[Gomez Perez builds four Galleys, and makes Slaves wrongfully.]
In the mean while Gomez Perez, still carrying on his Preparations,
conceal'd the Design, without sparing any charge for Shipping,
Provisions, or Men. Among other Necessaries, he built four choice
Galleys and for the manning of them, took a Method which was look'd
upon as severe. He Order'd, That as many Indians who were Slaves to
other Indians of Quality, as would serve to Man the Galleys, should be
bought up, and Paid for by the Spaniards, who were Proprietors, out of
their own Money; setting the Price of each Slave at two Taes in Gold,
each [Taes of Gold their Value.] Tae being little above an Ounce,
which was the Price Slaves had in former Times been valu'd at among
them. He promis'd, that the Proprietors should afterwards be Refunded
what they laid out, from the Kings Revenue. Yet this did not seem to
mollify the Rigour of the Order; because he improperly call'd those
Indians Slaves, for their Lords use and love them like Children, set
them at their own Tables, and Marry them to their Daughters; besides
that, Slaves then were worth more Money. The Concern of those that
were to be Sold, was attended by that of the Proprietors, who were to
[Discontent in the Philippines.] contribute out of their Estates, to
defray Charges they look'd upon as not very Necessary, and to Disgust
their Vassals, by taking them away forcibly, being never likely to
recover the Money they laid down, which they [The Governors excuses.]
were well assur'd of. The Governour gave out, That those Galleys were
to secure the Country, and defend it from the Danger that threatned;
because he knew the Emperor of Japan was coming to Invade it, with a
numerous Fleet; and that it could not be Defended without Galleys,
and therefore it was absolutely Necessary to Man them with Slaves,
since they had no others to Row. That these were not to be Fetter'd
in the Galleys, nor Treated like Slaves, but so kindly used, that
they themselves should prefer their Entertainment, before that of
their Lords, whom they look'd upon as Parents, or Fathers-in-Law.
These Allegations, and the absolute Necessity of defending themselves,
[The Design against the Moluccos takes Air.] silenc'd both Parties;
but could not stop the Mouth of Fame, for it was already known,
what Engagements he made before he came from Spain, to the King,
the Ministers, the Kindred, and Fomenters of the Expedition of
Ternate, so that whatsoever he conceal'd, was divulg'd by uncertain
Authors. However some advis'd him not to rely on the Chineses, or
Sangleyes for the Defence of the Philippines; because no natural
or civil Tye had ever gain'd, or attracted their Affection towards
them. That he ought to remember the fresh Instance of what they did,
when his Predecessor employ'd them, and consequently should be watchful
over them. That he sending a Supply of Men, Ammunitions and Provisions
to the Fort and Town of Cagayan, which is on the Coast of that Island
of Luzon, 80 leagues from the City Manila, and there being then no
Ship to send it in, Necessity pressing, he thought he might relieve
that Want, by making use of one of the Chinese Ships that were then
at Anchor in the Harbour, and clear'd in Order to return to China. He
commanded the [Falshood of the Chineses.] Supply to be put aboard
her, and the Chineses to carry, and in the Way, to land it where he
directed, since it was no let to their Voyage; promising to requite and
gratify them for that Service. They undertook it with extraordinary
Tokens of good Will; but their Artifice appear'd by the Event, and
show'd how Men that are upon the Watch, improve Opportunities. The
Chineses set sail, and the second Day after, when the Spaniards
were asleep, as believing themselves safe among trusty Friends,
they fell upon them so unexpectedly, that they had not Time to stand
upon their Guard, but were all murder'd and cast into the Sea. They
plunder'd all they carry'd, and dividing the Spoil, sail'd for their
own Country. They [Spanish Woman abandon'd in China.] only sav'd one
unhappy Spanish Woman, that went with our Men, and took her along with
them. They spar'd her Life, but after having insolently abus'd her,
they set her ashore, in a Sea-Port Town of the first Part of China
they made. She presently had Recourse to the Magistrates, whom she
acquainted with the Villany those Men had committed, and the Wrongs
they had done her; but tho' favourably heard by those Judges, she had
no Satisfaction for her Wrongs, nor could she obtain Justice. However
they appointed Officers to carry her up the Country, remitting her to
other Supream Magistrates. In this Journey, which was many Leagues,
she endur'd more than she had done before, till some of the Governors
taking Compassion on her and her Tears, carry'd her to the City of
Macao, where the Portugueses reside, and set her at Liberty. Thus the
whole Matter came to be known, and it was at Manila in the Mouths of
all Men, who now magnify'd it, upon Occasion of the New Enterprize.
[Chineses put into the Galleys.] In short, all the Slaves demanded
by the Governour Gomez Perez, were raised with much Trouble and
Oppression, and in the same Manner they were put into the Galleys,
where they continu'd some Time before they departed, and many of them
dy'd, as not being us'd to that sort of Life. All those Slaves were
not sufficient to Man the Galleys, and the Admiral Galley remain'd
without Rowers. This, and the Necessity of finishing the Work produc'd
a more rigorous Practice than the former. The Governour order'd that
250 of the Chineses, who resort to the Philippines to Trade, should be
taken to Man the Admiral Galley, and each of them to be allow'd two
Pieces of Eight a Month, out of the King's Revenue. He assur'd them,
they should not be chain'd, but at Liberty, and with their Arms,
to serve as Soldiers; and that they should only row in the Galleys
when there was any Calm, and to weather some Capes. The Chineses being
acquainted by their Chinese Governour with this Resolution, positively
refus'd it, as an intolerable Burden. But our Governour pressing to
bring about his Design, the Chinese assembled his People, to treat
about the Affair, and contrive how 250 might be chosen out from among
them all, threatning that he would take every Tenth Man out of their
Houses. These Words provok'd them to such a Degree, that the next Day
they shut up the very Windows of their Houses, and the Traders their
Shops, and stopp'd the Provisions which run through their Hands. Our
Governour seeing this Proceeding, and alledging that they mutiny'd,
caus'd about 50 of those that came next to hand, to be seiz'd, and put
to the Oar in the Galley. The others terrify'd by this Action, met,
and drew from among them all, the 250, and because no Man would be of
that Number, they divided 20000 Pieces of Eight among those that would
comply, and gave every Chinese that would go in the Galley 80 Pieces
of Eight, besides the King's Pay. By Means of this good Encouragement,
there was no Want of Chineses that listed themselves to row, but the
20000 Pieces of Eight were consum'd among them, or rather among the
Officers. These 250 Chineses were form'd into five Companies, under
five Chinese Christian Captains, who pass'd Musters and Reviews, with
Pikes and Catanes, which differ little from Cymiters, and express'd
Joy and Satisfaction.
Whilst these Things were in Agitation, Brother Gaspar Gomez
came [B. Gaspar Gomez brings Intelligence.] to Manila, full of
Intelligence, whereof he gave the Governour an Account, at several
private Conferences. He said, the King of Ternate's Affairs were
in no ill Posture; tho' somewhat weak'ned, by not agreeing with the
Prime Men of his Kingdom; and that many of them threatned, they would
Rebel, on Account of his Tyranny, and because he rais'd intolerable
Taxes. That then, neither the Javaneses, nor the Lascarines, nor the
Moors of Mecca frequented Ternate, as they had done at the Time when
Captain Morones arriv'd there, under the Government of Santiago de
Vera. He gave very particular Information concerning the two Forts
of Talangame. That the King of Ternate had then about 3000 common
[Strength of Ternate.] Soldiers, 1000 Musquetiers, and a great Number
from his other Kingdoms. That they fought with Darts, Campilanes, or
Cymiters, and Shields; and others had Coats of Mail, and Head-Pieces
they got from the Portugueses, in exchange for Spice. That they had
Abundance of Ammunition, all of their own making, of the Materials
the Javaneses brought to barter for Clove. That the Principal Place
was the City Ternate, where the King and all his Court reside, and
therefore it is best secur'd, and from thence all others are supply'd,
supported, and encourag'd. [How to be attack'd.] He advis'd that our
Men should assault it before Break of Day; because all Attacks made
upon those People in the Morning Watch had been successful. That, if
our Fleet came unexpected, it would certainly succeed; but that the
said King had his Spies spread abroad in almost all those Islands, as
far as those of Canela, Sarvangan and Mindanao. That a good Number of
Brass Sakers, and other great Guns might be brought in the Carcoas,
from the Fort of Amboyna, and the Kings of Sian, and Tydore. That
the People of Amboyna would send them upon Command, those of Sian
and Tydore, upon very small Intreaty; because besides their owning
the Crown of Spain, they are Enemies to Ternate. That the necessary
Preparation for finishing the War, even in case the King of Tydore
should fail, and it might be suspected he would not willingly see his
Enemy utterly destroy'd, consisted in Artillery and Shipping, which was
ready, and above 1200 Soldiers well arm'd, with their Coats of Mail
and Head-Pieces, till they went over to the Island of Banda, to put
in the necessary Garrison there. [Light Vessels of good Use.] That
there should be a Number of Light Vessels to take the Enemy flying;
for by that Means the War would be quite concluded in a short Time,
and without Bloodshed. That even the Malecontent Ternates declar'd,
and publish'd as much, and own'd, that if a considerable Number of
Fighting Men should come into their Country, they would all come in
and submit without striking Stroke. Hence he inferr'd, that there were
conceal'd Christians in the Molucco Islands. That the Conquest of the
whole Island of Banda, was very advantageous and profitable, and not
hazardous, and that the Neighbourhood of Amboyna, which was ours, would
be of great Consequence for maintaining it. He further affirm'd, That
the Portugueses very much facilitated the Enterprize, and magnify'd
the great Benefit it would be to his Majesty; and that F. Antony
Marta, of whom the Governour had so great a Conceit, was of the same
Opinion. Brother Gaspar Gomez added so many Circumstances to these
particular Accounts, that he wholly inflam'd the Governour's Heart.
