_That the Phelippinas Islands are far distant from España and Peru,
and in the midst of many enemies; and that they should be annually
supplied with men and arms._ [25]
I. Since these your Majesty's islands are very remote and distant from
Nueva España and Peru, and much farther from Castilla, and surrounded
by many large kingdoms inhabited by heathen, who are enemies of our
holy Catholic faith--as, for instance, China, Cochinchina, Camboxa,
Sian, Xapon, Maluco, and many others--to whom the Spanish name and
valor are odious and hateful, and who watch for any opportunity to
compass our injury and destruction, it is important to notice and
guard against any danger or suspicion which may threaten us. For,
by the entry to Manila which the Chinese and Japanese enjoy for
the purposes of trade, and their understandings with the natives,
it may be justly suspected that, allied with the natives of the
land, with whom they are very friendly, they may attempt some great
enterprise. The best defense against that lies in a large force of
Spanish troops. Although your Majesty takes such particular care to
send assistance every year, this camp not only does not continue to
increase, but even is not maintained: first, because the number of
men who come is not in proportion to those who die during the year,
since the land is [in]salubrious [26] and unhealthy, without reckoning
the men wasted in the ... on punitive expeditions, pacifications, and
ne[w dis]coveries w[hich o]ffer [themselves]; and further there is a
lack of ... since, almost at the same time, occurred the expedition
and pacification of Mindanao, the punishment and pacification
of the presidio of Cagaian, the reverse for the troops in Çebu,
the punishment of and raids among the Çambales, the presidio of La
Caldera, and the expedition to Camboxa. Also the voyage from Nueva
España wastes many men; because leave must necessarily be given to
those who are married in España or to Peruvians--who are men very
harmful to the commonwealth--besides others who did not come with
the intention of living in it, or the desire of becoming citizens,
but only to return with their property. In giving them leave, we
take into consideration that there is ... of those who leave here
rich ... few set their minds upon ... many to come ... voluntarily
without any expense to your royal treasury, so that we are always
in need of men. Those who remain here are exceedingly poor, so I beg
your Majesty to order the viceroy of Nueva España to attend to this
matter with the greatest punctuality. This year only seventy men came
here; they were not serviceable men and among them all there were
only three arquebuses. One thousand arquebuses, five hundred muskets
with powder-horns and small flasks, and five hundred coats-of-mail
and as many morions, should be sent to me from España, at prime cost,
to be distributed among the unarmed men; and those left over would be
stored in your Majesty's armory for future necessity, for at present
the soldiers are unprovided with arms.
[_In the margin_: "Have a letter written to the viceroy of Nueva
España, and this relation sent him ... much that he provide with
care these ... useful, and endeavor to send settlers ...; and that
for this object he perform and execute what is order[ed] in regard
to the matter, with exactness and rigor, and aid in every way. Send
directions to Don Pedro de Acuña to communicate with the viceroy in
regard to the despatch there of all that pertains to the service of
this matter; and that they prepare what will be advisable, in order
to settle that country, taking care that the needful moderation be
exercised in incurring expenses for his Majesty's exchequer."]
_Two workmen are asked for to cast artillery, of which there is
considerable need._
II. A couple of artillery founders are very much needed here, because
of the artillery cast in the islands--sometimes by Indians, and
sometimes by Chinese--besides the great cost and delay, not even one
piece out of four turns out good, although there is plenty of material,
which I have caused to be collected with the greatest care. I beg your
Majesty to send me these masters because there is a great scarcity
of artillery for the defense and protection of this country.
[_In the margin_: "Endeavor to have these two founders sent; have
them sought carefully, and ask the captain-general for them."]
_That a master-builder is needed to repair defects in the wall and
the fortifications._
III. I beg your Majesty to have a master-builder sent me, because
the work on the wall of this city did not have the necessary finish
and foundation. In some places it has fallen. The fortifications were
not built with the plan and in the form necessary for their purpose.
[_In the margin_: "Have some suitable person found to send."]
_That no more assistance is asked from Nueva España than is necessary;
that the succor which has been ordered for this colony has been ill
attended to; that there are fears of the Japonese who came this year,
1599, to plunder these islands; and that a relation of the state of
Xapon is being sent_.
