How the Captain, Pedro Fernandez de Quiros, having left the port
of Callao with his fleet, navigated from the coast of Peru, and
his instructions to the pilots, sailors and soldiers that they
might know how to govern themselves.
Commencing to leave the port of Callao, the prows of the three ships
were pointed in the direction of their destination. The sun went
down. The Almiranta asked for her name. She was given the name of
San Pedro, patron of the same ship, and of the cause. They sailed
with the wind S.S.E., so prevalent on that coast, thence to E.S.E.,
and as we went on the wind passed from point to point until it was
due east, where it remained for many days, blowing gently. It seems
that the lofty cordillera of Peru, running north and south, impedes
the wind from blowing east until a good offing is gained, when it is
the ordinary wind.
The Captain, during the three first days, made entries in his journal,
but presently his health failed him. For he took such a headache from
Lima that he could suffer neither sun nor shade, and could expose it
neither bare nor covered. On this malady there came a spasm which
caused him much suffering, and, as was afterwards supposed, he was
cured by this reversed attack, though none of these changes sufficed
to finish him. For whom God wishes will live. The three eves and days
of Christmas, Circumcision, and Epiphany, were celebrated with great
festivity; and at the Conversion of St. Paul, the Captain, not having
been able to do so before, issued the following instructions to the
people of his ship, and to those of the other two ships of his fleet,
judging them to be very necessary.
Instructions.
Pedro Fernandez de Quiros, Captain and Chief of the three vessels
of the fleet, of which he has command, to discover the unknown
southern regions for His Majesty.
As it is agreeable to the service of God our Lord, and to that of
the King of Spain, Philip, third of that name, whose is this fleet,
and whose vassal I am, and in whose name I go on this service;
and as it is conducive to good government that the Captains should
have rules to keep respecting the voyage that has to be made, and
other work that has to be done, if by chance, owing to a tempest
or other legitimate cause, they should part company from me, they
should be given instructions and notices that they may follow
and carry out the orders with regard to the charge with which
they are entrusted. I, therefore, give to Luis Vaez de Torres,
Admiral of the ship called San Pedro, the orders as follows:--
I specially charge the said Admiral that he is to maintain
Christian, political, and military discipline among the men of
his ship.
Further, I charge him to see that they do not curse nor blaspheme,
nor say or do other things evil against God our Lord, nor against
the most holy Mother, nor against angels, saints, or things
divine or sacred; and if perchance (which may God not permit)
there are some so wicked as to dare to utter such blasphemies, he
is to punish them severely and rigorously as their crimes deserve.
Further, I charge him not to consent to any playings with dice or
cards, either for small or great stakes; and if by chance there
should be any playing cards found in his ship, or dice (except
for playing at backgammon), he is to throw them overboard as a
thing very prejudicial to the objects of the voyage; and if the
games at tables cause disputes and trouble, they are also to be
thrown overboard, so as to avoid all occasion for mischief.
He is to take great care that every day, in the afternoon, all
the people go on their knees before an altar where there are
images of Christ and of the Virgin Mary, and that the Litany of
Our Lady of Loreto is recited, praying for her favour and for
her intercession, that God our Lord may guide us and show us the
lands and people we seek, and help us in all that undertaking on
which we are employed, and grant us that success which will be to
His honour and glory and for the good of so many of His creatures.
Further, I charge him that he forbids and by all means prevents
any one from taking God's name in vain, the person so offending
forfeiting his ration for that day, and if he has already had
it, for the next day; and the same punishment is to be inflicted
on such persons as may give him to eat, even if they are his own
mess-mates. If the blasphemer repents his fault, he may be pardoned
the first time, but for the second, third, or other times he may
be put in irons, or fined for the benefit of souls in purgatory;
and this may not be remitted. And that this may be known to all,
a copy of this chapter is to be nailed to the ship's main mast.
Further, he is to be very vigilant in preventing free or
disrespectful words being spoken of the royal person or his
service: and those who so offend are to be punished promptly
and with rigour, always justifying what is inflicted for this or
other offences.
