doubts, which was issued at El Pardo,
November seventeen, six hundred and seventeen. In it your Majesty
orders that the master-of-camp try all causes, both criminal and
military, that touch the soldiers of the presidios, and the ordinary
pay of these islands; and also of the others who may not be ordinary
soldiers, if they shall have been levied for any purpose and have taken
arms in their hands. The appeals of all are to go to the governor
and captain-general. The Audiencia thinks that that should only be
understood in regard to those who may be levied and assigned pay
(as if, having that, there would be any difference between the recent
and the oldest levies), and not in regard to citizens when (because
of the absence of the regular infantry) they take up arms for the
guard of the city, or to go out in emergencies, as many are wont to
do. But I can not see how they could be ordered or how they would obey
with the punctuality that war demands, if the punishment of offenses,
disobedience, and other acts that are criminal in soldiers, were not
in charge of the military judges. In Ytalia and Flandes, the Spanish
soldiers have only one judge, namely, the commander of the army; for
although the masters-of-camp judge in the first instance in cases, that
is only exercised by them when away from the commander-in-chief. Will
your Majesty please order this matter to be examined and declare your
pleasure therein; also in what pertains to the soldiers of forts and
the other paid men in them, for I do not know whether your Majesty
has hitherto given the jurisdiction in the first instance to the
castellans by special decree. Likewise I do not know whether it has
been declared as to whom pertains the trial in the first instance of
the men in the galleys who have a general or lieutenant, or of their
soldiers; or to whom pertains the trial of those who are generally
added to and embarked on the galleys from the companies of this camp.
It is also necessary to know who shall try in the first instance the
sailors and officers of ships, and those who work at ship-trades,
inasmuch as they have no commander or admiral, nor any lieutenant
of mine, in such charge, to whom it is committed by any decree of
your Majesty. The same doubt exists in regard to the artillerymen,
who now have a general of the artillery, as your Majesty has ordered
one to be appointed; and if, when that office is lacking or suspended,
it [_i.e._, the right of trial in the first instance] is vested in
the lieutenant or captain of the artillery, as it was before. I
have written this so long and specific relation to your Majesty,
as I desire that you may in each and every thing order what is most
suitable for your service. [85]
I have found introduced here the custom that retired officers, upon
finding themselves without office, even though it be that of sergeant,
will not serve in the regular companies. Thence results a decided
inconvenience, for when a soldier has once become skilful and known
as a good man, and when he is admitted to greater obligations and made
an officer, upon leaving that office, not only are his services lost,
but even his person likewise, and he becomes corrupted, when outside of
military discipline. Consequently instead of the companies continuing
to increase their number of well-disciplined and old soldiers,
those who by excelling most and being the best soldiers have been
appointed officers, are daily leaving them, and there is a continual
lack of those particular persons who are the masters and patterns in
the companies for the new soldiers, of those who are trustworthy for
matters of importance and opportunity, and of those who are generally
the cause of the best results and the avoidance of ill. As causes for
not continuing their services in the regular companies, they assign
the fact that those retired are not given any preferments here, as
in other districts. Will your Majesty have considered the question of
whether it will be proper to give the usual additional pay in excess
of ordinary pay to retired officers who shall have served in their
offices in Flandes; and, before having those offices, the time set by
the ordinance that treats of it--even though it be not the additional
pay of Flandes, but that of España. By this method excellent soldiers
will be kept and your Majesty will be very well served.
It has been the custom to send presents and gifts at your Majesty's
cost from this place to the king of Japon and to certain private
persons, great vassals, and lords of the ports of that kingdom, every
year when a ship was sent to that country for the necessary commerce,
and the provisions which it sends to this country--inasmuch as it
is the fashion not to deliver an embassy or message without taking a
present. For some few years back we have neglected to send any. Some
religious persons zealous for the service of God our Lord, and for the
conversion of that nation and the salvation of its souls, and likewise
for the welfare of these islands, desiring to have them as our best
friends in all this archipelago, have considered and even say that it
is well known that those Japanese have considered the decrease of the
commerce, and attributed it to a disrespect for their friendship; and
that consequently they were bound by treaty to prefer now that of the
Dutch--whom they loved not a little, because they gave and continue
to give them rich presents from what they plunder, since these do
not cost them much. Having considered this matter and that there are
certain conveniences in having friendly relations with that country,
which has and gives to this country many necessary and useful things,
and where our ships which ply between here and Nueva España are liable
to put it in distress on both the outward and return trips when obliged
by contrary weather as has been already seen and experienced--and on
such occasions it has been important not to have them as enemies, for
then the Japanese have given the crews of our ships a good supply of
necessities, and have shown them a positive proof of good treatment in
not seizing the so great profits and wealth carried on the said ships;
likewise having considered the friendship that they have established
with the Dutch, and the persecution there indicted on Christians and
their ministers, the Spanish priests, who preach the holy gospel:
I have esteemed it advisable to give a report of the matter to your
Majesty, so that you may have it examined and considered, together
with the written reports of certain religious, experienced in those
regions, as well as that of the fiscal of this Audiencia, who also,
I am told, discusses it. Will you order the procedure most advisable
for your royal service.
