The documents presented in this volume cover the last three years of
Legazpi's administration in the islands, the governorship of Guido de
Lavezaris, and the beginning of that of Francisco de Sande. In the
brief period which we thus far survey, the first decade of Spanish
occupation (1565-75), are already disclosed the main elements of
the oriental problem of today: the conflicting claims of powerful
European nations, striving for advantage and monopoly in the rich trade
of the East; the eagerness of unscrupulous Europeans to subjugate
the wealthy but comparatively defenseless Chinese people, and the
efforts of the latter to exclude foreigners from their country;
the relations between the dominant whites and the weaker colored
races; the characteristics, racial and local, of the various oriental
peoples; the Chinese migration to the islands; and the influence of
the missionaries. Interesting comparisons may be made between the
conquests by the Spaniards in the Philippines and those made at an
earlier period in New Spain.
The royal treasurer in the Philippines, Guido de Lavezaris, writes
(June 5, 1569) to Felipe II, describing the Portuguese attack on Cebú
in the preceding autumn, and briefly mentioning some other matters. A
letter from another official, Andrés de Mirandaola (dated three
days later), informs the king of the wreck of a vessel despatched to
Spain with a rich cargo of spices; and he too describes briefly the
encounter with the Portuguese. The danger of another attack leads
the Spaniards to remove their camp to Panay, as being safer than
Cebú. Mirandaola pleads for reënforcements, and asks that soldiers,
of more industrious sort than hitherto, be sent to the islands. He
also gives some interesting information about China and its people;
and asks for an increase of his salary.
A letter from Legazpi (July 1, 1569) to the viceroy of New Spain
describes the difficulties between the Portuguese and Spaniards at
Cebú, and complains of Pereira's hostile actions there. The settlement
has been removed to Panay; they send their only remaining ship to New
Spain, to entreat aid in their distress and imminent danger, for the
Portuguese threaten to drive the Spaniards out of the Philippines. All
the expense hitherto incurred will be wasted unless a permanent and
suitably-equipped settlement be made at some good port. If supplies
cannot be sent, Legazpi asks for ships with which to transport the
Spaniards home, and wishes to resign his office as governor. With
this letter he sends an account of the islands, "and of the character
and condition of their inhabitants." The natives are unreliable, and
utterly slothful. Cinnamon is the only product of the islands which can
be made profitable to the Spaniards, until they can secure control of
the gold mines, and have them worked. Legazpi offers practical advice
as to the best methods of treating the natives, conducting commerce,
etc. His title of governor in Cebú is confirmed (August 14, 1569)
by royal decree.
A letter from Fray Diego de Herrera (January 16, 1570) to Felipe
II gives a brief account of events since Legazpi arrived at the
islands. He praises the courage and loyalty of the soldiers, and
asks the king to reward them; and asserts that the hostilities of
the Portuguese must be checked before much can be done to convert
the natives. A document without signature narrates the events of
"the voyage to Luzón" in May, 1570. It is a simple but picturesque
account of the campaign which resulted in the conquest of Luzón
and the foundation of Spanish Manila--evidently written by one who
participated in those stirring events. The Moros (Mahometans) of Manila
profess a readiness to make a treaty of peace with the Spaniards;
but they treacherously begin an attack on the latter--which, however,
results in their own defeat. The Spaniards capture the city and
set it on fire, which compels the Moros to abandon it. The victors
make compacts of peace with the neighboring villages, and return to
Panay. Illustrative of this episode is the "act of taking possession
of Luzón," dated June 6, 1570.
A letter from Legazpi to the king (July 25, 1570) outlines the events
of the past year. He renews his entreaties for some light-oared
vessels, in which he could send exploring parties through the
archipelago. In pursuance of a royal order, he sends back to Mexico the
Portuguese who are among his troops; but he cannot banish the other
foreigners, as they include his best workmen. He asks royal favor
and rewards for some of his officers. On October 21 of the same year,
he despatches to the king a formal complaint that Pereira had again
appeared at the Spanish settlement (now in Panay), and demolished
its fortifications.
