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The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898
Explorations by early navigators, descriptions of the islands and
their peoples, their history and records of the catholic missions,
as related in contemporaneous books and manuscripts, showing the
political, economic, commercial and religious conditions of those
islands from their earliest relations with European nations to the
close of the nineteenth century,
Volume XXVII, 1636-37
Edited and annotated by Emma Helen Blair and James Alexander Robertson
with historical introduction and additional notes by Edward Gaylord
Bourne.
CONTENTS OF VOLUME XXVII
Preface 9
Documents of 1636
Letter to Felipe IV. Sebastian Hurtado de Corcuera;
Cavite, June 30 21
Letter to Corcuera. Felipe IV; Madrid, October
11 36
Royal decrees. Felipe IV; Madrid, August-November
45
Informatory memorial addressed to the king. Juan Grau y
Monfalcon; Madrid, 1637 55
Documents of 1637
Defeat of Moro pirates. [Unsigned; but probably
written by Pedro Gutierrez, S.J., from Dapitan,
in 1637.] 215
Auditorship of accounts in Manila,
1595-1637. [Unsigned; probably written at Madrid,
in February, 1637.] 227
Conquest of Mindanao. Marcelo Francisco Mastrilli,
S.J.; Taytay, June 2 253
Events in Filipinas, 1636-37. Juan Lopez, S.J.;
Cavite, July 23 306
Corcuera's triumphant entry into Manila. Juan Lopez,
Manila, May-July 330
Royal aid requested by the Jesuits at Manila. Francisco
Colin, S.J., and others; Manila, July-August 341
Letters to Felipe IV. Sebastian Hurtado de Corcuera;
Manila, August 20 346
Bibliographical Data 365
ILLUSTRATIONS
Les Isles Philippines, Molucques, et de la Sonde (map
of Indian archipelago); photographic facsimile of map by
Sanson d'Abbeville (Paris, 1654); from original in Library
of Congress, Washington, D. C. 74, 75
View of Acapulco Harbor, in Mexico; photographic facsimile of
engraving in Valentyn's _Oud en Nieuw Oost Indien_ (Dordrecht
and Amsterdam, 1724), i, p. 160; from copy in library of
Wisconsin State Historical Society. 163
Weapons of the Moros; photograph of weapons in the
Museo-Biblioteca de Ultramar, Madrid 223
Map of Borneo; photographic facsimile of engraving in
Valentyn's _Oud en Nieuw Oost-Indien_ (Dordrecht and Amsterdam,
1726), iii, between pages 236 and 237; from copy in library
of Wisconsin State Historical Society. 317
PREFACE
The principal topics treated in this volume (1636-37) are the
commerce of the Philippine Islands (especially with Nueva España)
and the punishment inflicted by Corcuera on the Moro pirates of
Mindanao. The former is fully discussed by Juan Grau y Monfalcón,
procurator of Filipinas at the Spanish court; the latter is related
in various documents, written mainly by participants in the Mindanao
campaign. Certain minor documents relate to the administration of
the islands and to the religious orders there.
A letter from Corcuera (June 30, 1636) gives a brief account of the
great ecclesiastical controversy of that year; we present it here,
not so much for the new information contained in it (which is not
extensive) as for its being evidently the direct expression of the
governor's own opinions, and not (like some others of his reports)
dictated more or less by other persons. Corcuera says that "the friars
are lawless people, and he would rather fight the Dutch in Flandes
than deal with them." He asks that the king will adjust these matters,
or else send another governor to the islands, so that one of them may
attend to ecclesiastical affairs and the other to temporal. Part of
Cerezo's letter of August 10, 1634, to the king is answered by the
latter (October 10, 1636) in his despatches to Corcuera; it relates
to military affairs--approving Cerezo's action, and giving some
directions to Corcuera.
A royal decree of August 14, 1636, commands the municipality of Manila
to reimburse their procurator-general, Juan Grau y Monfalcón, for the
time and money that he has spent in attending to their business at
the Spanish court. Another document of this sort (November 6, 1636)
gives Corcuera orders regarding certain matters which his predecessor
Cerezo had laid before the Spanish government. A third document (of
the same date) approves the proceedings of Pedro de Heredia as governor
of Terrenate, and promises reënforcements for the Spanish fort there.
The noted _Memorial informatorio_ (Madrid, 1637) of Juan Grau y
Monfalcón, procurator-general for Manila and the Philippines at
the Spanish court, is here presented; it concerns the important and
long-debated question of the restrictions imposed on the trade of
the Philippine Islands with Nueva España. Certain measures have been
proposed to the Spanish government which the procurator regards as
dangerous to the interests of the Philippines, and he hastens to urge
against these proposals numerous forcible arguments. He claims that
the adoption of the former must result in the ruin of the citizens. And
thus the crown must either support the entire expense of the islands,
or abandon its hold on them--the former a heavy tax on its means, the
latter most damaging to its power and prestige. A royal commissioner
has been sent to Acapulco to investigate the revenue frauds alleged
there, which greatly disturbs those who are engaged in trade, both in
Nueva España and in the islands. The proposal to abandon the islands
has been revived; the procurator rehearses the arguments advanced
for this, and vigorously attacks them, urging that the possession
of Filipinas be maintained by the crown as is that of Flanders. He
proceeds to represent the importance of the islands, adducing many
arguments to show this: the dependence of the Malucos on Filipinas,
the size and number of those islands, the greatness and importance
of Manila, the mineral resources of the islands, and, above all,
their commerce.
The procurator describes this commerce, both domestic and
foreign. Under the former head he enumerates the chief products
of the islands, the diverse peoples who inhabit them, and the
number of Indians and foreigners paying tribute to the crown and
to private persons. He emphasizes the importance of the central
location of the islands, and the restraint and hindrance that they
constitute to the schemes of the Dutch for gaining control of the
Oriental trade. Considering next the foreign trade of Filipinas,
he represents it as far the most valuable part of that commerce,
and gives a historical sketch of Oriental trade in general, with an
enumeration of the commodities and products obtained therein, and much
valuable information regarding the origin, quality, and prices of many
goods. He relates how the Dutch were driven from Maluco, but afterward
regained much of the spice region, notwithstanding the efforts of
the Philippine Spaniards to prevent this. A list of the Dutch forts
and factories in the archipelago is presented. From these data the
procurator draws forcible arguments for the retention and support of
the Philippine colony by the crown. This is fully justified by the
importance of the clove trade, which otherwise would be lost to Spain;
and by that of the Chinese trade, of which Filipinas enjoys the greater
part. The maintenance of the Philippines will result in preserving
the missionary conquests in the Far East, securing the safety of
India, depriving the Dutch of their trade, relieving the expenses
needed to preserve the American Spanish colonies, and maintaining the
prestige of the Spanish crown. The royal treasury alone cannot meet
all the expenses of the islands, nor is it wise to allow them too much
commerce with Nueva España; the king is therefore advised to combine
these two methods of relief. For his guidance in this matter, valuable
information is submitted by the procurator, regarding the expenses
of maintaining and governing the Philippines (under eight different
headings--civil, religious, and military--sufficiently itemized to
give a clear outline of expenditures under each, and summarized at
the end), the revenues of the colonial treasury, and the real nature
of the deficit therein. He claims that the islands contribute more
than what they cost, since they have to bear the great expenses of
maintaining and defending Maluco against the Dutch (which includes
more than one-third of all the expenses of Filipinas), and aid all
public needs with their time, property, and lives, as volunteers--thus
saving to the crown an enormous expense. The procurator asks that
these services be duly rewarded by the crown, and recommends that for
this purpose the magistracies in the islands be kept for rewarding
such worthy citizens, and not sold, as heretofore, at auction. But
chiefly he urges the importance to them of the trade with Nueva España
which is chiefly based on that which Manila carries on with China and
India. Efforts have been made in Spain to suppress the former commerce,
as being detrimental to that of Spain and the Indias. He admits that
this last is decreasing, but claims that Filipinas is not responsible
therefor. The causes of that decline are, rather, the greatly lessened
yield of the precious metals in America, the enormous decrease of the
Indian population in the colonies, the smaller consumption of goods
among the Spaniards therein, and the exorbitant imposts and duties
levied on the merchants. To deprive Filipinas of its commerce would
be a measure both unjust and useless. The writer briefly reviews the
history of that commerce, which at present is in a declining and feeble
condition, owing to the many restrictions that have been laid upon it;
and discusses certain misrepresentations that are current regarding
supposed violations of the royal ordinances in the trade of Filipinas
and Peru. Some of these acts are greatly exaggerated, and others, being
inevitable in all trade, must be overlooked. Several instances are
cited to show that even in Sevilla violations of the royal ordinances
are taken for granted, and sometimes condoned even when discovered; and
the procurator urges that the Filipinas be not more severely treated
than other parts of the royal domain. He admits that their cargoes,
like those from other colonies, contain some unregistered goods;
but declares that the amount of this has been greatly exaggerated,
for which he adduces various arguments. He also explains that the
products of the islands themselves go to Nueva España outside of the
amount permitted, which has been incorrectly represented. He again
presents for consideration the additional two per cent duty imposed
on Philippine shipments, and with forcible arguments urges that
it be abolished. The procurator even declares that the commerce of
Filipinas pays higher duties than does any other, and that the citizens
of Manila have lost in it more than they have gained--in proof of
which he submits a list of shipwrecks, wars and military expeditions,
insurrections, conflagrations, and other occasions of loss and damage
since the foundation of Manila. He then enumerates the goods sent to
Nueva España from Filipinas, which are necessary to the former country
for supplying the needs of its people; compares these goods with those
sent from Spain; and discusses the effect of this Chinese merchandise
on the Spanish silks. The memorial closes with a brief summary of
the considerations and arguments therein contained, and a request
for leniency in the imposition of duties on goods from Filipinas.
During the summer and autumn of 1636, a Mindanao chief named Tagal
harries the coasts of Cuyo and Calamianes. Returning homeward laden
with booty and captives, these pirates are attacked (December 21)
by a hastily-gathered Spanish force of ships and men, and in this
battle Tagal and many of his followers are slain, and most of their
plunder recovered. This victory is a great gain to the Spaniards
in maintaining their stand against the hostile Moros, and many of
the latter are rendered submissive for the time being. An account of
these events is given in a letter unsigned and undated, but evidently
written early in 1637, and probably by the Jesuit Pedro Gutierrez.
By order of the royal Council a compilation is made (February,
1637?) of all information in the government records pertaining to
the office of auditor of accounts at Manila. The writer (some clerk
in the government employ) gives a brief historical sketch of this
office, its relations with the royal officials, the advantages and
disadvantages connected with it, and the proceedings of the council
regarding this office, up to 1637.
The Moro raids of 1636 arouse the Spaniards to the urgent necessity
of subduing those fierce and treacherous pirates; and Corcuera
organizes an expedition to Mindanao, led by himself, for their
punishment. Several accounts of this campaign (which had far-reaching
consequences) are presented--largely from Jesuit sources, since members
of that order accompany the governor, and it is their missions which
are most endangered by the hostility of the Moros in Mindanao.
