What you, Don Francisco Tello, knight of the order of Santiago, whom
I have appointed as my governor and captain-general of the Philipinas
Islands, and president of my royal Audiencia, which I have ordered to
be reëstablished there, are to do in the service of God, and my own,
and for the good government of those islands, is as follows:
Infinite praises must be given to our Lord, and I accordingly
offer them to Him, for the great blessing that He has been pleased
to grant me, inasmuch as, during the time that I by His mercy and
will am king, He has chosen me as the instrument for the discovery
of islands so remote and unknown; and because, after those peoples
have lived for so many years in the blindness of their heathendom,
the gospel has recently been published in them, the Catholic faith
planted therein and received, and so many native Indians converted,
who enjoy the teaching of the gospel. And thanks are due to God also
for the natural expectation and hope that may and ought to exist that,
by the same mercy of God, He must be pleased that the preaching of
His gospel should be spread farther, and that all the other islands,
of that vast archipelago, which extends through more than nine hundred
leguas of latitude, and more than five hundred of longitude--exclusive
of the great surrounding kingdoms of the mainland, round about those
islands, namely China, Cochina, Cochinchina, Chanpa, Canboja, Sian,
Patan, Joor, and others--by receiving Him and the faith, may come
into the true knowledge of the faith.
Therefore, notwithstanding that all my will and desire is that, by the
aid of the good spiritual and temporal government in what is explored
of the said islands, and the care that must be had in the reduction
of the rest, the end be attained to which the grace that God has shown
me and is now showing me, constrains me so straitly; still, until He,
in His infinite providence, shall dispose it, the most advisable thing
is to watch carefully over the sure preservation and increase of what
has been reduced and pacified at so great expense. I charge you that
you strive for this end, considering the condition in which you find
affairs and the great importance and advisability of bringing them to
perfection and placing foundations so firm and secure that not only
will there be naught to fear from the many enemies surrounding that
part explored, but that it shall be preserved and increased.
Since there is nothing which will have so much influence over all
affairs as the care that you are to exercise, I charge you with rigor
that those new plants be instructed in the teachings of the gospel and
of Christianity by the ecclesiastics whom I have sent, and am sending,
for that purpose, with so great trouble and expense; and in civil and
moral matters, by the temporal ministers, protecting them so that they
may receive good treatment, and maintaining them in peace and justice,
so that their labors may be satisfied. Therefore a most important means
will be the care that you and the prelates are to observe in having
divine worship celebrated with the greatest devotion and solemnity
possible, at least on Easter and the holy days that the church is
accustomed to solemnize and observe. You shall have especial care that
the places of worship are kept in order and well served, and all this
with due propriety, especially the cathedral church, inasmuch as it is
the principal and archiepiscopal church, whose example must induce the
same results in the other churches. Inasmuch as I was informed that
things were quite to the contrary; and that the said church, besides
being poorly roofed with wood and straw, was not properly served; and
that it needed and lacked what it should have--a thing to which the
former governors should not have consented--I charged your predecessor,
Gomez Perez Dasmariñas, strictly that, immediately upon his arrival
at the islands, he should have the said church rebuilt. I assigned
for this work the sum of twelve thousand ducados in three parts: one
from my royal exchequer, another from the encomenderos, and the third
from the Indians. These said twelve thousand ducados were to be spent
on the said building within four years, at the rate of three thousand
ducados annually. In order that it might be done more easily, I gave
an anticipatory order for two thousand ducados on the account of my
third, on the treasury of Nueva España, whence the said Gomez Perez
took them. Notwithstanding that he wrote to me in his last letters
that the work was nearing completion, and although I think it ought to
be finished now, yet, because it is in the gaze of so many enemies,
idolaters, and Mahometans, it is advisable that they should see, not
only that there is no lack in this matter, but also that the church
shall be an example of the solemnity of the divine ecclesiastical
ceremonies, that should arouse and persuade them to enter the fold of
the church. As soon as you shall have arrived at that country, you
shall inspect the said church, and find out whether the building is
finished. If there is anything wanting, you shall finish it. Likewise
you shall see that it is provided with ornaments, chalices, crosses,
and other things pertaining to its service, so that it may be fully
provided with the articles for the celebration of divine worship,
with the authority, pomp, and propriety suitable to the edification
of the faithful, and the conversion of those who are unconverted. For
this you shall make use of an additional two thousand ducados, which
I ordered assigned by thirds after the completion of what pertains
to the building, in accordance with the terms of the decree which
shall be given you in duplicate. Besides this, you shall endeavor
to furnish what is most necessary, and what you think needful and
advisable, by the methods and means which appear most suitable, so
that in any event this matter shall be well attended to. You shall
keep me informed of the progress of the matter; and you shall send
me a minute and specific report of the condition in which you find
the building and edifice of the church, its service of ornaments,
and everything needful for it, so that, by knowing this thoroughly,
I may learn how well it is improved and placed in the condition which
is fitting, and which I so much desire, in your term of office. And
I charge you that you do all this with the knowledge and advice of
the archbishop, since this care rests on him. In this, and in all
the rest, you shall maintain good relations with the latter.
The city of Manila has two hospitals, one for Spaniards, and the
other for Indians. As I was informed that both were in want, and that
it was desirable to preserve them, I ordered the said Gomez Perez
to apply to the Spanish hospital, from the first repartimientos
that should fall vacant in the said islands, enough to furnish an
annual income of one thousand pesos; and to the Indian hospital,
five hundred ducados, taken from the increase in the tributes of the
same Indians--so that both should enjoy the said incomes as long as
I should determine. Inasmuch as this is a work of so great charity,
and to the service of our Lord, I charge you, immediately upon your
arrival at the said city, to inspect the hospitals. You shall examine
there the care and attention given to the sick; you shall endeavor to
have the accounts kept with due care. You shall audit the accounts of
the possessions of each hospital, by virtue of and in accordance with
the decree that was sent, of which a duplicate will be given you. If
the said Gomez Perez did not endow them with the above named incomes,
you shall do it as soon as possible. First, you shall provide that
all the necessary buildings be erected, so that the sick may have a
place wherein to be sheltered and to avoid the inclemencies of the
weather. I have been informed that this is especially necessary. At
times when other business gives room for it, you shall attend to the
inspection of the hospitals, both yourself and the auditors of the
Audiencia which is about to be reëstablished. You shall do this in
turn, so that when those at the head of the hospitals see the care
that you take, they will fulfil their duties without any lack or
neglect, or any possibility of the like. And in order that it may be
known that no such lack or neglect occurs during your term of office,
you shall advise me immediately of the condition in which you find
the buildings of the said hospitals; the arrangements made in them
in respect to administration, hospitality, treatment, and reception
of the poor; and the new ordinances that you shall enact.