[King of Camboxa sends Spaniards Embassadors to the Governour.]
At this Time, Landara, King of Camboxa, sent the Governour an Embassy
by two Spanish Commanders, attended by many of his Subjects, with
such Splendor as the Occasion of it requir'd. That barbarous King
thought fit his Embassadors should not be natural born Subjects,
because of the Occasion his People had given him to suspect their
Fidelity. He chose them of Different Conditions, to the End that such
Variety, the Diversity of Inclinations, and Opposition, might produce
the better Effect. The one of them was a Portuguese, his Name James
Veloso, the other a Spaniard, Blas Ruyz de Fernan Gonzalez. They
brought Gomez Perez a Magnificent [Their Present.] Present, a great
Quantity of Ivory, Benjamin, China Ware, Pieces of Silk and Cotton,
and an Elephant of a generous Temper, as afterwards appear'd by
Experience. They deliver'd their Embassy, the Purport [Subject of
their Embassy.] whereof was, to desire Succour against the King of
Sian, who was marching against him of Camboxa, with a numerous Army;
offering in Return for his Assistance to become subject to Spain,
and embrace Christianity. That the King concluded, that so brave and
gallant a Gentleman as Gomez Perez, would not on Account of any other
Diversion refuse to perform an Action, which must redound so much
to the Glory of God, and the Advantage of the Crown of Spain. The
Governour receiv'd the Present, making a Return with another of some
European Curiosities; and by way [The Answer.] of Answer, thank'd
that King for the Confidence he had seem'd to place in him; but
that, for the Present, he could not possibly afford the Succours, nor
divert those Forces, which he was getting ready, to punish the King of
Ternate, and recover that Kingdom, and the rest of the Moluccos, which
had Rebell'd, so much to the Dishonour of the Spanish Nation. That
his Highness should place his Confidence in the Goodness of God, and
persevere in the Design of serving him in his Holy and True Religion,
and as soon as the Expedition of Ternate was over, he would convert
his Forces to the Relief of Camboxa. The Embassadors were dismiss'd
with these Hopes, which the Governours Son, Don Lewis de las Marinas,
afterwards made good; and to give them entire Satisfaction, and
justify the Delay, it was found necessary to make Publick the true
Design of that Fleet, which till then had been kept secret.
[Mighty Preparations against Ternate.] The Governour, in fine,
resolv'd to set forward, and endeavour'd to take along with him all
the Men he could get. All were listed that could be prevail'd upon
either by Force or Intreaties. The Proprietors and Soldiers were
extravagantly expensive, upon the Ships, Provisions, and Gallantry;
and the Philipines being well furnish'd with all Things, they
did more than had been imagin'd, or could be in the Governour's
Power. He sent his Son Don Lewis, with all the Soldiers that were
in Pay, to the Island of Zebu, where the Fleet was to rendevous,
and there he continued six Months, waiting for new Orders. Gomez
Perez stay'd at Manila, ordering Matters of great Moment. Two Days
before his Departure, being invited by, and supping in the House of
Peter de Rojas, his Lieutenant, where diverting himself with Gaming,
and much Pleasure, he grew [Prediction of ill Success.] so merry,
contrary to his Custom, and the Harshness of his Temper, that many
interpreted it as a good Omen of his Success. He said in Discourse,
that F. Vincent, of the Order of St. Francis, had told him, the
Enterprize could not succeed, because the Army was made up of Men
that were carry'd away by Force, and particularly the marry'd Men were
so. He departed Manila on the 17th of October, with six Royal Galleys,
one Galleon, one small Vessel call'd a Foist, one little Frigot, and
several other Frigots, Carcoas, and Bireyes, which are another Sort of
[The Fleet sets out.] Vessels of the Natives; all which, being part
the Kings, and part belonging to Subjects, who offer'd to serve him
with their Lives and Fortunes, amounted to an hundred. There were a
Thousand Spaniards well arm'd; above four hundred Musquetiers of the
Territory of Manila; a thousand more of those they call Visaias,
Men arm'd with Lances, Shields, [Its Force.] Bows and Arrows,
and above four hundred Chineses, of those that dwelt in the Island,
besides a good Number of those that came to Trade taken into Pay; but
many more Compell'd than Voluntiers. The Galleys carry'd Abundance of
Provisions for the Army, over which he appointed his Son Don Lewis
Perez, his Lieutenant, and sent him before, as has been said, with
Orders to make for the Island of Zebu. He embark'd himself aboard the
Admiral-Galley, which had twenty eight Benches for the Men to row,
and was mann'd with the 250 Chineses for the Oar. Eighty Spaniards
were put aboard it; they touch'd at Cabite, sail'd thence on the 19th,
and with them some Vessels, in which there were private Persons, who
follow'd at their own Expence, coasting the Island of Manila as far
as Balajan. They parted, because the Vessels kept in Sight of Land,
and the Governour put out to Sea. On the 25th he came alone to pass the
Night, at the Point call'd de Azufre, or of Brimstone, in the Island
of Manila, opposite to that of Caza, where the Current, and the Drift
of the Water from the Land run strong, and the Breezes then blowing,
the Galley could not weather it. He anchor'd under the Shelter of it,
and yet dragg'd a little with the Force of the Current. They made the
Chineses row excessive [Chineses at the Oars ill us'd.] hard, to bring
her up again under the Land. In short, they row'd very faintly, either
because they were not us'd to that Labour, and forc'd to the Oar, or
because they were then tir'd, and incens'd with the Command. Other
contrary Winds darted up, which again obstructed their Voyage, and
to weather some Points of Land, it was necessary to ply the Oars,
and to vex the Crew, with the usual Severity and Punishment commonly
inflicted aboard the Galleys. They thought this hard, and contrary
to what the Governour had assur'd them, which was, that they should
be kindly treated; but neither the Lash, nor the Threats, nor the
stemming of the Currents, with the Vigour and Sweat of their Bodies,
seem'd so [The Governour threatens them.] intollerable, and injurious
to them, as to hear the angry and stern Governour himself bid them
row manfully, for if they did not, he would put them in Chains, and
cut off their Hair. This to the Chineses is an Affront that deserves
Death, for they place their Honour in their Hair, which they cherish
and preserve very fair, and value themselves upon it, as the Ladies
in Europe us'd to do, all their Delight and Reputation being [The
Chineses rebel and kill the Spaniards.] in keeping it curiously
comb'd. Hereupon they resolv'd to mutiny, to prevent such an Affront
and Contempt. The next Night, which was the 25th of October, being
appointed for the Execution, when the tir'd Spaniards laid themselves
down upon the Benches, and other convenient Places in the Vessel,
the Chineses did so too, but cunningly dividing themselves, every one
lay down by a Spaniard, pretending to be asleep. In the dead of the
last Watch, which they thought the properest and safest Time, seeing
the Spaniards sound asleep, the Chineses, upon hearing of a shrill
Whistle, which was the Signal agreed upon between them, started up
all together, and every Man with wonderful Celerity put on a white
Vest, or Shirt, that they might know one another in the Height of
their Fury, and the Darkness of the Night, and so distinguish where
to make the Slaughter, tho' for the more Security, they also lighted
abundance of Wax-Candles, which they had conceal'd wrap'd up in those
white Vests. Then they drew their Catanas, which are keener, and more
crooked than our Cymiters, and began without any Noise every Man to
hew his next Spaniard; so proceeding in their Fury, and killing all
those that slept. Above 60 Persons had imbark'd in the Admiral-Galley,
some of them being the Governour's Servants, and other old Soldiers,
who suffer'd Inconveniencies to oblige and divert him. They had
play'd all the Night, and being tir'd, and the Heat very violent,
they lay naked, some on the Gang-Way in the middle of the Galley,
others on the Benches, and the greatest Favourites, who had more Room
allow'd them, in the Poop, and to that Purpose the Governour retired
into the Cabin. The Chineses continu'd the Execution, on those who
slept, without any Mistrust, which was done so expeditiously, that
when some of those who slept in the Poop awak'd, the other Spaniards
were all kill'd. The Watch heard nothing of it, tho' there could
be no Excuse for that Neglect, because there had been Instances and
Warnings enough before. Others awak'd, and feeling themselves wounded,
in the Confusion leap'd into the Sea, where most of them [Many of them
drowned. Only 12 escape.] were drown'd; some few cast themselves into
the Sea before they were hurt, and were also swallow'd up by it, tho'
they were near Land, because the Current being strong, they could not
stem it; twelve escap'd, and many Bodies were found along the Shores.