One of these is a letter (June 2, 1637) from the celebrated martyr
in the Japanese missions, Marcelo Francisco Mastrilli, who went to
Mindanao with Corcuera. He relates with much detail the events of the
expedition, which the devil strives from the start to hinder. The
Spaniards capture the Moro forts at the mouth of the Rio Grande,
killing several of Corralat's best officers, and seizing many vessels
and military supplies; then they destroy many villages belonging
to him. On March 18, the Spaniards storm a fortified height back of
the port where they first entered. Corralat is driven from it, and
flees to a little village in his territory; and in the conflict his
wife and many of his followers are slain. Some Recollect fathers,
held captive by the Moros, also perish--one of them slain by them,
in anger at their defeat. Corralat's treasure is seized, and divided
among the soldiers; and much booty obtained by the Moros in plundering
the churches in their raids is recovered. After destroying all that
can be found, Corcuera returns to Zamboanga, leaving troops behind to
subdue another Moro ruler, named Moncay. The wounded Spaniards--many
of whom were injured by poisoned arrows--are cared for at Zamboanga,
so successfully that only two men out of eighty die, and these
"because they would not let themselves be cured." Mastrilli ascribes
this success not so much to the antidotes that had been furnished from
Manila as to the virtues of a relic that he had, of St. Francis Xavier,
and to the patients' faith therein. In due time, the detachment sent
against Moncay return, bringing that chief's brother as envoy to offer
his submission, and a promise to aid the Spaniards against Corralat,
and to receive among his people Jesuit missionaries. Corcuera returns
to Manila, after sending an expedition to reduce the villages on
the western coast of the island, and arranging for opening a mission
on the island of Basilan and securing for its people (who desire to
maintain friendship with the Spaniards) the protection of the Spanish
fort at Zamboanga. Other Moros along the southern coast offer to
become the vassals of Spain, and the Joloans hasten to secure peace
with the conqueror. All this opens a broad field for gospel work,
and Mastrilli urges that Jesuit missionaries hasten to till it.
The usual Jesuit annals are continued by Juan Lopez (1636-1637). The
archbishop is now on very friendly terms with the Jesuits. The
noted martyr Mastrilli comes to the islands, and is regarded
with much veneration by the people on account of certain miracles
vouchsafed him; he departs from Manila on his way to Japan. Certain
Dutchmen, prisoners at Manila, are converted; some of these, and
some discontented Spaniards, undertake to escape from the islands,
but most of the fugitives come to grief. The Dutch are at swords'
points with the natives of Java and Amboyna. The Spanish relief ships
sent to Ternate encounter the Dutch and gain some advantage over
them. A chief in Celebes and another in Siao have sent their sons to
be educated in the Jesuit college at Manila; and to the former have
been sent some soldiers and a missionary. The Camucones pirates were
unusually daring in the year 1636, and carried away many captives
from Samar; but on their return to their own country many of them
perished by storms or by enemies. The Mindanao raid of the same year,
and Corcuera's Mindanao campaign, are briefly described. The ruler of
Jolo is hostile, and Corcuera is going thither to humble the Moro's
pride. In Japan, all persons having Portuguese or Castilian blood
have been exiled to Macao.
Returning victorious from the Mindanao expedition, Corcuera makes a
triumphant entry into Manila (May 24, 1637), which is described by the
Jesuit Juan Lopez. The festivities, secular and religious, last during
several weeks, and include processions, masquerades, illuminations,
masses, music, and dancing--and, finally, a dramatic representation
of the conquest of Mindanao. The Manila Jesuits appeal (in August of
that year) to the king, through the governor of the islands, for a
further grant, to aid in erecting their buildings. This request is
endorsed by Archbishop Guerrero.
On August 20, Corcuera sends the king his own account of his recent
campaigns against the Moros of Mindanao; he promises to undertake
next year expeditions to Jolo and Borneo. He asks the king to confirm
his grant of extra pay to wounded soldiers; he also complains of
the illegal acts of Pedro de Heredia, who has long been governor
at Terrenate, and asks that an official be sent from Spain to take
Heredia's residencia.
The Editors
June, 1905.
DOCUMENTS OF 1636
Letter to Felipe IV. Sebastian Hurtado de Corcuera; June 30.
Letter to Corcuera. Felipe IV; October 11.
Royal decrees. Felipe IV; August-November.
Sources: The first document, and the first of the three decrees, are
obtained from MSS. in the Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla; the rest,
from the "Cedulario Indico," in the Archivo Historico Nacional, Madrid.
Translations: The first document is translated by Emma Helen Blair;
the second, by Robert W. Haight; the third, by James A. Robertson.
LETTER FROM CORCUERA TO FELIPE IV
Sire:
Your Majesty was pleased to present for archbishop of this city Don
Fray Hernando Guerrero, formerly bishop of Nueba Segobia. I avow
to your Majesty, in all truth, that, [even] if I did not feel under
obligation to give you an account of what is going on in these your
islands, which are in my charge, I would not dare to inform any other
person than my natural lord of the archbishop's harsh, unbending, and
irritable disposition. By the galleons which arrived last year came
his bulls, which, with the decrees of your Majesty, he presented in
the royal Audiencia. He was admitted to his church, whose canons and
dignitaries he had often threatened because they had not been willing
to receive him before his bulls came. In the royal court of justice,
before which he appeared to be presented [to his see], he swore upon
the gospels not to interfere with your Majesty's jurisdiction, to
respect your royal patronage, and to be always your royal vassal. All
this he has violated, three or four times; and during the ten months
while he has governed the church he has not failed in each of them
to annoy me and disturb the peace. The first occasion was, that an
artilleryman had killed a slave-girl belonging to the sargento-mayor;
she had formerly belonged to the artilleryman, and he had maintained
illicit relations with her. The said archbishop took her away from
him, and made him sell her. [Then follows an account of the murder
and the execution of justice on the criminal (the body of the latter
"was borne to its burial by La Misericordia"), and of the early part
of the controversy with the archbishop.] A fuller account of this
will be given to your Majesty by the fathers Diego de Bobadilla
and Simon Cotta, [1] who are persons of great truthfulness, and
have much authority in their order; they are going, as its agents,
to Rome. From this your Majesty may be assured that they will give
you truthful information about whatever you may be pleased to know
regarding these islands. I entreat your Majesty, with all respect,
that you will be pleased to command that their affairs shall be
promptly and favorably despatched; for this religious order merits
such favor for the services that they render to your Majesty. They
furnish chaplains for your galleons that sail to Therrenate, on
which service no one likes to go, on account of the danger. The said
fathers are also rendering the same service in the galleons which
go to Castilla; they receive twelve pesos a month as pay, which has
been assigned to them on account of the convenience of this service
to your Majesty--although the said fathers would serve without pay,
most willingly, in order to show better the affection with which they
always engage in your Majesty's service.
The said religious order, to defend themselves from the flagrant
injuries which the said archbishop was inflicting upon them--although
they sought means, and those the mildest, for peace--could not avoid
the appointment of a judge-conservator. He defended their rights,
and compelled the archbishop to withdraw the acts [which he had
issued against the Society], although the said judge-conservator
allowed himself first to be excommunicated. Here there is occasion
for making a long relation to your Majesty; but I will refrain from
that, mindful that the said fathers will make a report to you. I made
an offer to the archbishop to pay, out of my own purse, the four
thousand ducados which the judge-conservator had sentenced him to
pay for the crusade fund; and that I would take into my own charge
his affairs, and the satisfactory settlement of them with the said
judge-conservator. For this purpose I went to visit the archbishop
at [the convent of] St. Francis, to which he had retired; and in the
presence of the provincial and of another religious (an Augustinian,
procurator for his order) I made him that offer--on the condition that
he would detach himself from the religious orders, who, as I judged,
were disturbing his mind with evil counsels. He would not accept my
offer with that condition, preferring to remain [where he was] until
affairs had gone through their proper course, and [thus] lowering
himself from bad to worse. On the Friday before Christmas Eve, he
came to my lodgings after evening prayer, and with much feeling asked
that, since I would give a furlough the next day to the prisoners
in the jail, I would also release him from the affliction that he
was suffering, and adjust his affairs. He had been declared to be
suspended [from his office] for four years. I was embarrassed at this,
and doubted whether I could do him any service or accomplish anything
for his aid. I called together the learned jurists and advocates of
this royal Audiencia, that they might give me their opinions after
having carefully studied the question whether I could demand that
[relief for the archbishop] from the judge-conservator, and ask him to
grant it for my sake. In this council were present the provincial and
the rector of the Society of Jesus, the dean [of the cathedral] and
other canonists, and the judge-conservator himself; and in it I asked
this last, in virtue of the opinions rendered by the said lawyers, to
restore the archbishop to his government, and to withdraw from him the
pecuniary fines, which amounted to more than eight thousand pesos. I
could not obtain a favorable answer then, nor indeed for more than a
fortnight afterward--although I offered to the judge-conservator, and
to his brothers and relatives, all the favors that I could show them
not unworthily, in an official way. At this very time I am assigning
a pension of two hundred pesos to a sister of his, a poor woman, the
wife of Don Sebastian de Herbite--to whom your Majesty was pleased to
grant, by one of your royal decrees, an encomienda of three hundred
ducados. That decree has not yet been fulfilled, because he has not
come from España; and this sum has been given to his wife to aid in
her support until her husband shall return, and your Majesty's command
regarding him can be carried out. To another officer (a brother-in-law
of the said judge-conservator), who has ability, and deserves reward
for his own sake and for the services of his father, I gave the
office of alcalde-mayor for Laguna de Vay. I assure your Majesty
that the settlement [of this affair] cost me much care and effort,
besides a thousand pesos in cash from my own purse which I spent
for various matters. Peace having been concluded, and the archbishop
having been absolved and freed from the penalties, he went to his own
house in my coach; and I conveyed him to the holy church, and even
to the choir--where I knelt, in order to set a good example to all,
to recognize his authority; and I went to my own seat, to hear mass.
We remained in entire harmony about a month and a half. But the royal
chaplain of your Majesty for the seminary of Santa Potenciana rang
the bell for the _Gloria_, on Holy Saturday, a quarter of an hour
before the cathedral bells rang; and for this the archbishop--although
he knew that that chaplain is in charge of your Majesty's seminary,
and only removable by you, and that he has no authority to wreak his
anger on him, as he does on the others, his own clergy--commanded
that two pairs of fetters should be placed on the chaplain, at the
house of his fiscal. I was informed of this by a memorial from the
directress of the said seminary, saying that it was left without
chaplain and without mass. I sent by my secretary a message to the
said archbishop, entreating that he would have the kindness to command
that the chaplain be released, on account of the deficiency which his
absence caused in the seminary; but he began to reprimand my secretary,
as if the latter were the one to blame. For that reason, I sent by
an adjutant an order to the said chaplain to come to me, to give his
account of the affair; and within one hour he was sent back to his
prison. Although the archbishop knew this, he left his house, going
through the streets with a great disturbance, and attended with tapers,
to consult with the religious orders whether he could excommunicate
me; for he asserted that I had broken into his prison and taken away
his prisoners. His fiscal hastened to tell him that the chaplain
was already in his prison, at which the archbishop became quiet and
returned to his house. He would not allow the chaplain to appeal to
the bishop of Camarines; so the latter appealed for royal aid against
fuerza--the archbishop having detained him six or eight days in prison
because he would not pay the twelve pesos which he had been fined for
having rung the bells for the _Gloria_ too early. The fine was paid
by a friend of his; and thereupon he was allowed to leave the prison.
