Sire:
Through God's help, I entered the channel of these islands on the
third of June of this present year, 1596. As the weather was bad,
it was was necessary for me to make port at Ybalon, where I was
forced to remain several days, because of contrary winds. Considering
that this condition of affairs might endure longer, I determined
to go overland to Manila; and did so, although with considerable
hardship, as the country was completely overflowed on account
of the heavy rains. However, I derived some advantage from this,
for I thus saw a portion of the country and its products. It was
of advantage in enabling me to master the affairs of the country,
and to know what things it is advisable to provide to put it in good
condition. I entered Manila on the fourteenth of July. As this letter
is being written only three days after my arrival in this city,
I cannot inform your Majesty thoroughly of the condition of this
community. But my first sight of it has honestly pleased me very
much. God and your Majesty must be thanked fervently, that in lands
so remote and obscure the name and religion of God exists, and the
authority and power of your Majesty; and this with so great hopes
and disposition of being able to work great things, worthy the royal
soul and heart of your Majesty. For this object I think we shall need
troops, arms, and money, which is the common strength. Also I found
the colony somewhat weak both in its forces and in the faulty system
and arrangement of its fortifications. I found also great need of
royal buildings, and buildings for the cabildo, a slaughter-house,
a prison, clean streets, and other public works. This may be because
of the smallness of means. I shall remedy what I can, and give your
Majesty a more detailed account of it later.
I find this kingdom safe from all fears of the Japanese at present,
although not from the swarms of Chinese who resort hither in a
haphazard and disorderly manner, unless we maintain the caution and
foresight demanded by the little trust that we can place in their
companionship and fidelity.
In respect to the person of Don Luys Perez Dasmariñas, whom I found
acting as governor, I assure your Majesty that all his thought and
life is dedicated to God and virtue. However, in matters of government
I do not know what will be the outcome of some things, which I find
very confused and remiss. I shall give you a more detailed account
of them in a later letter, for now this vessel is on the point of
sailing, and is outside the port.
The archbishop of this country remained in Mexico. This does not fail
to cause a want, because of the great scarcity of prelates here.
I hear that the trade of this country, upon which its perpetuation
chiefly depends, has greatly decreased, not only on account of the
low prices of merchandise in Mexico, and the unprofitable exchanges
and other misfortunes suffered by commerce, but also because of the
numerous impositions and duties levied; so that I find this community
much discouraged and disheartened. I shall try to repair this as well
as possible, and will give your Majesty a more detailed account,
both in this matter and in what concerns the two communities of
Indians and Chinese, and whatever else there is to relate.
A founder of artillery is very much needed here. I entreat your Majesty
to have one provided, as well as the fifty farmers mentioned in your
Majesty's instructions. Above all, I entreat your Majesty, since this
new plant and undertaking depends so much upon your Majesty in person,
that you will have the kindness to consent to have soldiers sent
to us annually; for, Sire, the hospital (where many die) takes its
share every year, and another part is taken by certain expeditions
and reënforcements that are sent out. As for those who are left,
your Majesty should consider, if the ship from Mexico fails to come
for even one year, how surrounded by so many fears of enemies is this
country. Therefore I beseech your Majesty to order that the viceroy
of Mexico shall be careful to provide troops each year, and that they
be sent armed, of which there is little care.
As Captain Esteban Rrodriguez died while pacifying Mindanao, and left
it almost reduced, and settled with about two hundred Spaniards, and
as the country was being brought to your Majesty's obedience, it will
be desirable for your royal service to continue the work. From what
I have learned in these few days, I believe that your Majesty will be
served by ordering that this pacification be continued at the expense
of the heir of Esteban Rrodriguez, and with the latter's possessions,
as they are sufficient, until the agreement be completely fulfilled. By
so doing your Majesty's treasury will be eased, and I think the reward
of this work will be obtained by him who most deserves it--namely,
the successor of the man who perished in it, since he left it to him,
although he did not name him. It only remains for your Majesty to
be pleased to declare, in favor of this kingdom, the subordination
of that pacification to this one, since the latter proceeds from the
former, and is, as it were, filial to it. There are other conveniences
and arguments that favor this plan; and in the contrary plan there
are many inconveniences, of which I understand that your Majesty is
advised by these vessels. Now in the meantime, I am considering what
it will be best to provide in the service of God, and of your Majesty,
whom may our Lord preserve, etc. Manila, July 17, 1596.
Since the above was written, news has come of the expedition [to
Camboja] which was made here. It is not such as we wished to hear,
for of the three vessels that were taking part in it, one [_illegible
in MS._] a storm, and fell into the hands of the king of Cian. No
news has been heard of the two others, although it is believed that
Captain Gallinato still remains [_illegible in MS._].
According to my understanding, it is very desirable that there
always be galleys in this land for defense from its ills, and the
conservation of its reputation from so many enemies by whom we are
surrounded. Inasmuch as those here are found to be quite dilapidated
and useless, I have deemed it fitting to your Majesty's service to
build three or four.
_Don Francisco Tello_