Sacred Catholic Majesty:
Miguel Lopez de Legaspi came as general of the fleet which came to
these islands of the West at your Majesty’s orders. Don Luis de
Velasco, the viceroy of Nueva España (may he rest in peace) appointed
me to the office of factor and overseer of your Majesty’s royal
estate in your Majesty’s name, in consideration of my constant
obligation to serve your Majesty, whose sacred royal Catholic person I
beseech our Lord to ever increase with great kingdoms and seigniories.
This fleet reached these Filipinas Islands February xvi, 1565, and I
shall [here] relate what has been seen in them thus far, with that
fidelity, faithfulness, and willingness which is always to be found in
me, with all possible diligence.
As your Majesty will see by the relations of the pilots who came in the
fleet, in the navigation that has been made, it has been seen by the
needle that there is considerable land of that discovered and of that
still to be discovered in these regions, that lies in your Majesty’s
demarcation, which, if it be the will of God our Lord, will be found. I
believe that it will all be very useful and profitable, and that the
Christian religion—your Majesty’s purpose—can really be
introduced into this land.
In regard to what we have as yet noticed among the natives of these
islands, there is gold, cinnamon, and wax, and they trade in those
products. We consider it as certain that this trade will amount to a
great sum if your Majesty’s vassals the Spaniards cultivate the land;
for the said natives, as they have shown and as we have noticed in
them, are a race who all live without any respect. For the persons who
were assigned as rulers were not feared or respected, a thing which has
been heard from persons who have been in these districts before. On
that account it will be necessary for your Majesty to order that the
land be conquered; for beyond doubt one cannot believe that it will be
possible to work or cultivate the Christian religion in any other way,
as this is a very vicious and treacherous race, who are full of evil
manners. Accordingly, it will be necessary for your Majesty to order
that the entire land be subdued, and that can be done (our Lord
helping) without much trouble, if your Majesty will provide the men,
arms, and ammunition of which we are at present very needy.
While in one of the said Filipinas Islands, it was reported that the
natives of the Malucos had come under the orders of the Portuguese who
are settled in the said Maluco for the king of Portugal, to an island
called Bool, where they had remained for thirty-six days. They gave out
that they came for the purpose of trading with the natives, and having
secured from them a day, they caused a general market to be held, where
they killed five hundred men, and seized over six hundred, as your
Majesty will see by the investigation made by the general in regard to
the matter. [29] All the natives of this archipelago are complaining
and very restless, for the Moluccans have raided all the other islands,
doing all the damage possible. The island of Maçagua, whose people
always were found to be very willing to serve your Majesty, was found
deserted, the occasion therefor being the said Moluccans who went
thither and did all the damage possible with fire, and killed what
people they could; and [they did the same] afterward in all the other
parts where they went that we have yet seen. Will your Majesty provide
in this what may be advisable.
The general, remaining in the said island of Bool, ordered the
treasurer, Guido de Labazaris, and myself to go to explore an island
called Beguindanao, its coast and products, and to seek a port called
Butuan. [30] Thither we went in order to perform what was commanded us
in your Majesty’s name. We found that the said port had the
settlement and trade of which we had heard; for two Moro junks were
trading there which were said to be from Luçon, near to a large island
called Borney. That island of Borney is rich according to reports we
have had of it. It is a land which contains a large population and many
forts, where, as we have heard, there is a quantity of artillery. The
people are warlike and there is considerable trade throughout the
island. We made friendship with the chief of that said port of Butuan,
as was commanded us by the order and instruction of the general in your
Majesty’s name. We informed them that we were going by your
Majesty’s order to trade with them and to reside in their land if
they were willing; and if any necessity arose to protect and favor them
in your Majesty’s name. The reply given us by the chief was that he
was willing to have us go there. Our communication was given him by
means of the Moros who were trading there as we had no interpreter in
the fleet who could understand the natives—for which reason we suffer
great hardship. The Moros explained that they would be damaged if we
traded with the natives. After we had accomplished what had been
ordered us by the general in your Majesty’s name, we returned to the
place where the fleet was stationed, namely, in the said island of
Bool.
From that island we set sail in order to go to an island called Cubu,
which is the place where the men of Magallanes were killed. We found
the natives somewhat restive, although they gave evidence of a desire
for our friendship. That condition lasted until the next day, during
which they did not perform for us any of the things which were asked of
them. As soon as that was understood, they were summoned sundry times
to give us in return for our money some of the food that they
possessed. We could not get anything from them until they showed that
they wished to fight with us and that they would not give us anything.