A writer unknown gives an outline of the controversies regarding the
Line of Demarcation, and of the Spanish discoveries in the Philippines,
and the voyages made between the archipelago and Mexico, up to
1571. Lists of supplies needed [1571?] for the struggling colony
forcibly indicate the difference between the wants of civilized
Europeans and those of the semi-barbarous tribes in the Philippines.
Another picturesque account of the reduction of Luzón is furnished
(April 20, 1572) by an unknown writer, who claims to have obtained his
information from actual participants in that campaign. He mentions
various interesting details not included in the earlier account,
and narrates occurrences after the conquest of Manila. Legazpi goes
to that place (May, 1571) to establish his official residence;
the natives at his approach set fire to the village, which they
had rebuilt after its destruction by the Spaniards in the preceding
year. The seat of government for the archipelago is founded there;
and amicable relations (involving the payment of tribute by the
natives) are established between the Spaniards and the people of some
neighboring villages. Other communities refuse to make submission,
and defy the invaders; but they are successively reduced to subjection
by the Spaniards. After narrating these transactions, the writer
gives a brief description of the people of Luzón, their mode of dress,
religious rites, and various customs; and makes commendatory mention of
the Chinese who have settled on that island, who are now converted to
the Christian faith. He then enumerates the islands thus far explored
by the Spaniards, mentioning their principal resources and products. In
June, 1572, Legazpi formally establishes the Spanish city of Manila,
and appoints municipal officers.
An official statement is made by Legazpi's son Melchior, royal
accountant in New Spain (March 2, 1573), of the expenses attending
the Philippine enterprise during the past four years. Layezaris makes
report (June 29, 1573) of Legazpi's death (August 20 preceding),
and of affairs in the islands since then. Allotments of lands which
include the natives who reside thereon (known as "repartimientos" or
"encomiendas"), are being made in the islands, as fast as they are
pacified. Most of Luzón is now subdued; its resources are great,
and will maintain numerous Spanish settlements. The Chinese trade
with its ports is extensive, and steadily increasing; and those
traders are bringing wares of better quality than formerly. Lavezaris
complains of Portuguese hostility and intrigues; a Bornean king
also has attempted an expedition against the Spaniards. The governor
sends a cargo of cinnamon to Felipe; if only he had ships in which to
transport that precious commodity, he could ruin the Portuguese trade
therein. This enterprising official has sent to New Spain plants of
ginger, tamarind, cinnamon, and pepper; the first two are already
flourishing there. He suggests that it would be well to send to the
islands Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries, to continue the conversion
of the natives, already begun by the Augustinians. He asks rewards for
his officers, as having faithfully served the king amid great dangers
and hardships--especially Martin de Goiti and Juan de Salcedo. He
advises that municipal officers be changed annually to prevent abuses.
A Spanish captain, Diego de Artieda, writes (1573) a "Relation
of the Western Islands." He enumerates the islands thus far
discovered by the Spaniards, describing their location, appearance,
and natural resources. He adds much curious information about the
natives--concerning their religious beliefs and rites, customs, mode
of dress, weapons, food, industries, social condition, etc. Artieda
notes all that he has been able to learn concerning Japan and China,
with interesting details as to their civilization, and the skill of
the Chinese as artisans; he mentions the antiquity of printing among
them. He offers to conduct an armed expedition against the coast
of China, if the king will supply him with two vessels and eighty
soldiers. He advises that Spain abandon the attempt to establish a
footing in the Philippines, or else that she ignore the Treaty of
Zaragoza and trade with the Moluccas.
