Sire:
By the ships which sailed for Nueva España in July of this year 95,
I wrote at length to your Majesty, giving account of some things
which, in my poor judgment and opinion, would be to the glory and
service of God and of your Majesty; and very necessary, important,
and fitting for the common good, preservation, and increase of these
towns. Therefore I felt myself urged and obliged to break silence;
and I would not now refrain from referring to those matters, if I did
not fear and doubt that this present letter would not reach the royal
hands by this way, and did I not believe that several of those I have
written by another way, namely by Nueva España, have arrived there.
The present occasion for writing to your Majesty is to inform you
of the arrival of the religious and ministers whom your Majesty
was pleased to send here. This was of great moment and importance,
because of our great need of them. I am writing also to say that
the fathers of the Society of Jesus have taken under their charge
the island of Leyte, one of the Pintados, which has hitherto had no
instruction. Although but four fathers went there, so great good
has resulted from their labors, within six months or so, that two
days ago the father vice-provincial told me that he had received a
letter saying that the fathers now preach to the Indians in their own
language. The good results and benefits are so great that there are now
more than five thousand four hundred catechumens--who, without being
at all compelled to do so, have themselves destroyed and cast down
their false idols. This gives no little encouragement and occasion
to praise God; and shows how important, necessary, and beneficial is
the presence here of good ministers.
Moreover, the fathers of the Order of St. Dominic have taken
charge of the province of Cagayan, where there has been no lack of
disturbances among the natives, with no little tumult and danger to
the fathers and to us also. The arrival of the fathers there has been
of much importance and benefit in that province, both temporally and
spiritually; and has helped in the pacification of the Indians. Please
God their mission may prosper and extend as far as possible.
By a ship which came from Japon in the month of November of this year,
I received a letter from father Fray Pedro Bautista and Fray Juan de
Jhesus, wherein they advise me of the good condition in which God is
pleased to maintain the things pertaining to His glory and service,
and to the good of His creatures and of this state. Affairs are quiet
there, as little has taken place, and their hopes are such as are more
particularly referred to in the account of father Fray Juan de Jhesus,
a copy of whose letter accompanies this.
Likewise I have to write concerning your Majesty's reply about
the agreement made by my father with Captain Esteban Rodriguez in
regard to the pacification of the island of Mindanao. When we were
discussing this matter it was suggested to consider Captain Esteban
Rodriguez in an undertaking in a light which seemed very clear and
plain. He, however, thought that he should not be subordinate to this
government, but free and exempt from obedience thereto. Over this
point conferences and discussions were held with grave and learned
persons, and it was decided that the said captain should go on said
expedition as a subordinate and in no other way, for many causes and
reasons offered, agreed upon, and established as very important and
of universal application; and that he ought to consider the great
difficulties which might arise should he go without being subordinate
to this government, as well as the universal and public danger and
loss that might ensue to this state, and especially to some of its
inhabitants; and, further, the injury to the service of God and of
your Majesty. Of all of this your Majesty will be informed at greater
length, and will understand it by the papers and writs concerning this
case. Therefore I shall make no further reference to it, leaving the
report thereof to be sent by a more safe and certain way than this. In
regard to the rest of the case however I say, Sire, that although
Captain Esteban Rodriguez possesses the qualities of discretion,
valor, ability, competence, and much experience in this work, and
is courageous and of honorable estate, yet he is in my opinion very
stiff, unchangeable, independent, and fixed in his determination and
opinion. Thus he did not wish to discuss or to say anything whatever
in regard to this question of subordination. Thereupon, as it was not
judged convenient to permit him to make the journey independently,
the plans were abandoned, and everything was left until your Majesty
should be advised thereof. At that time, however, news came for the
second time that some hostile bands from Terrenate and Mindanao,
in some very light vessels propelled by oars, called caracoas,
had landed on the coast of Cebu. They committed many depredations,
such as murders, the taking of captives, and robberies, among the
Indians. Although Rodriguez Ronquillo, alcalde-mayor of Cibu, sent
some soldiers to attack them, who, after finding one of their vessels,
seized it, and killed or captured its crew, this victory only brought a
thicker cloud of enemies, dangers, and misfortunes. Although a captain
of infantry was despatched immediately with a contingent of troops to
pursue and look for them, yet, for the security, aid, and defense of
that coast, it was finally judged and considered best, and a more wise,
important, and fitting relief, for Captain Esteban Rodriguez to make
his expedition. Thereby those dangers, or the majority of them, would