After that, the archdeacon, Don Francisco de Valdes (who had been
presented for that dignity by Don Juan Cereso de Salamanca), finding
that his health was impaired, and being offended at the abusive
language that the archbishop used, whenever he felt so inclined,
to him and the other members of the chapter, in the choir, handed to
the prelate his resignation of the said dignity--as much because he
could not fulfil its duties on account of his infirmities, as for
the reason just stated. He also placed his resignation before the
government. The archbishop replied that Don Francisco must aid in
the church services until Holy Week and Easter were past. After that
time had expired, the archdeacon again demanded that the archbishop
accept his resignation, and allow him to go to his own house to
recuperate; but the prelate refused to accept it. Don Francisco
therefore memorialized the government, placing the said resignation
in your Majesty's hands; and it was accepted from him in your royal
name, for the reasons that he alleged therein. For this cause he
again became disquieted, and displayed his former bad temper. The
juris-consults had affirmed that the said prebend was vacant, and
that the government could present another person in Don Francisco's
place--as was done, by presenting Master Don Andres Arias Xiron,
cura of La Hermitta (one of the best benefices outside the city
walls), who was provisor of this archbishopric while the bishop of
Cibú governed it, and has always given a good account of himself. The
archbishop disliked Don Andres because he did hot resign his office
as provisor before that prelate entered upon the government of his
church, so that the latter might bestow that office on Don Pedro de
Monroy--who caused so many disturbances in the time of Don Alfonso
[_sic_] Faxardo, excommunicating the auditors, and constraining
the Audiencia to exile him from the kingdoms. This man was made
provisor when the archbishop began to govern, and he caused fresh
disturbances when justice was executed on the artilleryman; and during
the term of the judge-conservator the office of provisor was taken
away from Don Pedro. As he left the city, through fear of the said
judge-conservator--the ecclesiastical cabildo ruling [the archdiocese]
and its dean being provisor--I gave orders at the city gates that
the guards should not allow Don Pedro to enter them, to cause more
commotions in the city. One day, at evening prayer, [his friends]
brought him within the walls by a gate opening toward the sea, clad in
the garb of a Franciscan, walking between two religious of that order;
and the Dominicans received him into their house. The religious of both
those orders, forcing their way through the guard and overpowering
its commander, who was holding Don Pedro, smuggled in the latter
through a little postern gate which the said Dominican fathers had.
Through the hatred and ill-will which the said archbishop bears to
the said Don Andres Xiron, he refused to accept the presentation
of the latter [to the archdeanery]; and in regard to this subject
he has had so many disputes with the Audiencia of your Majesty over
the fuerza which he committed against the said Don Andres, that he
went so far as to excommunicate Auditor Çapatta for having rendered
the decision that it was fuerza. By this act he excommunicated the
entire Audiencia, as Çapatta alone remained of the auditors--for the
rest of them are dead; the last one was Don Albaro de Mesa y Lugo,
who died about six weeks ago--although it is true that, according
to the concordant opinion of lawyers, the Audiencia cannot be held
as excommunicate. I called together the advocates in the Audiencia,
and named three for the defense of the case, who should continue
to act with the authority that was given to them by the ordinance
and iterative decrees of your Majesty. The royal decree having been
issued, the archbishop yielded, and absolved the said auditor, Marcos
Çapatta. But as he continued his display of fuerza against Don Andres
Arias Xiron, an act and an iterative decree were also issued against
the archbishop, which he refused to obey in any case. In this stand
he was aided by the friars--Dominicans, Franciscans, Recollects,
and Augustinians--at the time when the alguazil-mayor of court
proceeded to execute the royal decree which exiled the archbishop
from the kingdoms and deprived him of the temporalities. A friar
carried to his house the monstrance with the most holy sacrament;
he was clad in his pontifical robes, and, holding the monstrance in
his hands, the three religious orders being present, he awaited the
said alguazil-mayor with the said royal decree. The latter, seeing
this array, did not know what he ought to do. The Audiencia commanded
him to drive the religious out of the archbishop's house by force,
with the assistance that he had, and to serve the royal decree. They
ordered him to remain there with his soldiers, with all devoutness
and respect, before the archbishop, and to wait until he should lay
down the most holy sacrament, before executing the decree; also that
he should not allow the archbishop to eat or drink, nor permit any
one else to enter his house to give him food. The friars refused
to go away, until the soldiers had to carry them away bodily. Then,
at eleven o'clock at night, they were going about the streets, and
finally obliged me to take other measures, after I had sent, in the
name of your Majesty, protests to the provincial of St. Dominic and
the guardian of St. Francis--informing them that their religious were
gathered at the gate of the archbishop's house in the manner of a
[religious] community, with lighted candles in their hands. The
religious refused to go away until I gave orders that the soldiers
should carry them in their arms to the convents. Their intention was
to stir up the community, and cause scandals and tumults in it; and in
truth they would have succeeded in this if your Majesty had not here
your armed troops. For in these Philipinas Islands these friars are
lawless people; and I would rather fight the Dutch in Flandes than
deal with these friars, or have occasion for trouble with them. I
will write further particulars about them in a separate letter and
information to your Majesty, in order that you may be pleased to
command that some corrective be applied to these disorders; and so
that the governor may be enabled to conduct the government and attend
to the service of your Majesty without being hindered by them.
The archbishop remained in the island of Maribeles--to which place
he allowed himself to be conveyed for his disobedience--more than
a fortnight. During this time the royal Audiencia set affairs in
order, after having written to the bishop of Cibú (to whom pertains
the ecclesiastical government [in such cases]) that the bishop of
Camarines--who is second in that succession, and was here in the
city--was to govern the church. This he has done, removing the
suspension of divine services, and absolving the excommunicated
_ad cautelam_. The archbishop, before the alguazil-mayor of the
court could arrive to notify him of your Majesty's royal decree, had
declared excommunication against the auditor Çapatta and the governor
of Filipinas--as your Majesty will see by the papers which I send,
which were posted in the churches. However, all the matters that I
have mentioned, and everything else, I will leave for the report which
the said fathers of the Society, Diego de Bobadilla and Simon Cotta,
will make to your Majesty, in your royal Council of the Indias; they
will inform you of all the circumstances and details which here I omit.
The royal Audiencia, exercising the clemency, kindness, and affection
with which your Majesty treats your vassals (especially the prelates
and ecclesiastics), issued a new royal decree to restore the said
archbishop to your Majesty's favor and to his archbishopric--all
which has been carried out, for the sake of a good example to all
the foreign peoples here; but making preëminent the authority of
your Majesty's jurisdiction in what concerns him. But we always
remain hopeless that the said archbishop will govern his church
peaceably, without interfering with the said royal jurisdiction or
with your Majesty's patronage; for he is instigated [by others],
and cannot be obliged, on account of the extent of his authority,
to punish the ecclesiastics and his cabildo. He unites himself, on
every occasion, with the three religious orders aforesaid--who do not
content themselves with giving opinions which are not for his good,
but force him to carry out these. They act thus out of revenge for
my being told, when I first came here, of their shortcomings by the
said archbishop; and they cannot revenge themselves for this in any
other way than by driving him into the same uneasy disposition. In
order that your Majesty may form some idea of the archbishop, I will
tell you of what occurred on Holy Thursday. At half-past two in the
afternoon, when he was in the choir to perform the ceremony of washing
the feet of twelve priests, he began to put on his pontifical robes,
and at the same time gave orders that the musicians should sing. The
sub-chanter was not there, not having arrived at the church; and
moreover the dignitaries (who do not have to put on their vestments
with him) had not come. One of these was Don Francisco de Valdes,
who resigned the archdeaconry; he had treated these ecclesiastics
so badly with insulting language that, on the last occasion of
that, the said archdeacon resolved that he would not serve in the
church during the term of the archbishop. As he did not possess your
Majesty's confirmation of his prebend, they all said that he could
do so. At this time the singers came in, and began the offices; the
archbishop became so angry (for he is exceedingly choleric) that he
snatched the miter from his head and flung it on the floor. Thus he
went on, throwing down the rest of his vestments, one after another;
and when he had stripped off all of them he went to his own house,
snorting with anger, and uttering a thousand insults against all
the prebendaries, and leaving all the priests sitting, barefooted,
on a bench. Such are the actions of the archbishop; and with his
headlong tendencies, combined with the excellent counsels that the
friars give him, I shall have plenty to do in keeping them all quiet,
and endeavoring to live in peace. All these things demand from your
Majesty suitable and efficacious correction.
For the honor of God and of your own service, will your Majesty be
pleased to command that all these matters be amended, or else to
send another governor, so that one shall take care of ecclesiastical
affairs, and the other of the temporal, for one man alone cannot
do both; for the hindrances which these religious orders put in his
way are many, and he has no time left for the political government
or military affairs, or for considering the general welfare of the
provinces. May our Lord guard the Catholic person of your Majesty,
as Christendom has need. Manila, on the last day of June in the year
1636. Sire, your Majesty's vassal kisses your feet.
Sevastian Hurtado de Corcuera
I, Alonso Vaeça del Rio, public notary, one of the number [allotted]
to this city for the king our sovereign, attest and give truthful
testimony to the persons who shall see the present, that today,
Friday, which is reckoned the ninth of May in the year one thousand
six hundred and thirty-six, at about eight o'clock at night, a little
more or less, Christoval de Valderrama, notary of this archbishopric,
stationed himself at the corner of the archbishop's house, near
the dwelling of the master-of-camp, Don Lorenzo de Olasso, to read a
document. This he did by the light of a taper, in loud and intelligible
words; and at the noise I, the present secretary, and several other
persons went to the windows in the house of Captain Luis Alonso de
Roa (which forms half a square), on the side where the said notary
was standing. Continuing his reading, he said that inasmuch as the
most reverend prelate of these islands had been making his official
visitation on Master Don Andres Arias Jiron, a beneficed cura for
the district of La Hermita; and in order to interrupt him, so that he
could not continue that visitation, Don Sevastian Hurtado de Corcuera,
governor and captain-general of these islands, had nominated the said
Don Andres for archdeacon of the cathedral of this city; and besides,
in order that the archbishop should accept him and bestow upon him
collation and canonical installation, had issued against the said
archbishop a royal decree in which he commanded him to give Don Andres
the said collation--which was contrary to the bull _In cena Domini_:
[accordingly,] the said governor and the licentiate Don Marcos Çapata
de Galves, auditor of this royal Audiencia, had rendered themselves
liable to excommunication; and he therefore commanded them that,
within half an hour, they should withdraw the said royal decree--under
penalty of four thousand ducados of Castilla to be applied for the
Holy Crusade, and of the major excommunication, _late sententia,
ipso facto incurrenda_; and he would place them on the public list of
excommunicated persons. The aforesaid statements--with another, that
he would proclaim an interdict, and would today impose a wholesale
suspension of divine services--are those which I could understand;
and I came to give an account of it to the said governor. Being in
the apartment of the royal court, his Lordship, having sent away
all persons except me, commanded that I should make an official
statement of the affair--with a solemn declaration (which I made)
that this demand was made with no intention of proceeding against
any ecclesiastic, but only for the purpose of rendering an account
of this occurrence to his Majesty and to his royal Council of the
Indias. By this command I give the present; and it is witnessed by
Captain Lope Ossorio de Soto, Eugenio de Rui Saenz, Captain Diego
Diaz de Pliego, Captain Luis Alonso de Roa, and Alférez Francisco
Mexia--who all were with me, the present notary, in the house of the
said Captain Luis Alonso de Roa, when what I have related occurred;
and they also heard it. And, as witnesses that I attest the present
deposition, were present Don Pedro de Arredondo Aguero, Alonso de
Çornoca, and Antonio Dias. This deposition is dated on this said day,
at about nine o'clock at night, a little more or less; and I sign it,
in testimony of the truth.
