The King: To Gomez Perez Dasmarinas, knight of the order of Santiago,
whom I have appointed as my governor and captain-general of the
Philipinas Islands. Upon the arrival of Father Alonso Sanchez, a
religious of the Society of Jesus, who came, by order and authorization
of all estates of the said islands, to confer about certain matters
pertaining to the service of our Lord and the welfare and preservation
of the inhabitants and natives of the islands, [21] I convened certain
members of my councils in order that they might hear him. After they
had done so, and had examined in great detail certain memorials
that the father presented, in accordance with his orders, and had
consulted with me in regard to all the points of the said memorials,
I resolved, with the advice of the aforesaid my counselors, to whom
I committed the matter, upon what will follow here, which will serve
as your instructions. I order you to observe and fulfil them to the
letter, with the consideration, care, and diligence that I expect
from your person.
2. Infinite thanks should be given our Lord, and I hereby offer
them to Him, for the great mercy that He has been pleased to show
me, in that, during the period while I, by His mercy and will,
rule as king, and through me as the instrument, those so remote
islands have been discovered; and that at present, as I have heard,
more than two hundred and fifty thousand inhabitants enjoy in those
islands evangelical instruction, besides the great inclination which is
manifest to spread the knowledge of our holy Catholic faith throughout
the other islands with which all that great archipelago is sown and
inhabited for the space of more than nine hundred leguas of latitude,
and more than five hundred of longitude. This does not include the
vast kingdoms of the mainland--China, Cochina, Conchinchina, Champa,
Canvoja, Siam, Patan, Joor [Johore], and others--notwithstanding
that I wish and desire that a pathway to them be opened. In order
that this end be attained, it is necessary that for the present, and
until our Lord so dispose and direct it, the conservation of what
has been pacified and conquered, by so great labor and at so vast
expense to my exchequer, be looked after carefully. I charge you
straitly to see to this, taking note of the condition of affairs,
what is advisable for their continuous improvement and settlement,
and giving them a sound foundation, so that among so many enemies,
not only may they be preserved, but continue to increase daily.
3. First: The above-mentioned father, Alonso Sanchez, has reported
that the cathedral of those islands, located in the said city of
Manila, has no building, ornaments, or other adornments pertaining
to the service of divine worship; or income, or alms for its aid, or
in order to provide it with sacristans, verger, or other necessary
assistants; and that being, as is the case, in the gaze of so many
idolatrous enemies and Mahometans, both natives and foreigners who meet
there--especially the Chinese, who have observed this condition--it
is very annoying that they should see it served so inadequately
and covered with wood and thatch--poor, dilapidated, and without
provision. And because it is very just, and in accord with my will
and desire, that the above-mentioned church be built and served with
all possible propriety, you shall, as soon as you arrive at the said
islands, especially further the building and construction of the
said church. You shall apportion for this purpose the sum of twelve
thousand ducados, in three parts--to wit, one from my royal exchequer,
another from the encomenderos, and the third from the Indians, as is
done in Nueva España. The said twelve thousand ducados shall be spent
upon the said building within four years, spending three thousand
each year. And in order that it may be better done and be commenced
immediately, I have ordered two thousand ducados paid, in anticipation,
on the account of my third, from my royal treasury of the said Nueva
España. As you pass there, you will ask them to send this amount.
4. I have been told that there are two hospitals in the said city of
Manila--one for Spaniards, and the other for Indians--and that both
of them suffer extreme need; for to that of the Spaniards resort many
soldiers, sailors, and other poor folk, who become ill through certain
exertions in my service, and those common to that country; while that
of the Indians is sustained by themselves, by means of their fruits,
work, and tributes. All those who are treated in the latter hospital
fall sick in the same manner as the others, and in the foundation
and preservation of the settlements. Both classes die in discomfort,
through having no building in which to be protected from the ravages
of the climate, and through the lack of beds, food, medicines, nurses,
and other necessities. It would be advisable to send these supplies
from the said Nueva Spaña, together with some blankets. This is,
as you see, a work of the greatest charity, and it is especially
desirable to assist with great care in the consolation and treatment
of the sick. And besides that, you shall have diligence to examine
the hospital built there, and ascertain what care is taken of the
sick. From the first repartimientos that may become vacant in the
said island, you shall apply to the principal hospital sufficient
for an income of five thousand pesos annually; and to that of the
Indians, five hundred ducados annually, granted from the increase of
the tributes of the Indians (which shall be collected in the manner
set down in the sixth section of these instructions), so that both
may enjoy the said income as long as may be my pleasure. From these
amounts the necessary buildings shall be constructed, and other things
provided, so that both may be properly conducted. In order that this
may be commenced immediately, I have granted four hundred ducados
to the principal hospital, and two hundred to that of the Indians,
to be paid from my royal treasury of the said Nueva Spaña, as you
will see by the decree that will be given you.
5. The said Father Alonso Sanchez also reported that the need of
ministers of instruction in the said islands is so great that many
Indians die without baptism; that because of the same need, the
conquest and conversion of other islands are neglected; and that
it would be advisable to send religious from the orders established
there, with instructions to remain there and not go elsewhere. Already
permission has been granted and the needful care taken, so that
some religious may go there, and others will be provided as soon as
possible. All of them shall be notified to resolve upon staying in the
said Philipinas Islands, and not to go to any other place without the
express permission of the bishop and of yourself. Therefore I charge
you that, whenever any religious shall offer themselves to you to
leave the said islands, you shall confer with the said bishop, and
shall consider and discuss the matter; but you shall grant the said
permission only after thorough consideration.
