With this honorable commission finally d_The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume 35, 1640-1649 Explorations by early navigators, descriptions of the islands and their peoples, their history and records of the Catholic missions, as related in contemporaneous books and manuscripts, showing the political, economic, commercial and religious conditions of those islands from their earliest relations with European nations to the close of the nineteenth century

surrounded with a thousand perils, Father Juan de los Angeles, vicar

and superior of the Dominican fathers who had in charge the spiritual

administration of that island.... He gave to the governor an account

of the recent conflict; explained with deep feeling the melancholy and

precarious situation of the colony; and declared how certainly the

honor of the Spanish flag in Formosa was greatly compromised unless

effort was made as soon as possible to reënforce its garrison. This

demand was received at the time with some appearance of interest,

but it did not receive the prompt attention which the importance of

the matter demanded. The preservation of Formosa did not interest

Corcuera or his private counselors; but he was finally forced to save

appearances to some extent, in order not to take upon himself, at all

events, the scandalous responsibility of what must unavoidably occur

in such an extreme case. He actually despatched the messenger, with a

weak reënforcement, in a wretched hulk--which, without any provision

for its safety or good condition, was miserably shipwrecked on the

northern coast of Luzon, at the first attack of a slight storm. It was

possible to save, nevertheless, the men and the outfit of the ship;

and Father Angeles was able to fit out another and safer vessel,

which carried them safely to Formosa, with the little aid sent from

Manila. This consisted of some food and military supplies, eight

Spanish soldiers, and the ship's crew, undisciplined and unarmed,

who could only serve as a hindrance, in any case.

[Tanchuy is taken from the Spaniards by the Dutch, as is related by

Father Angeles; Ferrando adds:] Forty pieces of heavy artillery fell

into their hands, with large quantities of gunpowder and military

supplies, twenty-five thousand duros from the treasury, and a great

deal of merchandise owned by private persons, which might amount to

nearly a million in value. This was the first disgraceful victory which

the Dutch could obtain over the Spanish arms in that great Oceania,

[and that] because the island was neglected and abandoned by an unlucky

governor--a victory that was a thousand times more unfortunate, since

it inflated their arrogance to the extreme of believing themselves

powerful enough to dispute with us at last the envied possession of

the Filipinas Islands.

It was the province of the most holy Rosary which felt the deepest pain

at this lamentable result; for besides [being compelled to] abandon

their beloved flocks, they lost various churches and convents, with

their precious images and sacred ornaments; the provisions destined

for the missionaries at Fo-gan; three priests and two lay brethren,

who were sent prisoners to Jacatra (now Nueva Batavia); and, finally,

their hopes of seeing in the bosom of religion and of the Church all

the inhabitants of that island, whose conversion to Christianity had

already made considerable progress. [These converts, however, long

retain the faith that they had received from the missionaries, and shun

both heathen observances and the heresies of their Dutch conquerors.]

The Dutch, now masters of that Spanish island, celebrated during

eight days the signal triumph of their arms, carrying away to the

fort of Tay-quan all the Spanish soldiers and religious. From that

place they transferred these prisoners to the capital of Java, now

adding to their number the zealous Father Cháves, [39] who since the

preceding year had remained a prisoner in their hands. They were not

so ill received or treated in the Netherlandish colony as they would

have feared. The governor of Java was a very generous man, and showed

consideration and respect in every way to the Spanish prisoners--our

religious securing the fullest liberty to exercise their apostolic

labors, not only among the Catholics, but even among the infidels and

sectaries of those foreign possessions. At last, all the difficulties

were overcome which would naturally arise in the way of restoring

them all to Manila without exchange or ransom, or compensation of any

kind--thanks to the influence and great prestige which our excellent

missionaries were able to acquire among even the enemies of the

Catholic religion. Only the governor of Formosa remained among the

Dutch, because he feared the results of the rigorous residencia which

would be required from him in Manila for the loss of that island,

and more especially of the fortress of Tanchuy--notwithstanding that

his responsibility was freed from blame in the consciences of all;

and the most skilful leader would have yielded, without fail, with the

small and wretched garrison of that fort. He had done quite enough;

and the responsibility, in any case, must be sought higher up....

The Spanish soldiers were greatly disturbed by the desertion of

the governor of Formosa. Destitute of a chief and leader to govern

them, and unable to agree on the nomination of another, they almost

resolved to abandon the voyage; but the religious, to whom they

owed their liberty, and whose opinion they still respected, gained

their good-will anew, and induced them to consent to a reasonable

agreement--which they accepted only on condition that father Fray

Juan de los Angeles would accept the office of their leader, which

they conferred upon him by acclamation. At the command and under

the direction of the said father, they were immediately shipped to

Macasar, where the ruler of the island sent them their rations on

account, until an officer arrived from Manila with orders to pay all

their just expenses, and to conduct them at last to the capital of

Filipinas, where they arrived safe and sound on the twenty-ninth of

June in 1643. Thus the province of the most holy Rosary obtained some

consolation for that great misfortune, by receiving to its bosom four

excellent religious whom it already regarded as lost to it.

[La Concepción (Hist. de Philipinas, vi, pp. 89-113) blames the Jesuits

for the loss of Formosa--alleging, as grounds for this, their desire to

monopolize the missions to China, to which Formosa was a stepping-stone

for other orders; and their resentment against the friars (especially

the Dominican Morales) for accusing them at Rome of undue laxity and

conformity to heathen observances (in the noted controversy over the

"Chinese rites"). To this end, he thinks, they exerted their influence

with Corcuera, inducing him to neglect Formosa and to send his troops

to Mindanao, where the missions were in charge of the Jesuits.]

LETTER FROM FELIPE IV TO CORCUERA

The King. To Don Sebastian Hurtado de Corcuera, knight of the Order of

Alcantara, my governor and captain-general of the Filipinas Islands:

In my royal Council of the Indias, and in the military conference for

those regions, some letters have been considered which you wrote to

me about various matters of government, war, and revenue; and reply is

here made to the points therein on which a decision has been reached.

By a certificate which you send it appears that there has been a saving

to my royal exchequer of certain amounts of money, the proceeds of

donations that have been made of two-thirds of the year[ly dues to

persons in my service], for which satisfaction should be made to the

creditors of pay-warrants in arrears, giving them what is due them;

because my royal intention is, that what is justly due them should

be paid to them in full, without giving any opportunity for such

remissions [of debt as these]. You are duly notified that for the

future this innovation shall not be put into practice in any way,

but that every person shall be paid that which is clearly his due;

and this mode of saving has been severely censured, because it is to

the injury of the parties concerned.

You know how much I regard and cherish all the Indian natives of

my western Indias, and that the preservation of those provinces is

dependent on their prosperity and kind treatment. Accordingly it has

seemed fitting to me to charge you anew with this; and I command that

you, attentive to the decrees which declare in their favor, be very

heedful of the kind treatment of those natives, and not allow them

to receive any wrong from the officials or from other persons.

You say that you have appointed the chief notary of the government

to the office of judge for the usual licenses of the Sangleys, in

order that that office may by this combination not only increase

in money value, but be held in greater repute; I have approved your

arrangement to this end.

The archbishop of those islands has reported to me how expedient it

is that some archiepiscopal buildings should be erected in that city;

and in order to the execution of this plan I have decreed that you

shall inform me what measures and means can be employed for the

accomplishment of this work without causing expense to my royal

exchequer. You say that some donations could be accepted from the

employed seamen and mariners who sail in the ships, and that the

archbishop himself could aid by some contributions which he could

solicit in the city, since these cause no loss to me or to the vassals

who serve me in those islands. In my opinion, these measures cannot be

approved; but those who hold maritime offices should go gratuitously,

without its costing them anything; but if, after they return from

Nueva España, they should choose to make some voluntary contributions

for the erection of the archiepiscopal buildings, it may be proposed

to them. It is best to proceed in this manner, gathering together

what can be obtained, and not to solicit any donations, in order that

this fund may be placed in my royal treasury. In every case, effort

should be made that the mates of ships, the boatswains, and other

maritime officials who go to Nueva España be the most meritorious,

and be selected from the most capable men, without asking from them

any donations. Then with the money from voluntary contributions, or

in other ways which do not cause expense to my royal treasury, let

the work of building these houses be undertaken, avoiding all other

measures which may cause embarrassment or annoyance; and you shall act

according to this plan and counsel, making such arrangements as shall

be most suitable. You shall wholly exclude donations that shall not

be voluntary, and shall not allow them to be bargained for at any time.

You state that you have commanded a gallery to be made in the royal

buildings, facing the Plaza de Armas; and that by this arrangement all

the offices were accommodated, so that it was not necessary to look

for any official outside of the palace. As it has been considered that

this gallery and extension will be an advantage to the said buildings,

what you have accomplished in this is approved.

By a special commission from me is entrusted to Juan Bautista Zubiaga,

auditor of accounts for those islands, the collection of the results

of accounts which Don Francisco de Rozas y Oñate, late visitador of

that Audiencia, left unsettled. And since the death of that auditor

might cause some failure in these collections, and they might not

proceed as they should, I command that you take such precautions in

this matter as I may expect from you.