The Chineses now grown bold, drew out the Pikes they had hid under the
Benches, and finish'd their Treacherous Work with Noise. The Governor,
[The Governor kill'd.] who was under Deck, Sleeping, with a Candle
and Lanthorn by him, Awak'd; and that he might do so, they made the
greater Noise; and the Chineses themselves cry'd out to him, desiring
he would come up to pacify a Quarrel there was among the Castillas,
so they call the Spaniards. He, for this Reason, or believing the
Galley dragg'd, as it had done at other times, getting up in his Shirt,
and opening the Scuttle, look'd out, lifting half his Body above it:
At the same time the Chineses fell upon him with their Cymiters, and
wounded him Mortally, clutting his Head, and running him through with
their Pikes in more than barbarous manner. Seeing his Death near he
drew back, and took up the Prayer Book of his Order, which he always
carry'd about him, and an Image of our Blessed Lady, and ended his life
between those two Advocates, which were afterwards seen bathed in his
Blood: Yet he dy'd not presently, for they afterwards found him in
his Bed, imbracing the Image, where he Bled to Death, and about him
the Bodies of Daniel Gomez de Leon, his Valet de Chamber, Pantaleon
de Brito, Sucro Diaz, John de Chavez, Peter Maseda, John de S. Juan,
Carrion Ponce, and Francis Castillo, all of them his Servants, and four
brave Slaves, who had the same End. This was not known till it was Day;
because none of the Chineses durst go down where the Governor was that
Night, fearing least some of the 80 Spaniards that were in the Galley,
had retir'd thither; such was the Dread of their own Guilt. None
were left [Two sav'd alive.] alive in the Galley, but F. Francis
Montilla, of the Barefoot Order of S. Francis, and John de Cuellar,
the Governors Secretary, who lay under Deck, whether the fainthearted
Chineses durst not go down in three Days, when their first Fury was
over. Then they afterwards set Ashore, on the Coast of Ilocos, in the
same Island of Luzon, that the Natives might suffer them to Water;
and because the Frier and the Secretary had Capitulated, having their
promise that they would do them no hurt, before they surrendered. The
Chineses being satisfy'd that there were no more ancient Christians
left, began to Shout and Roar for Joy that they had gone through with
their Work, and had no Man more to stand in Awe of.
The Spaniards, who were in the other Vessels, near the Shore, tho'
they saw the Lights, and heard a confus'd Noise aboard the Admiral,
thought it might be on account of some Work belonging to the Galley,
or the like. [The Chineses sail for China.] When, a long time after,
they understood how matters went, from those who sav'd themselves by
Swimming, they lay still, not being able to redress it. They were
but few; had not Strength enough; and the Mischief was done. They
stay'd till Morning, and when Day appear'd, perceiv'd that the Galley
had set her Shoulder-of-Mutton-Sail, and was standing for China, but
they could not follow her; The Wind favouring, she sail'd all along
the Coast of the Island, till they got clear of it, the Chineses all
the way Celebrating their Victory.
[The two Prisoners beg an easy Death, and are promis'd their Lives.]
The Frier and the Secretary, who were among them, being fully
perswaded they would soon kill them, and fearing it would be after
some of their cruel Methods, holding up their Hands, begg'd they
would allow them some Time to make their Peace with God; and in
case they would put them to Death, that it might be by Beheading,
and not any other Inhuman Way. One of the Chineses bid them not Fear,
for they should not Dye. They all lay'd down their bloody Weapons,
and prostrating themselves, return'd Thanks to Heaven in most humble
manner, beating Drums, and ringing Bells they carry'd, according
to their Custom. The two Christians being then bolted to a Bench in
the Galley, during 15 Days their Captivity lasted, were fed with a
small Proportion of Rice, boil'd in Water, without Salt, continually
looking upon the Blood of their Companions that had been spilt,
wherewith all the Deck was Stain'd. They shed Abundance of Tears
on it, besides those they hourly let fall with the Apprehension of
Death, those Chineses, like faithless false Men, designing to take
away their Lives, in some strange manner. They weigh'd, and sailed
between the Islands of Mindanao and Luban, towards China, and Coasting
along Manila towards Cagayan, some contrary Winds happening to blow,
and Calms succeeding, they were much concern'd, fearing, that if the
News of [The Chineses invoke their Gods.] their Treachery reach'd the
Philippines, they would send after and overtake them. This Dread made
them have recourse to their Gods, and call upon them, offering several
sorts of Sacrifices, Perfumes, and Prayers, which the Devil often
answer'd in formal Words, by the Mouths of such as were Possessed,
whom he Enter'd to that Purpose, for there never wanted two or three
such, all the time those Christians were in the Galley. What they saw
was, that when least they thought of it, and on a sudden, the Person
possessed began to quake, from Head to Foot. The others seeing him
in that Condition, said, Some God was coming to Speak to them. Then
coming up [Some of them possess'd.] to him, with Tokens of Respect,
they unty'd, and spread abroad his Hair; and stripping him quite naked
set him on his Feet, and he presently fell a Dancing to the Noise of
some Drum, or Bell, they beat or rung. They put a Cymiter, or Spear
into his Hand, and as he danc'd he brandish'd it over all their Heads,
with no small danger of hurting them, which they were not the least
apprehensive of; alledging, that their God, tho' he did so, would
never hurt them, without they were guilty of some Sin against him.
Before the Devil had possess'd any in the Galley, the Chineses were
concerting [Christians preserv'd by Means of the Devil.] to murder the
Christians, believing they were the Occasion, why God did not give them
a fair Wind for their Voyage; but that watchful sovereign Providence,
without whose Direction the least Accident does not happen, making
Use of the Devil himself as an Instrument, prevented it by Means of
those very Persons who offended it. The Person possess'd ask'd for
Ink and Paper, which being presently brought him, he made certain
Characters and confus'd Scrawls, which being expounded by the others
in the Galley, they found signify'd, that those two Men were harmless,
therefore they should not kill them, which was no small Incouragement
to the Prisoners. However this lasted not long, for some others who
were possess'd after the first, tormented them cruelly, especially
one of them, who was the maddest. He told the Chineses, that if he
should happen to hurt those Men, as he brandish'd the Weapon he had
in his Hand over them, making Essays, as if he cut and slash'd, then
they must kill them immediately; because it would be a certain Sign,
that their Gods requir'd it, and that their being in the Ship was the
Occasion, why they gave them not a fair Gale. All the Men in the Galley
assembled, to behold that Spectacle, and the Person possess'd having
for a considerable Space walk'd about the Gang-Way, with extravagant
Gestures, went then to the Place where the Religious Man and his
Companion were; there growing hellishly inrag'd, he commanded all
the rest to stand aside, and being left with only the two Prisoners,
began to make hideous Faces and Grimaces at them, [Horred practices
upon the Prisoners.] when getting upon the Table in the mid Part of
the Galley, he thence threw his Cymiter at them, with such Fury, that
it stuck in the Deck, between their Feet. Seeing he had not hurt nor
touch'd them, he ask'd for it again to make a second and third Tryal,
sticking it every Time so deep, that the others could scarce draw it
out from the Planks. This done, he bid them give him a Partesan, with
which he hack'd, hew'd, and thurst, in such frightful and dangerous
Manner, that the Chineses themselves were astonish'd. He kept them
above an hour in that Dread and Affliction, without daring to stir,
or beg for Mercy; believing it would not avail them, but that on
the contrary, whatsoever they could say might be prejudicial. Thus
having plac'd all their Hopes, and Confidence on that sovereign
Lord, who even when he delays does not fail to give Assistance,
they call'd upon him, and offer'd themselves up to him in fervent
Prayers; particularly the Religious Man, repeating some Psalms and
Verses, which his former Devotion, excited by the present Danger,
brought into his Mind, and were suitable to that Occasion, and such
like Exigencies; by which, as he afterwards said, he receiv'd great
Comfort, and Addition of Courage. This sort of miserable Life, and
these Torments lasted all or most Days during therein Captivity.