6. Another section of the above-mentioned memorials indicates how
instruction may be provided, not only where there is none, but also
where there is some, although inadequate; that it would be advisable to
increase the tributes and clear up the appraisements of the tributes,
for they are at present in a very confused and dangerous condition,
because of many scruples and injuries connected with them; and that,
as each Indian's tribute has hitherto generally been collected in
pesos of eight reals apiece, it should reasonably be raised to the
value of ten Castilian reals to each of the said pesos--provided that
the Indian may not be forced to pay it in any designated article,
but only in money, if he have it, or shall choose to give it, or in
some other article produced by him, or in goods acquired in trade,
according to their valuation at the time of payment. Because, after
discussing this point, it is believed that each peso may be increased
by two reals to make up the ten, as is petitioned, therefore you shall
order that this increase be paid into my royal treasury, and that half
a real be used to pay the obligations of the tithes, and the other one
and one-half reals be used for the pay of the soldiers stationed in
the said islands, and for other things pertaining thereto; and that
the encomenderos be obliged to pay, from the eight reals remaining,
for the necessary instruction, and their share of the building of
the church, during the time of its construction, in accordance with
the foregoing. The said Indians shall reserve the choice to pay the
tributes in money or in products, in whichever one they wish.
7. Another section of the said memorials also petitions that in
order that this increase of tributes may be more justifiable, the
encomenderos be ordered to pay the tithes, according to the use and
custom in Mexico; for, inasmuch as the commonwealth previously had
neither church, bishop, curates, nor settled rule, the tithes have
not been paid. This is a just order, and as such you shall enforce it,
providing that the said tithes due be paid from the products of their
farms and their animals.
8. On the part of the said city of Manila, I have been petitioned to
have it granted some public property, in order that it may attend to
the affairs of peace, war, government, and other matters pertaining to
its conservation and defense, and for suits that may arise--granting it
for this purpose some Indians, or something from the duties on Chinese
merchandise, or on the storehouses or shops where they trade. After
advising with my counselors, I have determined to bestow upon the
said city for six years, for its public property, one-half of the
fines and pecuniary penalties paid into my treasury, and the incomes
from the said storehouses; with the obligation that, each three years,
the account of money thus obtained be sent, as well as a statement of
what is expended. You shall take care to procure the advancement of the
said city in this, to watch in what manner this grant is used, and to
order that the said account and statement be sent at the proper time.
9. I have also been petitioned, in the name of the said city, to
order that neither in the said city nor in any other part of the
other islands shall be paid the three per cent duty [22] imposed by
Don Gonzalo Ronquillo, as the country is very new and needy, and the
inhabitants have to assist in many other things. Although I would be
very glad to relieve them, still expenses are so heavy, that I must
aid myself by whatever is available. Therefore it will be advisable to
collect the said three per cent. You shall give orders to this effect;
and that the amount that is collected from these duties on merchandise
be placed in my treasury on a separate account, and it shall be used
for paying the soldiers stationed there; and that of the rest that
is collected this duty be discontinued for the present. [23]
10. I have also been petitioned, in the name of the said city, to order
that none of those who resort from foreign parts to the ports of the
said islands--as Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, Cianese, Burneyes, or
any others--pay duty, especially on food, ammunition, and materials
for ammunition. Because of this, much annoyance is caused--as, for
instance to the Chinese--and the steady course of trade is hindered,
and other troubles follow. After receiving detailed information from
the said Father Alonso Sanchez, I have considered and still consider
it advisable that, for the present, the collection of the said duties
on provisions and ammunition be repealed; and therefore you shall
not allow them to be levied until I order and provide otherwise.
11. I was also petitioned by the said islands to order that, inasmuch
as none of the merchandise from Sevilla to Mexico pays any duties
on the first sale, it be not paid on the merchandise sent from
those islands to the port of Acapulco, or other places. So little is
collected in said port of Acapulco, namely, twelve pesos per tonelada
of freight on the goods of the inhabitants--the duty imposed by Don
Gonçalo Ronquillo--and because likewise the proceeds of this duty are
needed to pay the said soldiers, you shall order that it be collected
for the present for the above purpose.