A relief ship having sailed from those islands for Terrenate in

the year 1639 was, as you have learned, assailed by a tempest,

and it returned to that port, where the artillery that it carried

was lost. This occurred, as you say, in water one and a half to two

brazas in depth; and as it is certain that this artillery will be

greatly needed, you shall endeavor to have it drawn out of the water,

making every effort possible to accomplish this. I charge you to be

heedful of this matter.

As for what you say in regard to the purchase that Don Fray Hernando

Guerrero, the late archbishop of those islands, made of some houses

from Pedro de Heredia, to the amount of one hundred and forty pesos,

and that the fiscal of the Audiencia there demands that these houses

be added to the property of my royal crown for the same sum, and as

you judge that from the property left by that prelate the debts which

he left can be paid: it has appeared best to charge you, as I do,

that you allow the property thus left by this archbishop to follow

the natural course [of law], without making any innovation in this

case. Zaragoza, August 4, 1643.

I the King

By command of the king our sovereign: Don Juan Bautista Saenz Navarrete

DOCUMENTS OF 1644-1649

Concessions to the Jesuits. Balthasar de Lagunilla, S. J., and

others; 1640-44.

Events in the Philippines, 1643-44. [Unsigned and undated.]

Fiscal's report on Sangley licenses. Sebastian Cavallero [de

Medina]; 1644.

Decree ordering reënforcements for the islands. Felipe IV;

September 18, 1645.

Erection of Santo Tomás into a university. Felipe IV and Innocent

X; 1644-45.

Trade with English not desired. Council of State; January 30, 1647.

Affairs in Filipinas, 1644-47. Fray Joseph Fayol; 1647.

Decree regarding missionaries. Felipe IV; September 17, 1647.

Early Franciscan missions. [Unsigned; written in 1649.]

Sources: The first and eighth documents are obtained from MSS. in

the Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla; the second and seventh, from

MSS. in the Academia Real de la Historia, Madrid; the fourth (its

original from the same source), from the Ventura del Arco MSS. (Ayer

library), ii, pp. 353-355; the third, from a rare and perhaps unique

pamphlet (Manila, 1644), in the possession of Edward E. Ayer; the

fifth, from Documentos relativos á la Universidad de Manila, pp. 23-30

(but the letter to Siruela, from a MS. in the Museo-Biblioteca de

Ultramar, Madrid); the sixth, from a MS. in the Archivo general of

Simancas; the ninth, from Retana's Archivo, i, pp. [15-71].

Translations: The first, second, fourth and eighth are made by Emma

Helen Blair; the third, fifth, sixth, and ninth, by James A. Robertson;

the seventh, by Mary F. Foster and Emma Helen Blair.

CONCESSIONS TO THE JESUITS

Sire:

Balthasar de Lagunilla, procurator of the Society of Jesus for the

provinces of the Western Yndias, states that Don Sevastian Hurtado

de Corcuera, governor of the Filipinas Islands--in consideration

of the fact that in the old Parian of Manila, which the Chinese

burned in the late insurrection, the Manila college of the Society

of Jesus owned a certain piece of land with some houses, the rent

of which aided in the support of the college, and considering the

great poverty of the Society--allotted to the said college a piece

of land in the new Parian, one hundred brazas long and fifty wide,

in order that the fathers might build some houses thereon, and be

aided by the little rent that they could obtain from them. The said

governor also granted that a ferry-boat which they had in the old

Parian should be retained by them in the new one, in consideration of

their having lost nearly all their property in the said insurrection;

and, besides this, that the Sangleys who might reside in the village

of Santa Cruz--the instruction and spiritual cultivation of which

is in charge of the Society--should be exempted from tribute for a

certain time. All this was granted on condition that your Majesty

should be pleased to confirm it. The matter having been discussed in

the royal Council of the Indias, they commanded the governor to send

information again regarding the favors he had done in conferring the

lot in the Parian and the ferry-boat. On account of the facts that

these are not new favors, but the continuation of old ones (as the

only change is in the location of the land), and that nothing therein

causes the least accident or loss to the royal exchequer, nor to the

ferry-boat belonging to the hospital of Manila, since the two ferries

are quite far apart, and the bridge is midway between them--as will

be seen by the original map which the fathers have sent from Manila

[to the said procurator]; and since the poverty and need of the Society

there are so great that if these favors and grants from your Majesty

cease it is impossible to support that college; and as it is paying

out much of the income from the little property that it possesses,

since it is indebted to the amount of 24,440 pesos of principal

at interest, and 13,623 1/2 pesos of scattered debts--an amount

which in the poverty of that country is enormous, and causes much

anxiety (and the said procurator presents the original memorandum

of these debts as it was sent to him by the procurator-general of

that province, and attests it with the necessary solemnity); and

since the Society there is rendering so continual services to God

and to your Majesty in working for the welfare of those around it,

both Christians and infidels: the Society ought to be favored and

protected by your Majesty. Therefore, the said procurator humbly

entreats that your Majesty will deign to confirm these two favors,

the site in the new Parian and the ferry-boat to the village of Santa

Cruz, and the exemption of the Sangleys from tribute. [He asks] that an

absolute refusal be not given before the new governor sends a report,

since the motives of Don Sevastian Hurtado de Corcuera for exempting

the young men resident in the village of Santa Cruz who cut their

hair were apparently sufficient reason for making this concession;

and that this report be awaited, and an unfavorable decree be not

despatched. This he will consider a grace and favor. He also entreats

that your Majesty will be pleased to command that no change be made

until reports on the matter be received, and a decision be made as

to what shall be most to your Majesty's service.

[Endorsed: "Let the decrees of the Council in regard to this be

brought." "In the Council, on October 3, 1644." "A decree has been

issued."]

Decree by the governor

Don Sevastian Hurtado de Corcuera, knight of the Order of Alcantara,

member of his Majesty's Council of War, and his governor and

captain-general of these Philipinas Islands, and president of the

royal Audiencia therein. On account of the many losses which the

Order of the Society of Jesus in this city sustained in the general

insurrection which the Sangleys undertook against it--not only because

the possessions of the Society in the first Parián of the Sangleys and

in other places were burned, but because they lost other property--they

now experience great poverty and want. Therefore, inasmuch as it is

proper that the Society be aided, in order that it may support the

religious who by their praiseworthy ministries are serving the public

welfare, for the present I grant, in the name of his Majesty, to the

said order of the Society of Jesus the concession of a piece of land,

one hundred brazas long and fifty wide, in the new Parian of the said

Sangleys, in whatever place the said order shall select, provided that

it be not in that part which has been granted to the orphan boys,

[40] in the old powder-house, in the precincts of the royal chapel,

or where other parties who are private persons hold concessions made

before the Parian was established there. And this grant shall be free

from obligation to pay to the city or to any person the land-tax which

others pay to the city, for the grant which the Society has of the land

which has been assigned to it and which it occupies in the said Parian,

since it is with the same conditions and in the same form as the grant

to the said orphan boys, whom the Order of St. Dominic has in charge;

provided that within four years from the day on which this is dated,

confirmation of this grant from his Majesty be furnished. But if by

any mishap it shall occur that the confirmation cannot be obtained in

the said time, it may be extended for two years more--in all, a term

of six years being allowed. This is in consideration of the fact that

the judge-commissary has declared, by his act of the twenty-first of

August last in this year, that the half-annat ought not to be paid,

because the said concession is not equivalent to the said losses

which the said order has sustained in its houses and property. Given

in Manila, on the first day of September in the year one thousand

six hundred and forty.

Sevastian Hurtado de Corcuera

By command of the governor: Geronimo Nuñez de Quiros

This copy agrees with its original, which is returned to the possession

of Father Magino Sola of the Society of Jesus, its procurator-general

in these islands, at whose request I give this present. At Manila,

on the twenty-sixth of April in the year one thousand six hundred

and forty-one; the witnesses are: Nicolas de Herrera, the alférez

Juan de Baldivieso, and Andres Ronquillo. In attestation thereof I

have placed my signature and seal.

Geronimo Nuñez de Quiros

chief clerk of the governor.

[Here follows the attestation by the royal notaries that Quiros is

duly qualified and responsible for this act.]

EVENTS IN THE PHILIPPINES, 1643-44

Relation of the news and notable occurrences in these Philipinas

Islands, in the years of 43 and 44

Of the two galleons which set out in the past year of 643 for Nueba

España, two months later the flagship returned, dismasted, and entered

the new port of Lapon, [41] where it was made ready for sailing

again this year. The almiranta, which made the voyage successfully,

has already arrived from its return trip; and the news came today

that it is remaining at Cagayan, and that the [new] governor, Don

Diego Faxardo, was coming as fast as he could by land.

A Portuguese pilot belonging to a royal champan, one of the most

competent pilots in the ports, and well acquainted with these islands,

ran away with some men to Malaca, to inform the Dutch of our lack of

military supplies; and how the stockade, moat, and outer ditch, with

their towers at intervals (with which this city will be impregnable),

were incomplete; and that even the bells, and the iron grates of the

houses, had been cast [into cannon] for lack of metal; and how this

was true, since the deficiency arose through the cessation of the

trade with Japon and Macan, from which places the metal came. But

all this information was rendered useless by placing in Terrenate, in

sight of the enemy, a large force of excellent Spanish infantry, whom

Don Lorenzo de Achotigui y Olaso, master-of-camp for these islands,

and second in authority therein in the absence of the governor,

carried with him [to Terrenate], himself remaining there to govern

those fortresses.