IIII. In a royal decree, your Majesty orders me not to ask from
here too much assistance of Nueva España, which shall be fulfilled
according to your Majesty's orders. I assure your Majesty that nothing
more than what is actually necessary is, or shall be, asked for from
here. Mexico is not in close accord with us, because, although your
Majesty has ordered that the customs and freights derived from the
Chinese trade be sent from that country for the payment and assistance
of this colony, it has not yet been done or observed. Now besides the
men to whom I am pledged in La Caldera for the second ... the island
of Mindanao and a check to ... the enemy in Terrenate from coming
to ... the Pintados, your Majesty's vassals ... year Japonese have
commenced to come ... almost within sight of Manila. Formerly not
more than two or three ships were in the habit of coming, but this
year seven piratical vessels appeared, who have done considerable
damage; and nine merchant-vessels, who have entered Manila within
four months. But, as it happened that the pirates came after them,
as we suspected that they were not all of the same understanding
and alliance, several investigations were made in regard to them,
and their commanders arrested, although nothing of importance was
found. I sent General Don Joan Ronquillo and Captain Joan de Alcega to
attack the enemy with a galley and a galliot; and although they came
within sight of them, they did not effect the desired purpose, because
their vessels were not suitable, and heavy storms were threatening. I
sent Captain Gaspar Perez to ... with some vireys and small ships;
he had better luck, for, having met with two of the Xaponese ships,
he overcame the one which awaited him, and killed the whole crew. He
brought one Xaponese of this city here alive, who was executed in the
sight of the Xaponese and Chinese. I also sent Captain Christoval de
Azqueta with what ships were suitable. The enemy did not wait, but
fled. I am quite certain that they will return the coming year with
a large number of ships, and a large force of men, on account of the
booty which they found aboard a Chinese trading-vessel that they seized
on the high sea, and some robberies committed on the native Indians.
With the death of Taico Samar, the lord of all Xapon, the state of some
affairs may be changed, but not the government--for this, they say,
is well conducted. Although I have not declared him who governs an
enemy, there is little to hope for in this affair of Xapon, because
about one hundred thousand men, Xaponese soldiers, who were employed
in the war with Corea, have returned to their own country, who are
now idle and poor. Some of them may try to invade this land, which is
so coveted by them on account of their thirst for gold. I have sent
letters to Xapon on the two trading-vessels, advising the Xaponese
of the arrival of the pirates, and requesting their punishment, and
the prevention of any ships from leaving Xapon without permission. I
also asked them not to send more than three Xaponese trading-vessels,
for they are quite enough to supply this community with flour. A
relation of the condition of Xapon accompanies this.
[_In the margin_: "Have the new governor directed to display
great care in meeting expenses which are to be disbursed from his
Majesty's treasury; to prevent any trouble which might arise from the
presence and residence of foreigners there, even under the pretense
of trading; that a welcome be extended to friends, and harmony with
them maintained; and that ports and frontiers have their necessary
defenses."]
_That on account of suspicions that the Chinese are bringing over
corsair pilots and seamen, the conduct of the governor of the Sangleys
in Manila was investigated._
V. On account of suspicions which arose a long time ago regarding the
Chinese, and because the Japanese pirates brought Chinese pilots and
seamen, I made some investigations ... Alonso Sauyo, governor of the
Sangleys, but nothing of importance was discovered. . . .
[_In the margin_: "No reply to this."]
_That, as the galleys are not suitable for these seas, because of
the tides, galizabras [27] are being built._
VI. After having considered and discussed in special meeting the fact
that galleys are not suitable for these seas--as may be seen by the
fact that they are not ships that can stand the heavy tides, or enter
the bays in pursuit of the enemy--and because of the difficulties
which the religious put in the way of enlisting rowers, and the lack
of skill among the latter--it was resolved to build four galizabras,
well supplied with artillery and manned with crews. Three galliots
in addition seems to be a large enough force to sweep this sea and
make it safe, so that the Chinese merchants can go and come from
their country with greater safety. These are being built in all haste.
[_In the margin_: "Have this entrusted to the new governor, so that
he may take the necessary precautions, and advise as to what should
be done and the cost of the undertaking."]
_That Gomez Perez had not manned more than three galleys._
VII. Although your Majesty has been informed that Gomez Perez had
manned more than eight galleys here, the report made to your Majesty
was false; for all that he did was to arm three or four galleys for
that expedition to Maluco, and the crew were a few blacks who were
brought at that time to him from the punishment and raids among the
Çambales, and the rest were Indian seamen taken by force, at the cost
of the encomenderos who accompanied him on the said expedition. The
principal galliot he manned with a crew of Chinese, who killed him.
[_In the margin_: "No reply to this."]
_That the island of Mindanao is pacified, and a garrison maintained
in La Caldera, and that report of the condition of the island is sent._
IX. [28] In regard to the pacification of Mindanao, the undertaking
has hitherto been carried on at the cost of the estate of Estevan
Rodriguez de Figueroa; but now a judgment has just been handed down
by this royal Audiencia against your Majesty, providing that it
shall be carried on at the cost of your royal treasury, since that
expedition was organized with prearrangement by your Majesty and
complete justification. The present condition of affairs there is
that Don Joan Ronquillo left the island, and it is now, in a state of
pacification, for the natives acknowledged your Majesty's rule. But,
because of the disposition of some of the chiefs, there is no security,
nor have they come to pay their tribute. It is not in the necessary
state of quiet and perfection, because, in order to attain that, it
is necessary to maintain a garrison there of two hundred soldiers,
whom I have not at the present time. The land produces but little,
nor is there any great quantity of gold, although considerable wax
and tortoise-shell is found. In some parts the people are poor, and
I understand will not be able to pay tribute. In order to insure
security for the Pintados, it is quite important that that island
be safe and secure, so that the natives of Terrenate may have no way
station there to rob the Pintados--who are your Majesty's vassals--as
was done in the year 95, when one thousand five hundred Indians were
captured. Considering that I lack men and force sufficient for the
said purpose, I have posted in La Caldera, which is near Mindanao,
one hundred Spaniards, under command of Captain Toribio de Miranda,
a good leader, by whom that quiet and blessing can be effected, and
Terrenate kept in check until, finding myself better supplied with
men here, it could be completely quieted. A report of the condition
of Mindanao will accompany this.