[The Chineses land, 820 of them are kill'd.] At length, the Chineses
perceiving they could not possibly perform the Voyage they desir'd, by
Reason the Wind was contrary; they resolv'd to land on the Island of
Ilocos, not far from Luzon, at the Port they call Sinay. They being
there ashore to Water, the Natives knowing they had murder'd the
Governour, laid an Ambush and kill'd twenty of them, and might have
destroyed above eighty that had landed, if they had not wanted Courage;
because at the very Shout the Men gave, when falling on, they were so
daunted, that they all fled several Ways in Confusion, throwing down
their Arms, endeavouring to save their Lives, by leaping into the Sea,
so to get off in the Boat. The Chineses meeting with this Disaster,
and thinking one of their own Men had been the Occasion of it, because
he advised them to put into that Port, they resolv'd to seize and
put him [They drown one of their own Men.] to Death. They did as
had been resolv'd, and at Night, by unanimous Consent, threw him into
the Sea, then weighing their Anchors, they got out of that Harbour,
and put into another, three Leagues off, on the same Coast. There
the Devil entering into one of them, as he us'd to do, commanded them
immediately to return to the Port, where they had sustain'd that Loss
of their Friends and Companions, and that they should not depart
thence, till they had sacrific'd a Man to him, without appointing
which he would have. They immediately obey'd the Command, one of the
Chief Chineses making Choice of one of the Christian Indians of the
Philippines they had Prisoners, to be Sacrifiz'd, and ty'd his Hands
and Feet, stretching them on a Cross, which they rais'd up, and the
Christian being bound against the fore-Mast, one of those possess'd by
the Devil came up [An Indian cruelly Sacrifiz'd.] to him in Sight of
them all, and playing the part of an Executioner, ripp'd up his Breast,
with one of those Daggers they use, making a wound so large, that he
thrust in his Hand with ease, and pluck'd out part of his Entrals,
whereof, with horrid Fury, he bit a Mouthful, and casting the rest
up into the Air, eat what he had in his Mouth, and lick'd his Hands,
pleasing himself with the Blood that stuck to them.
[They cast him into the Sea.] Having committed the Murder, they took
the Cross, and him that was on it, and cast it and the Martyr into
the Sea, which receiv'd that Body, offer'd in Sacrifize to the Devil,
then to be cloath'd in Glory, by him that has provided it for those
who suffer for the Confession of the Faith. This dreadful Spectacle
struck Horror, and rais'd Emulation in the two Christians, who beheld
it with Zeal, and had expected as much before. The Inhuman Sacrifice
being over, they put out of the Harbour, and having for some days
Coasted the Island with Difficulty; one of them, by command of the
Possess'd Person, who had order'd the Sacrifice, with the consent [The
Secretary and Frier set at Liberty.] of them all, set at liberty the
Religious Man, the Secretary, and all the Indians they had Prisoners,
putting them ashore in the Boat, and then the Chineses stood out
to Sea. They endeavour'd to make over to China, but not being able,
put into Cochinchina, where the King of Tunquin took all they had,
and among the rest two heavy Pieces of Cannon, that had been put
aboard for the Expedition of the Moluccos, the King's Standard,
and all the Jewels, Goods, and Money. He suffer'd the Galley to
perish on the Coast, and the Chineses dispers'd, flying into several
Provinces. Others affirm, that King seiz'd and punish'd them.
[Spaniards that escapd came to Manila.] The Spaniards that escap'd,
went to carry the News to Manila, where some griev'd, and others,
who hated the Governour for his Severity, rejoyced; but that ill Will
soon vanish'd, and all generally lamented him; more especially when
some of the Bodies were found and brought in. Among them were those of
the Ensign, John Diaz Guerrero, an old Soldier, and Governour of Cebu;
of the Ensign Penalosa, Proprietor of Pila; the great Soldier Sahagun,
whose Wife ran roaring about the City; [Bodies found.] of Captain
Castano, newly come over from Spain; of Francis Rodriguez Perulero;
of Captain Peter Neyla; of John de Sotomayer; of Simon Fernandez;
that of his Sergeant; of Guzman; of the Ensign and Sergeant of the
Company brought by Don Philip de Samano, who being sick transferr'd
it to Captain John Xuarez Gallinato; and those of Sebastian Ruis
and Lewis Velez, these two Merchants, all the rest old Soldiers;
whose Funerals renew'd the Sorrow for that dismall Accident.
[Rojas chose Governour by the City.] This News being brought to
Manila, and no Papers of the Governour's appearing, wherein he nam'd,
who was to succeed him, tho' it was known he had the King's Order
so to do, believing it might be lost in the Galley, among much of
the Kings, his own, and private Persons Goods, the City therefore
chose the Licentiate Rojas for their Governour, and he was so forty
Days. But the Secretary John de Cuellar returning to Manila, in a
miserable Condition, with F. Francis de Montilla, gave Notice, that
Gomez Perez, before his Departure had appointed his Son Don Lewis to
succeed, and that this would be found at the Monastery of S. Augustin,
in a Box, [Don Lewis das Marinnas Governor.] among other Papers,
in the Custody of F. James Munnoz. Rojas had already sent Orders
to Cebu, for all the People employ'd in the Expedition, to return,
as was accordingly done. So that Don Lewis coming, not withstanding
some Protestations, he, by Virtue of his Father's Authority, succeeded
him in the Government, till Don Francis Tello came.
[Character of Gomez Perez.] Such was the End of that Gentleman,
whose Actions were valuable in themselves, and the more for the Zeal
he did them with. He wanted not for political and martial Virtues,
nor for Prudence in both Sorts; but he would not regard Examples; and
contrary to what those taught him, durst promise himself to succeed,
so that he became confident, if not rash. But his Christian Piety
makes Amends for all.
Don Lewis, his Kindred and Friends, would fain have prosecuted the
Expedition [The Fleet dismiss'd.] to the Moluccos, and to this End
F. Antony Fernandez came from Tydore; but he succeeded not. The Fleet
was dismiss'd, and it was a singular Providence for the Security
of the Philippine Islands; for presently after, at the Beginning of
the Year 1594, there came thither a great Number of Ships from China,
loaded only with Men and Arms, and bringing no Merchandize, as they are
wont to do. Those Ships brought seven Mandarines, being some of the
chief Viceroys and Governours of the Provinces. It was believ'd, and
[Arm'd Chineses in the Philippines.] prov'd certainly true, that they
knowing Gomez Perez went upon that Expedition, to which he took with
him all the Spaniards, concluded the Country was left defenceless,
and therefore came with a Design to Conquer, or plunder it, which
would have been very easy, had they found it as they expected. They
went out of their Ships but twice to visit Don Lewis, with great
State, and much Attendance. He receiv'd them affectionately, and
presented every Mandarine with a gold Chain. They told him, they
came by their King's Order, to pick up the Chineses, who wander'd
about those Islands without his Leave; but this was look'd upon as
a meer Pretence; because there was no Need, for that Effect, of so
many Mandarines, nor such a Number [Mandarines visit Don Lewis.]
of Vessels arm'd and furnish'd for War. The Chineses who murder'd
Gomez Perez, were of Chincheo, and therefore Don Lewis, as knowing
the certain Criminals, sent his Kinsman Don Ferdinand de Castro,
in a Ship, to give the King of China an Account of that Treachery;
but his Voyage miscarry'd, and all was left in Suspence.
[King of Camboxa demands the promis'd Succour.] At this Time Langara,
King of Camboxa made Instance for the Succours, and requir'd Don
Lewis to perform his Fathers Promise made to him not long before. He
therefore, in Pursuance to it, and to the End that those Forces,
or some Part of them, might continue in the Church's Service, since
they were provided for that End, in the Design of Ternate, resolv'd
to support that King with them.