China

From China little cloth has come this year, and of that almost half

was carried away by the Dutch; for, sailing out to plunder with four

champans, they seized two others which were coming from China well

laden. The Chinese defended themselves during a day and a night,

but the only result of this was, that two hundred of their men were

slain, and hardly any one of the Dutchmen. The latter, seizing their

prize, set the rest of the Chinese ashore. A ship which came after

this encounter made port in Ilocos, and the cloth has been brought

[to Manila] in champans. Counting this one, only three ships have

arrived here this year; that is very little, compared with the

coming of forty ships. It is said that a mandarin, with two or three

provinces, has rebelled against the king of China, [42] and is giving

him much to do. He has [to deal with] many pirates; of one of these,

named Inloan, it is said that he has this year gained two millions

on the merchandise that he has carried to Japon.

Christianity is making great gains in China; the king has granted a

chapa, or royal decree, allowing all the religious to preach freely

and erect churches throughout his kingdom. This chapa is placed at

the entrances of the churches, and whenever the mandarins come in

sight of it they make the same obeisance to it as to their king,

venerating in it what he commands. It was granted at the instance of

the fathers of the Society of Jesus, and has been translated from

Chinese into our Castilian tongue by some of them. Its words mean

that the doctrine which the fathers teach is the doctrine from Heaven;

and states that inasmuch as they are so learned--for a very old clock,

which had rendered many years of service, and was out of order, could

not be regulated by any one until the fathers came; and they not only

put it in order, but made many other new ones, furnishing the pattern

to many cities--the king for this gave them permission to preach the

doctrine from Heaven. He also promised to grant them many favors

when they should complete a book for computing the Chinese years,

which run, by twelve moons [to the year], from the beginning of the

world; for a long time the mathematical fathers have been engaged in

preparing this book. [43] In this condition are the affairs of China.

Japon

The persecution against the Christians in Japon is as sharp as

ever. That country now has trade only with the Chinese and the Dutch;

and from seven Dutch ships, which went this year to Japon, they took

three of the most prominent persons on each ship, and will detain

them as hostages until the Dutch pay them a large sum of money which

they owe in Japon. As for the fathers who went from these islands,

little can be learned about them; what we do know is obtained through

letters from Macan, written by very trustworthy persons. They say that

the fathers who first sailed thither died gloriously in the martyrdom

of the pits [cuevas]; [44] these are the fathers Antonio Rubino,

visitor for Japon; Alberto Polaco, a cousin of the king of Poland;

Diego de Morales, a native of Soria; Antonio Capeche, an Italian; and

Father Marquez, a native of Macan. Those of the second shipment were

summoned and carried as prisoners to the court; it is not known what

their end will be. God grant them the strength and courage necessary

for an achievement so heroic. As soon as the news of the martyrdoms

reached Macan, there was a solemn tolling of bells; here, however,

we have not made any demonstration, until the truth of this report

shall be confirmed by new letters.

Macan

The dissensions in that city have been so great that it is a

wonder that it has not been ruined by this time. The people have

been divided into two factions: one of them, which was the party

of certain honorable citizens, demanded that the Castilians, with

their commander Don Juan Claudio (who had gone there as envoy from

the governor of these islands), should be well treated, and sent with

their goods to Manila. But the other faction had more power, as they

had the arms, and the chief captain was on their side; accordingly,

the treatment that they accorded the Castilians has been so bad that

the letters which these have written come filled with a thousand

grievances. Their commander narrowly escaped being beheaded, and votes

for this were given in a conference held for this purpose. Finally

they sent him with two or three other persons, the most prominent

[among the Castilians], to Goa, placing on each two pairs of fetters,

or tobas, which is the way they shackle negroes. But it pleased our

Lord that the Dutch should seize this ship near India; and the kind

treatment and exemption from injury which are due to ambassadors,

and was not found among the Portuguese, was cause for admiration among

those Dutch heretics; for they received him with so much courtesy that

they drank his health, and told him that he was not considered as

a captive. As soon as the king of Macazar--who is our great friend,

and calls the king of España his heir--knew of this he asked for Don

Juan and the rest of the Spaniards; and it is expected that they will

come soon. Nothing can be denied to this king, especially by the Dutch,

who have so great an interest in his trade.

All the Castilians who went from this city to Macan were arrested

on the pretext that they were rioters and disturbers of the peace in

Macan, [a city] always loyal to Don Juan the Fourth. They imposed the

penalty of death on any Castilians who should carry arms at night,

and shut them up in dungeons to sleep, so as to be sure of holding

them. One night the patrol chanced to encounter one of the Castilians,

who had been hidden in the houses of some friendly citizens; and on

the next day, for this offense alone, they held him down and drove

nails into his hand and his private parts. In fine, things have

occurred [there] which would not be seen in Negro-land. The Dutch,

by the aid of the kings of Tunquin and Cochinchina, sallied out

with three ships; one of these was wrecked while defending itself,

and, the two others retreating, a tempest suddenly came upon them,

and broke their masts. [In the margin: "They took refuge in Macan,

where those heretics showed much kindness to the Castilians, who had

been so badly treated by the Portuguese"] although the latter were

Catholic Christians. These Dutchmen did not know what was going on in

Yndia. Having repaired their masts, they went away with much wealth

of the Portuguese, which the latter had entrusted to them thinking

that there would be peace between them; and it is not so, but a very

bloody war. This, however, is but turning their own tricks against

them of the [Canton] River.

In one ship which the Dutch seized were the despatches from Goa to

Macan; these coming into the hands of the king of Macazar, he sent

them to the governor of these islands. Among these letters was one from

the intruding king Juan, in which he encouraged his vassals and those

of Macan, giving them an account of his successes; another from the

viceroy of Yndia, in which he rebuked the injurious and discourteous

language which they use when they mention our king Filipo Fourth, and

praised their loyalty. He also gave orders regarding the Castilians,

that their property--which must be more than three hundred thousand

pesos--should be taken from them, and they themselves sent to Manila.

Therrenate and Macazar

As for the relief expedition which goes every year to Therrenate,

the one which went this year of 43 comprised two galleys, a galleon,

and a patache. One of the galleys was sent with an embassy to the

king of Macazar, to ask for iron and gunpowder, and other military

supplies. This galley was wrecked not far from here on a shoal;

all the men were saved, and were distributed among the other ships,

which arrived at Therrenate without hindrance from the enemy. Although

the Dutch were sailing in sight of us, with four ships, they did not

dare to obstruct our passage. The Spaniards supplied [the Therrenate

forts], and the other galley went on to Macazar with the envoy; the

king promised to supply soon what we asked for. Two small ships came

with succor for the Dutch; and when the fort fired the cannon at them

they did not answer--a sign that at least they did not have very good

news. They have not received aid from Olanda this year. At Therrenate

the most courageous captains and soldiers have remained, for the

Dutch enemy is feared, since last year he tried to attack that post.

Eastern Yndia

Yndia is in a very low condition. It is certain that Malaca has not

been recovered, and that the Dutch are keeping it as their own. The

viceroy asked them to comply with the peace or truce that is said

to have been effected in Europa; but they replied they would do so

if he would give them the island of Zeilan [i.e., Ceylon], which

is exceedingly valuable on account of its cinnamon, pearls, and

crystal. He answered that he had no authority to do this; and the

Dutch, collecting some twenty ships, said that they would settle the

matter, and would reduce the whole island on their own account. They

held in that island some territory and a fortified post. But affairs

did not go as they intended, for their attack was repulsed, and they

accomplished nothing. With this armada they planned, as is known, to go

to Therrenate--but that plan was checked by the above mishap. Of the

ships of this armada, six undertook to attack the king of Camboxa;

but he defeated them, killing as many as five hundred persons,

and capturing three ships and some men. What ships he has, he has

promised to these islands, in exchange for money, since there is a

lack of iron here for building them.

Mindanao and Jolo

Cachil Corralat still lives, but is so harassed by the Spanish

soldiers that they hardly let him breathe. He has entreated peace,

but no importance is attached to his promises. The Spaniards say that

they will accept these on condition that he and his son come to Manila;

that he will allow the fathers to preach the Christian religion freely;

and aid them therein; and that he surrender his arms, and captives

if he has any. The prince of Jolo is making the same request, and in

order to obtain it he has written to the fathers of the Society who

reside in the forts of Jolo with the Spaniards, asking that they will

mediate in his favor with the governor. [He states] that the people

can hardly secure food, since all their grain-fields are laid waste,

and most of their men were captured or slain in their many battles,

and so they desire peace--although no confidence can be placed in

Moors, who never fulfil any promise. Wherever the Spanish arms go,

they also bring the people under the yoke of the gospel. In Mindanao,

more than six hundred souls were baptized in two weeks, and that they

did not baptize more is only because they feared that they could not

be sure of so many; since most of these asked for baptism mainly

to escape from danger, the fathers did not grant it to all. This

year there has been much famine among the Indians, because the rice

harvest was a poor one, on account of the drouth, and because there

came a multitude of locusts, which covered the fields. In less than

half an hour they destroyed the grain in a [square] legua where they

settled down; and when they flew they formed so thick a mass that it

seemed as if they would hide the sun. Never has the like plague been

seen here. At the port of Cavite, an English ship--which is something

new, as no English have traded or been seen in these islands for many

years--brought commodities which the country needed, in abundance;

and thus was supplied the deficiency of cloth (of which very little has

come from China), and other articles which we do not get from Spain.