12. One of the things most conducive to the good government of the
state and the happiness of the members and parts composing it, is
the equitable administration of distributive justice. Accordingly, I
command that the offices at your disposal and the advantageous posts
of the country be given to men who merit them by their services and
capacity, in such manner that the offices be filled by old citizens,
who have lived in the country at least three years, and are citizens
of it; and the encomiendas to soldiers who shall have lived there in
actual military duty and service. Among them you should always give the
preference to those who are most deserving; including, with the other
circumstances of greater and better services in the country, their
length of residence there. They must not be sons, brothers, relatives,
servants, or friends of yours; for--besides that you are advised that
you are not to grant encomiendas of Indians or provide offices to
such men; and, with this end in view, a sufficient salary is given
you to enable you to help them--it is not right for men who are but
new arrivals, and have done no work, to enjoy the fruit of another's
toil. If rewards are bestowed justly, all will serve willingly in the
hope of attaining reward. Therefore it is my will that you observe
this order; and, that it may be thus inviolable, I declare that, now
and henceforth, your said sons, brothers, servants, and friends shall
be incapable of holding the said encomiendas or offices. And because
certain persons, who already hold encomiendas in the said islands,
and with these easily [can satisfy] whatever needs they may have,
are begging for further reward, you are advised not to grant them
any more until many others--who, as I have been informed have been
there for so long a time and are deserving, and have toiled in the
conquest and maintenance of the country, to a much greater extent
than those who are petitioning anew; but who have not been rewarded,
and therefore are poor, irritated, and querulous--shall be provided
and rewarded with encomiendas and other posts and means of gain. You
shall take especial care to reward those whose names follow:
13. Diego Ronquillo, former governor and captain-general of those
islands, who, I am told, exercised the said offices excellently and
to the complete satisfaction of the country.
Don Rodrigo Ronquillo de Peñalosa, son of the governor Don Gonçalo
Ronquillo.
Captain Antonio Rodriguez Chacon.
Captain Agustin de Arceo.
Captain Don Gonçalo Vallesteras Saavedra.
Captain Diego del Castillo.
Captain Don Juan Ronquillo del Castillo.
Captain Caravallo.
Captain Rodrigo Alvarez.
Captain Gomez de Machuca.
Hernando Muñoz de Poyatos, regidor of Manila.
Ensign Juan de Medrano.
Miguel Rodriguez.
Ensign Antonio Guerrero.
Charavia, an old and good soldier.
Gaspar Ruiz de Morales.
Aguilar, likewise an excellent soldier.
Villalobos.
Bartholome Rodriguez.
Sargeant Cantero.
Gaspar de Ysla.
Ensign Christoval de Azcueta.
Geronimo de Cuellar.
Luis Nuñez Hernandez.
[14]. Others, who are said not to have been there so long, but who
are men of worth and account, are as follows:
Don Francisco de Porras y Guevara.
Joan de Alcega.
Don Luis de Velasco.
Don Fernando de Villafañe.
Christoval Gueral.
Joan Verdugo, who has lost his right arm in my service.
Joan Diaz Guerrero.
Blas Garcia.
Joan de Cuellar.
Gaspar de Mena.
Diego de Çarate, who is returning with you, and who, I have been
told, has usually been a commander, and has put down a rebellion,
and has served faithfully.
15. You shall provide for and reward all of the above according to age,
merits, and individual qualifications; and shall give them preference
over all others who do not possess the above qualifications, in the
distribution of encomiendas, posts of government and war, and other
means for the advancement of the country.
16. I charge and order you to observe the same plan in all that
pertains to the commissions and sources of profit, on land or on
sea--especially in the choice of masters and officers of vessels. For
besides observing, in regard to them, that they must have rendered
service and deserve the appointment, the others will be encouraged,
it will attract hither those who have gone away, and the country will
be settled and increased.
17. I have been petitioned also, in behalf of the said city, that
all those who have worked, or have held appointments for wages or
pay, in the said islands be paid their wages there--as for instance,
sailors, carpenters, smiths, and all others who live there, and they
must live there permanently; and that the money for this purpose be
paid from the said royal treasury of Mexico--in order that the country
may become more thickly settled, and other good results follow. In
regard to this, since there will be a treasury there, from which it
may be paid, you shall be careful to order that those who labor be
reimbursed fully for their services; and, if there is insufficient
money to meet the obligations, you and my royal officials shall advise
my officials of the said Nueva España thereof, where an order will be
given to furnish that portion which appears, by sufficient testimony
and report, to be needful.
18. In place of the third office of my royal treasury--namely, the
office of factor, which I ordered to be suppressed--they petition for
a ship-purveyor, in order that the vessels may leave better equipped
and more promptly; for the other two officials are so busy that they
cannot attend to it. As it would be advisable to place this in charge
of the factor whom I am having appointed, you shall have care to see
that he attends to it, as far as may be necessary, so that there may
be no grievance or lack in this matter.
19. In regard to the trade of the said islands, on which their growth
likewise depends, the said Father Alonso Sanchez relates that the
large consignments of money sent there by wealthy people of Mexico,
who do not quit their homes, is one of the things which has ruined
the country; for great injuries result from it. The first is that
all Chinese goods are bought by wholesale and are becoming dearer,
so that the poor and common people of the said islands cannot buy
them, or must buy them at extremely high rates. The second is that,
as the said consignments are many and large, and the vessels few in
number--being at times, and in fact generally, not more than one; and,
by this one being quite laden and filled with goods for Mexicans,
there is no space left for the citizens and common people to embark
their goods. They have petitioned me that, as a remedy for the above
wrongs, I forbid the sending of consignments of money from Mexico,
or the maintenance of agents or companies in the said islands for any
person of Nueva España; that only the inhabitants of the islands be
allowed to buy and export domestic and foreign goods to the said Nueva
España; and that, if anyone else wishes to trade and traffic, it must
be on consideration of his becoming a citizen and residing there for
at least ten years, and of not trading with the property of another,
under penalty of its confiscation, besides that of his other personal
effects. Since, by this method, some goods would still be sent to
Mexico, the money now taken by the Chinese would not be withdrawn from
the country, and goods would be bought more cheaply and in exchange for
products of the islands. Now, because I am desirous of the advancement
of the said islands, and the best interests of their inhabitants,
I have therefore granted them by one of my decrees [24] that, for
the space of six years, only the said inhabitants may trade in China
and in the said Nueva España. You shall observe the said decree, and
shall not allow anything to be done in any wise contrary to its tenor.