Camboxa is one of the most fertile of the Indian Regions. It sends
[Camboxa described.] Abundance of Provisions to other Parts, for
which Reason it is frequented by Spaniards, Persians, Arabs, and
Armenians. The King is a Mahometan; but his Subjects the Gusarats
and Banians, follow the Precepts of Pythagoras, perhaps without
any Knowledge of him. They are all sharp witted, [Opinions of the
Natives.] and reputed the cunningest Merchants in India. However
they are of Opinion, that after Death, Men, Brute Beasts, and all
Creatures, receive either Punishment, or Reward; so confus'd a Notion
have they of Immortality. The City Camboxa, which gives its Name to
all the Country, is also call'd Champa, abounding in the Odoriferous
Calambuco Wood, whose Tree call'd Calamba, grows in unknown Regions,
and therefore has not been seen standing. The Floods upon those great
Rivers bring down Trunks of it, and [Lignum Aloes.] this is the
precious Lignum Aloes. Camboxa produces Corn, Rice, Pease, Butter,
and Oyl. There are made in it various Sorts of Cotton Webs, Muslins,
Buckrams, Calicoes, white and painted, Dimities, and other curious
[Manufactures.] Pieces exceeding the finest in Holland. They also
adorn their Rooms with Carpets; tho' they are not like those brought
out of Persia to Ormuz. They weave others for the common Sort, which
they call Bancales, not unlike the Scotch Plads. Nor do they want the
Art of Silk-Weaving, for they both weave, and work with the Needle,
rich Hangings, Coverings for the low Chairs us'd by the Women of
Quality, and for the Indian Litters, or Palanquines, which are made
of Ivory, and Tortoise-Shell, and of the same they make Chess-Boards,
and Tables to Play, Seal-Rings, and other portable Things. In the
Mountains there is found a sort of Christal, extraordinary [Product.]
transparent, whereof they make Beads, little Idols, Bracelets,
Necklaces, and other Toys. It abounds in Amethists, Garnets, the Sort
of Saphirs call'd Hyacinths, Spinets, Cornelians, Chrysolites, Cats
Eyes, properly call'd Acates, all of them precious Stones; There are
also those they call Milk, and Blood Stones, pleasant, and medicinal
Fruits, Opium, Bangue, Sanders, Alom and Sugar. Indigo is incomparably
prepar'd in Camboxa, and thence sent to several Provinces. The living
Creatures are the same Asia affords in those Parts, Elephants, Lions,
Horses, wild Boars, [Beasts.] and other fierce Beasts. It is in Ten
Degrees of North Latitude. The River Mecon waters all the Kingdom, and
in it falls into the Sea; being look'd upon as the greatest in India,
carrying so much water in Summer, that it [Mecon River.] floods,
and covers the Fields, like the Nile in Egypt. It joyns another
of less Stock, at the Place call'd Chordemuco. This River, for six
Months runs backward. The Reason of it is the Extent and Plainness
of the Country it runs along. The Southern Breezes choak up the Bar
with Sand. The Currents thus damm'd up, swell and rise together, after
much Struggling one against the other. The Bar looks to the South-ward,
both Waters at first Form a deep Bay, and finding no free Passage out,
but being drove by the mighty Violence of the Winds, are forc'd to
submit and bend their Course the wrong Way, till a more favourable
Season restores them to their natural Course. We see some such like
Effects in Spain, where the Tagus falls into the Sea of Portugal,
and the Guadalquivir into that of Andaluzia, oppos'd by the superior
Force of the Sea Waves, and of the Winds.
About this Time, in the remotest Part of this Country, beyond
impenetrable [Angon City Discover'd.] Woods, not far from the
Kingdom of the Laos, was discover'd a City, of above six thousand
Houses, now call'd Angon. The Structures, and Streets, all of
massy Marble Stones, artificially wrought, and as entire, as if
they had been modern Works. The Wall strong, with a Scarp, or Slope
within, in such Manner, that they can go up to the Battlements [Its
Magnificence.] every where. Those Battlements all differ one from
another, representing sundry Creatures, one represents the Head of
an Elephant, another of a Lion, a third of a Tiger, and so proceed in
continual Variety. The Ditch, which is also of hew'd Stones, is capable
of receiving Ships. Over it is a magnificent Bridge, the Arches of it
being supported by stone Giants of a prodigious Height. The Aqueducts,
tho' dry, show no less Grandeur. There are Remains of Gardens, and
delightful Places, where the Aqueducts terminate. On one Side of the
Town is a Lake above thirty Leagues in Compass. There are Epitaphs,
Inscriptions, and Characters not understood. Many Buildings are
more sumptuous than the rest, most of them of Alabaster, and Jasper
Stone. In all this City, when first discoverred by the Natives, they
found no People, nor Beasts, nor any living Creatures, except such as
Nature produces out of the Breaches of Ruins. I own I was unwilling
to write this, and that I have look'd upon it as an imaginary City
of Plato's Atlantis, and of that his Common-Wealth; but there is no
wonderful Thing, or Accident, that is not subject to much Doubt. It
is now Inhabited, and our Religious Men, of the Order of St. Augustin
and St. Dominick, who have Preach'd in those Parts, do testify the
Truth of it. A Person of Reputation for his Learning, conjectures it
was the Work of the Emperor Traian; but tho' he extended the Empire
more than his Predecessors, I have not ever Read that he reach'd as
far as Camboxa. Were the Histories of the Chineses as well known
as ours, they would inform us, why they abandon'd so great a Part
of the World; they would explain the Inscriptions on the Buildings,
and all the rest that is unknown to the Natives themselves. I know
not what to say of so Beautiful a City's being buried in Oblivion,
or not known. It is rather a Subject of Admiration than Reflection.
[Three Spanish Ships sent to the Relief of Camboxa.] Don Lewis being
zealous to bring those Nations into the Bosom of the Church, and
their Wealth, and Kings under the Subjection of the Crown of Spain,
fitted out three Ships, under the Command of John Xuarez Gallinato,
born at Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, with 120 Spaniards,
and some Philippines. They Sail'd from Cebu, but there rose a Storm
immediately, which dispers'd the Ships. Gallinato drove on by the Fury
of the Winds, arriv'd at Malaca, and the other two at Camboxa. Going
up the River, [King of Camboxa routed by him of Siam.] they were
Inform'd, That the King of Sian had defeated him of Camboxa, his
Neighbour; who, with the wretched Remains of his Army, fled into the
Kingdom of the Laos, a Neighbouring but Inhumane Nation; and that,
whilst he was begging Compassion among those obdurate Hearts, the
King of Sian had set up Prauncar, Nick-nam'd, Wry Mouth the Traytor,
Brother to the vanqush'd Monarch, for King of Camboxa. This Accident
did not obstruct the Succours which the Spaniards carry'd under Colour
of an Embassy. They came to the City Chordumulo, 80 Leagues distant
from the Bar, and leaving 40 Spaniards in the Ships, 40 others went
to the Country where the new King was. They made Application to visit
him presently, but he would not be seen that Day, tho' he order'd they
should have good Quarters, and be told, he would give them Audience
three Days after. But James Veloso and Blase Ruyz, either that they
were formerly acquainted [Design to murder the Spaniards.] with the
Country, or some new Subtilty occurring, looking on that delay as
suspicious, visiting a beautiful Indian Woman, of the King's Family,
she told them in private, That being admitted into that Tyrants
Secrets, he being fond of her, she knew he intended to Murder them
all; and that during those three Days he had assign'd them, as it
were to Rest, after their Journey, the Men and Means for Executing
that Design were to be provided. The Spaniards return'd Thanks for
the Intelligence, not without promise of Reward.
[Desperat Bravery of the Spaniards.] They were not dismay'd at
the Danger; but repeating their Thanks to the Indian Woman, for her
Intelligence, came to this magnanimous, if it may not be term'd a
rash Resolution. They agreed to attack the King's Palace that same
Night, and to withstand the whole Army, if Need were. They prepar'd
themselves for that Enterprize, which was above human Strength, set
fire to the House where the Powder lay, and the People running to
help, or to see the Mischief, the Spaniards, during the Confusion,
enter'd the Palace, and being acquainted with the royal Apartments,
made through them, till they came to the King's Person, whom they
run thro', and kill'd [They kill the King of Camboxa.] after cutting
his Guards in Pieces. He defended himself, calling out for Help, but
those who came to his Assistance found him bloodless. The Report of
this Action alarm'd the other Guards, and then all the City, which
contains above thirty thousand Inhabitants, who where all running to
Arms; above 14000 Men took up such as Occasion offer'd, and came upon
the Spaniards with many war-like Elephants. Our two Commanders drew
up [Retire before 14000 Indians.] their little Body, and retir'd
in great Order, always fighting and killing great numbers of their
Enemies. The Fight lasted all the Night, with wonderful Bravery,
the next Day they got to their Ships, and imbark'd, leaving that
Kingdom full of new Divisions.