I would not be fulfilling my obligations to the service of your
Majesty and to this land, unless I reported as to the faithfulness
of your Majesty's vassals here. For although it is true that this
region is a place of concourse, or a halting-place, for men of
different natures, qualities, and characteristics, who come here for
various purposes, many of which are not good, or are brought here,
and who leave their impress (and that not little) in extending their
vices--still there are, on the other hand, highly honorable and loyal
vassals, who attend to your Majesty's service with so great love and
willingness; and since the former comprise but the very least part of
the citizens of this city, who in all number less than five hundred,
not only did I find many who offered themselves and their servants to
take part in your royal service on the past occasion when the enemy
came here, but also they loaned me their slaves for the galleys,
and one hundred and ninety-five thousand pesos. With that I have
met the expenses of this camp for most of this year and of the other
troops whom your Majesty sustains in your pay. I also built new or
repaired the ships, both large and small, and galleys, and from them
collected a fleet. The enemy upon seeing that fleet in the port,
although it was not completely ready, did not choose to await it, as
above written to your Majesty--not even for the profits to be derived
from the ships that they were awaiting from China and Nueva España,
which would have meant no little blessing to them and no little harm
to us, if they had returned for it. All that relief resulted from
the aid of so good vassals, who, although paid from the money--as
were the Indian natives also, who have worked and given the supplies
apportioned to them for the above purpose--are even very deserving
of reward from your Majesty, if you esteem their service.
In the above campaign, the most aid furnished me, by his person,
followers, and servants, was from General Don Juan Ronquillo del
Castillo. By his intelligence, assiduity, and labor, I was able to
make the preparations that I did; and I do not think that it could
have been done without him so well, with so incredible rapidity. Will
your Majesty be pleased to have this considered in his behalf,
on the occasions that arise for showing him honor and favor. That
favor that I petitioned your Majesty to show Admiral Rodrigo de
Guilleztegui last year, will be very well extended, for the reasons
then advanced. Don Fernando Centeno Maldonado, who is serving in
these galleys as commander of them, is a man who, by the honorable
rank of his birth, has personal merits and good qualities--so that
your Majesty may make use of him in his profession as soldier, or
in any other thing, even though it be a position of great labor. He
is the man for it, and one who will well use any honor that your
Majesty may be pleased to bestow upon him. Many judicial inquiries
[_informaciones_] are made here of merits and services; and although
there are some among them of men who have merits, and who have not
obtained their reward because of a lack in means to give it to them,
or in the failure of their said inquiry to obtain it, the majority
consist of the inquiries of men who are or could be ashamed. Of them
what they claim might be advanced as a reason for their not deserving
even what has been given them. Although it is always to be believed
that the auditors, to whom the inquiries are entrusted, ought to
make them, not only as judges, but as interested parties, so that
sinister inquiries should not be sent to your Majesty's royal Council
to defraud your royal treasury and the merits of those who have served
well, I assure your Majesty that I have heard that many inquiries have
been made with less justification than might be advisable. Moreover,
I am an eye-witness of the evidence taken so earnestly by Auditor Don
Albaro de Messa in the assembly in the case of one Juan de Herrera,
whose inquiry he had made. Because we did not detail so fully as he
wished regarding [the reward] that we informed your Majesty could be
given him, he refused to affix his signature after the opinion that
he there gave in favor of Captain Alonso Estever, a valiant man who
has served and serves very well. I do not know whether he has signed
in his opinion of Captain Antonio de Esquibel, which he also gave
to him at that time. In order that your Majesty may know with what
passions they proceed in this, and on what this was based, and may
see how little was the justification of this protegé of Don Albaro,
namely, the said Juan de Herrera (who it is said came here as the
servant of the factor Juan Saenz de Quen [86]--of which I am not at
all certain, since he has been a soldier here, and even a collector of
tributes and encomiendas, and once alcalde-mayor, when the Audiencia
was governing; and after his services in these employments, he was
found deserving of an encomienda of two thousand tributes, of being
appointed commander in the Nueva España line, and of an allowance);
because cognizance was not taken of this in its order, in the report,
Don Albaro was made especially angry. There are also other and less
justifiable inquiries, for there was an excellent notary, named Gonçalo
Velazquez de Lara, who forged many inquiries and other papers; and
who recently forged my signature, in order to defraud your Majesty
of the fees from the licenses of the Sangley Chinese. I sentenced
him to be hanged yesterday, so that he may do it no more, and that
others might be warned.