Finis

FISCAL'S REPORT ON SANGLEY LICENSES

+ Report of Licentiate Don Sebastian Cavallero, his Majesty's

fiscal in this royal Audiencia of Manila, recommending that

the issue of the licenses called "fortification licenses,"

an increase of eleven reals which was added to the general

licenses, be suspended; and that all that has been collected

on the said fortification licenses and as increase of the

general licenses, be restored and be actually deposited in

his Majesty's royal coffers. With license, at Manila, in

the year 1644.

For the clear understanding of this report, it is necessary to begin

by stating that all the Sangleys who come from China to these islands,

both for the purpose of selling their merchandise and to work in all

the trades needed by a community, have paid since the year 610 eight

pesos five reals by way of tribute (confirmed by decree of his Majesty)

for the license, which is called "the general license," in order that

they may remain in the country. Immediately upon the arrival of Don

Sebastian Hurtado de Corcuera, member of his Majesty's Council of War,

in the year 635 to govern these islands, a new imposition was made

(shortly after he began to govern) of some specious licenses for

those Sangleys who desired to leave this city of Manila for other

parts and provinces of its jurisdiction. They had to pay for that

privilege an annual sum of ten pesos, although the obligation was

only eight pesos five reals, so that he burdened them with eleven

reals. That increase amounted annually to a very considerable sum; for

those who generally go out to buy and sell, and to work and cultivate

the land, and engage in the most servile offices of the country, are

numerous. After the insurrection and revolt of those Sangleys in 1639,

the said Don Sebastian ordered that from all the Sangleys should be

collected, in place of the eight pesos and five reals that they were

paying yearly, ten pesos (thus adding eleven reals to the tribute

imposed and confirmed by his Majesty), in order to punish them, to

keep them under surveillance and subject, and [to obtain a fund for]

the fortifications; and that the Sangleys who desired to leave the

Parián for other places, must pay another ten pesos in addition to

the ten pesos of the license and general contribution. Consequently,

each Sangley who leaves their Parián comes to pay twenty pesos

annually--ten for the old and general license and ten for the new,

which is called the "government" or "fortification" license. Last year,

643, another contribution (called the "little" license) of six reals

from each Sangley was imposed, to build the fortifications which are

being constructed on the side of Bagunbaya. It was all executed and

collected with the utmost exactness and punctuality by the judges

of the licenses, the constables-in-chief, and other officials who

were appointed and delegated for that purpose; and although all

the proceeds from that new assessment, and the contribution of the

fortification licenses, were given in a lump into the keeping of

the royal officials, this fund was not deposited at the account of

and for the royal estate of his Majesty, but was entered separately,

and was placed at the disposal and will of Don Sebastian.

[Continuing from this point, Cavallero discusses the matter of the

imposition levied by Corcuera, in twenty-two sections, citing many

laws and authorities in support of his reasoning. The document seems

to be a portion of the evidence used in the residencia of Corcuera

before his successor, Diego Fajardo. The arguments adduced by Cavallero

(here mainly synopsized) are briefly as follows:

1. "The imposition of gabels, tolls, vectigals, [45] tributes, and

other assessments and personal contributions, whether patrimonial

or mixed, [46] belongs by natural, divine, and human right only to

the sovereign and absolute majesty of princes, who do not recognize

any superior."

2. The new imposition made on the Sangleys by Corcuera is included

under the name of gabel and tribute.

3. Corcuera had no authority to make the new imposition; moreover,

the imposition of a new gabel is justified only when an urgent and

pressing necessity arises, and the sovereign cannot maintain himself

or carry on his military operations with his usual income.

4. If the tribute or new imposition is not justified by urgent

necessity, it is illegal.

5. The imposition made by Corcuera is illegal, as it was made without

any compelling necessity. It is also disproportionate, because it is

equal for both the rich and the poor Sangley, discriminating not one

whit between them.

6. Corcuera's reason for making the new imposition was to punish the

Sangleys for their insurrection. He should first have consulted with

his Majesty in regard to it.

7. It is not a sufficient justification for the new imposition to say

that it was for the purpose of fortification; for those fortifications

built across the river near Tondo by virtue of that imposition have

been torn down, because they would prove a menace to the Spaniards in

case of hostile attack, for the enemy might find them a base whence to

carry on operations against Manila. The king's permission is expressly

necessary for the erection of new fortifications and public works,

and Corcuera did not have that permission.

8. It is true, however, that a governor may repair the existing

fortifications without express permission of the king, although he

is forbidden to construct new fortifications.

9. It is also true that all persons must contribute to the expense

of repairing the fortifications; and consequently the new imposition

might be tolerated for that reason. "Therefore his Majesty (whom may

God preserve) had assigned three thousand pesos for the fortification

and repair of the walls of this city, from the monopoly of the

playing-cards [47]--which is paid every year, according to the tenor

of its establishment. Therefore, his Majesty having succored that

necessity and made preparations for that expense, with a sufficient

and sure sum of money, the little justification for that new imposition

can be seen."

10 and 11. "Again, supposing that his Majesty had not prepared for

that necessity, which is a compelling one, and it became necessary

to impose a tax and contribution for the repair and equipment of the

walls: it ought to be imposed solely on the citizens and inhabitants

of this city, according to the means and power of each one, and not

among the foreigners and transients like the Sangleys, who, coming to

trade this year, return the following year to China, where they have

their houses, families, and children." That imposition is therefore

a burden on the Sangleys.

12. "It is clear, then, that as that imposition, so grievous to the

Sangleys, for the fortification and repair of the walls of this city

of Manila is not of advantage to them, as they are foreigners, but on

the contrary is very injurious to them, and introduced as a mark of

hatred toward them, they should not be obliged to pay that contribution

and assessment; but [this obligation would fall on] only the citizens

and those interested, for the repair, shelter, and defense of their

persons and patrimonies, in case that his Majesty had not provided the

said three thousand pesos from the monopoly of the playing-cards for

that purpose. Besides, that contribution for the repair of the walls

demands consideration of the means and ability of those making it and

should be in proportion thereto." Since the new imposition is equal

for all the Sangleys, rich and poor, that just proportion is destroyed.

13. Even if those newly-imposed licenses had all the justification

and security that law can give, and his Majesty (may God preserve him)

had ordered them to be imposed, so zealous a minister as Don Sebastian

ought to have represented to his royal Council of the Indias that

these Sangleys have been made to pay for the privilege of remaining

in these islands the annual sum of eight pesos five reals since

the year 610. That brings his Majesty, according to the number of

the Sangleys now, 120,000 pesos annually. In the years 638 and 39,

when there were twenty-five or thirty thousand Sangleys (which was

the time of the insurrection), those licenses amounted to more than

230,000 pesos. Since that sum is so considerable, a risk was being

incurred if they were burdened with another imposition; for they might,

oppressed by so many exactions and assessments, abandon the commerce

of those islands, even though they perceived so much gain in them,

and his Majesty would because of these licenses lose that established

commerce.... Representing those reasons and inconveniences to his

Majesty, he ought to have suspended the execution of this measure

until, the matter having been conferred over in the royal Council of

the Indias, his Majesty should decree according to his pleasure. All

the more [should this be done] in lands and kingdoms recently acquired,

as are the Indias--where for many years after the conquest no alcabala,

gabel, or other contribution was imposed or asked until the year 574,

when general decrees were promulgated ordering that the payment of

the alcabala be introduced into the kingdoms of Piru and Nueva España,

and that with great moderation and mildness. Don Francisco de Toledo,

viceroy of Piru, [48] suspended the execution of the decree for

many years, until the Marques de Cañete [49] ordered, in the time

of his government, the collection of that duty, by virtue of a new

decree which he held. Although, as is a fact, the excise duties are

a royal right, so ancient and accepted, and neither the Indians nor

the Spaniards, their colonists and conquistadors, paid his Majesty

anything, the suspension of [their collection by] Don Francisco de

Toledo was regarded as advisable, until pressing necessities compelled

more severe exactions.

14. It is to be presumed that whenever a king or ruler imposes a new

gabel on a province already burdened with one gabel, he does not know

that the first one is imposed, and that on learning it, he would not

add a new one to the old burden; "and the greatest service to him

will be to suspend such imposition until [the governor] can inform

the king, laying the matter before him, and awaiting a new order."

15. But Corcuera may apparently take refuge in the royal decree of

June 19, 1614, if the governor of the Philippines is entitled by that

decree to use all the authority granted to the viceroys of Peru and

Nueva España, and hence may make the imposition.

16. It must be supposed then, that the governor has the same power

and authority as a viceroy in some matters.

17. But certain things are prohibited, forbidden, and excepted to

governors, viceroys, and proconsuls, and authority for these does

not extend to them, being reserved for the king or ruler.

18. Among these is the right to impose gabels and taxes, or the

increasing of such, without consulting the ruler.