The second Day after, Gallinato came in, with his Ship. He landed,
having [Gallinato at Camboxa.] been before inform'd of what had
happen'd, and thinking he did not perform his Duty, unless he succour'd
the Spaniards, when he heard the Drums and Bells, and saw the Streets
and Port full of trading People, now in Arms. He gave strict Orders
to those that attended him, to behave themselves very modestly, so
as to conceal their own Concern, and deceive the People of Camboxa,
both by their Looks, and the Sedateness of their Words. The principal
Men of Camboxa visited him, in peaceable Manner; whom he treated very
courteously. He might have perform'd some great Exploit, but finding
his Strength too small for such an Enterprize, and that now Affairs had
taken another Turn, and were in a different Posture, he thought fit to
be gone. Most of those great Men oppos'd it, promising him the Crown,
as being well affected to the Spaniards, and a foreign Government. [The
great Men offer him the Crown.] Hence came the idle Report, that
Gallinato was King of Camboxa, which was believ'd by many in Spain,
and acted on the Stage with Applause, and good Liking. And it was
the Opinion of Persons well acquainted with those Countries, that had
Gallinato laid hold of the Opportunity offer'd him, he might then have
possess'd himself of Camboxa, and united it to the Crown of Castile.
I have seen Letters of Velloso, and Blase Ruiz, to the Council at
Manila, after this Action, wherein they speak to this Effect, and
complain that Gallinato should blame what they did. But Gallinato,
whose Judgment, and Valour, had been try'd in the greatest Dangers
of those Eastern Parts, and many Years before in Flanders, would
not suffer himself to be easily [The depos'd King's Son restor'd.]
led away by popular Affection, and honourably rejecting that
Opportunity, sail'd towards Manila. He took in some Refreshment in
Cochinchina. Blase Ruiz and James Velloso had landed there before,
and went alone by Land to the Kingdom of the Laos, which lies West
of Cochinchina, to seek out the depos'd King Langara, and restore
him to his Throne. They found he was dead, but had a Son living,
who being told how they had kill'd the Usurper, his Uncle and Enemy;
he set forward immediately for his Kingdom with Velloso and Ruiz, and
10000 Men, the King of the Laos, contrary to all Expectation furnish'd
him. He attack'd Camboxa, where Ruiz and Velloso faithfully stuck to
him during the War, and afterwards in his Government. Then he sent
another Embassy to the Philippine Island, asking Supplies of Men to
quell the Troubles in his Country, and that he and his Subjects might
receive the Faith of JESUS CHRIST; promising a considerable Part of
his Dominions to the Spaniards, to subsist them. This Embassy came
to Manila, when Don Lewis had quitted the Government, and resign'd
it up to Don Francis Tello, which gave Occasion to Ternate to grow
more settled in its Tyranny.
[D. Pedro de Acunna fortifies Carthagena.] Don Pedro de Acunna,
who govern'd Carthagena in the West-Indies, in this Year 1595,
either because it was his natural Inclination, or the Necessity of
the Times requiring it, fortify'd the Place with Fascines, Planks,
Piles, and Ditches, working at it himself in Person. Thus he oblig'd
the Bishop, Clergy and Religious Men, to put their Hands to the Work;
the very Ladies of Quality, their Daughters and Maids, did not refuse
to follow such an Example. It was wonderful to see with what Expedition
and Zeal the Work was brought to Perfection, of such Force is a good
Example. Soon after came to Puerto Rico, the Ship call'd Pandorga, or
Borgonna, that was Admiral of Tierra Firme, and New Spain, with three
Millions in her. The whole under the Care of the General Sancho Pardo.
[56 English Sail sent to rob the West-Indies.] At this Time there
came into the West-Indies a Fleet of 56 Sail, sent by the Queen of
England to plunder them, under the Command of John Hawkins and Francis
Drake. Captain Peter Tello defended the three Millions so bravely with
the Spanish Frigots, that he sav'd the Prize. Hawkins was wounded in
the Fight, and dy'd of it before he could come to the Firm Land. Drake,
with that Fleet, enter'd Rio de la Hacha and Santa Maria; and being
one Night in Sight of Carthagena, took a Frigate belonging to that
Coast, by which he was inform'd, how well the Governour had fortifi'd
it; therefore making a Compliment of Necessity, he sent Don Pedro a
Message by the Men of his Frigot, whom he therefore set at Liberty,
saying, He did not attack his Works and City out of Respect to him,
and because he honour'd his Valour. The Truth of the Matter was, That
Drake call'd together his Captains to consult what was to be done, and
they all advis'd him to attack the City, promising to do their utmost,
and be answerable for the Success; alledging it ought to be attempted,
for being a Place of vast Wealth and Consequence. Only Drake oppos'd
it, [Drake's Actions there.] strength'ning his Opinion by saying,
His Mind did not give him, that the Enterprize could have the Success
they would assure him, because they were to have to do with a Knight
of Malta, a Batchelor, nothing weakned with Womanish Affection, or
the Care of Children; but watchful, and intent upon defending the
Place, and so Resolute, that he would dye on the Spot before he would
lose it. This Opinion prevail'd, and the English standing in Awe of
Don Pedro's Reputation, went away to the Town of Nombre de Dios,
and took it. Drake afterwards designing to do the same at Panama,
was disappointed, meeting Opposition by the Way, which had been
provided upon the Advice sent by Don Pedro, that the English were
moving against that City.
But let us return into Asia. Still the People of Camboxa persisted
to ask Succours at the Philipine Islands, upon the usual Promise of
Conversion and Vassalage. Don Lewis de las Marinhas undertook the
Enterprize in Person, [D. Lewis de las Marinhas goes to relieve
Camboxa.] and at his own Cost. He set out from Manila with Don
James Jordan, an Italian, Don Pedro de Figueroa, Peter Villestil,
and Ferdinand de los Rios Coronel, Spanish Commanders, the last of
them then a Priest, who had also been in the first War of Camboxa. A
Storm took them out at Sea, which lasted three Days, with the usual
Fury. The Shipwrack was miserable, two Ships were stav'd in Pieces,
and the Sea swallow'd up all the Men, Provisions and Ammunition. Of
all the Soldiers and Seamen on Board the Vice-Admiral, only five swam
ashore on the Coast of China. Some Soldiers were also sav'd out of
the Admiral, and among them Captain Ferdinand de los Rios, the Vessel
remaining founder'd under the Waves. The other Ship got to Camboxa
almost shatter'd to Pieces after [Is cast away.] many Dangers. She
found in the River of Camboxa, eight Juncks of Malayes, and the
Spaniards seeing they design'd to carry away some Slaves of the King
of Camboxa, to whose Assistance they came, inconsiderately boarded the
Malayes, who being well furnish'd with more than ordinary Fire-works,
soon burnt our Ship, and most of the Spaniards perish'd in the [Spanish
Ships burnt.] Flames or Smoke. Blaze Ruiz, nor Velloso were not there
at that Time, but soon after in the Country, where they were attending
the King, being beset in the House where they lodg'd, were barbarously
murder'd. Those few Spaniards that escap'd, got into the Kingdom of
Sian, and thence to Manila. Heaven was pleas'd this should be the End
of all those mighty Preparations made for the Recovery of Ternate,
and the other Molucco Islands, whose Tyrant triumph'd at the News,
concluding it was the Effect of his good Fortune, and looking on
it as a Testimony of the Justice of his Cause, and accordingly he
confederated a new with our Enemies.
Don Francisco Tello, a Gentleman of Andaluzia, succeeded Gomez Perez
[D. Fran. Tello Governor of the Phil.] in the Government of the
Philippine Islands, and came to Manila in the Year 1596. His first
Care was to inform himself of the Condition his Predecessor had left
them in, and to supply the Garrisons; because the Emperor of Japan,
having in the Year 1595, executed those glorious Martyrdoms, the
Memory whereof is still fresh, on the Religious Men of the Order of
S. Francis, it gave him Jealousy, that he might have a Design against
the Philippine Islands.