As I was informed that those islands were in great need of ministers
of instruction, and that some Indians were dying without baptism;
that, because of the same need, other islands were not being conquered
and converted; and that to cause this condition to cease, it would
be advisable to send religious of the orders established there--I
designated and ordered one hundred and fifty-four religious to
go there last year, one thousand five hundred and ninety-four,
and they actually went. Although one hundred and ten others,
chosen from all the said orders are going this year, nevertheless,
in order that religious may be sent continually, until there is
no lack of them, but a sufficient force to attend to the ministry
of the preaching of the gospel, and the conversion of those heathen
(which I so much desire), and so that those recently converted may be
taught and instructed, I charge you to confer over this matter with
the archbishop and Audiencia. You shall advise me of the number of
religious, their convents, and their orders, their manner of living,
and the number whom it would be advisable to send now, the districts
to which they should especially be sent, and the orders to which they
should belong. In the meantime, you shall come to an understanding
with all the superiors, so that all the religious there at present,
and those who shall be sent in the future, shall be so distributed
that adequate instruction may be given in all necessary districts,
as doubtless can be done if all engage in the ministry for which
chiefly they are sent. They are likewise sent for the conversion and
instruction of the natives who are pacified and have acknowledged my
service and obedience; and they shall not go elsewhere without your
permission and that of the said superiors. Through the latter, you
shall ascertain the results obtained in their respective districts,
and their lack of instruction, in order that, having this certain
knowledge, you may be able to advise me more clearly and precisely. And
so that everything may be done better and with greater quietness,
I charge you to maintain good relations with the superiors, so that,
taking example from your harmony, those who are subordinate may also
be in accord among themselves, and produce the result that I desire.
One of the things that have given rise to uneasiness among some
of the religious, who have been divided among different opinions,
and that have caused great doubts among the Spaniards, is the fact
that the religious instruction of the newly-explored places was not
looked after as it should have been; for in this regard the plan to
be followed among them was explained specifically and explicitly,
so that if it were observed, there could be no ground for doubt in
regard to the justification of the beginning and continuing of the
exploration in accord with my intention, will, and desire. Again
I declare this to be that the said religious instruction must be
looked after in every place pacified during your term; and that
you shall not consent that it be transgressed, in whole or in part,
or that any pacification be made by any other means or method, so
that in regard to this there may be the peace and harmony among all
which I desire. Putting an end to all past scruples, those already
converted must receive good treatment; and those not converted must
be converted with the mildness with which it is advisable that the
gospel be preached and received, and the Catholic faith believed and
confessed, from which the desired happiness and gain will result.
Bishop Don Fray Domingo de Salazar complained that the governors
did not allow him to exercise his jurisdiction. This, he said, was
one of the things that made him come here. And because it is not
proper that those going now should do this, or that in the future
the governors should meddle with ecclesiastical matters, as such
is contrary to my will and desire, I charge you that you shall not
meddle with the jurisdiction of the prelates. On the contrary you
shall aid and protect them, so that they may occupy themselves with
the matters which, in accordance with my ordinances and decrees,
can and ought to occupy their time and attention, provided this does
not oppose my royal jurisdiction. This latter it is proper that you
and they preserve and respect, as well as what concerns the right of
my patronage, which you shall cause to be observed according to the
concession granted to the Castilian sovereigns by apostolic authority,
and declared in the instruction which you will find there, which I
am writing in like terms to the said prelates. Once more I charge
you to maintain thoroughly good relations with the latter.
The bishop petitioned also that, in the appraisement of the revenues
that were to be given to the curates of Indian villages, it should
be considered that the said Indians were not accustomed to pay fees
for burials, marriages, or other ecclesiastical ministrations; and
that it should be ordered that all the religious, in charge of and
entrusted with instruction, should not collect the said fees, and
that this extend also to the secular ecclesiastics. Inasmuch as he
had ordered the same, under penalty of spiritual censure, and as it
seemed quite proper to me, I declared and ordered that this custom
be kept inviolate by both the seculars and regulars throughout that
entire district, as you will see by the decree that was despatched
in accordance with this. You shall cause this to be observed and
fulfilled. You shall advise me specifically of the fulfilment of this
decree and its results.
It seems an inhuman thing, and contrary to all Christian charity, to
have left the Indians of the Ladrone Islands without instruction, since
all who go to the Philipinas make port in their lands; and since after
receiving help from them, and no resistance or injuries, the governors
and prelates have passed by those people without furnishing them any
instruction. This is a great cause of grief, and a bad example. In
order that it may be rectified, since you and the archbishop are
going together, you shall examine the disposition of the land,
and you shall leave there, from the religious who are sailing now,
those who seem suitable for the conversion and instruction of those
natives. If it seems advisable, you shall also leave with them some
soldiers for their protection, and as a defense from the dangers
of those barbarians, in accordance with the ordinance regarding new
discoveries. You shall advise me of what is done in this.
The bishop and some of the religious were of opinion that tributes
could not be collected from the heathen Indians, and that the Indians
could not be compelled to pay them until they were Christians. When
the bishop came here, one of the matters, together with instruction,
petitioned for by him was, that it should be ordered that no tributes
be levied on the said heathen Indians. After conference and discussion
regarding this in my Council of the Indias, in presence of the said
bishop and other religious, it was resolved that tributes should be
collected throughout, without any exceptions, from all the Indians who
were pacified, even though they were not Christians; and that among
those Indians who should not have any instruction, the portion to be
applied to that purpose should upon collection be kept in a separate
account for some hospitals as a means of benefit for the said Indians,
and so that they may also be furnished instruction therefrom. A
decree was sent in accordance with this, and its duplicate will be
given you, so that after you shall have examined and understood it you
shall cause its contents to be observed to the letter. And with that
prudence which I expect from you, you shall see that the religious
orders and the religious observe this matter. If, notwithstanding,
they think that the ordinance is inadvisable and requires revision,
they shall suspend revision until they have informed me thereof. They
should be assured that my will in this, as in all other matters, is
that all things be carried on with the most complete justification. You
shall request this from them, and charge them with it in my name,
in order that no disputes may arise among them for this cause or any
other. Inasmuch as they all have the same aim, it is but just and
necessary that they aid one another, for by so doing will their end
be more certainly attained.