19. Since the case stands thus, in order to give color of justification

to this tribute and new imposition of licenses the said Don Sebastian

ought, since he is so zealous for the increase of the royal treasury,

to have deposited its proceeds as a royal tax in the royal coffers

and treasury, just as the other incomes and tributes of his Majesty

are deposited, so that the money arising from it might be paid in the

salaries and other fixed expenses which his Majesty orders to be paid

by decrees and treasury and government ordinances, and by no others,

except by a special meeting of the treasury officials who decide and

resolve on such payment because of necessity or expediency. What

is worse is that, although the money received from the licenses

and impositions has been deposited in the royal coffers, it has not

been considered as belonging to his Majesty. Consequently, the said

Don Sebastian has expended it according to his own authority and

inclination, in the manner that he has judged to be best. He claims

obstinately that he can spend that royal income without observing the

form and order commanded by his Majesty in ordinance number 18, because

he put down the Sangley insurrection by conquering the Sangleys,

and imposed this burden and contribution on them without your [sic;

sc., his] Majesty's order--endeavoring thereby to get free power to

dispose of the royal dues by the same authority on which he trespassed

in imposing gabels on the Chinese. However, the greatest service

that can be done to kings is to observe and obey to the letter their

royal commands and ordinances directed to the efficient reckoning,

administration, and disbursement of their royal treasure. It is

the king's will that there be no extraordinary outlay, of a single

real, without first calling a meeting of the royal Audiencia and

the royal officials, by whose decision the extraordinary expense is

justified. And if the outlay and disbursement of so great sums of money

as have proceeded from the new imposition of fortification licenses and

the "little" licenses, has not been in this form, then he ought, first

and foremost, to deposit and deliver into the royal coffers all the

proceeds from those impositions, according to the certification of the

royal officials, from the time of their institution until the present.

20 and 21. The fiscal states, first, that the proceeds of the new

imposition and the increase upon the old must be actually deposited

in the royal coffers, before all else.

Second, he declares "that this new imposition of licenses has caused

universal harm and injury to the general welfare and the public

good, in whose conservation and advancement his Majesty is so much

interested, as one who is the father and shepherd of these poor

sheep, so distant from the care of their master. For although it was

a fact that fifty almudes of rice (the equivalent of two fanegas)

were furnished for four reals in the year 639, now one fanega is

worth two pesos, and at retail much more. The reason for that is,

that since the principal farmers of these islands are the Sangleys,

and the latter cannot go out freely to work and cultivate the land

without paying a contribution so great as ten pesos for their license,

it proves impossible for them to go out [for this work], as the mass

of the farmers are always a poor and humble people. On that account

the land is deprived of its principal and universal support, namely,

that of rice--although the laws so liberally dispense benefits and

privileges to the farmers, so that they may be contented, and be

encouraged to serve the community with the provisions and abundance

that the land, grateful for its working and cultivation, offers. The

same is true in the fisheries and in other necessary occupations,

for the Sangleys are the feet and hands of this land, as far as its

sustenance is concerned, and this new imposition has cut them off."

22. It is clearly inferred from the above that although the Sangleys

are burdened by this new kind of license, that for fortification,

those who in reality and in fact have to pay it are the seventy

citizens who, according to the appraisement, live in this city of

Manila. For if the Sangley who comes from China to these islands to

work does not bring a single real from that country, and has to pay

ten pesos for the general license and ten for that of fortification,

besides the secretary's fees, it is necessary that his labor and the

fruits of it be sold for a double price. Thus it is being experienced

that, although the ordinary pay of a workman--a carpenter, or mason,

or others--was formerly two reals, they are now paid four or five,

and the workmen are not willing to work for that. It is necessary to

beg them, and to pay them what they ask, for there are no others who

can perform these services. Where shoes were worth two reals before,

they are now worth four. It now costs four or five pesos to have

a garment made where before it cost two. The same thing is true in

everything else, and it all originated and proceeded from the year

of 639, with the increase of their burden for the general license

and the new imposition of the fortification license of ten pesos

apiece. That is so heavy a burden that I believe that no equally

grievous a personal assessment has ever been imposed throughout the

kingdoms subject to the monarchy of España.

All these matters are very serious, hard to decide aright, and worthy

of being considered very closely and attentively. They concern

the discharge of the king's conscience, the royal authority,

the conservation and increase of the king's treasury and the

royal patrimony, and the public welfare and conservation of these

islands. For all of them, I beseech your Lordship to be pleased to

provide and order what shall be most to the service of his Majesty

and the public convenience. In that I shall receive grace and justice.]

DECREE ORDERING REENFORCEMENTS FOR THE ISLANDS

To the Conde de Salvatierra, my relative, and viceroy, governor

and captain-general of Nueva España, and president of my royal

Audiencia which there resides: Captain Melchor de Barrasa Enrriquez,

procurator-general of the Filipinas Islands, has reported to me that

the condition in which those islands are exposes them to danger;

that the colony is held together only by the few troops who remain in

it since the wars in Mindanao and the insurrection of the Sangleys;

and that, since this is the case, considering also the Portuguese

rebellion and the power which the Dutch possess, it is necessary for

that colony to stand continually on the defensive. For this reason,

it is desirable that you, and those who shall succeed you in those

offices, hasten the usual reënforcements [that are sent there], and

that these be considerable, both of men and of military supplies--since

those provinces [of Nueva España] now contain more idle people than

ever before; and the Filipinas Islands have a much smaller number of

men than they always have had, on account of losing so many in the

military expedition above mentioned. In order that these reënforcements

may be sent in time, and may be sufficiently large, it is decreed that

you commence them early in December, making repartimientos of men [50]

in all the provinces, according to the population of each one. You

shall also command that the alcaldes-mayor and the corregidors shall

fill the respective quotas allotted to them, from the vagabonds

and criminals; for otherwise it will be impossible to collect a

sufficient number, or to further [the needs of] my service. Unless

there can be sent each year five hundred soldiers, and as many seamen

as possible, the relief will not be sufficient to meet the needs of

those islands. The amount of money sent should also be in accordance

with what has been decreed, and with it should go the supplies that

shall be required [for the islands. The said procurator-general]

entreats that I be pleased to command that an urgent decree of

mine be despatched, requiring you to send this relief promptly and

efficiently, of all the above kinds; and to report annually what you

sent during the year. This matter having been examined in my royal

Council of the Yndias, together with a letter to me from Don Diego

Fajardo, my governor and captain-general of the Filipinas Islands,

written on February 29, 1644, I command you--notwithstanding that

I have charged you, by other orders of mine, to reënforce and aid

those islands, for the sake of their preservation--that, in view of

all the representations that have been made to me in behalf of the

city of Manila, and the measures that have been proposed here, and

the orders that you have from me, you shall succor the said islands,

endeavoring to secure their preservation and prosperity by all the

means in your power. You shall be vigilant in doing this with the

attention and diligence that the matter demands, considering the

frequency with which the enemies attempt to invade those islands;

and I shall consider myself well served by the care and watchfulness

which you shall employ in their aid and defense. Dated at Zaragoza,

September 18, 1645.

I the King

By command of our sovereign: Juan Bautista Saenz Nav[arrete]

[Endorsed: "To the viceroy of Nueva España, regarding aid to

Filipinas."]

ERECTION OF COLLEGE OF SANTO TOMAS INTO A UNIVERSITY

Letter from Felipe IV to Innocent X

Very Holy Father:

I am writing to the Count of Sirvela, [51] my ambassador at that

court, to supplicate your Holiness, in my name, to concede a bull, so

that a college of the Order of Preachers in the city of Manila of the

Filipinas Islands, located in my West Indias, may become a university,

with the same qualifications and perpetuity as [are possessed by]

the other universities of this order in Avila and Pamplona, in these

my kingdoms, and those of Lima and Méjico; and that, since they wish

to found a separate university in the said city of Manila, it may be

done, because that city is more than three thousand leguas distant

from the nearest universities--namely, those of Lima and Méjico. I

supplicate your Holiness to hear him and give entire credit to what

he shall say and represent about this matter in my behalf, and to have

his business despatched with all promptness and thoroughness. I shall

thereby receive a special favor from your Holiness, whose very sacred

person may our Lord preserve; and may He lengthen your days for the

good and prosperous administration of His universal Church. Madrid,

December 20, 1644. Your Holiness's very humble and devout son, Don

Felipe, by the grace of God, etc., who kisses your holy feet and hands.