Alonço Vaeça del Rio, public notary.
[Then follows an attestation by other public notaries that the said
deponent is an authorized notary, and worthy of trust. [2]]
LETTER FROM FELIPE IV TO CORCUERA
The King: To Don Sebastian Hurtado de Corcuera, knight of the Order of
Alcantara, my governor and captain-general of my Filipinas Islands,
and president of my royal Audiencia thereof. The letter written
to me by Don Juan Zerezo Salamanca, governor of those islands by
appointment of the Marqués de Cerralvo, my viceroy of Nueva España,
upon the death of Don Juan Niño de Tavora, on the tenth of August,
634, which treats of military affairs, has been received and examined
in my Council of War for the Yndias and is answered in this.
He says that the preservation of those islands depends upon not
undertaking new enterprises, but keeping the indispensable garrisons
well defended, and reducing those of less importance, whereby there
will be troops in that camp sufficient to undertake large enterprises,
as the governors did in other days. At present, on the contrary, for
the reason given, they are contented with not losing anything that is
in their charge. It has, therefore, seemed best to warn and charge
you, as I do, to inform me very needfully in regard to this, and of
what ought to be done for the greater efficiency of the government.
He likewise says that to withdraw the forces from the island of
Hermosa would be a difficult thing, notwithstanding that it appears,
by the explanation that he sends me in the letter which he writes
me concerning affairs of government (a copy of which I send you
with this), that this is expedient. Accordingly, the force there
should be reduced to only two posts, doing away with the expense of
rations for the others--although, in his opinion, all that is being
done is superfluous. After considering the said clause of the letter,
you will inform me of what occurs to you in this matter, and what is
advisable to be decreed.
He declares that the fortress of that city is in a state of defense,
although not with the completeness that was maintained in former
times, and that the fortification of the city is a difficult task. The
site of its settlement is admirable, because more than half of it
stands on an arm of the sea, where it cannot be surrounded by any
enemies, and another stretch of wall is bathed by the river. But
the remaining side, toward the land, has some heights; and the
ground is such that a trench can be opened up to the wall, which
has no terreplein. The wall is seven palmos high; the redoubts are
very small and irregular--on the contrary, being in the way of the
casements. Of the three cavaliers which the wall has, the moat is so
filled up that there is hardly a sign that there was one. Considering
the great importance of that post, and the fact that building can be
done very cheaply, at less cost than in any other part, he resolved
to build a royal cavalier, by gathering up the remains of what stood
there before to repair the fortifications, in modern fashion, at the
weakest part of the wall. Without drawing from my royal treasury,
he had commenced the work four months before, and hoped to have it
finished in two more. The ditch was being opened effectively at the
same time, and to reduce the number of posts for the defense of this
city, and that it might be better fortified, all the redoubts which
disturbed the communication between the cavaliers were to be destroyed,
and the wall would consist of merely four bastions. You will inform
me as to what has been done, and what you may judge should be done.
As for the careless storage of the powder; for [Don Juan says that]
all there is on those islands is contained in a chamber of the fort
of that city, and that in so prominent a place that it overlooks the
wall; and that if by some accident (which may God avert!) this powder
should explode, besides the risk to the city, there would remain no
more powder in that whole country, nor material with which it could
be made. To avoid so great a difficulty there would be built in some
of the said four cavaliers two round towers, so that a large part of
the powder could be divided and protected. Supposing that you realize
how important it is that a part of the powder should be safe, and free
from the accidents which might be brought about by any of it igniting,
I charge you strictly to carry out this matter pertaining to the
safety of the powder, that it may be more secure and suitably placed.
He says that one of the motives which led him to fortify the wall is
that the religious orders have built churches close to it, so large
that they are obstacles; and because one of the churches, which is
called Minondo, is near the Parián where during the year there are
settled twenty or thirty thousand Sangleys (who are the people that
rebelled in times past); and through mild measures the people of the
Parián have aided this work with four thousand pesos from the treasury
of their common fund. This has appeared well to us, and you will take
measures in it which you may judge most expedient, warning them that no
height commanding the city must remain. If there is any difficulty,
and the churches would receive loss, you will avert such injury;
and will send a plan [of the building]; and for the future you will
not consent that any work be built to the damage of the public.
He says that he had informed me that the galleys were of little
importance, and that of Terrenate alone was worth maintaining; but
that, having considered the matter further, he is of a different
opinion. For they are necessary in order to reënforce with them
Terrenate on occasions of danger, but in the port of Cabite, where
they are lying, they are not so useful as they would be if they were
taken to the province of Pintados, in Otón, or Cibu, within view
of the domestic enemies in Mindanao, Joló, and Camocón--who are the
ones who rob the natives. And he says that if he had only had twenty
oared vessels that year in that region, the enemy would not have
come out from their country, causing disturbances and terrorizing the
provinces as they usually do. With the first relation which notified
Don Juan Zerezo to carry out this plan, in the past year of 635, I
ordered you that, since the galleys caused great expense, you should
do away with them; and that, if you found difficulties in doing so,
you should advise me of it. In order that a decision may be made
in this matter, I order and command you to inform me very fully of
what occurs to you in regard to it, so that, having examined this,
I may order such measures to be taken as shall be most expedient.
He says that Pedro de Heredia, governor of Terrenate, had advised him
that many soldiers of that garrison were about to mutiny, and that
he was letting the matter pass as well as he could, hoping that aid
would arrive. This had been caused by the fact that Father Immanuel
Rivero, commissioner of the Holy Office, had published an edict which
affected many of them, concerning the crime against nature, whereby
he gave them two months' time to be absolved; and to this was added
the fact that it was understood that the governor was instituting an
investigation as to who were absolved, whence arose their despair. On
this account, as well as because the Dutch had a very strong galleon
in Malayo and were expecting others from Chacarta, it was necessary
that the ordinary reënforcements should be much increased; for, if
only the usual number came, they would infallibly be lost. At the time
when this advice was received, two galleons and a patache were getting
ready, for the affairs which he had mentioned gave him more anxiety
than the enemy themselves. Several, in the council which they held,
thought best that he should not take the risk or weaken his forces;
and that this reënforcement should be sent in light vessels, and to
the usual amount. But considering the condition and the danger of
those forts, it was resolved to reënforce them creditably, sending
the said two galleons manned with good infantry and first-class
troops. He raised one company of volunteer soldiers from the camp,
which was an important thing, and it is well that this should be done
every year, so that no soldiers be forced to go; for, knowing that
there will be many exchanged, they will go willingly. He appointed
as commander Admiral Don Geronimo de Himonte [_sic_], who conducted
himself extremely well, observing the orders which he carried, not to
turn aside for other enterprises, but to place the reënforcements in
Terrenate, and to defend himself from whomsoever attempted to hinder
him. The two [Dutch] ships that the enemy were awaiting were on the
way for this purpose: they were boarded and burned by Indians of the
Votunes from the kingdom of Macasan, who found them anchored, with
the troops on land, and killed those who remained on board. But the
ship from Malayo, trusting to its strength and extreme lightness,
attempted to attack the reënforcements all alone, taking this risk
on account of the importance of the matter, knowing that the soldiers
from the garrison of Terrenate were awaiting the outcome of this affair
before resolving to kill the governor and higher officials, according
as they had plotted. The said galleon fought with the ships which
brought the reënforcements eight days [_dias; sc. horas_] and escaped
dismantled, with great loss. In the ships with the reënforcements
seven persons were killed, including the chief pilot. After this,
the reënforcements arrived safely, at the time when Pedro de Heredia
had arrested a hundred and fifty persons; he had burned or garroted
eleven, a number had died in prison, and forty more were sent back
in the same ships which brought the reënforcements. The case on the
first hearing was brought before Don Lorenzo de Olasso, master-of-camp
of the soldiery in those islands. Although the charges against them
were not sufficiently substantiated, and some were of opinion that
they should be leniently dealt with; yet, considering that if these
forty soldiers were guilty they might infect the garrisons in which
they were stationed, and as the affair was of such public importance
and within sight of so many barbarians and particularly Sangleys--who
are more than any other nation liable to this wretched practice, they
ought to be proceeded against with much discretion and severity. The
despatch of the reënforcements, and what was done in its execution
and fulfilment, are approved. In regard, to removing the soldiers,
I ordered you by my decree of the filth of November of 635 to send
two companies to Terrenate in two galleons, so that two others might
be brought back from there; and in this manner that garrison would
be exchanged every three years, and all the companies of the troops
there would divide the labor equally. Accordingly, I charge you to
have the foregoing executed; and you will see to it that thanks are
rendered to Don Juan Zerezo for the care with which he prepared the
reënforcements which he sent. As for the delinquents arrested, you
will do justice to them as is most fitting to the service of God our
Lord and myself, proceeding very circumspectly.
He likewise informs us that Pedro de Heredia wrote to him that the
natives of the islands of Terrenate, who hitherto recognized Cachil
Varo as king of Tidore, have refused him obedience, and crowned
in his place another Moro chief named Cachil Horotalo, saying that
this one is the true heir of that kingdom and that Cachil Varo is an
intruder. This makes him very anxious, because besides the fact that it
is not his affair to disinherit kingdoms, the new one whom they pretend
is the king has been hitherto retired in Malayo under the protection
of the Dutch, fulfilling the duties of naval commander; and he had
even sent him ambassadors, promising fidelity. Little dependence is
to be put upon his words, and Cachil Varo is a very valiant Moro and
my true servant, to whom hitherto presents have been given each year,
and, before him, to his father. Besides having become hispanicized,
and an ally of this crown, he has retired to his fort in Tidore,
which is a more important one than those I hold, and he is obeyed by
the people in general, with more than two thousand chiefs. This has
appeared satisfactory; and I charge you particularly always to aid
friendly kings with whom we have alliances and friendship.