Martin Enriquez, viceroy of New Spain, writes (December 5, 1573) to
Felipe II, announcing the arrival of ships with despatches from the
Philippines. With them has come the Augustinian friar Diego de Herrera,
who is on his way to Spain to inform the king of the acts of violence
and injustice which are being committed in the islands--especially by
the soldiers, who receive no pay and therefore maintain themselves
by raids on the native villages. Several Spanish officers have been
sent thence to Mexico, by way of punishment for various misdemeanors;
from them the viceroy has obtained much information, which he records
for the king's benefit. The resources of the Philippines are great;
but "every one asserts that the chief deficiency of that land is
justice; and without justice there is no safety." A new governor
is needed there. Reënforcements and supplies have been sent thither
from New Spain every year; but many persons die, and there has been
little increase of population. The riches of China incline some of the
Spaniards to plan for its subjugation to Spanish power. Commerce with
that land would be very desirable; but the viceroy cannot persuade
Spanish merchants to embark therein, on the uncertain and vague
reports thus far received; moreover, the Chinese already possess all
the goods that the Spaniards would export to them. Enriquez asks that
some large ships be provided for the Philippine trade, for which he
has no vessels of adequate size. He sends to the king a cargo of
gold, spices, silks, wax, and other goods. He asks that artillery
and rigging be sent him, and supplies for a reënforcement which he
is planning to despatch next year to the Philippines. He requests the
king to reward the faithful services rendered by Legazpi; and to do so
by providing for his daughters, now of marriageable age, and giving
to his son Melchior some grant in New Spain. The viceroy asks for
orders in various matters, especially in regard to the Inquisition;
and enumerates the documents he sends with this letter.
Andrés de Mirandaola writes (January 8, 1574) to the king. He
enumerates the gold mines thus far discovered in the Philippines, and
the advantages possessed by the islands; and urges the establishment of
Spanish power therein. He describes, as well as he can from reports,
the extent and resources of China, and hints that Spain might find
it worth while to conquer that rich kingdom.
Of much interest is the brief narrative (sent from Mexico January 11,
1574) by Fernando Riquel, Legazpi's notary, of events in the islands
during 1570-73. The governor founds a town in Cebú, and allots to
his followers the land and the natives who reside thereon. In April,
1571 he conducts an expedition for the conquest of Luzón (the events
of which have been related in previous documents). Riquel mentions the
coming of the ships, Legazpi's death, and other events. The islands
are in a peaceful condition; the lands are allotted in such districts
as have been pacified; there is promise of an abundant income from
the tributary natives; and the gold mines are very rich. The Chinese
trade is described; and Riquel thinks that China, notwithstanding
its great population, could be subjugated "with less than sixty
good Spanish soldiers." His narrative is followed by a list of the
articles carried in the ships which bear his letters--gold, spices,
silks, cotton cloth, and porcelain.
On June 21, 1574 Felipe II bestows on Luzón the title of "New kingdom
of Castilla," and on Manila that of "Distinguished and ever loyal
city;" and permits the establishment of a new municipal office. On the
same day Fray Martin de Rada, provincial of the Augustinians in the
Philippines, gives his written opinion regarding the exaction by the
Spaniards of tributes from the Indians. He declares that he and all
his brethren regard the conquests made in these islands as unjust; and
denounces the acts of injustice, oppression, and extortion committed
against the helpless natives. Rada asserts that the rate of tribute
is three times as high as it ought to be, considering the poverty
of the Indians; and urges the governor to reduce the amount levied
to one-third of the present exaction, and to protect the natives
from oppression.
Lavezaris and other officials at Manila undertake to defend
themselves from Rada's accusations, writing (probably very soon
after his "Opinion") a letter to the king to state their side of the
contention. They deny some of Rada's statements, and excuse their
action in other matters, casting the blame for many evils on the
treachery of the natives. They claim that they are protecting the
friendly Indians, and have nearly broken up the robbery and piracy
formerly prevalent among those peoples. They assert that the natives
are well supplied with food, clothing, and gold, and that the tribute
levied is moderate, and not a burden on the people; also that it is
regulated according to the relative wealth of different classes and
regions. This is illustrated by interesting quotations of prices and
values, and enumeration of goods obtained in trade, and of the products
of native industry. The officials admit that the natives pay tribute
only under compulsion, but say, "They like to be compelled to do so;"
and they consider all poverty among the Indians as due to laziness and
drunkenness. It is also far better for them to pay tribute than to be
raided by the Spanish soldiers for the means of supporting themselves,
as was done before the encomiendas were made.