be checked and relieved, as well as others which would grow or increase
by inattention. Thus matters were arranged with him in the form that
your Majesty will see by the copy accompanying this letter. As he
will have plenty to do on this expedition, your Majesty, having been
advised in the meantime, will be able to order and declare the best
method to be pursued in this matter. To Captain Esteban Rodriguez
have been given troops, artillery, ammunition, and other supplies
on his account; and he will depart on his expedition within three
months, more or less, God willing. Besides this, report is due to your
Majesty of the despatch of letters and certain articles for the king
of Canboja by means of Diego Veloso. The former sent this man on an
embassy to my father when the latter was on his way in the expedition
to Maluco. When about to enter the harbor of Canboja, he [Veloso]
met the army and part of the fleet of the king of Sian who had begun
hostilities against the king of Canboja. The king of Sian inflicted
great damage upon the people and country of the king of Canboja,
causing him to withdraw to the mountains, as has been reported. Thus
Diego Veloso, and the others with him, had been captured and carried
away. But afterward God was minded to move the said king of Sian to
free him, and to send him with a ship and two elephants (male and
female), and a large tusk of another elephant, which were brought to
me. The king wrote me through a father of the Order of St. Francis,
[29] who was a captive there in Canboja with others, a letter, a copy
of which accompanies the present, and to which I will not refer,
in order not to make this letter longer. Occasion was offered by
this for the same ambassador, despatched now by the king of Sian,
and formerly by the king of Canboja, again to negotiate and ask for
help from me for the king of Canboja, for he had heard that the king
of Sian had repeated the past injuries; and as I did not acquiesce,
he gave me many causes and reasons which I shall not mention here,
but God willing, will state in a letter by way of Nueva España. As
the affair seemed urgent to me and very important, serious, and of
weighty consideration and promise, and one fitting to bring about
great things in the noble service of the divine majesty of God our
Lord, and of your Majesty, I discussed this matter, and considered
whether it would not be a better plan to make an expedition to Chanpa,
[30] as this is a very important passage and post. It is occupied by
a cruel and pernicious tyrant who commits and causes iniquities,
cruelties, and unheard-of treacheries. In the opinion of certain
persons who have been there, the capture of this place would be
very easy, with two hundred Spaniards and five hundred Indians; or
at the most, success is assured with three hundred Spaniards. Both
on account of the facility and importance of this expedition,
and the tyrannical deeds, treacheries, and iniquities of that king,
investigations have been made, and the matter submitted to the prelates
and other clerical persons, in order that they might consider whether
it were just. Although there were some reservations and conditions,
they decided that the expedition was just. This was submitted to
a council of war, together with the question of aid to the king
of Canboja, in order to determine which matter it would be better
to undertake. However it was resolved definitely in favor of the
expedition to Chanpa for certain reasons and considerations. But
at the same time it was also resolved to send someone to Canboja to
ascertain the king's condition, and what were his determination, wish,
and intention in respect to the help requested by him, and in his
name by Diego Veloso. Now we must determine and decide what will be
best for the service of God and of your Majesty. God willing, Captain
Juan Juarez Gallinato, a man of talents, discretion, and experience,
and well fitted for this occasion and the contingencies that may arise
(which are of no little consideration, importance, and weight), will
take charge of this expedition. He will have two ships and some troops,
and is under orders to proceed according to the weather, opportunity,
and disposition and state of affairs which are in his opinion most
fitting. He is to discuss certain matters with the Siamese king,
and to procure the release of the religious and other persons whom
the latter holds captive. Especially he is to establish friendship
with the king of Canboja, who, as it seems, is desirous thereof,
inasmuch as he has asked for it so repeatedly and with so great
earnestness. Thus for this and many other reasons, in the opinion
of those who regard and view matters with some consideration, this
expedition is a work prompted and incited by the Holy Spirit. May
God grant that matters may be directed in the best way for His
service. The spiritual and temporal benefits to be derived from it,
to the glory of God and the good and conversion of His creatures,
will not be few, if His Divine Majesty will grant a beginning of
His light and knowledge in this great kingdom, which is surrounded
by so many others, so great, rich, and powerful--where, with but
little difficulty, God willing, His Divine Majesty can be so exalted,
recognized, and magnified, and your Majesty served. Thus considering
the greatness, natural advantages and opportunities which God has
given to affairs here, together with other things, I am prompted to
write to your Majesty of the great importance of this garrison and
post. I do not say this in undue exaggeration but with sincere love
and desire that your Majesty may esteem, recognize, and know it for