As soon as we sallied out to fight them, and as soon as the artillery
was discharged from the ships, the men both on land and sea retreated,
and not a single one awaited us; nor could we even see them. They had
deserted their houses in which we found nothing except a child Jesus
and one iron culverin and another of bronze, all of which are believed
to be of the time of Magallanes. As yet we have not been able to get
anything that those people possess. [31]
After having abandoned the land and after having retreated, a Moro who
had married among them, came with an interpreter, with the story that
he was coming in behalf of a brother of the ruler of that settlement,
and saying that they wished peace and to have our friendship. The
general replied that notwithstanding that they had refused peace and
had shown that their intention had been evil, still they could come
with safety, until he informed them of the conditions to be made with
them. Thereupon the Moro took his departure with a peace banner given
him by the general. Immediately the said brother of the ruler whose
name is Tupas came.
The general declared that he desired peace and friendship, but he
mentioned to him [i.e., Tupas’s brother] the evil design and the
ingratitude that they had employed against him in your Majesty’s
name. After that the general told him that his brother should come, as
well as all the chief men, in order to make peace and ask the
conditions that they had to observe and perform in your Majesty’s
service. Thereupon lie [i.e., Tupas’s brother] went back after asking
an interval of three days in order to bring his brother and the other
people.
This entire island is densely populated and settled, and all the people
are very warlike and vicious. Consequently, I think that it will be
necessary, if they do not receive the true knowledge of the holy
Catholic faith, for them to be conquered and brought under your
Majesty’s yoke.
When the said time limit of three days had expired, the above mentioned
brother of Tupas came accompanied by another chief. They said that his
brother [i.e., Tupas] was indisposed, and that he [i.e., Tupas’s
brother] and some other chiefs who were coming with him would make
peace in Tupas’s name. But the general announced that he would not
make peace unless his brother came; that he [i.e., Tupas’s brother]
should not treat deceitfully with him as that would cause him much
trouble; that he should return for his brother, and come in safety; and
that he [i.e., Legazpi] and his men would await him in all faith.
Thereupon, he departed and the said Tupas carne and made friendship.
[The latter stated] when he would bring his people and that he would
serve your Majesty with them, and that he would not oppose any thing
that was ordered them. We believe that these things come from the hand
of our Lord. May He direct us in His service and protect us in that of
your Majesty.
Inasmuch as the ship which is being despatched for the discovery of the
return passage, is about ready to sail, I cannot inform your Majesty of
the conditions that are being resolved upon, for conclusions have not
yet been reached.
My uncle, Fray Andres de Hurdaneta, is returning and is going to serve
your Majesty in this discovery, and he will be accompanied by Fray
Andres de Aguirre. Felipe de Salzedo is in command, and Juan de
Aguirre—persons who we believe will serve your Majesty with entire
loyalty, fidelity, and cheerfulness. I beseech your Majesty to have us
provided with the religious and seculars that are needed for the
preaching of the holy gospel to these natives, in consideration of its
great service to God, our Lord and your Majesty.
The men whom your Majesty must have provided besides the contingent
that will be provided from Nueba España for our relief, namely two
hundred well-armed and well-equipped men, [are as follows]. Besides
these will your Majesty please have six hundred well-armed men sent
immediately—four hundred of whom should be arquebusiers, and the
other two hundred, pikemen. [Will you also send] heavy artillery, such
as culverins, and ammunition. The men should be the best that can be
found, and should have the best of morals. [Will you also send]
ammunition and arms for those who are here now.
I beseech your Majesty in all humility to confirm the appointment that
was given me in your Majesty’s name by Don Luis de Velasco, viceroy
and governor of Nueva España (may he rest in peace); and that you will
give it to me to hold. Your Majesty will be doing a service to God our
Lord, and a blessing and grace to me, by justly ordering an increase in
my salary to the sum of three thousand ducados in good money, in
consideration of the fact that all the articles necessary for our
sustenance in this land are very dear.
May our Lord preserve the sacred royal Catholic person of your Majesty
with great increase of large kingdoms and seigniories, as I, your
Majesty’s faithful servant, desire. The island of Cubu, [illegible or
blank in original] 1565. Sacred Catholic Majesty, your sacred Catholic
Majesty’s faithful servant, who kisses your Majesty’s royal feet
with all humility.