Further, he is to take care and use much diligence in treating
kindly and lovingly all the people under his charge, and to honour
and maintain each one of his officers in the posts they occupy,
and to cause them to be respected and to respect each other. In
short, he is to acquire those methods and habits which are
necessary to keep his people contented and firm in their love,
truthfulness, fidelity, and loyalty, remembering how worthy of
esteem that Captain is who, without the use of knife or other
rigour, governs his people in peace.
Further, he is to look after the Master of the Ship with vigilance,
who is to see that the provisions do not turn bad and are not
wasted; and that those respecting which there is a suspicion that
they may turn bad are used first.
The ration to be served out each day to each person on board,
whether receiving wages or not, is 1 1/2 lbs. of biscuit, 1 lb. of
meat, 2 oz. of bacon, 1 oz. of pulses, half a gallon of water for
drinking, and sufficient for cooking. On fish days the ration is
to be one fish or (if it is large) part of one, 6 oz. of pulses,
a measure of oil, another of vinegar; biscuit and water as on meat
days. If there is no fish, 4 oz. of cheese is to be substituted. As
regards extras, what appears most convenient is to be done, always
seeing that there is no pretext for complaints, and considering
that there is much time and a long voyage before us.
He is to be very diligent, both by day and night, in following the
Capitana ship, which will shape a W.S.W. course until the latitude
of 30° is reached; and when that is reached and no land has been
seen, the course will be altered to N.W. until the latitude of 10°
15'; and if no land has yet been found, a course will be followed
on that parallel to the west, in search of the island of Santa
Cruz. There a port will be sought in the bay of Graciosa, in 10°
of latitude, and 1,850 leagues from the city of the Kings, to the
south of a great and lofty volcano, standing alone in the sea,
about 8 leagues from the said bay. The Captain who arrives first
in this port, which is at the head of the bay, between a spring
of water and a moderate-sized river, with bottom from 40 to 35
fathoms, is to anchor there, and wait there three months for the
other two ships. When together, a resolution will be taken as
to what further shall be done, in compliance with His Majesty's
orders. If by chance the other ships do not arrive, the Captain,
before he departs, is to raise a cross, and at the foot of it,
or of the nearest tree, he is to make a sign on the trunk, to be
understood by him who next arrives, and to bury a jar with the
mouth closed with tar, and containing a narrative of all that has
happened and of his intentions. Then he will steer S.W. as far
as 20°, thence N.W. to 4°, and on that parallel he is to steer
west in search of New Guinea. After coasting all along that land,
he is to proceed to the city of Manilla, in the island of Luzon of
the Philippines, in 14° N., thence by the eastern Indies to Spain,
to give an account to His Majesty of all that has been discovered.
Further, he is to be diligent in taking the sun daily, and at night
the star Crucero, or at least whenever the weather admits of it,
that he may know his latitude and plot it on his chart, making
allowances for lee-way, caused by winds or currents, and for the
variation of the needle; and for greater accuracy, he shall take
care to correct it by the sun, or by a known star when on the
meridian. He is also to be careful to note the number of leagues
made by the ship each day, the winds and the changes, the showers,
currents, flights of birds, shoals of fishes, and signs of land,
with its appearance when sighted. Also, he is to note the islands,
whether inhabited or uninhabited, and place them on the chart
in their latitude, longitude, and form. If it is continental
land, he is to do the same as regards ports, capes, anchorages,
and all other features; writing descriptions of the positions of
each feature, of the rivers and places where wood and water can be
obtained, as well as the rocks and reefs that are met with. If the
bottom is sand, it is to be denoted by dots of ink, if of rocks by
small crosses. Besides these details, the colour, shape, features,
and dress of the inhabitants are to be noted, their food, arms,
boats, behaviour, and government and religion; so that a full and
detailed account can be given to the King our Lord in his Council
of State, from whence the orders for the voyage were issued.
Every day he will come up to this Capitana, as is the custom,
to give his respects and wish for a good voyage; and to ask for
the word, which will be answered and given in the customary way.