such, and provide and appoint for it a person of the requisite valor,
Christianity, sufficiency, and talents, demanded by the greatness and
importance of affairs here at this time, and which each day may be
presented in their full import. God has provided these things here,
and perhaps some of them are reserved for the happy days and times of
your Majesty, so that even in this life you may enjoy the reward of
the height to which your Majesty has procured and advanced His glory,
honor, and service, and in the life hereafter the greater rewards
and crown. In resuming discussion of the expedition to Canboja, I
will say that I find myself ill-prepared for it; for I should like,
considering the great import it may have, more resources and force for
it than I have at present. For, if God should be pleased to grant the
success hoped for at this time in regard to this kingdom, the effort
would be lost, as affairs would take shape and increase in extent;
and because a sufficient number of troops could not remain from the
first in the kingdom and land of Canboja, who could, in any event,
sustain themselves in that post, until your Majesty should be pleased
to reënforce them and assure its safety. But I desire this most
earnestly for I foresee and desire the great blessings and benefits,
and the spiritual and temporal advancements, which may be increased
and hoped for. Likewise, because the voyage thither is but short,
we can send help and reënforcements twice a year, and maintain there
a moderate force and garrison. Moreover, if this friendship with the
king is brought about, many greater and more important undertakings
will follow, which can be attempted, attained, and expected to follow,
with the aid of His Divine Majesty. Therefore I have had the boldness
and audacity to be so prolix, and to beg your Majesty to have the
goodness to provide that if perchance this effort is not successful
now, this peace, friendship, and understanding with this king may be
attempted and brought about in the future; and if they be just and
possible, some of the expeditions to Sian or Chanpa may likewise be
effected. For the evils, cruelties, and tyrannies of these two kings
are great, and war might be justifiable. With a moderate amount of
power and force, either of these expeditions could be effected, for I
have already stated what is said in regard to that of Chanpa. I have
received this information and that concerning Sian from the bishop
of Malaca, who is surely of holy zeal, and desirous of the glory of
God and the service of your Majesty, as I have recognized and been
convinced of by his letters which prove this. In a set of charts which
he sent me from Sian, he says that that expedition can be made with a
thousand men; and there are even people who say that it could be done
with a less number. It is true that to hear of the great number of
troops that this king and others place in the field causes hesitation,
and makes one consider and believe nonsensical, inconsiderate, and rash
the pretense that so great matters may be effected and attempted with
so small a force; yet we should consider that this is God's cause, and
should take into account the importance of gaining and establishing
friendship with the king of Canboja, who can aid us so powerfully,
because of his hostility to Sian on account of the war made against him
for years, and of his recent injury and damage. This, together with
other circumstances, such as the inhabitants' feebleness of heart,
courage, and weapons; their awkwardness and lack of skill in handling
the most important and injurious weapons; their barbarism and discord;
the lax discipline observed and kept among them and the hatred and
dislike toward these barbarous tyrants felt by many of their own
subjects and neighbors, to whom their deeds are most prejudicial and
damaging--all these considerations make the attempt much less difficult
than it seems. These are the marvel and greatnesses of God, and surely
they cause wonder and fear, and move the hearts and desires of those
who behold and consider them, on seeing that His Divine Majesty should
have placed in so many kingdoms, so great, populous, and wealthy,
and so densely inhabited by so infinite multitudes of people, so great
weakness, and the power, through another kingdom, to effect an entrance
into some of them. This incites and makes us desire their conversion
to the knowledge of God, and we desire all that said power, means,
and gateway which His Divine Majesty has left and placed for this
attainment in these districts and region, choosing and selecting your
Majesty as the instrument for blessings and grandeurs, such as, with
His grace, can be attained, and appointing this port and garrison as
the gateway, staircase, and entrance for it. Therefore these and other
considerations give occasion for recommending earnestly and signifying
to your Majesty the importance thereof, in order that your Majesty
may send such a person as this matter requires and demands, who shall
attempt zealously and strive to see the name of God our Lord, and His
glory and honor, much amplified and increased, and your Majesty well
served, since there is so great opportunity and occasion therefor. Were
your Majesty eager and desirous of furthering your own particular
advantage and interests, you would have also plenty of opportunity
for it, as this place is exceedingly well fitted therefor. I beseech
your Majesty to pardon my prolixity and daring, to which I am forced
by the great importance of these matters, and by the obligation,
love, and desire that I owe the service of God and of your Majesty;
and by my having so few opportunities to write, and those so far apart.