20. The question was also discussed whether it would not be better
to prohibit Chinese or other foreign vessels from selling at retail
the merchandise that they bring to the said islands (as is done
now), and the inhabitants of the country from buying those goods,
in public or private, under heavy penalties; and to provide that,
for the purchase of the said merchandise in bulk, as many and as
capable persons as the matter requires be there deputed and appointed,
so that they, and they alone, may buy in mass all the goods brought
in the vessels, and afterward divide them among the Spanish, Chinese,
and Indian inhabitants, with just and fair distribution, at the same
prices which they paid for them. After discussion and conference by
the members of the said assembly, it was decided to refer the entire
matter to you, as I hereby do. I order you, since you will have the
matter in hand, to ordain therein what you deem best. You shall advise
me of what you do, and shall not permit or allow any person to go
to the vessels except those assigned for that purpose, in the order
that shall be prescribed. You shall see that their said merchandise
is exchanged for other products of the islands, so that the taking
of so much coin as is now carried to foreign kingdoms may be avoided.
21. In addition to the good effects, that, it is said, will result
from the execution of what is ordered in the above section, it is
presupposed that another, no less important, will follow--namely,
that, through the operations of the aforesaid, the Chinese hucksters
who lurk there and hawk their goods, will not stay there. Moreover,
other very heavy expenses and increase in prices, and the secret
sins and sorceries which they teach, would be avoided; while their
shops, which are necessary for retail trade, in the course of the
year could be given to Spaniards, so that the profits could remain
among the Spaniards, and there would be an opportunity for more
persons to acquire citizenship. The Chinese Christians and other old
citizens who are not transients, or who are not expressly hucksters,
but workmen--such as mechanics, carpenters, gardeners, farmers,
or those engaged in other food trades--might be permitted to remain
there. Inasmuch as this is a matter of importance, you are advised not
to permit or allow any infidel hucksters in the said islands; or so
many to become residents there that they may give rise to any trouble.
22. Should you consider it advisable to permit and allow the
inhabitants of the said islands to go to Japon, Macan, or other
kingdoms, or settlements, whether of Portuguese or heathen, in order
that those countries may admit our commerce, you may do so--first
taking especial care that no trouble arises therefrom, and that it
is attended with no danger.
23. You shall cause the fifty settlers and fifty farmers whom you are
to take with you to assemble, and go with you, according to the order
contained in my decree that treats of this. In order to incline them to
make the voyage, you shall give them the rewards and privileges which I
have granted to them, which you shall maintain to the utmost. You shall
take especial care that they attend to their settlement and farming;
and that for the space of fifteen years, they and the Indians who aid
and accompany them in their farming are not to be compelled to go to
war, or to engage in any other personal service, such as manning the
vessels, building, or any other services which may hinder or fatigue
them. And since it is fair that, if these rewards and accommodations
are given them, they, on their part, engage only in the work for which
they go; and since peaceful men who are not forced from their trade
and mode of living, apply themselves better, you shall see to it that
those who enlist and are taken be married farmers, of humble estate
and quiet disposition. From each one of them you shall take accredited
bonds, to the amount that seems advisable to you, that for the period
of six years they will not change to any other occupation or means of
gain, or do anything else beyond the thing for which they enlisted,
under the penalties which you may impose, and which you shall inflict.
24. You shall see that the chiefs and timagua Indians have just
contracts and shares with the farmers, so that they may conceive
a liking for and learn farming as practiced here; and so that the
Spaniards may have those who can supply them with people and other
necessities. You shall see that these Indians are intelligent and know
how to keep their contracts with the farmers, especially if they are
peaceful, as above stated.
25. The said islands, as I am told, need stallions, mares, cows,
and other domestic animals. In order that they may be bred there
in numbers, I am writing to the viceroy of Nueva España to send
to the said islands twelve mares, two stallions, twenty-four cows,
and two bulls. You shall ask him for these as you pass there, and
shall take them with you in your vessels as you go upon your voyage;
and whatever you think needful for the animals can be brought from
China and Japon. You shall order those farmers who are about to go
to the said islands, and the chiefs, to tame and breed buffaloes,
so that with all these animals there may be a sufficiency to carry
on the farming, and for other needful services.
26. It was also petitioned in behalf of the said islands that,
now and henceforth, the encomiendas be given under the obligation
and condition that the encomendero shall work a patch of ground,
and assist the farmers and Indians, so that they also may work and
cultivate the soil. You shall strive to begin this, and shall give
lands and homesteads, farms and horses, for breeding and farming,
to the settlers and farmers, without any prejudice to the Indians.