Great annoyances and troubles have resulted from the expressed opinions
of the religious, which have been uttered in the pulpit and spoken
in public. As is notorious, this has been the cause of disturbing
and offending the town, and the Spaniards have become confused with
doubts; and some have died without any hope, and without receiving
from the religious any consolation to satisfy their consciences. For
the religious demand nothing less from them than the restoration of
everything acquired in the discovery and pacification--an impossibility
for them. Then too, the religious impose difficulties in the collection
of the tributes in the encomiendas, saying that some of the encomiendas
do not have the adequate instruction, and assigning other reasons for
other encomiendas. Thus the religious meddle in nearly everything,
just as they did in opposing the _pancada_ [33] and the assessment
that was levied for the walls and fortifications of Manila. The
bishop took part in some of these matters by declaring the governor
excommunicated. This has caused all to live, and they still live, with
no hope. Inasmuch as great moderation and consideration must be shown
in all actions, without allowing the people to live in so great anxiety
and embarrassment, you shall confer with the secular and regular
superiors, so that they may advise their subordinates--the preachers
and confessors--not to offend the people with such propositions; and
that whenever the latter think it advisable to make any reform, they
shall confer with the same superiors, as these are men of learning, who
by right should discuss and procure the reform. They shall communicate
this matter to you, in order that you may enact whatever reform is
advisable and possible. You shall advise me of what is most suitable
for reform, in order that the matter may be examined and determined
here. If any of the said preachers or confessors shall not observe
this order, or shall offend people by any new proposition of doubts,
or in matters of government, you shall advise their superior thereof,
in order that he may correct and reform it. Should the latter not
attend to this, then you shall enact what you think advisable for
the welfare and tranquillity of the country. You shall discuss such
matters with the archbishop and Audiencia, in order that success,
as is so important, may be more surely obtained. You shall advise me
of whatever is done.
Gomez Perez was also ordered to enact and provide that the encomenderos
pay tithes according to the method, habit, and custom in Mexico; for,
inasmuch as the church did not have any bishop, curate, or organized
government before that time, the tithes were not paid. Inasmuch as it
is proper that this be determined, executed, and observed according
to the precepts of the church, you shall order all the Spaniards to
pay tithes on their farm and stock products. You shall proceed rather
with care and prudence than with rigor, and also with the knowledge and
opinion of the archbishop and Audiencia. As I have been petitioned, in
the name of the said city of Manila, to order that the three per cent
duty imposed by Don Gonzalo Rronquillo be not paid in the city, because
the country is very poor and needy, and the citizens have many other
expenses for the city, I answered that I should be very glad to relieve
them of it, but that, on account of the very heavy expenses that were
requisite for the preservation of those islands, I was forced to avail
myself of what could be reasonably obtained therefrom. Accordingly I
charged the said Gomez Perez to order the collection of the said three
per cent, and directed that the proceeds therefrom be kept separate,
for the purpose of paying the military forces. You shall exercise
the same care, and shall attend to the matter with the mildness and
efficient means that I expect from you. While en route through Nueva
Spaña, you shall request the viceroy to order that the speedy and
efficient collection of the duties at Acapulco be attended to, and
that he send the proceeds from them to those islands with the least
possible delay--because of the need there of whatever duties are at
Acapulco--in accordance with the terms of the separate decree that
will be handed you with these instructions, so that you may give it
to the viceroy, and take the requisite action in this.
I was petitioned, in behalf of the said city, to have some public
property assigned to it, in order that it might attend to matters of
peace, war, government, and other things touching its preservation,
defense, and any suits that might be brought against it. I assigned
the city for six years one-half of the fines and penalties applied to
my treasury, and the revenues from the warehouses and shops wherein
the Chinese merchandise is traded. When Gomez Perez arrived there,
he wrote me that the fines adjudged to the treasury had been assigned
to the city; but that the sum raised by this means amounted to very
little, and that there were no warehouses. He wrote, however, that
there were a number of Sangley shops in the Parian, the rent from which
was given to the judge who governed the Sangleys. Now, inasmuch as I
purpose to bestow favor upon the said city, I have continued the said
fines from the treasury for another ten years. In the matter of the
shops, you shall manage and try to procure by gentle means that the
Sangleys may voluntarily pay the salary of their judge. If this be
done, then you shall also assign the rents from the shops as public
property to the said city. Failing in this, then, together with the
Audiencia, you shall investigate and determine what other thing can be
given in its place as said public property, without encroaching on my
treasury. You shall try to arrange this as conveniently as possible,
and I shall consider myself well served in this matter.
I have been told that the said Sangleys formerly lived in the city,
but that Gomez Perez removed them from it; and that recently they
left the location that he had assigned them, and returned to the
city. There they carry on trade in private houses. It does not seem
advisable to allow this, for, as I have been told, not any of them
are Christians, and therefore it would be advisable to assign them
another separate settlement near the city. This matter requires careful
consideration, and immediately upon your arrival at those islands,
you, the archbishop, and the Audiencia shall investigate and determine
what site outside of the city can be assigned them as a lodging with
the best security against the troubles that might result from a race
in whom, at present, we can place but little confidence. You shall
take into consideration also their comfort, and shall assign them the
site that you think most suitable, with the ratification of the city
itself, and without any prejudice to anyone else.
On petition of the said city of Manila, I enacted and ordered that
no foreigners who come to the ports of the said islands--Chinese,
Portuguese, Japonese, Cianese, Borneans, or any others--shall pay
duties, especially on food, ammunition, and materials for making
ammunition. Inasmuch as my will is that the said collection be set
aside, you shall not allow them to demand or levy the said duties
on the said articles, until such time as I order the contrary. In
order that all people may know that they may go thither with the said
articles, and that they may enjoy the said exemption, you shall cause
to be proclaimed the decree regarding this matter that will be given
you. You shall advise me of the general benefit that shall result from
this, as well as the advantage which, without causing injury thereto,
might be drawn from these goods for my treasury.
Inasmuch as the good administration of distributive justice is one
of the things on which principally depends the good government of
the community, and the happiness of its people and of the districts
composing it, I order you to grant what offices and posts of the
country are at your disposal to meritorious men, and for services
and capacity. You shall grant the offices in such a way that they
be filled by the old inhabitants who have lived in the country at
least three years, and have become citizens of it. You shall grant
the encomiendas to soldiers who shall have lived in the islands in
actual military service and duty, always giving the preference to
those who merit it with most cause. You shall take into consideration
their length of residence, the quality of their services, and all
other circumstances of their services, greater and lesser, in the
country. These men must not be sons, brothers, relatives, servants,
of friends of yours, or of the auditors or other officials of the
Audiencia; for you are warned not to grant encomiendas of Indians to
such men, or appoint them to offices--and to this end a sufficient
salary is paid you to enable you to support them--and also it is not
right that those who go last should profit by the sweat of another's
labor. Moreover, if rewards are dealt out where they are due, all
will serve assiduously, as they will hope to attain like rewards. My
will is that this order be observed, and that it be kept so rigidly,
that, now and henceforth, the said sons, brothers, and servants of
yours are declared incapable of holding the said encomiendas and
offices. Inasmuch as certain men who already hold encomiendas in
the said islands and have therein a sufficiency of what they need,
are begging for further bounty, you are advised not to grant them
anything more, until many others have been provided and rewarded with
encomiendas and other posts and rewards. These others, as I have been
informed, are as old residents, and as meritorious as they, and have
performed many more services in conquering and maintaining the country
than those who are begging now; and yet they have not been rewarded. On
this account they are poor, irritated, and querulous. However, if when
any good repartimiento falls vacant, you think it advisable to grant
it to one who, because he has an encomienda already, deserves it less,
you may do it, providing you deprive him of the one he had before,
so that you may grant it in the form above stated.