Two letters from Lavezaris (July 17 and 30, 1574) give account of the
past year's events. Juan de Salcedo has conquered the rich province of
Los Camarines in Luzón; and the governor will try to found a Spanish
settlement there. The town founded at Cebú was almost deserted by
the Spaniards; but Lavezaris obliges them to return thither and aids
them in their poverty. He hopes to establish commerce with Borneo
and eventually to found a Spanish post in that island; and has other
plans for increasing the domination of Spain in the East Indies. Juan
de Salcedo has subdued the province of Ilocos, and founded the town
of Fernandina. The Chinese trade is steadily increasing. The natives
of Luzón are being rapidly converted, and missionaries are needed to
care for their souls; Lavezaris especially recommends the Theatins
for this work. He forwards a cargo of cinnamon to the king, to which
he adds various curiosities, and specimens of oriental jewelry;
and sends to New Spain certain plants and roots of economic value,
which he desires to introduce there. He has been obliged to send
Mirandaola to New Spain under arrest; so the office of factor is
vacant, and should be filled. An attorney-general is also needful in
the islands. Lavezaris complains of the Augustinian friars for opposing
the collection of tributes from the natives. Some reënforcements have
come from New Spain. Upon receiving this letter, the royal Council
orders that arrangements be made to furnish necessary supplies for the
islands from New Spain. Another copy of the document is forwarded to
Spain, to which, as it goes on a later vessel, the governor adds some
further items of news. Salçedo has pacified not only Los Camarines,
but Albay and the island of Catanduanes. The prospect is excellent for
the establishment and prosperity of Spanish colonies in the island
of Luzón. The governor sends with his letter maps of Luzón and the
coast of China. A letter (undated) from Lavezaris enumerates the
reasons for which persons are enslaved among the native tribes. He
advises that the Spaniards adopt this institution; otherwise, "this
land cannot be preserved."
An undated letter (1575?) by the same official, to the viceroy of
New Spain, mentions the orders given by the latter that all Indians
and negroes carried from the islands must be returned. Some Chinese
junks have been seized and pillaged. As a result, the trade which
was flourishing between the Spaniards and the Moros of Luzón has been
almost destroyed for the time--a serious matter, for the Moros supply
the Spaniards with provisions. Lavezaris asks that more married men be
sent to the islands. Some remarkably fine pearls have been obtained
near Bantayán. He asks the viceroy to provide him with a cipher code
for future communications.
Captain Juan Pacheco Maldonado sends to Felipe II (probably in 1575)
a report on the condition and needs of the Spanish colony in the
Philippines. He begins by narrating briefly the conquest of Luzón;
then describes the island and its trade, which is carried on with both
China and Japan. On account of its wealth and importance, Luzón should
be thoroughly subjugated; and Maldonado enumerates the provisions
that should be made for that end. Forty or fifty ecclesiastics should
be sent; and to aid in their labors a prelate should be appointed,
for which post the writer recommends Fray Diego de Herrera. Maldonado
urges that five hundred soldiers be sent from Spain and that with these
troops conquest should be made of the Liu-Kiu and Japan Islands. He
asks also for artisans to build ships, suggesting for this purpose
the negro slaves thus employed at Havana.
The new governor, Francisco de Sande, issues a decree (May 26, 1576)
forbidding royal officials in the islands from holding encomiendas
of Indians, and appropriating to the crown those formerly granted
by Lavezaris. The affidavits annexed to this document enumerate the
payments of tribute made by the natives, and indicate the need for
Sande's action. The governor sends to the king a report (dated June 7,
1576) of his first year's work, accompanied by a letter (dated June
2). He desires to subjugate China, an undertaking which he eloquently
urges upon the king. This report will be given in the next volume.
_The Editors_
March, 1903.