27. Upon your arrival at the said islands, you shall find out how
and where, and with what endowment, a convent of secluded girls may
be established, so that both those who go from here, and those born
there may stay in it, and live respectably and well instructed, and
go out therefrom to be married and bear children. By this method
and by the naturalization of persons in the land, its population
will increase continually. You shall endeavor to find some good plan
or method for doing this without encroaching on my royal treasury,
or so that it may be relieved as much as possible. You shall advise
me of it on the first opportunity, as well as of the method that can
be employed in endowing the said poor girls; and how and from what
source other smaller dowries may be established, in order that the
Indian women may marry poor Spanish soldiers and sailors.
28. In regard to what is petitioned by the said islands about
appointing citizens of the islands to the posts therein, and not
selling the offices, as former governors have tried to do, you shall
look to it carefully, and favor and reward the citizens.
29. Further, it was proposed also that, as far as the natural fitness
of the land and the settlements of the Indians permitted, it would be
advisable to order that encomiendas of not less than eight hundred
or one thousand Indians be granted, for there are tithes for the
instruction, and the other expenses of maintenance, which small
encomiendas cannot bear; and that those who have but few Indians
be allowed to transfer or sell them at their pleasure to other and
neighboring encomenderos, so that, by this union, the encomiendas may
be larger, and may be able to meet the above expenses. Inasmuch as
all matters pertaining to the sale of encomiendas have been enacted
with great care, and it is not fitting to violate these enactments,
you shall not permit this request. But you shall see to it carefully
that the repartimientos have enough for instruction, and for the
maintenance of the encomenderos. You shall endeavor to establish the
Indians in settlements, which shall have adequate instruction. This
you shall attend to with the most rigorous care and attention.
30. Among the things most wasteful of property, and which
embarrass, and may cause harm in, a country so new, because of
the animosity and quarrels resulting therefrom, are the suits and
controversies engendered among the citizens, and among the Indians
themselves. Although it is my will that complete justice be observed
in each case, I charge you that, in so far as may be possible, and
can be rightly done, you settle the differences and suits which
arise, without having recourse to the technicalities of the law
or proceeding by the ordinary methods, or condemning to pecuniary
fines; but observing throughout the provisions of the decrees that
shall be given you. And in order that all may enjoy the blessings
which must ensue from so mild a government, and may live in ease and
contentment, and without any perturbation in the great undertakings
that, God helping, will be accomplished, I am writing in like tenor
to the bishop of the said islands in regard to what touches their
ecclesiastical service. You shall give him my letter, which shall be
delivered to you, and you shall charge him straitly in my name.
31. I have been informed that there has been and is poor system, and
worse observance and fulfilment of the ordinances, in the collection of
the tributes of the disaffected or never-pacified encomiendas; and that
it would be advisable to command that the ordinances be kept, and that,
since such encomiendas ought not to be abandoned, at least the entire
tributes should not be collected, but only a small portion of them, as
a token of recognition. For since the Indians of the said encomiendas
receive no spiritual or temporal benefit from their encomenderos, it
is not right that they pay the tributes--especially as soldiers are
sent annually to make the collection. This latter renders impossible
the pacification of the country; and hence a large portion of the said
islands are in revolt, and we must subdue Burney, Maluco, Mindanao,
and other neighboring islands and mainlands. This matter demands much
reform as you may plan. Therefore I charge you to ordain for this
purpose what you may deem best, after consulting with the bishop;
and that you carry your resolution into prompt and rigorous execution,
in order that so great and injurious annoyances may cease.
32. As I have been informed, there is but little instruction in the
said islands, and much difficulty in providing it, which is greatly
increased by the natural conditions of the country, since it all
consists of islands. Most of them, too, are so small that they do
not have a population of more than three to five hundred Indians,
and some even of less than one or two hundred. It is also prevented
by the long and dangerous navigation, the heat, the rains, and the
poor roads of the country. It is not right that even all of these,
or the many other greater hindrances and difficulties should turn
aside the accomplishment of what is so important. Therefore I order
and charge you straitly that, immediately upon your arrival in the
said islands, you shall note very particularly how this instruction
can be furnished. After ascertaining the opinion of the bishop, with
whom you shall meet and whom you shall charge, in my name, to aid in
this matter with his person, as I expect from him--since, in truth,
this matter is one for him to procure and bring about, by reason of
his office--you shall enact what you consider advisable, so that all
parts of the islands may have sufficient instruction. This shall be
done with kind and gentle methods, in accordance with the will of the
chiefs; and all the Indians who are dispersed shall be established
in settlements, in order that account of them can be taken. You shall
have the greatest care possible in procuring the accomplishment of what
is ordained and enacted, since without that all the work will be lost.
33. Since I desire the welfare and conservation of the said Indians,
and their protection and defense, and as I think that the said bishop
can procure this better than anyone else, I am writing to him, and
charging him with their protection. I am quite sure that he will be
very glad to undertake this, inasmuch as it pertains to the service of
our Lord and the relief of his conscience. And in order that everything
may be done better and more smoothly, you shall maintain the best of
relations throughout with the said bishop; and on your part, you shall
have the greatest care to protect the said Indians and to aid them.