He says there is nothing in that government so important as that the
port of Cavite be well provided with the necessary naval supplies,
and some person who is very competent and intelligent placed in charge
of it. The other offices are given as favors, but for this one some
person is sought who must be asked to accept it. Such has been the
case with him who is stationed there as commander of the fort and
river-master--namely, Captain Juan de Olaz, who attends to it in
such manner that for many years the port has not been so abundantly
supplied nor more faithfully administered--very different from the
condition in which it was, lacking everything. You will give him
many thanks on my behalf and let care be taken regarding his person,
that favors may be bestowed on him when occasion offers.
He says that the rewards in these islands are scant, and particularly
those which he has had to give, as he has not had authority to appoint
to encomiendas; and that, as well on this account as owing to the
events which have occurred in his time, he has promoted some worthy
soldiers with commissions as infantry captains--considering that
they are the ones who perform the labor which is most necessary;
and that they have, aside from their pay, only their simple place
as before. Several in consideration of this honor have settled
down and become citizens, which is a thing much to be desired. The
sons of principal men have been encouraged to enlist as soldiers,
and have commenced to serve in the infantry, which was much run
down. With especial care he has given none of these appointments to
any servant of his--excepting his captain of the guard, as all the
other governors did; and the offices of justice have been appointed
from the veterans in service and the old settlers. In the foregoing
cases you will observe the military ordinances.
The other clauses of the said letter have been examined and at present
there is nothing to answer to them. Madrid, October 11, 1636.
I the King
By order of his Majesty:
Don Gabriel de Ocaña y Alarcon
ROYAL DECREES
_Ordering the city of Manila to compensate Grau y Monfalcon_
The King: To the council, justice, and magistracy of the city of
Manila of the Philipinas Islands. Don Juan Grau y Monfalcon, your
procurator-general, has reported to me that you had many serious
matters of great importance pending in this my court, on which depended
the conservation of that community. Seeing also that the persons who
had charge of these did not conclude them, you appointed him as your
procurator-general; and, besides him, a regidor of that city council
[_ayuntamiento_], who might come here to confer about those affairs,
giving him a salary of two thousand pesos. The latter, coming to
these kingdoms, died in Eastern India. Consequently, you again made a
new appointment, [conferring it] on Don Diego de Esqueta y Mechaca,
a regidor of that city, who is coming to this my court in the first
trading fleet. All the papers, records, and instructions, which you
gave to the said regidors for the despatch of the business having
reached the hands of the said Don Juan Grau, he has attended to its
expedition with so great promptness, personal care, and interest,
that he has indeed settled your affairs, so that when the said Don
Diego de Esqueta arrives here he will find nothing for him to do. Don
Juan has attended to it all at his own cost, and since the time of
his appointment as such procurator-general--more than six years--you
have not sent him any of his salary, or anything for the expenses
that he has incurred. He has expended considerable money from his own
funds--something which few would have done, especially in so hard
times--as he desired to give you entire satisfaction in regard to
the matters with which you had charged him. By that means the great
expenses that you might have incurred, if the said procurators had
remained here with salaries so considerable, have been avoided. He
petitioned me, in view of this, to be pleased to grant him the
favor of a decree of recommendation, so that you may consider him
as well recommended, in order to give him a reward for his service,
past and present, in the said negotiations; and that you may assign
him some fixed salary for his service in the future, for so long
as he shall hold powers of attorney from you. He petitioned that he
be remunerated for what he has spent, and that you also assign him
a certain accommodation of lading-space in the ships that sail to
Nueva España. This matter having been examined in my royal Council of
the Yndias, where the care taken by the said Don Juan Grau has been
known and experienced; and after they had considered the aforesaid and
the good account that he has given of the matters under his charge,
with the diligence and carefulness of which you will have learned
through the many despatches which he has sent and continues to send
you; and because my will is that he receive in full the grace and
favor which his care merits: I have considered it fitting to issue
the present. By it I charge and order you that, since it is so just
to make him compensation, you grant him that which he should have,
in accordance with what you consider due him for his work, past and
present, in your affairs and negotiations. You shall also pay him
the sum which he shall have spent and what he shall spend from his
own property in the said matters. What you shall thus determine, and
what you think can be done for him, you shall give to the person who
shall hold his power of attorney in that city. Thus is my will. Given
in Madrid, August fourteen, one thousand six hundred and thirty-six.
I the King
By order of the king our sovereign:
Don Gabriel de Ocaña y Alarcon
Signed by the Council.
[_Endorsed:_ "Don Juan Grau. To the city of Manila, ordering it
to endeavor to remunerate, as it shall deem best, Don Juan Grau y
Monfalcon, procurator-general of that city, for his labor in the
expedition of its affairs, and for the expenses incurred by him
in them."]
_Orders given to Sebastian Hurtado de Corcuera_
The King: To Don Sebastian Hurtado de Corcuera, knight of the Order of
Alcántara, my governor and captain-general of the Filipinas Islands,
and president of my royal Audiencia therein. A letter written to
me by Don Juan Zerezo de Salamanca on August 10 of the former year,
1634, while he was governor _ad interim_ of those islands, on matters
pertaining to government and justice, [3] has been received and
examined in my royal Council of the Indias. On the points therein
that have needed to be considered, you are hereby answered.
The said Don Juan Zerezo declares that Geronimo de Fuentes, an
inhabitant of that city, bid for a magistracy at auction. The
judges of the auction knocked it down to him, and made out his
title for it. Some of the regidors opposed this, and appealed to
the Audiencia. The latter, in order not to make a precedent, so that
the alcaldes or judges of the provinces should attempt the same with
their successors, had the possession [of the magistracy] given to him,
and left the party his right safe and in force. That is approved.
By my decree of August 26, 633, I ordered that, in matters of
government and the expenses of my royal treasury which should arise
from the petition of litigants, my fiscal should be allowed to see
all the enactments of my governors, so that he may take notice of what
appears to [concern] him. I am informed that he is so doing; and that
it would be advisable to order the said fiscal that, in disputes over
jurisdiction with the Audiencia, he shall defend the decrees which
pronounce in favor of the government's jurisdiction. Notwithstanding
that I order that Audiencia to observe and obey those decrees with
special care. I have deemed it advisable to charge you--as I do--that
you shall do what pertains to you in your offices, and shall observe
the decrees, laws, and ordinances which are given for the good
government of those islands.
I have determined that the ships which are despatched to Nueva España
shall sail without fail every year in the early part of June. Don
Juan Zerezo tells me that it could not be established in the year of
634. I charge you straitly to attend to the execution and fulfilment
of this, with the earnestness that I expect from your zeal.
As for the loan of sixty thousand pesos which the inhabitants of
Macan made, as you have understood it, to my royal treasury of that
city--the payment and reimbursement of which my fiscal afterward
opposed, saying that the Portuguese were holding back considerable
property of those citizens; and which was for that reason placed in
a separate fund, where it is deposited--you shall order that those
accounts be adjusted, and that what amount is theirs by right be paid
to the parties, according to justice.
He mentions also that word was received from the kingdoms of Japon that
the persecution of Christians was greater than ever in the year 633,
and that more than twenty religious from all the orders were martyred;
and that it would be advisable that no religious go to that kingdom
for the present, because of the little good that they do, and that,
on account of this, the intercourse and commerce of that kingdom
with those islands has been closed. Since intercourse and friendship
with them should not be lacking, and since you have understood how
important this matter may be, you shall endeavor to attend to it with
all the skill that is requisite; and you shall regulate yourself by
the orders that are given, and in accordance with the needs of the
church of Japon, and the benefit and utility which may accrue from
the labors of the religious in those districts. Madrid,
November 6, 1636. I the King
By order of his Majesty:
Don Gabriel de Ocaña y Alarcon
_On Terrenate matters_
The King: To Pedro de Heredia, commandant of the port of the island
of Terrenate and governor of the soldiers there, or the person or
persons in whose charge it may be. Your letter of May 13, 634, has
been received and examined in my Council of War of the Indias. In it
you state what soldiers are in those forts, and how inadequately they
are aided with what is needful and requisite for their sustenance;
while the infantry reënforcements sent from Manila are of men who have
no sense of duty (mestizos and other kinds of lineage), although men
of courage should be sent; and that would be done, provided that one
company of those who serve me in the camp of Manila should be sent
annually to those islands. For more than one hundred and twenty of
the soldiers [there] seeing that they could not leave it, and induced
by their evil dispositions, conspired to seize that fort; and while
they were awaiting an opportunity to accomplish their designs, one of
them informed you of it, and that they had chosen a sargento-mayor,
a captain, and all the other officers that belong to a company;
and that the circumstances which you mention had been overlooked,
in order to defer to a better opportunity the punishment that it
was advisable to inflict. Desiring to get rid of this danger, you
undertook their arrest, committing the matter to Sargento-mayor Juan
Gonzalez de Casares Melon, a prominent officer; and he carried it out
with great expedition and adroitness. Having arrested them, they made
known the said conspiracy, and other abominable crimes, and that they
had committed the sin against nature. Having proved the accusations,
you executed justice on the leaders of the said conspiracy and sent
the others to my governor of the Filipinas Islands. Although you had
very few galleys in those forts, you sent the guard-galley of those
forts to the island of Fafares--which is inhabited by hostile Moros,
of the religion of Terrenate, and by the Dutch--with as many infantry
as possible, accompanied by the king of Siao and the sargento-mayor,
Juan Gonzalez de Casares Melon. They took such good measures that they
defeated the enemy, killing four hundred Moros, with but little loss
to our men, and captured about one hundred and fifty persons. The
Spaniards took from them ten pieces of artillery, and many muskets,
arquebuses, and other arms; and left their settlements destroyed
and burned, and their fort razed. I thank you heartily for what
you have done in my service. You shall always be regardful of what
may be most to my service, and shall strive for the conservation of
whatever belongs to us. You shall see that the enemy are checked,
and that they do not become powerful with new forts. In my name, you
shall give thanks to Sargento-mayor Juan Casares Melon for the good
management displayed in what he has done; and tell him that account
will be taken of his person in order to grant him reward. I have
ordered my governor and captain-general of the Filipinas Islands to
attend very particularly to all that concerns those forts. Because of
the great importance to their conservation and condition of exchanging
the soldiers in those forts, I have ordered two companies to be sent
in two galleons, and two others that are there to be taken back;
so that in this way the soldiers of that presidio shall be exchanged
every three years, and all the companies of the army shall share in
the work equally. I have thought best to advise you of this, so that
having understood it, you may, on your part, secure, in what pertains
to you, the fulfilment of it all. Madrid, November 6, 1636.