The Natives of the Islands of Mindanao, hate our Nation as much as
[People of Mindanao hate the Spaniards.] those of Ternate, and upon
any Occasion take Arms against it, as they did in the last, at the
said Island of Ternate. For this Reason, Stephen Rodriguez de Figueroa
enter'd into Articles with the new Governour. Don Francisco Tello,
by Virtue whereof he made War on the People of Mindanao and Ternate,
at his own Expence. Stephen Rodriguez was so rich, [Stephen Rodriguez
makes War on Mindanao, at his own Expence.] that he might safely
undertake this Affair. He liv'd at Arevalo, a Town on the Island
Panaz, one of the Philippines, and set out with some Galleys, Frigots,
Champanes, and one Ship, in which there were some Spaniards, and above
1500 of the Painted Natives, call'd Pintados, who were to serve as
Pioneers. He arriv'd at the River of Mindanao, on the 20th of April,
1596, and as soon as the Inhabitants of the Town, peculiarly call'd
Mindanao, saw such a sightly Company, they fled up the Side of the
River, abandoning the Place, to the Fury of the Soldiers. Most of them
resorted to the Town of Buyahen, then the Residence of Raxamura, King
of Mindanao, who being under Age, had yet no Charge of the Government,
which was wholly in the Hands of Silonga, a Soldier, and Commander
of Reputation. Our Men following up the River, came to Tampacan,
five Leagues from the first. That Place was govern'd by Dinguilibot,
Uncle to Monao, the true Proprietor, who was then also young.
These two were naturally well affected to the Spaniards, and therefore,
as soon as they discover'd their Arms, came out, in peaceable Manner,
to meet, [The Natives fly, and he pursues.] and offer them their
Assistance. They inform'd them, that the Enemies, for they were so to
those of Buyahen, had retir'd into the Fort they had there. Stephen
Rodriguez hearing the News, and having made much of those Princes,
order'd the Fleet to weigh Anchor, and continue the Pursuit, four
Leagues farther, still along the River, to Buyahen. Being come thither,
he landed his Men on S. Mark's Day; which was done by the Col. John
de Xara, but without any Order, because having had no Engagement at
Mindanao, they thought they should have little to do there; as if
this, or any other Pretence ought to be an Excuse for not observing
Martial Discipline, Stephen Rodriguez would land to rectify that
Disorder by his Presence. He went out in such Armour of Proof, that a
Shot of a small Drake would scarce pierce it. Only his Head unarm'd,
but cover'd with a Cap and Feather, a black carrying his Helmet, and
five Soldiers well arm'd attending him. He had scarce march'd fifty
Paces, before an Indian, whose Name was Ubal, suddenly rush'd out
of a close and topping Thicket, and running [ Is kill'd.] at him,
with his Campilan, or Cymiter, clove his Head. Ubal was Brother to
Silonga, and Owner of one only Cow there was in all that Country. He
kill'd her three Days before this Accident, and inviting his Friends
to her, promis'd in that War to kill the most noted Man among the
Spaniards. He was as good as his Word, for Stephen Rodriguez dropt
down of the Wound, and dy'd three Days after, without answering one
Word to the Questions that were made him, tho' he did it by Signs. The
five Spaniards, seeing their Commander so suddenly wounded, that the
Slayer, appeared, and the Stroke was heard the same Moment, fell upon
Ubal and cut him in Pieces. They acquainted Colonel Xara with their
General's Death; [A Fort erected in Mindanao and call'd New Murcia.]
and he suppressing his Concern, drew back the Men, and threw up a
Fortification in the most convenient Place, near the River, where he
orderly founded his Colony, to be inhabited by our Men. He appointed
Aldermen, and Magistrates, calling it New Murcia, in Honour of the old
one in Spain, where he was born. Afterwards, designing to marry Donna
Ana de Oseguera, Widow to Stephen Rodriguez, he left Things unsettled,
and arriv'd at the Island Luzon about the Beginning of June.
The Governor Don Francis Tello, who was then at the Place call'd El
Embocadero, an hundred Leagues from Manila, being inform'd of what had
happen'd, and told upon what design the Colonel Xara came, seiz'd him
immediately, [Cap. Miranda sent to Mindanao.] sending Captain Toribio
de Miranda, to the War in Mindanao. He found his Men were retire'd
to the Port de la Caldera, in the same Island but 36 Leagues from the
Mouth of the River. There he maintain'd himself, till about August Don
Francis Tello appointed Don John Ronquillo, who was Commander of the
Galleys, to succeed in that Post. He also commission'd Peter Arceo
Covarrubias, and others, as Captains, to go with him; James Chaves
Cannizares, Collonel; Garcia Guerrero, Major; and Christopher Villagra
and Cervan Gutierrez, Captains of Foot. Don John Ronquillo came with
his Recruit to press upon the Enemy, and did it so effectually, that
being distress'd, they crav'd Aid of the King of Ternate, to whom the
People of Mindanao pay an Acknowledgement, which is little less, or
the same as Tribute. Buizan, Brother to Silonga, went on this Embassy;
[Ternates Succour Mindanao.] and succeeded so well, that the King
of Ternate sent with him seven Carcoas, x heavy Pieces of Cannon,
two smaller, some Falconets, and six hundred Men. They sailing up the
River of Mindanao, design'd to pass on as far as Buyahen; but met with
great Difficulties at the Reaches; because at one of them they were
threatned by the Spaniards chief Fort, the Galleys, and other Vessels;
and the other was a narrow Channel, with a Point running out into it,
on which was erected a Bastion, defended by forty Men. From thence
our Men had artificially laid a strong wooden Bridge over to the
other Side of the River, close to which a Galliot ply'd up and down.
The Ternates seeing both Sides so well Guarded, resolv'd to fortify
themselves at the Mouth of the River. They accordingly erected a
small [They build a Fort on the River.] Fort, and put themselves
into it, with an equal Number of Mindanao Soldiers. The News hereof
mov'd the General Ronquillo to dislodge them; and in Order to it,
came down with the Galleys and other Vessels, and 140 Men well
appointed. He landed with 116, and the Captains Ruy Gomez Arellano,
Garcia Guerrero, Christopher Villagra, and Alonso de Palma, facing the
Enemy, at about eighty Paces Distance, on the Bank of the River. The
Ternates and Mindanaos had levell'd all the Front of their Fort,
and designedly left a Spot of Bushes and Brambles on one Side,
where 300 Ternates lay in Ambush, the rest being in the Fort. Both
their Parties perceiving how few of our Men came to attack them,
were asham'd to be shut up within Fortifications, and lye in Ambush,
and accordingly making Show of haughty Threats, came out and met the
Spaniards. They found such Opposition, that without the Help of any
Stratagem, or other Cause but their natural Valour, at the very first
onset, almost all the Ternates were kill'd, [Slaughter of Ternates.]
and the rest fled. Our Men follow'd the Chace, till they made an
End of them. The people of Tampaca, who till then had been Neuters,
to see which Side Fortune would favour, perceiving she declar'd for
us, took up Arms for our Part. Only seventy seven escap'd dangerously
wounded, whereof fifty were drown'd in the River leaping, into it in
Despair: Of the other twenty seven, only three surviv'd, who carry'd
the News to their [Only three escape.] King. The Spaniards possess'd
themselves of the Shipping, Cannon, and Plunder of the vanquish'd,
and were encourag'd to prosecute the War.
Don Francis Tello did not neglect other Affairs of this Nature. He
understood by his Spyes, and it was bruited abroad, that the Emperor of
Japan [Warlike preparations in Japan.] was gathering a mighty Army,
and fitted out a Fleet for it, with Arms and Provisions. It was also
known, that he was in Treaty to secure himself against the Chineses,
of whom the Japoneses are naturally Jealous. Hence it was inferr'd,
that he arm'd to carry the War out of his own Dominions. He had already
enter'd into Allyance with the King of Ternate, and other Neighbours,
who were Enemies to the Crown of Spain. All these Particulars gave
vehement Cause to conjecture, that the Storm threatned the Philippine
Islands, and more especially Manila, the Head of them. The Governour
strengthned himself, and sent Captain Alderete to discover the whole
Truth, under Colour of complimenting that Emperour, and carrying [A
Spanish Embassy thither.] him a Present. The Embassador set out for
Japan in July, and at the same Time Don Francisco dispatch'd the Galeon
S. Philip for New Spain, with Advice of those Reports. These two Ships,
viz. that Alderete went in, and the S. Philip, were together in Japan,
which the Natives were jealous of. Alderete got full Information of the
Strength and Designs of the Japoneses, and his Industry was of Use, for
the taking of right Measures in Manila, and to prevent their fearing
without Cause. He brought back another noble Present to the Governour;
and both Sides stood upon their Guard, to be ready upon all Occasions.