34. I have been informed that, because the soldiers who are stationed
in the said islands receive no pay, nor have any other remuneration,
they obey orders very unwillingly, and are discontented, since
they endure the greatest poverty and affliction; that they are all
spiritless, sick, necessitous, and compelled to become servants. Many
die from their discontent, hunger, lack of comfort, and less provision
for their sicknesses; and others escape by claiming to be married,
sick, or bound to religion. As a consequence, the country has fallen
into disrepute, and men of the requisite valor and quality do not
go there, but only a very few poor, unarmed, and worthless men. If
any of these do have weapons, they pawn or sell them for clothes and
food. Their needs constrain them to commit injuries upon the natives,
so that the latter are irritated. It is said that not only is there no
increase in what has been conquered, but that even that pacification
is becoming more doubtful each day; that domestic and neighboring
enemies are being aroused; and that all of this would be remedied by
giving pay to the said soldiers, who should be regularly and promptly
paid. Inasmuch as it is my will that this be done, it was decided,
after having considered how many soldiers it is necessary and advisable
to maintain usually in the said islands, that there be four hundred
soldiers; and that each one receive a monthly wage of six pesos,
the captains thirty-five, the ensigns twenty, the sergeants ten,
and the corporals seven. Also that the sum of one thousand pesos
additional pay be distributed annually and proportionally among all
of the companies, each person not to receive more than ten pesos each
year; and that this additional pay be given according to the order
and manner set forth in the decree that will be handed you. You shall
order that the said soldiers be regularly paid, and see that they are
satisfied, armed, and well disciplined; that the said number of four
hundred soldiers be not lessened; and that they be divided into what
companies you deem fitting. When you shall appoint the said captains,
officers, or soldiers to any encomienda or other post, you shall not
permit them to draw their pay any longer; and while they receive pay
they cannot trade or traffic, for their solicitude in that pursuit
necessarily occupies their minds and distracts them from their proper
object and the practice of war. For the same reason, likewise, you
shall not grant the said pay to any soldier who acts as servant to
another person, whoever he may be. Whenever any repartimientos of
Indians become vacant in the said islands, you shall apportion some
of the Indians to my crown, as an aid toward the said pay.
35. In respect to the said captains, officers, and soldiers, you shall
observe, and cause to be observed, their privilege of exemption from
arrest for debt contracted while they were in the service; or the
seizure of their weapons, horses, or other things needful and proper
to military service, in satisfaction therefor.
36. Whenever you shall send any captain with men on any commission
or business that arises, you shall order him also to maintain his
privileges, in whatever pertains to the usual exercise of the power
and authority requisite to command, direct, and punish his inferiors;
as well as all the other things peculiar to the service, and which
are conceded to and exercised by officers.
37. It is my will that you have a body-guard of twelve halberdiers,
who shall be paid the same sum as the soldiers. The said halberdiers
shall have a leader or captain, who shall receive pay of fifteen
pesos monthly. Although their principal service shall be to act as a
body-guard, and this is determined and ordained by that which pertains
to the authority and dignity of your position, you shall take note
that they also must go to war upon any occasion that arises.
38. Inasmuch as I have been informed that many of the soldiers,
who are sent to the said islands from Nueva España, are mere lads,
mestizos, and a few Indians, and unarmed; and that a portion of them
are pages and servants of the captains or other persons, who under the
title and name of soldier draw their pay but neither they nor their
masters are soldiers: you shall allow none of them to be enrolled
as soldiers unless they are more than fifteen years old; and accept
no page or servant of any person, while he serves as such, as above
stated. You shall receive only those mestizos who are worthy, but
shall not open a gateway for this in general. I charge and recommend
you to pay especial attention to this.
39. Immediately upon your arrival at the said islands, you shall
give orders to enclose the city of Manila with stone, along that
portion where it is necessary and advisable, and on the other sides
by water. You shall construct a fort in the place assigned and deemed
best there. You shall erect a tower at the junction and point made
by the river and sea. All this shall be very thoroughly done, and
with most careful planning and consideration; and shall be done at
the least possible expense to my treasury--since, as you know, the
buildings can be constructed there with great ease and cheapness.
40. You shall assign what garrison you judge advisable to the said
fort and tower, so that the country may be defended, and that they
may check the designs and hopes of the enemy, and the fear of revolts
and risings.
41. Although you ought to live in great vigilance and the continual
caution demanded for the conservation of a country so new, distant,
and surrounded by enemies, you must beware chiefly of five classes of
them. First, of the natives of the land, who are numerous, and but
partially settled and established in the faith. Second, of four or
five thousand Chinese Indians who live there, and go back and forth in
their tradings. Third, of the Japanese who usually go thither. Fourth,
of the natives of Maluco and Borney, who are aroused, and already
display themselves boldly and openly. Fifth and chiefly, of the
Lutheran English pirates who infest those coasts. In order to check
their incursions, and present a superior force and defense to them all,
you shall construct another fort in Yllocos or Cagayan, to oppose the
Japanese and Chinese robbers; a second in Cebu, to oppose the Borneans
and Malucos; a third in Panpanga, to oppose the Çambales. All shall be
located in places where they may be effectual, and shall be carefully
planned and substantially built by good engineers. The cost will be
very little, because of the great abundance of materials, and because
almost all of the Indians are workmen. You are to see that each fort
has an adequate and desirable garrison.