You shall provide for and reward all these men, according to the
seniority, merits, and capacity of each one. You shall prefer such
men to any others who do not possess these requisites, in the said
allotment of encomiendas and governmental and military positions, and
all other rewards of the country. I charge and order you to observe
the same in regard to commissions and appointments on land and sea,
particularly in the appointment of masters and officials of vessels;
for, the grant will be made to those who have worked, and deserve the
appointment, and will give hope to the others, and, will persuade
those who are absent to return. Thus the country will be settled
and will grow, your government will be so much more mild and easy,
and a condition of general and individual happiness will exist.
As I was informed that it would be desirable not to allow Chinese
or other foreign vessels to sell at retail the merchandise that they
might bring to the said islands, or those of the country to buy them,
publicly or secretly, under heavy penalties, it was resolved that
as many persons of the requisite qualifications as were necessary
should be deputed and chosen to purchase the said merchandise in the
bulk. They were to buy at wholesale all the goods brought in the ships,
and afterward to distribute them to the Spanish, Chinese, and Indian
inhabitants justly and fairly, at the cost price. Now, since in regard
to this matter, I ordered the said Gomez Perez, in his instructions,
to enact what he judged fitting, without allowing anyone except those
assigned by his orders, to go to the vessels, notwithstanding that
he wrote me afterward that many difficulties stood in the way of the
execution of this plan, since the religious opposed it, I caused him
to be ordered by my decree, dated June 11, of last year--the duplicate
of which will be given you--that in spite of that he should continue
the plan, according to instructions, of selling by wholesale. This is
what is termed _pancada_ there. And inasmuch as it appears advisable
now, you shall continue the same order. You shall endeavor to traffic
for the said merchandise with other products of the islands, so that
the exportation of so much coin as is taken to foreign kingdoms may
be avoided as far as possible. However, since it is my royal purpose
and will to have the government of the islands adjusted in this, as
in all else, in the manner most conducive to their sure conservation,
and desired advancement, I charge you to discuss this matter with
the Audiencia and those persons who possess the greatest prudence and
experience in those islands. The latter must be quite disinterested,
and anxious to serve God and myself. After their opinions and yours
shall have been heard and considered, you shall advise me specifically
of them, so that the most advisable steps may be taken.
This plan in regard to the pancada seems so much more fitting and to
be desired, as by means of it, the stay there of Indian retailers who
store and retail the goods, will be avoided. Also many other injuries,
expenses, scarcities, secret sins, and witchcrafts, will be avoided,
which, as I have been told, are taught there, especially in their
shops. It is said that these shops are necessary for retail trade,
and from year to year. They could be handed over to Spaniards, in
order that the profits therefrom may remain among the Spaniards,
and in order that the latter may be led to become citizens there in
greater numbers. The Chinese Christians who live there, and other
old inhabitants, who are not transients, nor primarily traders, but
workmen--mechanics, carpenters, gardeners, farmers, or other producers
of food--might be allowed to remain. Altogether this seems worthy
of consideration, and hence you are advised to fulfil carefully the
decree in regard to the heathen Chinese traders who go there for
purposes of trade, not remaining there; and to take care that not
so many of them become citizens in those islands. This latter might
be the cause of some trouble. If you deem it advisable to grant
permission and leave to the inhabitants of those islands to go to
Japon, Macan, and the other Portuguese or pagan kingdoms and posts,
in order to engage in commerce, you may do so, with the opinion and
advice of the Audiencia. You shall be very careful, so that those to
whom you grant the said permission be such persons that no trouble
or danger is caused to the said trades by their departure.
You shall endeavor to have the Indian chiefs and timaguas make just
contracts and divisions with the farmers in order that they may become
fond of, and learn our method of farming; and that the Spaniards may
have those who can aid them with men and other necessities. Those
Indians are shrewd, and will know how to keep their contracts with
the farmers, especially if the latter are simple men, as has been
said. You shall be very careful to procure the introduction of tilling
and cultivation of the soil.
Upon the departure of Gomez Perez from this country, he took my decree
to hand to the viceroy of Nueva España, in which I ordered the latter
to send to the islands twelve mares, two stallions, twenty-four cows,
and two bulls. Inasmuch as I do not know yet whether or not they
have been taken there, you shall investigate the matter in the said
Nueva España. If it has not been done, you shall request the viceroy,
as I write him, to have those animals taken in the vessels in which
you sail from Acapulco to the said islands.
I was petitioned, on behalf of the said islands, to order that
encomiendas be granted with the condition and obligation upon the
encomenderos that some patch of ground should be cultivated, and that
the farmers and Indians should be aided so that they also may till
and cultivate. I charged Gomez Perez straitly in his instructions with
this, and now I charge you too. You shall grant lands and homesteads,
cattle and horses for breeding and farming, both to the Indians,
and to the settlers and farmers. Inasmuch as the execution of this
is important, you shall advise me of the condition of former days
and what ordinances you shall enact, so that what is advisable may
be done during your term.
The said Gomez Perez Dasmarinas was advised urgently in his
instructions to endeavor to establish a convent for the shelter of
girls, as soon as he should arrive at those islands, in order that
both those who should sail from this country, and those born in the
islands, might be kept therein. There they would live respectably,
and be well instructed. They would leave the convent in order to marry,
so that the necessary increase in population might be assured. The said
Gomez Perez wrote me in his last letters that he had established the
said convent in a parish of the city called San Andres, quite to the
liking and satisfaction of the cabildo and citizens. He said that one
citizen had granted the convent a certain estate, with which, together
with other alms, a few girls were being supported. He reported that
the convent was beginning to show good results, in accordance with
the purpose of its foundation. Since this matter is so important
to our Lord's service and the welfare of that country, I charge you
to prosecute what has been commenced. You shall procure its further
progress, strengthening it and aiding it as far as possible. You shall
examine and cause its' rules to be observed. These rules were sent,
and declare the method of governing and controlling the girls of that
retreat. You shall advise me of the condition in which you find the
retreat, and hereafter shall do the same on all occasions that might
arise. You shall act in this with the care that I expect from you.