The King

Eugenio Bautista

Saena Navarrete

LETTER FROM FELIPE IV TO THE CONDE DE SIRVELA

To the Conde de Sirvela, my relative and member of my Council, and

my ambassador at Roma: The bearer of this, Fray Mateo de Villa, of

the Order of Preachers, procurator of the province of Sancto Rosario

of the Filipinas Islands, a part of my western Indias, has informed

me that his province possesses a college, that of Sancto Thomas, in

the city of Manila, of which I am patron, and which contains thirty

secular students. He says that this college has been a university for

several years by royal license; that bulls have been conceded twice

for its preservation; and that at the present time grammar, rhetoric,

the arts, and moral and scholastic philosophy are taught there, to the

special profit of the children of that community. He begs me to have

royal license given, so that the said college may be a university,

with the same qualifications and perpetuity as are possessed by the

other universities of his order in the convent of Sancto Thomas at

Avila, and in Sanctiago at Pamplona, in these my kingdoms. His petition

having been examined by the members of my royal Council of the Indias;

and having taken into consideration that the city of Manila, of the

Filipinas Islands, is situated more than three thousand leguas from

the nearest universities--namely, those of Lima and Mexico--and that

the said university experiences some restriction; I have considered it

fitting to lend my royal consent in this matter, and to permit this

concession to endure for the present: provided that, if in future

there should be any disposition to found a separate university,

that may be done, as in the cities of Lima and Mexico, so that it

may be a general university, in order that students may be graduated

from all branches of learning, and that all its degrees may be valid

everywhere. Therefore I charge and order you, in my name, and by virtue

of the letter of authority that I am writing, to entreat his Holiness

to be pleased to concede a bull, so that the said college may become

a university with the same qualifications and perpetuity as those of

Airla, Sanctiago de Pamplona, Lima, and Mexico--as those islands and

provinces have no university of this rank. For this is advantageous to

my service and to the public welfare of those districts. You shall act

as diligently in this matter, as I expect you to do, so that the said

bull be given immediately, and in this wise will you serve me. Madrid,

December 20, 1644.

I the King

By order of the king, our sovereign: Juan Baptista Saenz Nav[arrete]

[Endorsed: "To the ambassador in Roma. He is to beg his Holiness to

concede a bull granting that the college of Sancto Thomas of Manila,

of the Order of Preachers, become a university."

"Felipe IV. Original letter written by his Majesty to the count of

Sirvela, in respect to the latter begging his Holiness in the king's

name, to concede his bull so that the college of Sancto Thomas of

Manila of the Order of Preachers become a university."

"Given in Madrid, December 20, 1644."

"644. Roma, February 28, 45."

"In order that a brief may be given by his Holiness so that the

college of Sancto Thomas of Manila become a university."

"Bought June 17, 1891 for twenty-five pesetas from Don José Maria

Rocamora

J. Vigil."]

Bull issued by Innocent X

Pope Innocent X, for the memory of this in the future.

Established by the divine order in the supereminent watch tower of the

apostolic see, although with inadequate merits, and reviewing in the

privacy of our consideration the extent to which the holy Catholic

faith is increased by the study of letters, and the worship of the

true God diffused, truth recognized and justice revered and observed,

we are gladly making efforts to have the said studies promoted, so that

even humble persons who desire to train themselves in those studies may

attain their desire. Applying for this purpose with more particular

inclination the vigilance of our solicitude, while at the same time

the desires of the faithful ones of Christ, and signally of those

who are conspicuous with royal dignity, entreat this: accordingly,

having considered the condition of those places, we judge, in the

spirit of God, that the following is beneficial and expedient.

Since there is in the city of Manila, of the Filipinas Islands in

the western Indias, a college called Sancto Tomás, of the order of

the friars of St. Dominic, as has been lately told us in the name of

our very beloved son in Christ, Felipe, Catholic king of the Españas,

wherein thirty collegiates are being educated, and grammar, rhetoric,

logic, philosophy, and scholastic and moral theology are studied and

taught, to the great profit of the inhabitants of those districts; and

considering that the city of Manila is more than three thousand leguas

from the two nearest universities with general curricula--namely,

Lima and México--for which reason the said King Felipe is especially

desirous that a university be erected and instituted by us in the said

college (thus it was that we were humbly petitioned in the name of the

said Felipe that, in consideration of its utility to the inhabitants

of the said city, and to their instruction or education in letters,

we would, with apostolic authority, deign to erect and institute

a university in the above-mentioned city and in the buildings of

the aforesaid college, in which the religious of the said order may

publicly give instruction to and teach any youth grammar, rhetoric,

logic, philosophy, and scholastic and moral theology, and also make

seasonable provision in the other things above mentioned, in accordance

with apostolic graciousness):

We therefore, desiring to show gracious compliance, and ourselves

being effectually inclined to the pious desires and petitions of King

Felipe, after invoking the opinion and advice of some of our beloved

sons--cardinals of the Holy Roman Church and other prelates of this

court, whom we assign to this duty--by the tenor of the present,

and without prejudice to any other, erect and institute, by virtue

of apostolic authority, a university in the said city of Manila, in

the buildings of the said college where the schools are at present,

or wherever they may be built hereafter in more ample form. In

it the religious of the said order may publicly give instruction

to and teach any youth grammar, rhetoric, logic, philosophy, and

scholastic and moral theology. This shall have force only until some

public university with a general curriculum be erected by apostolic

authority in the said city of Manila, or in its province. We submit

and subject this said university, thus founded and instituted, by the

aforesaid authority and perpetually to the supervision, management,

and administration of the said order, and that of its master-general,

now and forever, or of the person whom he shall assign, who shall be

the rector of the whole university.

Item: By the authority and tenor of these presents, we concede

and grant to the said university, its rector, masters, students,

and to all and each one of the aforesaid, power to obtain, employ,

and enjoy, all and singular, the privileges, indults, liberties,

immunities, exemptions, favors, concessions, prerogatives, honors,

and preëminences conceded to like universities, and to their successive

rectors, masters, lecturers, doctors, teachers, students, procurators,

beadles, envoys, officials, and helpers, and all other persons,

however these may be conceded to them, whether in general or in

special--not only in their similitude, but in like form and with

complete and equal excellence. And besides this, we concede to the

rector of the said university and college, henceforth and forever,

as long as the said university endure, as above stated, power to

promote and graduate those who shall have studied their due time in

this university thus founded, and whom he shall consider as qualified

in learning and morals, as bachelors, licentiates, doctors, and masters

in those branches which are taught and studied in the said college,

observing in all and through all the form of the decrees of the

councils of Vienne and of Trent [52]--whose decrees we are not minded

to violate in any respect--and also the praiseworthy customs of the

other universities, and to give to such graduates the insignia of such

degrees. Those thus promoted and graduated by the rector may afterward,

publicly and privately, even though it be in all the other academies

and universities with general curricula, expound the above-mentioned

studies, and teach others, may dispute concerning them, and perform

the acts suitable to the degree or degrees that they may possess. They

shall also be enabled to exercise and enjoy all the rights, privileges,

favors, concessions, prerogatives, and indults, that are exercised,

and enjoyed, and that may be exercised and enjoyed hereafter, by right

or custom, by those legitimately graduated from the said schools,

either in other academies or universities, or in any other place,

in all respects, as if they had received their degrees in the said

academies or universities, in accordance with the usages and customs

of those institutions.

By virtue of the aforesaid authority and tenor, we also concede

and grant authority to the master-general of the said order, now

and forever, that any statute and ordinance--so long as it be legal

and proper, and not contrary to the sacred canons and decrees of the

Council of Trent and apostolic constitutions--may be published and

promulgated by himself, by the rector of the college and university

thus founded, or any other person or persons, according to what is

thus advisable for the wholesome and successful administration of

the university, and proper to the duties and obligations of rector,

master, procurators, beadles, envoys, and all other assistants

and officials. In respect to the manner and form of instruction,

the employment of each one in his duties, and the maintenance of the

students, the said officer may publish and promulgate any statutes or

ordinances--provided they be lawful and reasonable, and not contrary

to the sacred canons, or the decrees of the Council of Trent, or

the apostolic constitutions; and these statutes and ordinances may

be changed, corrected, and recast, or repealed and annulled and

others established anew, according to the character of the times,

affairs, and persons; and he may impose what penalties seem best

to him for their observation and fulfilment. He may freely appoint

and remove the doctors, lecturers, students, procurators, beadles,

and all other assistants and officials of the university, or confirm

the appointments made of them.

Item: We decree that these present letters must and shall be valid,

firm, and efficacious; that they shall have and obtain their plenary

and complete effects; and that thus and in no other manner ought they

be judged and defined by any judges, ordinary or delegated, even

though such be the auditors of the causes of the apostolic palace,

and cardinals of the Holy Roman Church. And further, if any person,

of whatsoever rank he be, should perchance attempt to contravene

the decree herein contained, whether knowingly or ignorantly, his

opposition shall be void and invalid, notwithstanding the apostolic

constitutions and ordinances, or in any necessary rules of the said

order--statutes, customs, and any other contrary things--even if

accompanied with oath, apostolic confirmation, or any other validity,

corroboration, or authorization. Given at Rome, in Santa Maria la

Maggiore, under the Fisherman's seal, November twenty, one thousand

six hundred and forty-five, in the second year of our pontificate.