In regard to Chinese affairs, I wrote your Majesty this year, that I
was thinking of sending my cousin, Don Ffernando de Castro, with the
father prior of the convent of San Domingo, with some presents and
letters to the king. This I thought fitting because of the condition
in which the father prior (or, to say better, God) had left matters
there; and under cover of this cause and pretext, I hoped they might
try, at this time, to see the king, if such a thing were possible,
and to offer to him certain presents together with the letter. This
was written with much affection, respect, consideration, and vigor,
and in it I bore in mind, as far as possible, your Majesty's holy zeal,
aim, and desire for the conversion of this great kingdom. In the last
part of it I referred to past events, so that in turn both matters
might be discussed. The attempt was made accordingly. I purchased and
collected some articles--namely, two swords well and curiously wrought
and beautifully adorned in gold and silver; some articles of gold
and precious stones; and some plate, although but a little. These,
together with other things that we could find, approximated about
eight thousand pesos or so, according to the value and appraisal made
of them. All of this sum, together with the amount necessary for the
voyage, I succeeded in obtaining without taking anything whatever
from the royal treasury; for there was nothing there for it. I was
confident that your Majesty would consider this to be for your service,
and would order this sum paid, especially as it seemed fitting and
of great possible importance. Although for such a matter and for one
who owes so much as myself to the service of God and your Majesty, it
seems small and of a mean, vile, and selfish mind, to discuss payment,
yet His Divine Majesty knows that my present great need, obligations,
and debts force me to say this, for I am obliged to pay out more than
thirty-eight thousand pesos. And God knows that all I have and can
call mine outside of the present sum, that which I shall have ready
at the end of this year toward the day when God and your Majesty
will be no longer served by me, and the little coming to me from the
sale of my father's estate--a very small sum indeed--all the rest,
I say, without omitting anything of money value, will amount, in my
opinion, to something like five thousand pesos, and even that sum
may not be reached. For, although, as I wrote and told your Majesty
in former letters, it seemed--and when I wrote I believed--that I
should have something to leave instead of so much to pay, yet matters
have happened and fallen out in this way, and thus I find myself in
my present condition. I am not grieving much over any need that may
come to me, for by the mercy and goodness of God, if I had paid my
debts and had nothing, I should be very rich in the pleasure of this
knowledge. However, I am not without obligations to have some property,
and I have very little and owe much that must be paid; and besides
I have to give account both for myself and my father. My present
declaration is not artifice, subterfuge, or a change of purpose from
what I have previously expressed to your Majesty, as to my king and
sovereign, but the truth and my earnest desire to see myself free from
this burden and obligation of debt; and is intended that your Majesty
might know that this least of your servants has these obligations and
so little to pay them, in a country so distant and remote from his
own. But leaving this in the hands of God and your Majesty, I say,
Sire, that Don Ffernando set sail with the father prior upon the
voyage; but, as it was late in the season, and the ship was Chinese,
they put into port again, and thus I do not know if the voyage can be
made and the reply received in time to advise your Majesty thereof by
the ships which leave here in June, if perchance it can be made at
all. Because I am so forced by necessity, I beseech your Majesty to
please order the payment of the expenses of the voyage and the cost
of the presents. The latter should not be charged to this treasury,
which I fear could not meet the payment, thus forcing me to pay it,
God knows with what or how. As a servant desirous that God be known
and served in so great a kingdom as China, I venture to say that, if
your Majesty would send this king some curiosities, that act might,
according to the posture and condition in which God has now placed
matters, be of great importance, benefit, and profit for the service of
His Divine Majesty, the merit of your Majesty, and the good of so many
souls as are lost and condemned there. I bear well in mind past events,
Sire, from which if appears that there is neither merit nor room for
this favor and present; but, King and Sire, the blood of Christ and
the conversion of so many souls is of most importance. Much harm might
also be suffered by this new state without traffic with this nation,
this being its nerve and support. Even though it should be desired to
treat of past events, and it should be considered best for the service
of your Majesty to deal severely with this king, it would not be a
bad idea to offer friendship at the same time. With this excuse,
a present might be well received and be of considerable use. If,
perchance, God should move your Majesty to this, I may say that,
in my opinion, the presents which in years gone by your Majesty was
pleased to have taken to this king, were and would be very appropriate
and sufficient. Although it is true that he is a great, rich, and
powerful monarch, the curiosity, novelty, and different fashion of the
things that we use are greatly admired by those people. The velvets,
however, have lost the value they had formerly, for many of them are
manufactured in China. A good Flemish tapestry wrought with stories and
figures, would be, I think, of particular novelty for them. Besides it
would also be advantageous with the king's relatives, who also have
influence in this kingdom. There should also be good and excellent
paintings, and two suits of splendid armor. In this, Sire, I well
see that I am bold and venturesome; but my intention is not evil,
and the great importance of the aforesaid, and your Majesty's holy
zeal, urge me thereto, as also the belief that it not contrary to the
service of God and to your Majesty. May His Divine Majesty preserve
your Majesty for as many long and happy years of life as possible, and
as we your Majesty's vassals need. Manila, the sixth of December, 1595.
_Luis Perez Dasmariñas_