You shall fill the vacant posts of the said islands, as aforesaid,
with the most worthy men, and those who have served me best. They
shall be appointed with the obligation to send within a certain period,
fixed by you, to obtain my confirmation. Then you shall advise me of
the nature and character of the offices filled. For, although the said
offices be of such a nature that they could be sold, as is done in the
other parts of the Yndias, yet I consider it best not to discuss this
at present, but only to have you dispose of them freely, in my name,
to those who deserve them most, and who will prove of the greatest
utility for the public benefit.
I have received a report from the said islands, that in so far as the
nature of the country and the settlement of the Indians may permit,
it would be advisable to order that no encomiendas of less than eight
hundred or one thousand Indians be granted, in order that they might
furnish tithes for religious instruction and a livelihood for their
owners; and that those having but few Indians be allowed, if they so
wish, to transfer or sell them to a neighboring encomendero, so that
by uniting the two encomiendas a greater one would result, from which
it would be possible to furnish the tithes and a livelihood. I ordered
Gomez Perez in his instructions that, in matters touching the sale,
exchange, or transfer of the said repartimientos, he should not permit
this, as it is contrary to my laws. I ordered him, however, to exercise
great care, so that the repartimientos might prove sufficient for
the instruction and the livelihood of the said encomenderos; and also
to continue the endeavor to settle the said Indians in fixed abodes,
where they should be provided with ample instruction. Inasmuch as this
is the most important matter there, and one to which you must attend
with special care and attention, as it concerns the welfare of souls
and the Christianity of the Indians--and it is fitting that you give
it preference over all other things--you shall note that when these
small encomiendas fall vacant, you shall unite them, if possible, in
order that the above petition may have effect. Whenever the products
and revenues of any encomienda do not suffice for the encomendero and
for the instruction, you shall give the preference to the instruction,
even though the encomendero be left without resource. In accordance
with the above, I have sent my decree, of which a duplicate will
be given you. This decree provides carefully and assiduously for
the reduction of the said Indians in settlements in very convenient
districts, hamlets, and localities, as has been done in those of Peru,
and as in being done in those of Nueva España.
As the suits and controversies between the citizens and between the
Indians themselves constitute one of the things most conducive to
the waste of property, cause difficulties, and may cause harm in a
country so new, because of the ill-will and anger resulting from them,
I charged the said Gomez Perez, in his instructions, that although my
will was to preserve full justice for both classes, yet that he should,
as far as he could do so in a proper manner, endeavor to settle the
controversies and suits that should arise, without recourse to law,
or proceeding by the ordinary terms, or penalizing the parties with
money fines. Now in order that all may enjoy the blessings which must
follow from a government so mild; so that all may live in tranquillity
and ease; and so that the great purposes that, God willing, are to be
attained hereafter, may not be hindered or disturbed--I charge you and
the Audiencia that, in all that you shall do, you shall act with the
prudence advisable in the cases and affairs, and bring about results
that can end only in the happiness and welfare of my vassals, together
with the spread and knowledge of the faith and gospel that I desire.
As I was informed that the said islands had but little instruction,
and that great difficulty was encountered in providing it--a difficulty
that was rendered much greater because of the nature of the country,
as it consists entirely of islands, most of which are so small that
they contain from three to five hundred islanders and above, while some
contain but one or two hundred; and likewise it is hindered by the long
and dangerous voyage, the heat, rains, and poor roads of the country--I
ordered and commanded the said Gomez Perez in his instructions that,
upon his arrival at the said islands, he should investigate very
carefully matters in regard to the outlook for instruction. I ordered
him to confer with the bishop (whom he should charge in my name to
aid him on his part), and, in accordance with his advice, to provide
what was most advisable, so that the instruction might be distributed
even to the bounds of the sea, to the extent possible in all parts. I
charge you likewise that this be accomplished with all the promptness
and security demanded by its importance. You shall endeavor to secure
the reduction of the Indians into settlements, as well as possible,
in the manner aforesaid. You shall confer with the superiors, whom
this matter concerns chiefly, so that--as I am writing to them--they
may apportion the instruction where it is lacking. In the meantime,
more men shall be sent for this purpose, as has been done, and will
be done, in accordance with the advices that are received from you,
and from them, of the number needed and required. Inasmuch as I have
done for my part the utmost possible, as I shall continue to do, there
is no room or plausible reason for the scruples that certain religious
have raised about the tributes which are levied. You shall endeavor,
with the requisite prudence, to put an end to the past scruples;
and if occasion arises for like scruples, or others, you shall order
that, without any public offense or disputing, they advise me of their
causes, in so far as they know them. If these causes are just, then
they shall be set right, in order that God our Lord may be served,
as I desire.
You shall take most especial care for the well-being of the soldiers,
and see that they are well paid, employed, and disciplined. You shall
endeavor to keep them useful and of service. Those holding offices
or other means of gain you shall not permit to draw pay. You shall
observe and cause to be observed for the said captains, officers,
and soldiers, their exemption from arrest for debts contracted during
the period of their service. Nor shall execution be taken against the
weapons, horses, or anything else needful and peculiar to the military.
Whenever you shall send any captain with men upon any commission or
duty that may arise, you shall order that his privileges be observed
also--namely, what pertains to his ordinary power and requisite
authority to order and punish inferiors, and to regulate all other
military matters. You shall see that these privileges are conceded
to them, and that they exercise them, but shall declare that their
jurisdiction extends solely to their soldiers. You shall charge them
to treat the Indians well, and to fulfil their command in such a way
that the Indians receive no injury. You shall exercise great care to
punish openly any excess in this direction.
It is my will that you have a retinue of twelve halberdiers as a
bodyguard; the said halberdiers shall draw the same pay as soldiers,
and shall have a chief or captain, who shall draw fifteen pesos
monthly. Although their principal duty must be to act as a retinue, and
this is done and ordered on account of what pertains to the authority
and dignity of your offices, you are advised that they must likewise
perform military service whenever occasion demands.
Inasmuch as I have been informed that many of the soldiers sent
from Nueva España to the said islands are lads, mestizos, and some
Indians; that they have no weapons; and that a portion of them are
pages and servants to the captains and other persons, who, together
with their masters, under the pretext and name of soldiers draw their
pay--I charge and order you, now and henceforth, not to receive or
admit as soldiers any Indians from Nueva España. On the contrary,
the viceroy [of New Spain] must be informed that he is not to send
them; and the Indians, that they shall not be received or admitted;
and of the mestizos only those who merit it, and whom you think
very well fitted for it. None of the others shall be sent who has
not attained the age of sixteen years and over, and a soldier shall
not be the page or servant of any person; for while he acts in such
capacity, he shall not receive soldier's pay. In all of the above,
I charge you to take strict account, so that nothing may be done,
nor shall you permit it, to the contrary.