The fathers of the Society of Jesus say that they need more religious
of their order than are here. They have asked me to petition your
Majesty to grant them the accustomed grace in this matter. What I can
certify is that whatever aid and concession your Majesty may grant them
will be well employed, for they are men who bear considerable fruit,
and not as many of them return [to Nueva España] as of the other
orders, particularly that of St. Dominic. Of the latter I have heard
that more of them than I would wish have left the order," [87] for they
are well regulated men and furnish a good example. Although they deny
it, I have come to believe that it is not because of the strictness
of their life, and that they can all endure it, if your Majesty
will order something to prevent it. Of the Order of St. Augustine,
I can tell your Majesty that I have heard that they have always
applied themselves very earnestly to their charge of facilitating
and executing all that has been, and is, necessary to be done in
your royal service. In what I have experienced hitherto, I am under
obligations to them to confess it, and of especial indebtedness and
gratefulness to the provincial, namely, Fray Alonso Barahona, [88]
and to the definitors; and inasmuch as it is a matter that concerns
the service of your Majesty, I have wished in this letter to mention
it to you. I shall close at this point, acknowledging the receipt
of only one letter that has come to me from your Majesty in these
vessels that have just arrived. It is dated El Pardo, November twenty,
one thousand six hundred and seventeen. Consequently with what I have
written, I have nothing more to reply to it than that I shall do all
in my power, as I ought and as I am obliged to do in fulfilment of
its commands, and in all that concerns your Majesty's service. May
God preserve the Catholic and royal person of your Majesty, as is
needed by Christendom. Manila, August 10, 1619.
_Don Alonso Faxardo de Tença_
[Appended to this letter is the following, to which the clause of the
letter speaking of the fleet to be sent from Spain evidently refers.]
On August third, one thousand six hundred and nineteen, Secretary Juan
Ruiz de Contreras ordered that Licentiate Antonio Moreno, cosmographer,
and Captain Juan Media, be summoned to confer with Pedro Miguel, alias
Dubal, a pilot, sent by his Highness, the most serene Archduke Alberto,
[89] to make a voyage to the Filipinas Islands in his Majesty's
service by way of the cape of Buena Esperanza or by the new strait
of Mayre. [90] In the presence of Don Lorenzo de Cracola, commander
of the fleet, he was asked which of the two routes seemed the most
suitable for the voyage of which they were conferring. He answered
that that by the cape of Buena Esperanza was most suitable, if the
voyage were to be made at the end of this year, because it could not
be made by the new strait, as it was now very late in the year. He
said that the season most suitable for that was any time in May; and
that although, in accordance with the voyages that he has made, the
Dutch sail from their country during any time of the year, he thought
that this fleet should sail during the month of March, notwithstanding
that he offered to make the voyage by sailing the last of November or
the first of December, as above stated. He supposes that by making a
way-station in the regions, and in the manner that the Dutch do, they
would spend thirteen or fourteen months; and they would not make the
time at all shorter by not having made the voyage by the open sea. He
asserts that the voyage by way of the new strait is much longer,
by at least one thousand leguas. He knows this as one who has made
the voyage by both routes, and the last time by that of Magallanes,
although not by that newly-discovered way called the strait of Mayre;
and because he has gone to Filipinas and Terrenate twice by way of
the cape of Buena Esperanza. He affixed his signature in presence
of the above-mentioned persons and of Cornelio Smout (who came
to España with the said pilot, having been sent by his Highness),
and by Henrrique Serbaer, an inhabitant of this city of Sevilla,
who served him as interpreter.
_Cornelio Smout_
_Pedro Miguel_, _alias_ _Dubal_
_Henrrique Servaer_