42. Besides these forts and presidios, it is presupposed that a
moderate-sized fleet of a few galleys or fragatas would be necessary,
to cruise along the coasts in order to protect them, and to prevent
the thefts and injuries wont to be committed along them by the
Japanese, especially in the districts of Cagayan and Ylocos. They
seize the Chinese vessels that bring food and merchandise to the said
islands, whereby great loss is suffered, and commerce and plenty
checked. This fleet would also serve to prevent the Chinese, when
they are returning to their own country, from going among the said
islands and committing depredations on the natives of them, and as a
countercheck to other Chinese or Bornean pirates, as well as against
all other undertakings, and troubles with foreigners. This appears
advisable to me, and desirable. Therefore, as soon as you shall arrive
at the said island, you shall construct six or eight galleys. You
shall note what Doctor Sande, my former governor of those islands,
and Father Alonso Sanchez say--namely, that it will cost but from
one hundred and fifty ducados upward; and that there are, moreover,
the necessary accommodations. You shall order these vessels to be
well equipped, strengthened, and provisioned, so that they may be
effectual. You shall give me an itemized account of the cost of the
said galleys and facilities for building them.
43. It is advisable to set about the construction of the said forts
and galleys as quickly as possible, in order to avoid the troubles
and harm that might ensue if the Spaniards, upon the occasion of any
danger from enemies, were compelled to retire inland among the Indians,
who are all irritated and offended because of the ill-treatment that
they have received; and I charge you straitly with this.
44. Upon your arrival at those islands, and when the situation
is actually before you, you shall investigate the new method and
circumstances with which the new entrances and pacifications are and
can be justifiably made, as well as the few soldiers, slight cost,
and the great ease and profit with which they can be made, because
of the country being divided into many islands, and there being many
petty rulers. These fall out among themselves on slight occasion,
and make treaties with the Spaniards, and hence are kept in order
with but little assistance. Since the petition made there in regard
to the pay and the number of soldiers has been granted--and you are
to maintain the soldiers in good discipline, and keep them quiet, and
punctually paid--you shall make the said entrances and pacifications
with great circumspection and just cause, in which you shall observe
the rules of the instructions, which shall be furnished to you,
regarding new discoveries.
45. It is said that there is great need of such pacification in the
said islands, especially in the very districts where the Spaniards
live and travel, for all of the natives are in revolt and unsubdued,
because of the lack of soldiers, and of the injuries and annoyances
inflicted upon the natives by what soldiers are there. Moreover,
as we are informed from there, many provinces of the island of Luçon
either have never been subdued, or, if subdued, have revolted--as,
for instance, those of Cagayan, Pangasinan, Payasondan, Çambales,
Balente, and others, which are situated among the pacified provinces
quite near and round about Manila; all the provinces, therefore,
are in confusion and disorder. Upon your arrival at the said islands,
you shall ordain in this whatever is advisable. You shall proceed in
this as shall seem expedient, commencing as shall be right, and be
attentive to the remedy for these evils, with very special care and
assistance, since evil may happen to what is distant, if one's own
house is left in suspicion and unsubdued. Besides there is the great
obligation to endeavor to instruct the many people converted already,
who are under my royal protection. These, because of their lack of
the requisite peace and quiet, live in great hardship and danger;
for those who are in revolt and unpacified harass them daily, kill and
assault them, and burn their crops. Because of this, and because they
also kill many Spaniards, not only is there no increase in what has
been gained, but each day that is becoming less. Everything demands
and requires so prompt a remedy, which is thus committed to you.
46. Beyond and beside the said provinces which are here and there
disaffected among the Spaniards and the Indians already converted, are
others, which although not so near, owing to their remoteness and the
nature of their inhabitants, still cannot be called new discoveries,
because they have been visited and known already. These are Babuyanes,
the island of Hermosa, the island of Cavallos ["horses"], Lequios,
the island of Ayncio, Javas, Burney, Paca, Guancalanyanes, Mindanao,
Siao [Siam], Maluco, and many others. Because it has been reported
that they are falling into a worse condition daily, and having been
advised that their welfare and the safety of the Spaniards demand
their pacification, and that delay might render it difficult, you shall
ascertain the manner and method with which the said pacification and
subjection can be best and most quickly brought about, and you shall
execute it, as seems best to you.
47. Since it seems advisable that you, from whom I expect so much,
should have authority and power to make all the said entrances and
pacifications at the cost of my royal estate, in respect to which if
you were constrained to await a reply from here, in a land so distant,
important occasions and opportunities might be lost, I have resolved
to give you authorization for this. Accordingly I grant it to you,
and order the officials of my royal estate of the said islands that,
in all matters under your control, they shall honor and pay all the
orders that you present to them for the said purpose. But you shall
observe that you are to use the said authority only in the most
important matters which shall arise, after consulting about matters
of law with the ecclesiastics and the lawyers, and those of action
with the captains and men of experience and conscience, and taking
account of all other necessary conditions, so that the expense may
be no greater than can be avoided, and profitable.
48. In order that you may accomplish them better and avoid expense, I
authorize you to covenant and bargain with captains, encomenderos, and
any others, in respect to the said entrances and pacifications, they
to make them wholly or partly at their own cost, as seems advisable to
you; and to give them title, for a limited time, as governors of the
islands or provinces that they explore or pacify, and as captains and
masters-of-camp, providing you do not give them title as adelantado
or mariscal. You shall advise me of it, when anyone undertakes this,
reporting the services, capacity, and merits of such person. The said
covenant and agreement which you shall make may be kept in force until
I approve them, because time will be saved thus--but with the condition
of sending them to me, so that I may confirm them. You shall bind the
parties to the agreement, upon the arrival of the said confirmations,
to some brief period, such as you may assign for it.