Gomez Perez Dasmarinas left the city of Manila walled with stone
wherever it was necessary, and constructed a fort and tower in those
parts where he was ordered. Because of the importance of keeping
that citadel well defended, you shall, as soon as you shall arrive,
inspect the said forts and wall, and shall see that they are kept in
order and well maintained. If they are incomplete, you shall finish
them, and advise me of everything.
The said Gomez Perez was likewise ordered to construct another fort
in Yllocos or Cagayan as a protection against the Indian, Japanese,
and Chinese robbers; another in Çebu, as a protection against the
Borneans and Malucos; and another in Panpanga, as a protection
against the Çambales. He was instructed to maintain the continual
care and vigilance required for the preservation of lands so new,
remote, and surrounded by enemies. He was ordered especially to
beware of the natives of the country, who are numerous, and have
but little endurance and permanence in the faith; of four or five
thousand Chinese who live there, and go to and fro upon their trading
voyages; of the Japanese who resort there regularly; of the Malucos
and Borneans, who are irritated, and have vaunted themselves boldly
and openly; and most especially of the English Lutherans, who go to
those coasts. Although I have been told that the said Gomez Perez
had constructed the said forts, whereby to check the incursions of
those nations, I charge you that, if they have been constructed, you
look carefully to their maintenance. If they need anything for their
completion, you shall complete them. You shall proceed cautiously,
and keep ever on the watch, since you see what happened to the said
Gomez Perez by trusting to the apparent good faith of the Sangleys.
The said Gomez Perez was charged also to construct a moderate-sized
coasting fleet of a few galleys or fragatas to guard and cruise along
the coasts, and prevent the thefts and damages that the Japanese were
wont to inflict throughout them, especially in the districts of Gagaian
and Yllocos. There they were wont to capture the Chinese vessels that
bring food and merchandise to the said islands. This was the cause
of great loss, and an impediment to commerce and plenty. Likewise the
fleet could be used to prevent the Chinese, on their return to their
country, from harming the natives of the above-mentioned islands,
to afford protection against Chinese and Bornean pirates, and to
oppose any other acts or attempts of foreigners. In conformity with
this order, the said Gomez Perez had eight galleys built, which he had
well manned. They were of great use for the protection and defense of
those lands. Therefore it is desirable that they be maintained. Hence
I order you to see that they are well manned and provisioned. You
must keep close watch over the conscripts, so that the fate of Gomez
Perez may not occur again. You shall have another galley built to
replace the one lost. Inasmuch as you must maintain the roll of men
complete, you are advised that if you find that the scruples raised by
certain men, in regard to the Indian slaves bought by the said Gomez
Perez in order to man the said galleys, as there were no other men
available for them, are still in force, then it will be advisable
for you and the archbishop, together with those persons whom you
both think advisable, to discuss this matter, and to determine how
the galleys can be maintained and manned without the said scruples;
or that those who have those scruples, may tell how the land may be
made secure without them. You shall advise me of everything and of
the account given to you by the commander and officers of the said
galleys, as to their condition, adequacy, and services.
Upon your arrival at those islands, and when you shall have taken
charge of your office, you shall investigate the new method and
conditions by which new invasions and pacifications may be lawfully
made; also the smallness of the number of men, the slight cost, and the
great ease and advantage with which they should be made, because of the
division of the country into many islands and among many petty rulers,
who easily come to blows among themselves, and ally themselves with
the Spaniards, and hence can be preserved with but few soldiers. Since
the petition in regard to the pay and number of the soldiers there
was conceded--and you must keep the soldiers in good discipline, and
satisfied and well-paid--you shall make the said expeditions of entry
and pacification with great forethought and justification. You shall
observe the ordinances in the instructions for new discoveries, which
shall be given you, and shall not transgress them one jot or tittle in
regard both to what is pacified during your term, and to conserving
that, as well as what shall have been pacified before; for in both
cases you must do this without any sort of violence or ill treatment,
but with the kind treatment by which friends must be preserved. Thus
if there has been any excess in this--which has been done contrary to
my will and orders--it must entirely cease in whatever shall be done
during your term. By this I lighten my conscience and charge yours.
The great need for the said pacification in the said islands has
been reported, especially in those very districts where the Spaniards
live, and which they frequent. These districts are all in rebellion
and unsubdued, because of the lack of soldiers. Report has been made
also of the injuries and vexations caused by the soldiers there to
the natives. And inasmuch as things are come to such a pass there,
according to report, that the island of Lucon has many provinces
which have never been subdued, or if subdued, are in rebellion--as
for instance, Cagayan, Panga[sinan?], Onçian, Çambales, Valenses,
and others, all in the midst of the pacified provinces, and near
and contiguous to Manila, and all in confusion and lack of any
regulation--as soon as you reach the said islands, with the advice and
opinion of the Audiencia, you shall ordain what is most advisable in
this matter. You shall begin, as may be reasonable and most desirable,
by attending to the general improvement of these conditions, and with
especial care and assistance; for evil might come upon the distant
places, if the part at your very doors is left under suspicion and
unsubdued. Besides there is the obligation to try to secure the
continuation of the instruction of so many people as are already
converted, and under my royal protection. Because these do not have
the peace and tranquillity required, they suffer great hardships
and wrongs from those who are in rebellion and unpacified. Daily
the latter harass, kill, and assault them, and burn their crops. On
this account, and because they kill many Spaniards also, not only is
there no advance made in conquests, but that portion conquered is
being daily diminished. In order to reform this state of affairs,
you shall give commands, in accordance with what has been said
above, with great consideration and justification. You shall always
observe, as aforesaid, the ordinances set forth in the instructions
for discoveries, pacifications, and the introduction of the gospel,
without violating them in any point.
Beside the said provinces that are in rebellion in places, among
the Spaniards and Indians already converted, there are others, which
although they do not lie so near, yet, in respect to their distances
and the nature of their inhabitants, cannot be termed new discoveries,
as they are already known and considered--as, for instance, Babuyanes,
the island of Hermosa, the island of Caballos, Lequios, the islands of
Ancion, Jabas, Burney, Pacaguan, Calanyanes, Mindanao, Sido, Maluco,
and many others. Since, as it is reported, the condition of these
provinces is daily becoming worse, and it is advised that it would be
necessary to pacify them for the welfare and safety of the Spaniards,
and that delay might make that task more difficult, you shall inform
yourself as to how the said pacification and conquest can be best and
most quickly made. You shall perform it with the advice and opinion
of the Audiencia, in the form and manner most advisable. You shall
always observe in everything the form above mentioned, and no other.