Marcos Aurelio Maraldo

TRADE WITH ENGLISH NOT DESIRED

Sire:

Don Alonso de Cardenas, in a letter to your Majesty of November 23 of

last year, states that your Majesty was pleased to have him informed

in a letter of September 14, that, inasmuch as the proposition of

the East-Indian merchants of that kingdom regarding permission to

trade in Manila and other ports of Philipinas, has not been thought

advisable, he may close the discussion as civilly as possible. He

should try to ascertain whether the said company [53] of English

merchants is introducing any regular navigation from that kingdom to

the Philipinas, in what form, whether it may be expected that it will

continue to acquire strength, and any other information that he may be

able to obtain, and advise you of what he may discover. Conforming to

these instructions he has begun to mistrust that the merchants cannot

accomplish what they have proposed, and has learned that the said

Company of India is not sending any vessel directly to the Philipinas;

but that two or three vessels that they despatch annually to the

city of Bantan, in the kingdom or province of Simatria [54]--which

is subject to the king of Surat, called Magol--proceed yearly to

Manila and return to Bantan where the English of this company have

commerce and settled communication, and where one of them lives, with

the title of president of the company. This company is not confirmed

by the parliament, nor does it enjoy the privileges that they wish

for its establishment. However, they expect both these shortly in

reference to which a merchant of the said company told him [i.e.,

Alonso de Cardenas] that the commerce of India would increase, and

that six or seven vessels would be sent annually to Bantan, whence two

or three would go to Manila and other ports of the Philipinas. The

above is the extent of his knowledge acquired in order to inform

your Majesty. The Council having examined it, and Don Francisco

de Melo and the marquis of Valparayso concurring in their opinion,

it is fitting that Don Alonso be advised that we have received his

communication, and approve his care in acquiring and sending this

information; and that a copy of this letter be sent to the Council

of the Indias--although in the condition of affairs, no difficulty

is looked for in the course of this matter. Your Majesty will order

what is most pleasing to you? At Madrid, January 30, 1647.

[Signed in paraph]

[Endorsed: "+ In Madrid, January 30, 1647." "The Council of State,

in which Don Francisco de Melo and the Marquis de Valparayso concur

in regard to the response of Don Alonso de Cardenas, respecting

his orders as to declining the proposition that was made by English

merchants of Eastern India for trade in the port of Manila and other

ports in the Philipinas."

"Let it be so."--Evidently the instruction of the king, which is

signed in paraph.]

AFFAIRS IN FILIPINAS, 1644-47

Relation of the events on sea and land in the Filipinas Islands

during the recent years, until the earthquake and destruction

on the feast of St. Andrews in 645; and the battles and naval

victories over the Dutch in 646.

By the presentado [55] father Fray Joseph Fayol, of the Order of

Mercy for the redemption of captives, [56] chief chaplain of the

royal chapel of the Incarnation, and a tertiary [tercio] of Manila.

Fortune was not born to endure. The ancients depicted her without

feet upon which to stand, but with wings and hands--without feet,

because she never was willing or able to remain in any event, whether

fortunate or unfortunate; with wings, that she might fly, like the

wind, at her own inconstant will; and with two hands, because if

with one she caresses and elevates, with the other she smites and

beats down--as far down as she had before upraised. She supports, it

is true, with one hand the earth and with the other the sea; but she

shows herself, by turns, favorable and adverse to both elements. Now

she caresses the earth, and now is harsh and stern to the sea; and

when Fortune pleases she crosses her hands, so that no one may trust

to her favors or despair at the injuries that she inflicts. This

is a fable and an ancient picture, but it also contains a moral,

to teach the uncertainty of human affairs.

The [Christian] faith recognizes no Fortune but that of the divine

will and providence, from whose hand depends the structure of the

globe, and from whom all events, whether prosperous or adverse,

proceed. With one hand He dispenses troubles, misfortunes, and

calamities to states, to correct and curb their excesses; and with

the other (which still remains full, from His natural beneficence)

He gives them prosperity and happiness--tempering the sharpness of

the one with the sweetness of the other. And if, at times, He seems

to be severe to Earth, afflicting her with earthquakes, disasters,

and other calamities, it is that she may acknowledge herself subject

to His will, and not rely upon her own stability. At the same time,

He may be benignant and favorable to the sea, rendering it glorious

in events, triumphant in battle, fortunate and renowned in victory.

1. Condition of the Islands

This is properly a picture or hieroglyph of the events in Manila,

the chief city and court of the Filipinas Islands, in the course of

the years which have elapsed since that of 33, when ashes rained upon

and hunger tormented that city; since 38-39, when occurred the losses

and wrecks of the vessels which sailed to and from Nueva España,

and the insurrection of the Sangleys in Manila and its environs;

since 40, when there were eruptions of volcanoes, and thunders were

heard in the air, with the sounds of cannon and instruments of war,

as at the time was stated; since 41, when the Dutch enemy, having been

disengaged from the capture of Malaca (in Eastern India) appeared with

a powerful fleet off the cape of Espiritu Santo [57] and the coasts

of these islands; since 42, when they seized the island of Hermosa;

and since 43-44, when they were continually sending out squadrons

of vessels, both large and small--the former going to the Embocadero

and Cape Espiritu Santo to await the ships that carried our relief,

and the latter stationed on the coasts of Ilocos and Pangasinán to

intercept the passage, and pillage the vessels which were wont to

come from China to trade with these islands.

2. Battle of the champans

Such was the condition of the islands at the end of June in 44, when

Señor Don Diego Faxardo, knight of the Order of Santiago and member of

his Majesty's Council of War, who had been sent as their proprietary

governor landed on the extreme point of this island of Manila after

a difficult and long voyage, due either to the early beginning of

the vendavals, or to having sailed late from Acapulco. He found the

islands deficient in naval strength, since the few ships there were

had been sent to Terrenate to oppose the threatened invasion of

the enemy that year. About the middle of August his Lordship made

his entrance into Manila and took possession of the government;

and early in September he despatched the galleons "Encarnacion" and

"Rosario,"--which were waiting equipped and ready to sail--to Nueva

España. At the end of October, reënforcements were sent to Terrenate

and other provinces. As early as April, 45, the Dutch enemy had three

small round vessels and as many others (or rather champans) off the

coasts of Ilocos and Pangasinan for the aforesaid purpose. At that

time there was neither a ship nor a galley in Cavite which could be

armed to oppose the enemy, and therefore only champans and oared

vessels were sent out, under command of Captain Sebastian Lopez

(a man whose valor, spirit, and ability will be hereafter related;

he had come with the governor as captain of infantry), and of other

captains and leaders--all picked officers of this camp, and men so

courageous that, although their fleet was so inferior to that of

the enemy, they were enabled to frustrate the designs of the Dutch

and save the Chinese merchantmen. On two different occasions they

engaged the champans of the enemy, three to three, with such valor

and good fortune that both times the enemy was ignominiously routed

with great loss of men; one of their champans being burnt and the

others destroyed, while our losses were but few. This was a happy

beginning and augury of the victories and brilliant successes of our

arms on the sea, although an expensive and dangerous expedition, as

it obliged the enemy, on the following year, to bring all his forces

against the islands, as will be hereafter related, at the proper time,

when an account is given of the melancholy and disastrous calamities

with which it pleased our Lord to visit us on land.

3. Death of the archbishop

In July the two galleons, "Encarnacion" and "Rosario," arrived at

the port of Lampon, on the coast opposite Manila, with abundance of

aid from Nueva España, carefully provided by his Majesty (whom God

preserve) on account of the information received by his royal Council

regarding the reënforcements that were going from Olanda against these

islands. With these galleons came his Lordship Don Fernando Montero

de Espinosa, bishop of Nueva Segovia and archbishop-elect of Manila;

he was a prelate of promise and ability, as is known to the [Spanish]

court. Heaven did not will that Manila should enjoy his presence,

or merit seeing him alive, but only when he was dead; for even while

all the people were preparing a magnificent reception for him, with

suitable festivities and rejoicings, they were called upon for tears

and mourning in solemnizing his funeral rites. His illustrious Lordship

reached the port with poor health. The land-routes which they had to

take in traveling from Lampon to the lake [of Bay] and the river of

Manila are very rough and steep, without any convenience or comfort

of inns. His illustrious Lordship, by making the journey easier

for others through his charity, traveled through those mountains

so destitute of comforts that on the same day when he reached the

lake he became seriously ill. He would not allow them to bleed him,

and on that very night he was attacked by a hemorrhage of blood, so

abundant that it caused his death. On the morning of the next day,

a crowd of handsomely adorned boats awaited him at the mouth of the

Manila [i.e., Pasig] River; they looked like a garden of flowers,

and contained musicians who played their instruments together. But

they received his venerated body, with the trappings of grief, and

with mournful lamentations.

4. Earthquakes

This event was for Manila an omen of punishments, which were not

long delayed. On the thirtieth of November, the day of St. Andrew,

the patron of this city, there occurred the most lamentable and

disastrous earthquake that has been known on these islands since the

Spanish conquest and occupation. Manila, when it was first founded,

was composed of wooden houses covered with thatch of palm leaves,

which are used by the natives in their buildings; this [inflammable

material] had resulted in many fires which in several years and on

various occasions had burned and consumed the wealth of Manila. In

order to provide against these disasters from fire, the Spaniards

commenced to build their houses of stone and tiles, without any

pressing fear of the earthquakes--which, although they usually occur

here every year, have not [before] caused destruction [which could

arouse much] apprehension. Accordingly, during the forty years, more

or less, that have elapsed since the last fire, beautiful edifices

were erected, and dwellings were built so high and spacious that they

seemed like palaces. Magnificent temples, with stately and beautiful

towers were erected within and without the walls of Manila, rendering

it very handsome and distinguished; and it was not less suitable for

health and enjoyment. But the result has proved that the inhabitants

of Manila, while avoiding in their buildings the activity of fire,

fell into the terrible power of the earth.