I the King
By order of his Majesty:
Gabriel de Ocaña y Alarcon
MEMORIAL INFORMATORIO AL REY
By Juan Grau y Monfalcón, Madrid, 1637.
Source: This document is obtained from a printed book in the Academia
Real de la Historia, Madrid, collated with the MS. copy in the
Biblioteca Nacional, Madrid.
Translation: This is made by James A. Robertson.
GRAU Y MONFALCON'S INFORMATORY MEMORIAL OF 1637
_Informatory memorial [addressed] to the king our sovereign, in his
royal and supreme Council of the Indias, in behalf of the distinguished
and loyal city of Manila, capital of the Filipinas Islands, in regard
to the claims of that city and of those islands and their inhabitants,
and the commerce with Nueva España: by Don Juan Grau y Monfalcon,
their procurator-general at this court. Madrid, in the royal printing
office, 1637._ [4]
Number 1. Intention of this memorial, in which are discussed all the
principal matters of the Filipinas Islands.
Sire:
Don Juan Grau y Monfalcon, procurator-general of the distinguished
and ever loyal city of Manila, capital of the Filipinas Islands,
makes, by authority of that city, the following declaration. Since the
preservation of the islands is the most efficient means for that of
all the states which this crown holds and possesses in Eastern India
and adjacent parts, and consequently [of all those] in the Western
Indias; and as it is positively known that there is no other way of
assuring this end except by the commerce conceded to the islands with
Nueva España--which is in such a condition that by only reducing it,
or by deranging it as regards its amount, or the manner in which it
is carried on, it will be necessary that it cease; and that if the
inhabitants lose what supports them, all the islands will be lost:
some persons, and especially Captain Francisco de Vitoria Baraona,
with less attention and knowledge than is requisite in treating a
matter so remote, serious, and politic--which demands so much more than
ordinary foundation for its proper understanding [on account of not
understanding it--_MS._]--proposed to your Majesty certain expedients
or counsels; but, although these should be directed to the increase
of the forces which the arms of España maintain in the seas of the
Orient, in order to oppose them to the numerous enemies who are trying
to overthrow our power in those seas, and have the desire to end it,
one would believe that they were directed with especial purpose to
weaken and obscure that power, and thereby to extinguish the best and
most creditable [finest--_MS._] military post that this great monarchy
possesses outside of Europa. And inasmuch as the matter pertains not
only to the conservation of those vassals, but also to the general
subject of your Majesty's service, your vassals, attending more to
this consideration than to even that result--although the one does
not suffer without the other, since some orders originating from
the expedients proposed by the said Captain Francisco de Vitoria,
have begun to be put in force in Nueva España--and recognizing from
their beginnings how much the issues are in danger and how important
it is to heed in time the dangers that threaten, and successfully to
prevent them, on account of the impossibility that they can be checked
later (for it is easy, at the beginning, to overcome what, when it is
once introduced, is usually impossible to conquer), are attempting to
represent those dangers in this informatory memorial, which they lay at
your Majesty's royal feet. In it, taking occasion from that which is
most important and weighty, all the affairs of the Filipinas Islands
will be touched upon, and those of their conservation, government,
and commerce--and all with the truth, thoroughness, accuracy and
knowledge that ought to be used, not only in general, but in each
one specifically; so that once explained, in a complete report of
the disadvantages and advantages existing in each point, the decision
most advantageous to the service of God and of your Majesty, and to
the welfare of those islands, may be made in them all. The claims
made in behalf of the islands are reduced to the petitions which are
presented in a separate memorial, through which the inhabitants hope
to receive the favors that their necessities and condition demand.
Number 2. Condition of the commerce of the islands, and dangers from
any changes therein
To begin with the fact that furnished a reason for so purposely
discussing these matters: it is presupposed that the commerce of
the Filipinas to Nueva España was carried on with some degree
of prosperity, although with all the restriction that could be
endured--albeit the royal orders were in certain cases less closely
observed than seemed desirable, and it was an obligation to attend
only to what demanded correction, and to what was sufficient to adjust
the commerce, and reduce it to its best method. But another method
was proposed which would have completely checked or suppressed it,
by advising measures that would so alter the former one that, even if
there were any irregularities in the old method which are avoided in
this, that is accomplished by impeding and ruining the commerce; so
that it will become necessary, in order not to permit one slight loss,
to cause many, so irreparable that either the ruin of the islands will
follow from them, or the total expense of their conservation will fall
back on your Majesty's royal treasury. And although it is always right
(and today more than ever) to take care that since your revenue is not
increased, it be not diminished, it is not a successful expedient to
represent the saving of expense and the increase of income, if from
what is gained on the one side, results on the other, either the loss
of what it is advisable to defend, or the addition of heavier expenses
for its defense. For there are matters which have attained so even and
regular an equilibrium and balance, that, from whichever of its parts
one subtracts or adds, the other side inclining is unsettled, and the
structure that they compose is destroyed. One can easily understand
that if your Majesty were to dispense with the payment of _avería_
[5] on the royal treasure that comes from the Indias in the war and
trading fleets of their line, there would be a clear gain annually of
more than half a million, in both silver and gold; but from that gain
would result the failure of means to maintain the principal. And if the
freighters, and those who are interested in the rest [of the trade]
can with just cause excuse themselves from attending to the avería;
and it is necessary that this treasure, as well as that of private
persons which is brought with it, be accompanied by an armed force
sufficient to resist those who have so great desire to pillage it:
the alternative is either that it come without that force, and thus
liable to lose more in one year than the expense for its defense in
ten, or that all the cost be loaded on to your Majesty's treasury,
by which doing away with the avería would be a greater expense than
would paying it. Who can deny that if the customs duties in the ports
of España were to go up to fifty or one hundred per cent, they would
not be worth ten times more than they are worth at present? But who
would say that such an expedient would ensure the duration of commerce,
and the ability of your vassals and the foreigners to maintain it? If
the immediate result of increasing the duties must be the loss of
the principal from which they are collected, the ruin of trade,
the desertion of the ports, the impoverishment of your vassals, the
depopulation of the cities, and the ruin of everything, one can easily
understand that this scheme would, under pretext of increasing the
royal treasury, ruin it and destroy the kingdom. These examples are
no different from what is observed in the commerce of Filipinas. It
is represented that, by the measures which are ordered to be put in
force, the duties in the port of Acapulco alone will be increased one
million seven hundred thousand pesos; and although this calculation,
as will be seen, has no foundation, supposing that it did have, that
increase would result in such a decline of trade there that everything
would go to ruin. [_In the margin_: "In numbers 83, 85, and 91."] [6]
And if the wealth on which that trade depends should fail, either
your Majesty will alone sustain the Filipinas, or you will have to
abandon them. The first is almost impossible without spending twice
as much as is now spent. The second has the disadvantage that will
be explained. [_In the margin_: "In numbers 6-44."] Therefore the
execution of the methods proposed at once carries with it irreparable
injuries, which, after they have happened, will be so difficult of
remedy, that the return of things to their present condition may
not be possible. As this [present] condition has become established
during the course of many years, it is preserved both by the wealth
that those who sustain it have acquired during those years, and by
merely allowing it to continue. But, if those two requisites fail,
first will be experienced the loss of courage in the ruin [that will
ensue], as the return [of courage] can be seen in the restoration
[of the present condition].
Number 3. Commissions given to Licentiate Quiroga, and their execution
Your Majesty was pleased to order Licentiate Don Pedro de Quiroga y
Moya, who went to Nueva España the past year of 635, on this and other
affairs, by instructions in regard to the commerce of Filipinas, to
establish a new system in the port of Acapulco, which is the point
where their ships arrive. And although it is understood that the
mandate was general, in order to correct and prevent the illegalities
which are committed at that port in the trade of the islands by taking
greater quantities of silver away from Nueva España, and bringing in
more cloth from China, than is allowed by the [royal] permission; and
although he was ordered to attend to this with the greatest care--not
only to investigate the past but to provide for the future--and that he
should issue ordinances for everything, give instructions, and advise
your Majesty in the royal Council of the Indias, with full commission
limited to certain times among both the officials and those who are
not, with appeals to the tribunal whence it emanated: orders were
also given him to go to Acapulco to visit the ships from the islands,
and ascertain whether they transgressed the law by carrying either
more than was allowed, or without register what they were allowed
to carry in the ship, in order to escape the royal duties. This is
what is known of his commissions in general terms; and in detail
some memorials were given to him and information of the damages, and
of the remedies that could be applied; so that from these he could
accept what was practicable, and might either execute or give advice
of what he deemed most advisable, both in the increase of the duties,
and in making the appraisals of the merchandise, in which consists
the most serious and the most dangerous aspect of the matter.
Number 4. Uneasiness caused in Nueva España, and what can be feared
in the islands
The innovation and disquiet caused by these commissions in Nueva España
(where it is known that they have arrived) has been very great, and
as notable is the uneasiness and embarrassment among the citizens and
exporters of Filipinas, who--without recognizing in themselves any
guilt which accuses them, any crime which burdens them, or any proof
which condemns them--have, for the sole purpose of not becoming liable
to denunciations, [7] whether false or true (for all denunciations are
troublesome), and to what ignorant witnesses, the evil-intentioned,
or their enemies may depose, tried to serve your Majesty beyond what
their wealth allows and their abilities permit. On that account,
so great has been the assessment on the inhabitants of Filipinas,
that it will be impossible to pay it without their total ruin,
and they are not those who are guilty of the violations of law
which some are attempting to prove. Consequently, the inhabitants
have petitioned that this assessment be not made. Nothing is said at
present of the other things that will result from it to [the harm of]
the islands. [_In the margin_: "In numbers 45 and 87."--_Ex. his._]
This memorial will hint at some things, and time will continue to show
them, if not by the causes that are now operating, then by the effects,
which will reveal themselves. And even if these are less than those
that may be expected, they will require very considerable attention
and cause very sensible injury--as is usual with any innovation of
the magnitude of this; for that which only changes and embarrasses
the course of affairs, causes more damage than gain in what it reforms.
[_V. Purpose to which this memorial is directed.--Ex. his._]
In order to avert the dangers that threaten, it is the intention to
present some measures and the reasons on which they are based; so that,
without departing from what must be considered in the first place
(namely, the service of your Majesty), and then the conservation of
those islands and of their citizens and residents, the evils may be
corrected, the violations of law prevented, and the welfare of that
so remote and afflicted community attended to--which, although so far
away, attends so conscientiously to its obligations, ever preferring
those duties to the possessions and lives of those who form and sustain
that colony, risking and even losing them for the defense of that
(although remote) very important part of this Catholic monarchy.