As I have thought it advisable that you, whom I trust so completely,
should, with the advice and opinion of the Audiencia, have power and
authority to make the said expeditions of entry and pacifications at
the cost of my royal exchequer, in consideration of the fact that,
if you in lands so remote were compelled to await a reply from here,
important opportunities and occasions might be lost, I have resolved
to empower you for this purpose. Accordingly I give you this power,
and I order the officials of my royal exchequer of the said islands to
honor all your orders on them for the said purpose, from the moneys
in their power. But you are to take note that you shall exercise the
said power only in the most important matters that arise. You shall
beforehand communicate regarding these, not only with the Audiencia,
as above stated, but also with ecclesiastical or secular persons,
or such of them as you shall deem suitable and of greatest merit and
experience, in order that whatever is done be concurred in by all and
the expense be no greater than what is unavoidable. You shall endeavor
to make as safe as possible the regions pacified and subdued. You
shall advise me, with the minuteness and circumspectness required
by the importance of this matter and my desire for its execution,
of what you do, of what is pacified, the means that you employ,
and the condition in which it shall be placed and left.
In order that this may be done better and at the least expense, I
authorize you, after having resolved upon the expeditions of entry
and the new pacifications that it is advisable to make, in the form
above mentioned, to covenant and agree with captains, encomenderos,
and any others, in regard to the said expeditions of entry and
pacifications. They shall make them wholly or partly at their own cost,
as you may deem more advisable. These men shall be given title as
governors of the islands or provinces that they discover or pacify,
and for a limited time as captains and masters-of-camp. However,
you shall not grant them title as adelantados or mariscals; but,
when anyone claims such a title, you shall refer the matter to
me, with a relation of the services, character, and merits of the
claimant. The said contracts and covenants that you shall make, may,
with the concurrence and advice of the Audiencia, remain in force
until I approve them, in order to gain time, but on the condition
of referring everything to me. For this, in conformity with it, you
shall bind the parties to produce the said confirmations within a
certain brief period fixed by yourself. They shall bind themselves
to observe in their pacifications the said orders and instructions
given by me for making the said pacifications and new discoveries,
and, after they are made, for conserving them; for in this matter you
must make no exemptions, nor shall I make any in any case, nor shall
any contract be kept with those who do not observe and keep the above.
I have been informed also that there has been, and is at present,
much irregularity in the collection of the tributes from the Indians,
because the former governors of the said islands made the appraisements
in a very confused and haphazard manner. For, although each Indian's
tribute is worth eight reals, paid in whatever the Indian possesses,
yet on account of certain words in the said appraisals and of the
articles which are assigned for tribute--such as cotton cloth,
and other products of the country--occasion is given for the said
irregularity. This has resulted in each one's collecting whatever he
wished, to the great offense and wrong of the said Indians; for when
gold is plentiful, their encomenderos demand money, and when the
latter is abundant and gold scarce, they demand gold, even though
the said Indians have to seek and buy it. In short, they always
demand the said tributes in those things that are scarce. Thus for
the tribute of eight reals, some collect fifteen, and others twenty,
twenty-five, thirty, and more, according to the value of the products
that they demand, which they cause the Indians to seek and bring
from other districts, to their great distress and affliction. As it
is advisable to remedy this disorder and excess, I charge you that,
with the concurrence and advice of the Audiencia, you shall endeavor
to have the decree followed in regard to the payment by the said
Indians of their tribute in money, gold, or land products--as they
choose, without being forced or urged to pay it in any other thing
or product whereby they suffer the said wrong, or any similar wrong;
this shall be observed in the payment of the said tributes.
In regard to the lawlessness that has existed and exists, in the
departure of the said religious from the said islands to the mainland
of China and other places, without permission from the governor or
archbishop (declaring that, because of their universal power, they will
excommunicate those who prevent them) I have previously made known
what was regarded as advisable--namely, that the religious should
go to the said Philipinas Islands fully resolved to settle there,
and not to go to any other place without your permission and that
of the said archbishop; for I am sending them for this purpose, and
they go there at so great expense to me, in order that my obligation
to furnish instruction might be fulfilled. It is not right that,
when they go there, they should frustrate all the above for their own
individual ends and purposes, in order that they might secure and enjoy
the privileges on which they are established; without being bound to
their ministry, which they have no right to abandon. This must be
understood as affecting the religious who go there for the purpose
of settling and remaining in the islands, and not those who have my
permission to go farther to other districts; for, when the latter is
given or granted them, it will be after weighty consideration.
I have been informed also that, in order to correct the license that
has existed, and the wrongs that have resulted from the departure
of some from the said islands for China and other countries without
order or permission, it would be advisable to ordain, under severe
penalties, that no Spanish layman may leave the islands for any place,
or to attend to any business, or give fragata, supplies, or any
other aid to any of the said religious, except by my special order,
or by your permission and that of the said archbishop. Inasmuch as
this is coördinate with the contents of the preceding section, you
shall note what is provided therein, for the same must be understood
in what touches this matter, which it covers completely.
I have been informed that wrongs are inflicted on the heathen Chinese
Indians who go to trade at the said islands, both in permitting
the guards stationed by my royal officials on their vessels to take
bribes (which are brought from China to give to private individuals,
in order to allow them to do certain things), and in the conduct of
those who register the vessels, who seize and take from them all the
best merchandise, and leave them only the worst. This they pay for
only at the price brought by the rejected merchandise. The Chinese,
because they fear lest those who register their vessels should take
their merchandise from them at the time of appraisal, value them at
prices much in excess of their true value. The result of this is that,
as the goods are sold afterward at very low rates, the Chinese pay
my duties at the rate of valuation. Moreover, the masts are taken
from their vessels in order to place them in Spanish vessels, as
they are light; and in exchange they are given others, which are
so heavy that they are lost. This is not right and ought not to be
permitted. Therefore I charge you not to allow it, or to permit any
wrong to be inflicted upon the said Indians. On the contrary, both
you and the said Audiencia shall take special care to remedy the said
wrongs, and to punish those who inflict them. You shall show all kind
treatment and attention, both to the above and to all others who went
there before for trade and commerce. You shall expedite them in every
way and treat them well, as is advisable--not only so that they may
continue the trade, but also so that they may be led to abandon the
idolatry and blindness in which they live, and to receive instruction
in the law of the gospel.