He is to take care that, at sunrise and sunset, and oftener if
it seems desirable, two men go to the masthead to look out over
all parts of the horizon; and at night the sentries are to be
doubled, one being on the bowsprit. The rounds and over-rounds
are to be gone by him in person, and when he is not able, he is
to delegate the duty to others in whom he has confidence. In this
he is to be punctual, and rigorous in punishing those he finds
not keeping a good look-out, or sleeping. In taking in sail,
when the weather is threatening, there must be no negligence.
When the Capitana puts out a flag from the main topmast, it is
a signal to the pilots for the ships to close. The ships shall
then come near the Capitana to receive orders.
If the Capitana should alter course during the night, a gun will
be fired, if it is desired to give notice that land is sighted,
or that there are rocks, two guns will be fired. The other two
ships will do the same, and all three will repeat, to show that
the signal is understood.
If by day it is necessary to communicate, a flag is to be shown on
the main rigging, so that it may be seen by the other two ships,
and presently they will close, to learn what is wanted. If it
is night, two lights are to be shown, besides the stern lantern,
as a signal that help is needed, which presently will be given.
Great precautions are to be taken against fire. There is to be
no lighted candle nor other fire between decks, except within a
lantern in charge of a man to watch it. And this duty is not to
be given to any person unless he can be trusted.
Much care is to be taken that there is no waste in cord, powder,
or balls; and attention is to be given to all the royal stores
that there may be no fraud whatever in their expenditure.
If there is both wind and sea, and both suddenly cease, being
night time, heave to and sound, and keep a good look-out, as the
cause may be the interposition of land close to.
If there are puffs and flaws of wind besides the wind that fills
the sails, or the ship raises her head and stern as if she was
being pushed, it being night time, take soundings, for she may
be very near the land or rocks, where the sea breaks and sends
back the surf.
If, the sky being clear, the sun, moon, and stars come out and
are higher than the horizon, it is a certain sign of land; at
night heave to and sound, at daytime look out for it.
If on the route there should be thick mists ahead which do not
move away, or a fixed line, or a damp fog, heave to and sound,
keeping a good look-out, for there is probably land near.
If certain flashes with little lights are seen ahead, accompanied
by thunder, or there are puffs of wind, it being night time, heave
to and sound, as they may be signs of small rocks or islets. If
the lightning is forked and the thunder loud, also heave to and
sound, keeping a good look-out.
If in spite of the wind that is blowing there come dry gusts from
another quarter, or with rain or hail, it is a sign of land being
near; it being night time, heave to, waiting for daylight to seek
for it.
If the sea appears greasy, with leaves of trees, grass, herbs,
wood, branches, palm nuts, and other things which the waves
carry from the shores, and rivers send down when in flood, it is
a sign of land being near in the direction of the present course
of the wind, or the currents have brought them. In that case the
circumstances will indicate what it is best to do, but land will
be left behind towards the quarter whence the wind comes.
If there are currents it is better when they are strong, or there
are shoals of small fishes which seem to swarm over the sea,
or patches of camarones, sea snakes, seals, turtles, much bad
water, or some land birds, take care, for the ship will be very
near the land.
If flocks of many sea birds are met with, such as boobies and
petrels, note should be taken of the direction in which they fly,
and whence they come in the morning; noticing whether they assemble
early and return late, for then they are far from the land; but
if they assemble late and return early, the land is near. If they
are not seen to assemble, and are heard to make a noise at night,
and are still to be seen at dawn, then either land is very near
or the birds have slept on the sea. It is to be noted that these
birds almost always frequent islets or rocks, because they are
nearer their fishing grounds. For this reason there should be
vigilance to avoid shoals.
If the birds that may be met with are piqueros, ducks, widgeons,
gulls, estopegados, terns, sparrowhawks, flamingos or siloricos,
it is a sign that the land is very near; but if there are only
boobies so much care is not necessary, because these birds are
found far from land, and the same may be said of boatswain birds,
which fly where they please. Moreover, if all the birds, or part
of them, fly together, it is a sign of proximity to land; and it
should be noted whether some of these birds fly as if wounded,
seeking land on one or the other side.