49. I have been told that, although a few of the encomenderos of
the said islands, who fear God and their consciences, are trying to
establish ministers of religious instruction in their encomiendas,
others are not doing this, and refuse to do it as they are obliged,
and as is advisable, notwithstanding that there are plenty of the
said ministers; that there are encomiendas which have been paying
tribute peacefully for fifteen, twenty, or twenty-five years, without
the Indians of them ever having seen a minister or heard a word
of Christian instruction; and that also many other encomiendas pay
tribute by pure force of soldiers and arquebuses, who rebel and revolt
because of the oppression and severity with which they are treated,
without knowing the reason why they should pay it, since they have no
instruction. Since, besides the obligation to procure the welfare of
those souls, their conversion, instruction, and teaching, which should
be the chief constraining force; and since even for temporal affairs,
for the peace and tranquillity of the country, so that those pacified
should not revolt, and so that those in revolt should be subdued, the
best method is that of instruction--for which the common treatment,
mildness, upright life, and counsels of the religious and ministers
of the gospel incline and regulate their minds: therefore I charge you
that, after consulting with the bishop you shall, in my name, provide
what is advisable in this, so that the necessary instruction may be
furnished, that my conscience, and his, and your own may be relieved.
50. I have also been informed that, in collecting the tributes from the
Indians, there has been in the past, and is at present, great disorder,
because the former governors of the said islands have done things very
confusedly and haphazardly. Because the tribute of each Indian is
of the value of eight reals, paid in what the Indian might possess,
some persons take advantage of certain words of the said assessments,
and of the articles in which tributes are designated--such as cotton
cloth, rice, and other products of the country--to cause the said
lawlessness. This disorder has consisted in each one collecting
whatever he wished, to the great offense and injury of the said
Indians; for when gold is abundant, their encomenderos demand coin
from the Indians; and when coin is abundant and gold scarce, they
demand gold, although the said Indians have to search for and buy
it. In short, they always demand their tributes in those things which
are scarce, by reason of which, for the tribute worth eight reals,
some collect fifteen, and others twenty, twenty-five, thirty, and
more, according to the value of those things that are demanded. They
cause the Indians to seek them and bring them from other parts, to
their great vexation and affliction. It is advisable to check this
lawlessness and excess. Therefore I charge you to ordain that, in
the payment of the said tributes, the order referred to in section
six of these instructions shall be observed. That section treats
of the Indians being allowed to pay their tributes in coin, gold,
or products, as they may choose.
51. Another section of the said memorial also pointed out that,
although certain Spaniards of tender conscience have freed their
slaves, native to the said islands, in fulfilment of the provision
of my decrees, many others have retained them, and do not allow
them to have houses of their own, or to live on their own land under
the ordinary instruction. It is advisable to remedy this also; and
I therefore commit it to you, and order you that, immediately upon
your arrival at the said islands, you shall set at liberty all those
Indians held as slaves by the Spaniards.
52. I am informed that the said Indians have suffered many grievances
and burdens from all the ministers of justice, because the latter
have incited many suits, not only of cases after the country was
discovered, but of others that had happened in its pagan days,
among both the living and their forefathers, and both civil and
criminal cases. These are not summary, but have all the terms,
demands, preliminary hearings, and reviews, which can be found in any
chancilleria of these kingdoms. In these the Indians have wasted and
continue to waste their possessions. Although in section twenty-nine
of these instructions, it treats of what you and the bishop have to do
or provide as a remedy for these vexations of suits by Spaniards and
Indians, once more I charge you and recommend you to strive to have
the suits finished and decided promptly and summarily. You must take
note that this will be one of the matters in which I shall consider
myself most faithfully and fully served by you.
53. In regard to the confusion existing, past and present, in the
religious leaving the said islands for the mainland of China and other
places, without permission of the governor or bishop--asserting that,
through their all-sufficient power, those who hinder them shall be
excommunicated--the advisable course has also been pointed out in time
past--namely, that the religious should go there with the resolution
to settle in the said Philipinas Islands, and not go elsewhere without
your permission and that of the said bishop. This must be construed
in respect to the religious who shall have been assigned to make a
settlement and to live there, and not with those who have license
from me to pass farther and to go to other regions; for when this is
given or permitted to them, it is after much consideration.
54. It has been said that, for the remedy of past confusion and
wrongs, which have resulted from people going from the said islands
to China and other districts without order or permission, it would be
advisable to ordain, under severe penalties, that no secular Spaniard
may leave them for any place or on any business, or supply a fragata,
provisions, or any other assistance to any of the said religious,
without my special order, or your permission and that of the said
bishop. Inasmuch as this fits in with the provision of the above
section, the same provision there is to be noted by you, so that
likewise you may know what pertains to this, and doing that you shall
understand it thoroughly.
You shall attend to all of the above with the care and close attention
that I expect from your character and prudence, and from your earnest
zeal in affairs touching my service. San Lorenço, August nine, one
thousand five hundred and eighty-nine.
_I The King_
By order of the king, our sovereign:
_Juan de Ybarra_
Countersigned by the council.