Because of the importance of attention to duties of citizenship on the
part of citizen encomenderos--both for the conservation and defense
of the said islands, and for their settlement and increase--I charge
you to grant leave to no encomendero, under any considerations,
to absent himself from the said islands, even if he should have
permission from the viceroy and Audiencia of Nueva España. If anyone
should absent himself without permission from me, or unless you
shall have granted him permission for unavoidable reasons, you shall
deprive him of his encomienda, and bestow it upon another and more
deserving citizen. Inasmuch as Mariscal Gavriel de Rivera, Captain
Juan Pacheco Maldonado, and other citizens went to Nueva España by
permission of former governors, and although they have petitioned me
for a prolongation of their stay there, not only have I not conceded
this to them, but I have answered them bidding them to return. They
were warned that their encomiendas would be declared vacant, as the
time granted by their permission is already expired, unless they
should have returned within the period by which they were bound. If
you ascertain, upon your arrival at Nueva España, that they have not
returned to the said islands, then you shall deprive them of the said
encomiendas, and give the same to others. You shall admit no objection
or excuse, for whatever you do contrary to this, now and henceforth,
I hereby declare as invalid and null and void.
As I was petitioned, in behalf of the said islands, to grant them a
concession ordering exemption from the duties on the first sale of the
goods that they send to the port of Acapulco and other places, and also
that the twelve pesos per tonelada of freight shipped by the citizens
of those islands be not collected at the said port of Acapulco--this
is the duty imposed by Don Gonçalo Ronquillo--answer was made them
that the proceeds from these duties were very necessary in order to
pay the soldiers and for other expenses. Accordingly Gomez Perez was
ordered in his instructions to have them collected for the above-named
purpose, and you shall do the same, until I ordain and order otherwise.
Much has been reported of the disadvantages arising from the trade
between those islands and China. The Portuguese have complained
of this, and declared it to be of great harm to them in their
trading. They allege other reasons, in order to persuade me that
this trade should be prohibited. But other reasons, proving the
contrary, have not been lacking here, the first and foremost (and
it is true) being that, by this means, the land already discovered
can be conserved, and the gospel can be introduced into other lands
farther on--a matter that under any other régime would be difficult and
almost impossible; and although the Portuguese offer other important
arguments, this is what most influences me. Therefore, in order
to adopt the method which will best harmonize these difficulties,
my council discussed the matter, and advised what you will see in
the decrees which have been despatched on this occasion, and which
shall be given you. I order you to have them observed and obeyed to
the letter. However, if any disadvantages should result, or if there
are any other more desirable methods, you shall advise me of all,
so that after investigation, the advisable steps may be taken.
Because of my great desire that the contents of section seventeen
be obeyed to the letter, I charge and order you that, whenever
you write me and send me despatches, you shall send a minute and
exact relation of all the meritorious persons who claim reward for
services that they have performed in the reduction, pacification,
and conservation of that land, with the character, seniority, and
other circumstances concerning each of them. You shall send also a
list of those whom you shall reward, with the means, method, reason,
and justification of the reward that you shall have given them. This
shall include both the vacant encomiendas that you shall have allotted,
and the posts that you shall have filled, or any other means that you
shall have employed in granting the said rewards. For if I have this
information regarding them all, then the reason for the complaints and
grievances of certain men can be investigated, who assert that they
do not receive the reward and remuneration that they demand. In order
to bind them more closely to the fulfilment of the aforesaid, a decree
of like tenor shall be sent you, and you shall examine and obey it.
As you will find out, especial care has been taken that the
ecclesiastics and friars who present themselves to give instruction
should learn the language of the Indians whom they are to teach
and instruct; and that chairs should be established where the said
language may be taught, so that there may be plenty of priests
and ministers who know the language, in order to fulfil the above
purpose. But inasmuch as this method has not proved, nor is it now,
a sufficient aid by which the Indians may be taught and instructed in
the Christian faith and religion, so that they may receive as much
benefit therefrom as is advisable and desirable--and as they would
have received had the same care been taken to teach all the Indians
Castilian, by which plan more and better ministers would have been
had for their teaching and instruction, and they would have fallen
into fewer errors, or none, on account of their idolatries and other
former vices and superstitions--it has been deemed advisable to
provide in this regard the decree [34] that will be given you with
these instructions. Accordingly, after you shall have caused that
decree to be proclaimed in the usual public places, with the necessary
solemnities and other ceremonies, you shall meet with the Audiencia
and secular and regular ecclesiastical dignitaries, and all together
you shall decide and ordain how the contents of the said decree may
be observed, obeyed, and executed exactly and to the letter, both in
that city and in all the other cities of those islands and provinces,
so that all its contents may be fulfilled and executed. You shall
have the care in this that I expect from you, and as is demanded
by its importance. Thus will our Lord be very greatly served, and
the souls of the Indians advantaged. Whenever opportunity offers,
you shall advise me of what shall be ordained for its fulfilment,
and the manner and method of executing it.
And inasmuch as I have ever exercised especial care in maintaining
all the kingdoms and provinces subject to me in peace, tranquillity,
and justice, for this same purpose and object I established an
audiencia in that said city and province, in order that everything
might be governed by means of it, and justice administered with the
universal equality, mildness, and satisfaction desirable. After its
establishment I ordered it to be suppressed, as experience proved
it to be unnecessary in a land so new and unsettled. In its place I
sent a governor; and although his administration was excellent, yet,
inasmuch as that community has grown and, it is hoped, will continue
to grow, I have thought it advisable to found and establish the said
Audiencia again. Accordingly, after having appointed you in the place
of Gomez Perez, your predecessor, I have determined to establish the
said Audiencia again. It shall be located in those districts, in order
that their government may be similar to that of the other kingdoms
under my dominion. I have appointed for it persons as auditors, a
fiscal, and other officials. I have renewed the former ordinances
[35] by which that said Audiencia was founded. You shall examine
those ordinances, in order to have them observed and obeyed with the
exactness that I expect from you. You shall mamtain the necessary peace
and harmony with those acting as auditors, so that your government
may be all that is needful and as I desire for the consolation,
relief, and happiness of that community, and of its inhabitants,
and my vassals therein. You on both sides [governor and Audiencia]
shall administer the government with care, understanding--especially
those of you who might be the cause of disturbing the peace, harmony,
and friendly relations with which you, on both sides and jointly,
must carry on the government--that I shall consider myself well served
in the accomplishment and execution of this. I charge this upon you,
and expect you to accomplish it with the good example that is due
from you in everything.
You shall exercise great care not to send judges on special commissions
except in necessary and unavoidable cases, in order to avoid the harm
that they generally cause to communities. This must be avoided there,
chiefly because that community has been settled so recently. It is
advisable to act with greater caution in this matter, as in everything
else, for the better conservation and increase of that community.
You shall exercise the same and greater care to maintain thorough
harmony and unity with all the ecclesiastical dignitaries, both
secular and regular, and with all the ecclesiastical estate; for many
consequences, very important for the general and individual good of
all that land and all those provinces, can be expected from the good
example resulting from this. At Toledo, on the twenty-fifth day of May,
in the year one thousand five hundred and ninety-six.
_I The King_
By order of the king, our sovereign:
_Joan de Ybarra_
Signed by the president and members of the Council.