If patches of brown water are seen on the sea, it is a sign that
there are rocks near the surface; if the patches are white, it
is a sign of a sandy bottom, with little depth; a black patch
is a sign of ooze and mud; and a green patch points to a bottom
covered with weeds. In short, if the sea is of any other colour
than the ordinary one of the ocean where there is great depth,
namely, dark blue, it is necessary to exercise care, and much more
if at night the sea should be heard to make sounds greater than is
usual. All the above signs cause an obligation to be very careful
and to get soundings; but there are two things which require more
especial vigilance, and which have the most importance for the
security of the voyage. It is then the principal thing to bear
in mind that while all these signs point to land or to rocks;
that while the birds have wings and can sleep when they like on
the sea; while the fish are in their element; while the winds,
the thunder and lightning, and the clouds fly through the air, it
is only in God that we must put our confidence, for it is He alone
who knows, and who can guide and save the people and the ship.
After anchoring in any port, a careful look-out should be kept both
by day and night, for the natives are great swimmers and divers,
and might wedge up the rudder, cut the hawsers, or set fire to
the ship. For this reason it is well, in places where there is
cause for suspicion, to have a guard in the boat at night over
the buoys, or at least to visit them many times.
Take care not to allow so many natives on board the ship as
would be able to overpower the crew; and even when they are few,
great evil may come to them as well as to us, from ignorance of
our arms; whence may arise a commencement of war, and a faithful
peace may never then be made.
In effecting a landing, it should always be by day, and never at
night. The landing-place should be level and clear of woods, or at
least as well situated in these respects as possible: sending dogs
in front to discover ambushes, with arms ready, marching together
and in order, and entering passes with caution. It should be
kept in mind that the natives usually get behind rocks or trees,
or stretch themselves flat on the ground even in level places,
concealed only by the grass.
Take notice that, if it is possible, chiefs or other natives
who appear to be of consequence, should be kept in the ship as
hostages, but well treated and given presents of things that they
seem to like most. The same course should be followed on shore,
when the natives seek intercourse and conversation with us. The
barter should be conducted by one of us, who should always give
the natives to understand that the things are of great value,
as they really are for them; and this because they do not value
their own things much, and ours but little.
Learn from the natives whether there are other islands or extensive
lands near, if they are inhabited, of what colour are the natives,
whether they eat human flesh, if they are friendly or carry on
war. Enquire whether they have gold in dust, or in small lumps,
or in ornaments; silver worked or to be worked; metals, all kinds
of pearls, spices and salt, and if they eat those commodities. If
they have names for them, write the names down. Ask in what parts
these things are to be found, and what those lands are called. Show
pleasure at what they give, and manage to let them know by signs
what they ask.
Do not think little of the natives, for they are pilferers and
runners, and when they come for that, they know well how to do it;
at least, they try, whence follow evils from one side to another,
which is what ought to be avoided.
Do not follow the guidance of the natives except with great
caution. Never trust or believe in them on any occasion whether
they show much or little sign of friendship, because their custom
is to watch on the roads and to make pits covered with earth and
grass. They are capable of leading those they pretend to guide
direct to their traps or ambushes, or with evil intent to get them
away from their boats or the beach, and to lead them inland into
the woods, and there do what evil they can to them. They always
carry their canes open at both ends, containing a lighted cord,
that it may not be extinguished when it rains.
Never allow our people to mix with the natives, nor leave them
to join company, owing to the danger that, on a given signal,
three or four may fall upon and carry off one of ours to meet
the fate which they may want to inflict on him.
On occasions when it is desirable to have an interview with the
natives, it should always be in a cleared space, with a good
distance between the two parties, and the Chief, or one named by
him, standing in the space, so as to concert with him what they
desire or ask for. It is always necessary to see that the back is
safe without ceasing to watch or even turning the face, but always
the whole body. And, when obliged, let it be back to back, with
the shields in front, so as to make all more strong and secure.
If it should be necessary to embark in retreat, either in presence
or absence of the enemy, half the arquebusiers and shield-bearers
should face the natives, that the other half may embark safely;
and those embarked are quickly to turn, making the same guard
as the one made by those on shore until all are embarked. For,
if all embark in a troop, there is danger from arrows, stones,
darts, and lances, which are the arms of the natives.