[Sovereign Court at Manila.] In the Year 1598, the sovereign Court was
again erected at Manila, King Philip prudently conferring Dignity on
that Province. It was compos'd of the Iudges Zambrano, Mezcoa, Tellez
de Almazan, and the Kings Attorney Jerome Salazar, y Salcedo. That
great King never allow'd of any Intermission in his weighty Cares,
which extended to all the known Parts of the World; having a watchful
Eye upon the Designs of other Princes, whether well, or ill affected to
the Propagation of the Gospel, which was his main Design. Therefore,
about this Time, he made Haste to rid himself of his neighbouring
Enemies, that he might have Leasure to attend the remotest Rebels
against the Church and his Monarchy. And in Respect that as [Peace
between France & Spain.] Age came on, its Distempers grew heavier,
he concluded a Peace with France, which was proclaim'd at Madrid, with
Martial Solemnity, after he had withdrawn himself to the Monastery of
S. Laurence, at the Escurial, [K. Philip the 2d dies.] a Work of his
Piety and Magnificence, where he dy'd on the thirteenth of September
1598, with singular Tokens of Sanctity. He frequented the Sacrament
of Confession, receiv'd the divine Viaticum, and extreme Unction,
the last Remedy for temporal, and eternal Health. His Death was in
all Respects answerable to the wonderful Course of his Life.
[K. Philip the 3d.] King Philip the Third, our sovereign Lord,
succeeded him, having been before sworn in all his Kingdoms, who,
amidst the Tears and Funeral Solemnities, Commanded the Will to
be open'd, and what his Father had order'd to be fulfill'd. His
Instructions, and the Mysteries of State, whereof he was so great
a Master, and which he communicated to his Son till the last Gasp,
produc'd the Peace which attended his most happy Succession, which
was his Due by Natural Right, the Law of Nations, and his own innate
Virtues; the general Submission of his Subjects, and the Fidelity
of the Armies that serv'd in the Northern Provinces in Italy,
Africk, Asia, the Indies, and in Garrisons, were a Curb to other
Nations. Many of them presented the new King with Protestations of
Loyalty, before they had receiv'd Letters and Advice of his being
upon the Throne. The same Unanimity was found in the Fleet, and
Naval Power, wherein the Treasures and Commodities are transported;
a rare Tranquility upon the Change of Princes. The Roman Legions
in Germany, and Illyricum, did not show such Respect to Tyberius,
after the Death of Augustus. [Greatness of the Spanish Monarchy.]
And tho' the Spanish Monarchy is of so great an Extent, that it
borders on the unknown World, and it is never Night in all Parts of
it, because the Sun encompasses and continually displays his Light
over it, yet it obey'd without any Commotion, or rather with Pride,
as if it knew and were sensible of the new Hand that took up the
Reins of Government. Excellent Princes have seldom fail'd to employ
extraordinary Ministers about their Persons, to manage and sustain
the Burden their Fortune lays upon their Shoulders; so Alexander the
Great had Hephestion; the two Scipios, the two Lelij; Augustus Cæsar,
Marcus Agrippa; the Princes of the August House of Austria, other
Persons of singular Virtue; for all moral Wisdom, and Experience it
self teaches us, that the Difficulties of weighty Affairs are not
to be duly manag'd, and surmounted, by any but Persons of a more
than ordinary Capacity; because Nature has not left any of its Works
destitute of a proportionable Ministry. And considering, that it is
of great Importance to the publick Welfare, to contrive, that what is
necessary for the Use and Commerce of Mankind may appear eminent in
Dignity, for the strengthning of the common Advantage with Authority:
The King, I say, following those ancient Examples, made Choice of Don
Francisco de Rojas y Sandoval, then Marques of Denia, and since first
Duke of Lerma, a most [Duke of Lerma Prime Minister.] able Minister,
privately to consult with him about fundamental Matters and Concerns,
for which he had been prepar'd with singular Affection in those Times:
Besides the great Antiquity of his Family, which has ally'd him to all
the noblest of the Grandees of Spain, all Men own him endow'd with
the necessary Virtues, that belong to a Person in so great a Post;
which shine through that pleasing Gravity of his Countenance, with
a stay'd Gayity that testifies his Capacity, and provokes Respect
at the same Time that it gains Affections. He constituted him the
first of his Council of State, and all the Orders for Peace and
War began to run through his Hands. All the Opinions of Councels,
which he found seal'd, for King Philip the 2d to give his Decision
thereupon, he restor'd, without opening them, to the Presidents of
the said Councels they came from, being, perhaps, calculated out of
Respect, that they might again debate upon them with more Liberty,
and send them back enlarg'd or reform'd.
Heaven was now hastening the Reduction of the Molucco Islands, and
the [Neglect of the Moluccos in Spain.] punishing the Persecution
of the faithfull, tho the Tyrants appear'd never so haughty; however
the Talk of it was discontinu'd for some Time; because the Enterprize
was to be concerted, and carry'd on in the Philippine Islands, and to
be resolv'd on, and encourag'd in the supreme Council of the Indies,
and it was requisite that the President and Councellors should be
well affected to the Cause, which had then no Body to support it,
as being despair'd of by Reason of so many unfortunate Attempts:
and therefore the Papers of Reflections, and Informations relating
to it, lay by, forgotten, in Heaps. This was the Posture of those
Affairs till Providence dispos'd the Means for bringing it about,
that a Matter which was difficult on so many several Accounts,
might fall into the Hands of a Sovereign, who being well affected,
might with special Zeal bring it to Perfection.
No Body now disturb'd the King of Ternate. The English settled on his
Lands, and Trade enrich'd the Sovereign and the Subjects. He, tho' he
had many Sons, and the Prince his Successor was of Age to bear Arms,
did not cease equally to increase his Wives and Concubines. Lust was
never circumscrib'd by any Laws among those People. The Relations of
curious Persons inform us, That among the rest of this Kings Wives,
there was [Queen of Ternate in Love with the Kings Son.] one very
young, and singular for Beauty, with whom the Prince her Son-in-Law,
whose Name was Gariolano fell in Love, and she rejected not his
Courtship tho' she was Wife to his Father: But that Nearness of Blood
secur'd their Familiarity, and under the Shelter, and Cover of it,
she admitted both Father and Son.
[Sangiack of Sabubu Father to her.] This Queen was Daughter to the
Sangiack of Sabubu, a potent Prince in the great Island Batochina,
who came to Ternate, upon some slight Occasion. He being lodged in
the Palace, and entertain'd as a Father, and Father-in-Law, easily saw
into the Incestuous Life of his Daughter. He resolv'd to be thoroughly
convinc'd, yet concealing his Jealousy from both the Lovers, he was
satisfy'd of the Truth, learnt who were the Parties privy to it,
abhorr'd the Baseness, and condemn'd his own Blood. He pretended
one day he would Dine in private, and sent only for his Daughter;
who being free [He Poisons her.] from all Jealousy or Suspition,
swallow'd a Poison, which soon took away her Life, in that Food which
she us'd most to delight in. Endeavours were us'd to help the unhappy
Queen, and compose the Father; but he angrily obstructing that last
act of Compassion, put away the Physitians, and Women, and being left
alone with the King, who, upon hearing the News, was come to give his
Assistance, said, This Woman, whom Nature gave to me for a Daughter,
and I to you for a Wife, has, with her Life, satisfy'd a Debt she
had contracted by her inordinate Passions. Do not Lament her, or
believe she dy'd of any Natural Distemper. I killd her, taking the
Revenge off your Hands. The Prince, your Son, had a Love Intrigue with
her? Being in your House I had full Proof of it, and not being able to
endure, that my Blood should wrong you, I could lay aside all Fatherly
Affection, and take away the Stain that on my Side is laid upon the
Law of Nature, and your Honour. I have honourably finish'd the first
Part of this Example. Now, if you think your self wrong'd by your Son,
he is in your Power, and I have no Right to deliver him up to you,
as I do this false Body. It lies upon you to finish this Work upon
the Offender, for I have perform'd all that was my Duty in giving you
this Information, and depriving my self of the Daughter I lov'd best.
The King was astonish'd, without knowing how to return Thanks,
or perform any other Act becoming a King; and having lamented the
Misfortune for some time, order'd Prince Gariolano to be secur'd; but
he, who was no less belov'd by the Guards than his Father, Guessing
at the Consequences, [The Prince Flies.] which might certainly
be deduc'd from the Queens violent Death, sparing no Horse-flesh,
made to the Sea-Port, where he withdrew, with some of his Relations,
from his Fathers Presence and Anger, till it naturally cool'd. It
happen'd as he expected, for he was appeased before a Year expir'd,
and the [Is Restor'd to Favour.] Prince was restor'd to his Favour;
the King then making a Jest of the Stains of his Honour, and saying,
He well knew his ill Luck in Wives and Concubines. But what Laws
does he observe, who is guided by his Appetite? And how can he weigh
the Duties of Honour, who Thinks that only the common Actions of the
Sense have any solid being?
The End of the Sixth Book.
THE
HISTORY
OF THE
Discovery and Conquest
OF THE
Molucco and Philippine Islands, &c.