On the aforementioned day of the apostle St. Andrew, patron of this

city--[chosen] on account of the victory gained on that day by the

early conquerors and settlers over the pirate Limahon, who with sixty

Chinese vessels had attacked Manila, and would have gained possession

of the city if, through the intercession of the holy apostle, a few

Spaniards who had retired to the fort had not returned to the defense

of the city--on the anniversary of this day, then, it pleased God

again to deprive us of the city, on account of our sins. The banner

had been brought forth [58] in the morning, and the divine services

celebrated with the customary pomp, and attendance and presence of the

governor, Audiencia, and regidors. In the evening, at eight o'clock,

they had just finished ringing the animas in the cathedral, the parish

churches, and the convents; the sky was clear, the moon bright, and the

air calm and still, after a long period, even months, of clear and dry

weather. Suddenly a frightful crash was heard, and the earth began to

quake so violently that it seemed as if it would become a sepulchre

for all the inhabitants. As a result, during the space of four

Credos--the time during which the first shock lasted, the earthquake

passing from north to south, and then from east to west, with a rapid

movement--in that brief time it flung to the ground the most beautiful

and magnificent buildings in this city. The stone walls were shaken

and bent like sheets of paper or parchment fluttered by the wind;

the towers swayed and bent like trees; and the largest trees [broke]

like the masts of a ship in the midst of a fierce hurricane. Nothing

was heard but the crash of buildings mingled with the clamor of voices

entreating Heaven for mercy, the cries of the terrified animals

adding to the horror. In the streets could only be seen the heaps

of stone from the ruined houses, which hindered the flight of those

who in frightened haste were leaving their homes. At the first shock

of the earthquake, which filled all with fear, some tried to save

their lives in the open spaces of their doors and windows; but this

effort availed nothing to many, for the houses falling flat, buried

them under the stones and timbers. Others sought to take refuge in

the churches; but as many of these had fallen, and others were in a

dangerous condition, they could not find a refuge there. Accordingly,

all who could directed their flight to the plazas, and, the gates of

the city being at once opened, they fled to the beach and the fields,

where they whom the earth cast out might look toward the heavens.

Charity animated by religious zeal was at once displayed by the

prebends, canons, and members of the [cathedral] chapter, and,

following their example, by all the clergy; and by the religious of

the four orders--Augustinians, Dominicans, Franciscans (those of the

Society of Jesus), and the Augustinian Recollects--who flourish in

these islands in holiness and in zeal for the saving of souls. All,

vying with each other in good works, went about amid the greatest

danger, risking their lives in the ruins of the fallen houses, which

were left broken and torn apart from each other, to disinter the dead,

and to save the lives of those who were holding off death for a little

time or lengthening their span of life in the clear space made by some

timbers--which now were their defense, but soon would be the coffin

or tomb of the very bodies which before they protected. Had this

religious solicitude been wanting, the injured would also have failed

to receive the last absolution, the remedy for the greatest sinners,

since contrition is so uncertain, and in such dangers so difficult.

While engaged in this labor the religious experienced no little pain,

although mingled with consolation, in hearing from the ruins voices

entreating them to hear confessions. The sufferers were consoled by the

religious, who exhorted them to [show their] sorrow for their sins by

fervent acts of contrition; for these absolution was given to them,

as is done on the battle-field or in a storm at sea. Thus all the

religious incurred so great danger that no one felt himself secure;

for the shocks did not cease, although they were less severe than at

first. They were accompanied by so loud a crash that its noise could

be heard, even before the quaking of the earth, far away--as when,

in Spain, there is a hail-storm.

The night was everywhere very clear, as the moon was full; and for

the sufferers night shone brighter than the day, for God greatly

illumined their souls, and revealed the sins that had brought upon

them this punishment. Even the children incapable of sin fell on

their knees and begged to confess; nor was there any person so

stony-hearted, although so many were made homeless by God, that he

was not softened and turned to Him. A Franciscan-religious carried the

blessed sacrament from the convent of Santa Clara to the main plaza,

where a great many people had gathered; so loud were the sobs, cries,

and groans of the people that it seemed like a day of judgment. Some

bemoaned their children who remained buried in the ruins; others,

their parents and relatives. For some, there was no one to weep,

since the entire family had perished. We all lamented our sins,

as a punishment for which this calamity had befallen us.

In the first shock one hundred and fifty of the finest buildings,

which in other cities would be called palaces, were totally destroyed;

all the other houses were so damaged and dangerous that it has been

necessary to demolish them completely. It may be said with truth

that only a semblance of Manila remains. There has been no means of

ascertaining the actual number of the dead; those known to be missing

are four hundred and fifty, and the number would have been greater

if the earthquake had occurred two hours later when all would have

been sleeping.

This is a general account; and we will now proceed to make some

special mention of the ruins.

5. Ruins of the City

The building of the palace and royal Audiencia was mostly overthrown;

and the governor, Don Diego Faxardo, who at the time had retired to his

apartments, was in danger of being buried in the ruins. But it pleased

the Lord that he escaped, without injury, to the Plaza de Armas,

where a field-tent was set up for him, in which he lived for several

months, until a suitable dwelling of wood was built for him. The

greater part of the royal chapel also fell, and what remained was in

so bad condition that it will be necessary to build it practically

anew. The cathedral was totally destroyed; tower, roofs, chapels, and

even the foundations, were overthrown. The hospital for the Spaniards

was ruined, but no one was killed; for to those who were very ill,

and unable to move their bodies, necessity gave swift feet to carry

them to a place of safety. The seminary of Santa Potenciana, which is a

refuge for orphan girls and the wives of deserving men who are absent,

was greatly damaged; one wing fell, and carried down many girls, eight

being killed, and thirty wounded. At the seminary of La Misericordia,

which also is a refuge for girls, the house was not much damaged;

but the church, which was handsome and elegant, was so injured that a

great part of it has been pulled down, in order to rebuild it. Outside

of the city walls, the parish church of Santiago and its tower were

overthrown; and an Indian, who was ringing the animas, said that a

cavalier told him that he would save him; and the Indian was actually

found lying on the ground, without any injury. It seems a miracle,

although it can be easily understood that the great St. James, whose

church that was, rewarded the good deed of ringing the animas by saving

the Indian. The churches of Nuestra Señora de Guia and San Antonio were

rendered unserviceable. The Order of St. Dominic lost its convent and

church, and a great part of the college of Santo Tomas; but neither

the religious nor the students were injured. Another building, that

of the seminary called San Juan de Letran--for orphan boys, who are

under instruction by the fathers of that order--fell to the ground;

and it was through the providence of the Lord that all the boys, more

than one hundred and twenty in number, escaped alive. The church of

the fathers of St. Francis was badly shaken, and the walls surrounding

the convent were ruined, as well as a hospital for the mulattoes,

in which some perished. It was necessary to remove the nuns from the

convent of Santa Clara and shelter them in the orchards belonging to

the house of a gentleman, who piously lent that place so that they

might sojourn there with the satisfaction and propriety of their own

cloister. The order that suffered least was that of the fathers of

St. Augustine, although their convent was considerably shaken, and

the church tower fell. The Recollect fathers of the same saint were

not so fortunate; a great portion of their convent and church fell,

killing a religious who was a faithful servant of God and thus regarded

by all. The Society of Jesus did not fare the worst: the class-rooms

for arts and theology (which was an old building) fell, and a part

of the main structure in the new building, which is very handsome

and costly. The church, although it is the tallest in Manila, stood

firm--except that the tiles fell from the cupola. At the college of

San Joseph (which is in charge of the same order) one wing fell down,

and was entirely demolished; and the rest of the building was badly

shaken, especially an elegant chapel which was adorned by pictures

of the twelve apostles. Not one of these pictures was thrown down by

the earthquake, except that of St. Andrew, in token that on his day

his church and even the city were destroyed.

Outside of Manila and within its district many churches, and

convents of different orders which ministered to the natives, were

ruined. Notable among these was the church in the village of San

Miguel, administered by the fathers of the Society; both church and

house were totally ruined. In the house, at the time, were Father

Francisco de Roa, the provincial, and Father Juan de Salazar, who had

been provincial six years before. Father Francisco de Roa was buried

up to his shoulders in the ruins, from which he was rescued badly

injured. Father Juan de Salazar lost this earthly life, but gained

the divine life of heaven, which he had already imitated on earth;

he was removed, mortally injured, from the ruins, but there was time

to absolve him and administer the sacrament of extreme unction;

he expired shortly afterward, with the peace of spirit which his

great purity of conscience had secured him. Also near Manila, in

the village of Minondoc, in charge of the fathers of St. Dominic,

their magnificent church, the erection of which had been completed

a few years before, was overthrown; the convent of San Francisco del

Monte, and its church, which belongs to the religious of St. Francis,

were destroyed; and the convent of Santa Ana was so much damaged as

to be uninhabitable. A great many handsome and delightful houses for

recreation, on the banks of the river, were also destroyed. It may be

said, in a word, that the whole of Manila was destroyed; for neither

within nor without the city was there a building which did not need

a great deal of repair to make it habitable.

6. Other damages and effects of the earthquake in the islands

The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume 35, 1640-1649 Explorations by early navigators, descriptions of the islands and their peoples, their history and records of the Catholic missions, as related in contemporaneous books and manuscripts, showing the political, economic, commercial and religious conditions of those islands from their earliest relations with European nations to the close of the nineteenth century · 第 6 / 8 章

With this honorable commission finally departed from Formosa,