The natives never give up anything they have about them, or
anything in their houses, though it be gold, silver, pearls, or any
other thing of value, nor do they understand our covetousness. But
before we gave them our things we were very liberal, sowing with
them and teaching them to sow maize, beans, onions, cotton, and
all the most profitable seeds and vegetables. Whenever there is an
opportunity, such seeds should be sown even on desert islands. If
the place is suitable, rabbits, goats, and swine should be landed,
for it is an advantage to enrich those desert lands, remembering
the possible needs of future navigators.
Take care not to feed on the things which the natives present to
be eaten, because they know how to play tricks. For which reason
do not fill your hands, nor quit your arms, nor take your eyes off
the natives. Under all circumstances these precautions should be
well attended to. One or two of our people should always be on
the watch, especially in the direction where there is most cause
for suspicion.
Care should be taken to look out for poison put into the water
or food. Vegetables and fruits should not be eaten unless known
before, or unless they have been seen to be used as food by birds
and monkeys.
In ports where natives come to give assistance, never ill-use
them nor detain them, unless it is to let them return with clothes
or presents, nor break the peace or the word that has been given
to them, nor cut down their fruit trees, nor injure their crops,
nor destroy their houses or canoes; for all such acts cost them
very dear, owing to the difficulty of repairing damages from
want of proper tools. For this cause they seek for vengeance, and
withdraw food supplies. In short, all is lost that was intended to
be obtained from them. If it seems necessary, they can be made to
understand the harm we can do them with our arquebuses, swords,
and other arms, but not to do it, refraining at the last.
For two reasons the natives may give false information respecting
the land, people, and products, the latter being what we enquire
for most and come to seek. The first that we may go, the second
that we may be deceived, in revenge for some wrong that has been
done them. When it is decided to follow up any of their notices
by sea or land, the same natives that have given the information
should be made to accompany the party, to secure this point.
The shouts and noises of the natives in their assemblies, and the
blowing and beating of their war instruments, need cause no alarm
to us, nor should the natives be despised. In forced attacks,
arquebus fire should be in the air, with or without ball; and by
taking other steps suited to the occasion, they will be made to
fly or desist.
A very important notice is that, when seeking for wood, water,
or provisions, a boat should be sent with well-armed men to
over-awe the natives, even in places where it does not seem likely
that there will be a rupture with them. If they begin to offer
opposition, and the necessity is not very great, it will be as
well to return to the ship, and await a better opportunity. If
the necessity is great, send a large number of guards to protect
the foraging party. Finally, avoid the danger of offending the
natives, or being offended by them. The position should be as
fathers to children, but they must be watched as if they were
known enemies. Our part is always to be in the right, with open
and honest intentions; then God will help us, as He helps all
those whose objects are good.
It is well known to all those persons who are engaged on this
discovery how His Holiness Clement VIII, at my humble petition,
has conceded that if our Lord should be served by removing us
from this world to another, at the hour of death, if unable to
confess or to take the sacrament, being contrite, we name the
most holy name of Jesus, either with our mouths or in our hearts,
he gives us plenary indulgence and remission of all our sins. I
hold the brief for this grace in my possession.
If any person should fall sick, he should presently confess
and make his will. If he should die, it is ordered that the
master, with a clerk, should make an inventory of his goods,
and take charge of them, in order to carry out the wishes of the
deceased. If he dies intestate, the same care is to be taken in
making an inventory, and in taking care of the goods.
All these things are to be complied with, without exceeding
them, unless time is very pressing. In that case, if it appears
necessary, counsel should be taken with the Master and Pilot,
officers, and other important persons, and with the opinions of
all of them, signed with their names, what is agreed upon may be
done, all being for the service of God and of His Majesty. Given
on board the ship San Pedro y San Pablo, by the leader of the said
discovery, in this Gulf of Loreto, navigating on a W.S.W. course,
in the latitude of 19°, on January 8th, 1606.