[_VI. Proposition to abandon the islands, and its foundations.--Ex.
his._]
The Filipinas Islands, which dominate the archipelago of Sant Lazaro,
merit, for many claims, causes, and reasons, the esteem in which they
have always been held. Contrary to all these, it was represented
already, in the times of the sovereigns your Majesty's grandfather
and father, that it seemed advisable to abandon the islands, and leave
them to whomever cared to occupy them. It was remarked in the Council
of State, where the matter was ventilated, and where a consultation
was held, the question being presented with the motives for this
resolution, that those islands not only did not increase the royal
revenues, but even decreased and diminished them, and were a continual
cause of great and fruitless expense, as they are so many, so remote,
and so difficult of conservation. The instigators of this proposition
availed themselves, as says the author of the _History of the Malucas_,
[8] of the example of the kings of China--who being the sovereigns
of the islands, and so near that they could reënforce them in a short
time, as being so adjacent and near their great continent, abandoned
them, in order not to be under obligation for the expenses and cares
that were necessary to maintain them. They said that España's method of
governing them was very burdensome and prejudicial to the monarchy, and
was without any hope of being improved, because of the great amount of
silver that was sent to the islands from the Indias on that account,
both for the ordinary expenses of war, and for the conservation
of commerce--all of that silver passing to Assia, whence it never
issued. They said that the states, so scattered and so weakened by
so many wide expanses of water and remote climes, could scarcely be
reduced to union; nor was human foresight sufficient to introduce union
in that which nature itself, and the way in which the world was put
together, separated by so distinct bounds. That was proved not only
by reason but also by experience, which had discovered and proved how
difficult and even impossible was the conservation of those islands,
unless the cost were very greatly in excess of the profit--although,
in this matter, one should first decide whether [questions of] honor
and polity counted for anything.
Number 7. More attention should be paid to the conservation of states
than to the increase of the royal revenues.
These reasons, and others which were advanced, were originated and
accepted by some who paid more heed to the increase of the royal
revenues than to the advantage with which those revenues ought to be,
and generally are, spent; for, although kings are obliged to regard
that increase as the blood of the mystical body of their states, it
must be without injury to the reputation of the states. For since, as
is a fact, they must try to acquire riches in order to preserve their
reputation and to increase their treasure by avoiding superfluous and
little-needed expenses, it will not be a well-founded argument that,
in order to avoid spending their revenues, they should allow what they
already possess and enjoy legitimately to be lost. Such a course would
be to prefer the less to the greater, and the means to the ends; since
we see not few millions spent on the conservation of a fortified post
to which belongs, at times, nothing but the reputation of arms. If its
defense is justifiable for that reason, it would be more justifiable
if on such a place depends not only the reputation of the crown, but
the preservation of many other reputations, which would be risked by
losing that post, and which will be assured by maintaining it. Such
is the peculiar importance of the Filipinas Islands, as will be proved
in this memorial. [_In the margin_: "In numbers 41, 42, and 43."]
Number 8. As, and for the reasons that, Flandes is preserved, the
islands should be preserved
What state does your Majesty possess that costs as much as Flandes,
although it is almost the least one of this monarchy? Because in
Flandes all the reasons may be verified that are alleged in regard
to the islands--namely, that they are costly, difficult to preserve,
a drain of so much money, and separated from the other states--would
it be prudent to influence [the crown] by those reasons to abandon
that state? There can be no doubt that even the first proposition
of such a nature would be condemned as imprudent, and lacking the
basis of policy that such measures ought to have; and that from its
execution would result, leaving aside other damages, the loss of many
states of this crown, and their allies, which are now maintained
by only maintaining Flandes, although at the price of so costly a
war. Therefore, if the Filipinas possess that same importance, and if
the conservation of the two Yndias results from their conservation--or
at least from their being less exposed to notorious risks, which,
were that Flandes of the new world lacking, would threaten them--what
more notable reason of state can there be for not deserting them,
and for characterizing as justifiable and necessary all that is spent
in them, as is above mentioned?
Number 9. Resolution of preserving the islands well founded
Giving more heed to this than to all the propositions [made to him],
King Felipo [Phelipe--MS.] Second, not lending ear to so pernicious an
opinion, resolved that the Filipinas should be preserved as they had
been thus far, by adding strength to the judiciary and military--one of
which maintains and the other defends kingdoms--devoting and applying
them both to the propagation of the holy gospel among those remote
nations, although not only Nueva España, but also old España were
to contribute for that purpose from their incomes. And thus did that
most prudent monarch declare, in order that it might not be understood
that preaching was denied to them, and that he excused himself from
sending them ministers for it, because of the lack of gold and silver,
even though it should cost him other provinces. He put into effect that
Christian axiom, that kings possess some states because they need them,
and others because those states have need of them. [9] Well are these
two propositions proved in the Filipinas; for they were ordered to be
maintained because their natives and neighbors need [to be under] the
seigniory of this monarchy in order not to lose the faith which they
have received, and to make it easier for others to receive it. Also,
as has been said, and as will be proved, [_In the margin_: "In numbers
19, 34, 35, 36, 41, 42, and 43."] this crown needs those islands now
more than then, in order to preserve other posts not less important,
since in losing them much more would be lost than what is spent on
them. Consequently, both then and afterward, that talk of deserting
the Filipinas was and has been regarded as worth little consideration,
and was ill received and considered unworthy the greatness, Christian
zeal, and obligation of the kings of España; and accordingly it has
sunk into eternal silence.
Number 10. The conservation of the islands is more necessary today
If these reasons could so powerfully influence the devout minds of
the so Catholic princes in that epoch, much more should they influence
that of your Majesty in this, wherein they have not only the same but
greater force, because of the many unexpected difficulties that have
been encountered through the entrance of the rebels of Olanda into
so many parts of the two Indias. Consequently, if the Filipinas be
now deserted, not indeed for the sake of authority and reputation,
but only for political convenience, the advantage that might result
would be very doubtful, and the loss very evident. And although the
effort is not at present made directly to have the islands abandoned,
expedients are being or have been proposed from which one fears,
not indeed the abandonment of them willingly, but what is worse,
the loss of them unwillingly. Before proving that the measures which
are beginning to be executed may conduce to that end, the reasons on
which their conservation, importance, and necessity are today founded
will be discussed; so that, what is advisable being understood with
all clearness and certainty--since it is not expedient to add to
their forces, as that is now impossible, nor to deprive them of what
force they possess--the reader may draw as a conclusion that, if the
weakening of the islands follow from the orders issued, and their
loss be risked, those orders may either be corrected or suspended,
or the most prudent decision in all respects may be adopted.
Number 11. First reason of the importance of the islands: their
discovery
The first reason for which the Filipinas should be valued is that
of their discovery, which was made by Hernando de Magallanes in
the year of 1519, after so many hardships, by the new navigation
through the strait until then undiscovered, to which he gave his
name. That expedition was not for the discovery of lands or wealth,
as were others, but to obey the order and satisfy the desire of the
emperor Carlos V, of glorious memory--who, years before, had made
known this desire and endeavored to carry it into effect; and at
that time he succeeded in doing so, by making the agreement for that
heroic voyage, which astonished and encompassed the world. It is to be
noted that that discovery was directed toward the islands of Maluco,
so that the crown of Castilla, which was then separate from that of
Portugal, might enjoy for itself alone the trade in the spices that
grow there. That was obtained, and the vassals of both crowns having
fought together for the conservation of those islands, their weapons
were reduced to pens, and to various councils and disputes as to the
situation and demarcation of the islands. Although it was recognized
that they belonged to Castilla, according to the division of the world
made by the apostolic see--as it then had no other lands or islands
near those of Maluco, from which to succor them, except Nueva España
which is so distant--yet, as it was judged difficult to maintain
them, in a region so remote, against the invasions of Moros [10] and
pagans, and against the obstinacy of the Portuguese (who could never
be persuaded that those islands were not theirs); and seeing that the
action of abandoning them was unworthy of him who had spent so great
a sum in their discovery, and in planting therein the gospel: it was
accepted as a more creditable and expedient resolution to dispose
of them in pledge [11] to the crown of Portugal. That country held
and maintained them alone, until the year 1564, when the Castilians,
under the command of Adelantado Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, continuing
what Magallanes had commenced, went to settle the Filipinas Islands,
by the proximity and protection of which they recovered the islands
of Maluco; and more, when these two crowns had been united, was the
mutual aiding of their vassals facilitated. In order to assure their
defense, by the agreement of both countries (the circumstances of the
transfer having become almost obscured) the Malucos were detached from
the crown of Portugal and joined to that of Castilla; and they became
subject, as today, to the Filipinas. Consequently, the argument with
which the author of the _History of the Malucas_ affirms that if God
had permitted the king of that time to exclude the Filipinas from his
monarchy, leaving them exposed to the power who should first occupy
them, Maluco would have so bettered the condition of its affairs that
it would have been impregnable, is not very clear. That statement must
be understood with reference to the Moro kings, who would have been
more powerful had not the proximity of the Filipinas subjected them;
since it is evident that, if when the emperor disposed of the one
[group of islands], the others had been settled, he would not have
made that bargain, but would have defended them and kept them all. That
is verified, because when Felipe II, having succeeded to the crown of
Portugal, wrote to the governor of Filipinas to reënforce the Malucas
and other places in India whenever he had an opportunity, that was
a matter of so great fear to their kings that the king of Terrenate,
Sultan Babu, feeling himself oppressed by a greater and nearer force,
sought defense in peace, and to secure it sent, as ambassador to these
kingdoms, Cachil Nayque. From the above it is inferred that, if the
first intent was to discover the Malucos because of the wealth of
their trade--which is now united with that of the Filipinas, as will
be seen; [_In the margin_: "In number 29."] and if the maintenance
of the one group consisted in that of the others, even when they
belonged to different crowns: now that they all belong to Castilla,
more necessary is the conservation of the Filipinas, in order that
the islands of the Malucos may not decrease from what they were then.
Number 12. Second reason for the importance of the islands: their
size and number
The second reason is that of their size and number. Cosmographers
recognize five archipelagos in that sea that is included between China,
the Javas, and Nueva Guinea [12]--namely, that of Moro or Batochina,
that of the Celebes, that of the Papuas, that of Maluco, and that of
San Lazaro, which is that of the Filipinas or Luzones. [The last name
is given] because the principal island is that of Luzón, whose form is
that of a tenterhook, one hundred and thirty leguas along its longest
side and seventy along the shortest. The islands renowned after that
island are Mindoro, Luban, Borney, Marinduque, the island of Cabras,
the island of Tablas, Masbate, Zebu [Zubu--_MS._], Capul, Ybabao,
Leyte, Bohol, island of Fuegos, island of Negros, Ymares, Panay,
Cayahan, Cuyo, Calamianes, Parauan, Tendaya [Tandaya--_MS._], Camar,
Catenduanes, Mindanao, and Burias, besides other smaller islands. They
number in all forty, without counting the small and desert islands,
which are many. Among those named are some larger than España,
some as large, and some smaller. One of these it Zebu, which is [13]
fifty leguas in circumference. Near to it are the islands of Maluco,
which are properly five in number, namely, Terrenate, Tirode [_i.e._,
Tidore], Motiel, Maquien, and Bachian--although the last named is
not one island, but a group formed of many small islands, which are
divided by various arms, straits, and channels of the sea; but which
are reckoned as one island, as they all belong to one king. That of
Tirode belongs to another king, and that of Terrenate with the two
remaining ones to another, as well as so many islands adjacent to
these that they number in all seventy-two. Those two archipelagos of
Maluco and Filipinas occupy more than twenty-six degrees of latitude,
running from two or three degrees south of the equator to twenty-four
north of it; and extend more than four hundred and fifty leguas,
while they are one thousand four hundred in circuit.