[_In the margin_: "Have the new governor directed to exercise great
care to maintain the pacified regions, and to have the gospel preached,
and in the ... in regard to the tributes to make necessary regulations,
after consultation with the prelates, and according to his orders;
and that he try to keep those who acknowledge his Majesty's dominion
secure from receiving any injury from their enemies, and forward
information of everything that is done."]
_That the province of Cagaian rebelled, but is now in greater peace
and security than at any time heretofore._
X. In the province of Cagaian, which is one of the best and most
fertile districts of the country, a rising among the Indians took place
last year (1598) caused by the bad treatment of the encomenderos
and collectors, and from the warlike nature of the natives of
that province. The place being of so great importance, I sent the
master-of-camp, Pedro de Chaves, with one hundred men to restore peace
and punish them. He subdued and pacified them. Immediately after this,
I sent Captain Diego de Chaves as alcalde-mayor to punish the Indians
who were the instigators of the said rising, and he executed twelve
of the headmen. Today the province is quiet, peaceful, and tractable
by land and sea, so that a single soldier may go through it alone;
while formerly it was necessary for ten or a dozen to go in company,
and even then there was little security.
[_In the margin_: "Have ... master-of-camp notified to go upon the
first occasion to fill his office."]
_That a relation of the expedition to Camboxa, and the state of that
kingdom, was sent last year (1598), and it is now sent again._
XI. In a letter dated November 15 of last year (1598), which I sent
your Majesty by way of Malaca, I gave your Majesty a detailed account
of the condition of the kingdom of Camboxa with these islands, and the
expedition which Captain Joan Joares Gallinato made to the country, by
order of Don Luis Perez Dasmariñas. I also told you that the same Don
Luis went to finish it in person at his own cost, with my concurrence
and agreement, and at the advice of the royal Audiencia. The relation
of the condition of that kingdom I sent to your Majesty with a copy of
the agreements. Don Luis having left prematurely, and the winds being
quite contrary, he made a harbor, and is now on the coast of China in
the harbor of Pinal, near Canton--crippled, and without ships, arms,
or munitions to continue his expedition. The admiral's ship of his
fleet was lost on some shoals on the coast of Chincheo, and a fine
crew of forty-five Spaniards were drowned. A galliot, which he also
had with him, arrived at Cagaian, where the crew received all good
provision. Repairs were made and the men supplied with what they
needed. The vessel set out on its voyage to Camboxa, before hearing
of the loss of Don Luis, and nothing else is known of it. Don Luis
is continually sending from there for assistance in ships, men,
arms, and munitions, of which there is a great scarcity. Although
he has endured so many hardships, and hunger, and nakedness, when
I consider on my side the straits in which I find myself, and the
little assistance that I have had from Nueva España this year for
the great dangers which confront us, and the number of affairs which
it is necessary to attend to and provide, not only do I not think of
sending him any help, but with the consent of the royal Audiencia,
I advised him to return here so that I could avail myself of the men
that he had there, for occasions which are expected in the future. He
was not strictly ordered, considering the expense to his own estate,
and the hardships which he has endured upon this expedition. When he
arrives at Camboxa he will see whether the king there is in great
need of his person and troops to defend him. After considering the
state of affairs there, Don Luis will do whatever is most necessary
for the service of God and your Majesty. [29]
[_In the margin_: "That everything necessary regarding Camboxa is
already attended to."]
_That, considering that there are poor citizens who have served well,
they should be given some support from the royal treasury, setting
aside for it, a fund of two thousand pesos, besides one thousand
pesos from saleable offices_.
XII. Considering the distress of the troops here, and how little there
is here for their support--and I assure your Majesty that this is an
expensive land, although in the midst of plenty--and as it was seen
that there are not enough encomiendas or offices for everyone, and that
some of your deserving citizens, not being rewarded, do not fill them,
it was the custom to give them false musters [_plazas muertas_], so
that these people secured a living. Your Majesty has ordered this to
be stopped, and this has been done. Also further, in regard to your
Majesty's order to divide one thousand pesos of additional pay among
the soldiers, there is no one who will accept anything, on account of
its being so small a sum, as ten pesos a year, and I do not dare to
exceed your Majesty's orders. I should be of the opinion that these
thousand pesos and as many more, amounting in all to two thousand
a year, should be distributed as a deferred allowance to old and
deserving men, who can serve no longer. One thousand pesos is good,
and may serve until another greater reward is given them. This may
be under the title of pay, up to one hundred pesos, or whatever your
Majesty may order. May God preserve your Majesty's Catholic person,
as is needful to these kingdoms, and as we your vassals desire. Manila,
July 12, 1599.
_Don Francisco Tello_
[_In the margin_: "Have the new governor give information of all this,
and meanwhile let everything provided be observed."]