Number 13. Grandeur and characteristics of the distinguished and very
loyal city of Manila
The center of all that distant region is the famous city of Manila,
which on account of its remarkable characteristics deserves equal
rank with the greatest and most celebrated cities of the world. It is
located on the island of Luzón, in the angle made by its two aides or
points, with a capacious, deep, and strong harbor. It was anciently the
settlement of the Luzón islanders; it was occupied by the Spaniards,
and the government established there, in the year 1572. On account of
its location, renown, and prominence, it was given by a royal decree
of June 21, 1574, the honored title of distinguished and ever loyal,
[14] together with that of capital and chief city among all the cities
in those islands. By a decree of November 19, 1595, it was decreed
that it could enjoy all the privileges enjoyed by all the cities that
are capitals of kingdoms; and by another decree of March 20, 1596, it
was granted a special coat-of-arms, which it uses; [15] while another
decree of May 8, of the same year, allows it jurisdiction for five
leguas around. However, it has greater jurisdiction in regard to
government and superiority than any other of this monarchy, since
the district of the royal Audiencia resident therein, according
to the declaration by provinces, of the fifth of May, 1583, and
the twenty-sixth of May, 1596, consists of the island of Luzón,
with all the Filipinas of the archipelago of China (including the
five already mentioned [_i.e.,_ the Malucos]), and the mainland of
China, discovered or to be discovered hereafter, which is an immense
distance. Its inhabited part--although it has suffered great disasters,
which will be mentioned later [_In the margin_: "In number 93."] and
in spite of which it endures--is today very sightly in its buildings
and plan, as they are mostly of stone, and as it is surrounded by a
wall in the modern manner, with sufficient fortification. But what
most ennobles it is the valor and loyalty of its inhabitants, who,
notwithstanding their small numbers in proportion to those of the
enemies, sustain the city with so much reputation and renown, that
it is one of the best military posts in all the Orient, and one in
which the royal standards of your Majesty preserve the valor and
fame of Spaniards--who are feared and respected by all the kings
who rule in those islands and regions--and of all the fleets that
plough their seas. All the above makes that city, and the region
that it governs in the most remote places of the world meritorious;
this crown, therefore, should preserve that city for its dignity,
and maintain it as the daughter of its power.
Number 14. Third reason of the importance of the islands: their native
and acquired character
The third reason is the character, both native and acquired, of the
Filipinas Islands. That of Luzón produces a quantity of gold, of which
a quantity has always been found and obtained in its rivers. Rich mines
have been discovered, now more considerable than ever. By a decree of
August 12, 1578, the [reduction of the] royal fifth to the tenth was
conceded to the inhabitants. [16] That had some extensions later, from
which it is inferred that metals were obtained. There are persistent
rumors regarding the Pangasinan hills, which are forty leguas away from
Manila, namely, that they are all full of gold-bearing ore. In the year
620, [17] Alférez Don Diego de Espina [España--_MS._] [18] discovered
the rich mine of Paraculi in Camarines. It extends for nine leguas,
and it is hoped that it will have a considerable output. That has
occasioned the command that the privileges of miners in those islands
be observed, by a decree of September 22, 1636. They also abound in
copper, which is brought from China with so much facility that the
best artillery imaginable is cast in Manila, with which they supply
their forts, the city of Macan and other cities of India, and it is
taken to Nueva España; for the viceroy, the Marqués de Cerralvo, sent
the governor, Don Juan Niño de Tabora, twenty-four thousand pesos,
in return for which the latter sent him eighteen large pieces to
fortify Acapulco. Of not less importance is the quicksilver of the
Filipinas, whither the Chinese carry it in great quantities. It can
be shipped--as is permitted and ordered by different royal decrees
of August 15, 1609, and May 15, [19] 1631--to supply the deficiency
of that metal for working the mines of Nueva España.
Number 15. Commerce of the islands, domestic and foreign; and in what
the domestic consists
The greatest treasure of those islands, and that in which their wealth
consists, is commerce, which demands a more extended treatment. It is
divided into domestic and foreign. Of the latter, which is the rich
commerce, we shall treat later. [_In the margin:_ "In the year--_sc._:
number--20 to 37."] The domestic, which is slight, consists in the
fruits and commodities produced in their lands, which are cultivated
by their inhabitants: rice in the husk, and cleaned; cotton, palm wine,
salt, wax, palm oil, and fowls; lampotes, tablecloths, Ilocan blankets,
and medriñaques. These are the products in which the Indians pay their
tributes, and in nothing else--except some who pay them in taes of
gold, of eighteen carats, which is that obtained in those islands,
and which is worth eight reals. Nutmeg, as good as that of Borneo,
is found in them, as is mentioned in a royal decree of October 9, 623,
in which it was ordered to bring some to these kingdoms. [20] There is
abundance of swine and cattle, deer, and carabaos or buffaloes. The
coast waters are full of fish, the fields of fruits, the gardens
of produce and vegetables. The most useful plant is the palm, from
which an infinite number of articles are obtained. There are groves
of them, as there are vineyards in España, although they require less
labor and care. From the rice they make the ordinary bread, which
they call _morisqueta_. What most shows the wealth of the country is
the gold that its natives wear; for scarcely is there an Indian of
moderate means, who is not adorned with a chain of this rich metal,
of which the women use most.
Number 16. Number and diversity of Indians in the islands
What most assures the provinces of the new world is the greater or
less number of the natives. In that the Filipinas are eminent, for
there are the indigenous Indians, who are tributarios; but these are
not many, as not all of them are pacified. Of those who have been
pacified some, the larger encomiendas, have been assigned to the
royal crown. There are other foreign Indians whose number is great
in Manila and its environs, and where there are Spaniards, to whose
service the Indians engage themselves for their day's wages. These
include an infinite number of nations: Chinese, Japanese, Champanes,
Malucans, Borneans, Joas [_i.e._, Javanese], Malays, and even Persians
and Arabs. But those who are tributary to the royal crown are:
Number 17. Indians tributary to the royal crown in the Indias
In the provinces of Oton and Panay, twelve chief villages, which have
6,035 tributes.
In the island of Zebu, three which have 2,529 tributes.
In that of Camarines, there are 87 tributes of vagrant Indians and
Sangleys (who are Chinese Christians).
In Mindoro and Luban, 1,612 tributes.
In the province of Tayavas, in five villages 1,343 tributes.
In that of Bay, in nine villages, 2,232 tributes.
On the coast of Manila, in twenty-eight villages, 4,250 tributes.
The vagrant Indians of Manila and its environs amount to 781 tributes.
The Japanese foreigners, 218 tributes.
The Christian Sangleys of the village of Baybay, outside the walls
of Manila, 580 tributes.
In the province of Pampanga, in six villages, 3,650 tributes.
In the province of Pangasinan, in four villages, 899 tributes.
In the province of Ilocos, in five villages, 2,988 tributes.
In the province of Cagayan, in eight villages, 2,192 tributes.
Consequently, the royal crown has 44,763 tributes, as appears from
an official statement made in the year 630. At ten reals per tribute,
the amount reaches 53,715 pesos.
Among private persons there are distributed and assigned as encomiendas
48,000 other tributes, which for the 230 citizens of Manila--without
reckoning those of the cities of [Santísimo] Nombre de Jesus, [Nueva]
Caceres, and [Nueva] Segovia, and the town of Arebalo, who number about
300 more--does not amount to 160 tributes per man. They amount to a
like number of pesos of eight reals, for the two additional reals are
for the royal crown. And even on the eight reals so many charges are
made that there is left but six or a trifle more. This is the wealth,
and natural and proper commerce of the Filipinas.
Number 18. Fourth reason for the importance of the islands: their
location, as [21] is explained
The fourth reason which persuades one to value and conserve them
is the one drawn from their notable location, almost opposite this
hemisphere of España. Consequently, some think that Manila is the
antipodes of Sevilla. Although according to the latitude of the world
that is not exact--as it is in a different latitude from that required
to be opposite by a straight line which passes through the center of
the earth--according to the longitude the idea is not so far wrong;
for although both cities are not on one great circle, their meridians
lack only a difference of two or three hours to be diametrically
opposite. From this it follows that, as the world has two poles upon
which its frame moves and rotates, so does this monarchy also have two,
one of them being España, and the other the Filipinas, which is the
most remote part of España's possessions. And although in respect to
the Indias, which led to the discovery of Filipinas, they are called
the Western Islands, yet if sought by the voyage by way of India,
they are the most eastern, and the finest that have been discovered in
that ocean--whose dominion belongs to them even by nature and by their
relative position among all the islands of that hemisphere. Therein
they are surrounded by an infinite number of rich islands, which were
formerly frequented; these promised great increase in the promulgation
of the gospel, and no small hope based on the wealth of their commerce,
before the rebels of Flandes entered those seas and embarrassed their
navigation and trade. The islands are also at equal or proportionate
distances with the kingdoms which extend from the straits of Sincapura
[22] and of Sunda (or Sabaon), to China and Japon.
Number 19. Importance of the islands because they offer opposition
to the Dutch
From this so unusual location results the best proof of the importance
of those islands--an importance well understood by the Dutch, who
are striving, by means of immense military expenses, fleets, and
numerous presidios, which they sustain in their seas and environs,
as will be seen [_In the margin_: "In number 32."] to blockade,
restrict, infest, and attack the islands, with no other end in view
than their seizure. For they believe (and not without reason) that if
they should attain this end, and remove that obstacle (which is the
one that restricts the course of their fortunes in those regions), they
would be absolute masters of all that extends on from the straits; and
that they would cause from there so great anxiety and danger to India,
that they would oblige its citizens to spend on its defense a greater
sum than is now spent on the conservation of the Filipinas. And now,
when the Dutch have been unable to gain a foothold in any of the
islands because the arms of your Majesty sustain that country with
the same reputation as in Flandes, the enemy maintain themselves by
aggressive measures against the Spaniards--usually keeping for that
purpose in the seas of those islands forty or fifty armed vessels,
which are used to pillage whatever they can find, and to guard the
presidios which they have established, and the commerce which they have
introduced of the most precious drugs and commodities valued by Europa,
whither they take them. However, that is done at a greater cost than
they are willing to pay, because of the opposition made against them
by the Filipinas. In order for the Dutch to overcome the Filipinas,
it has not been sufficient for them to unite and ally themselves
with the Moro and pagan kings of other islands and lands of Asia,
persuading them that they should take arms against the vassals of
España, whose defense lies in the Filipinas alone. And if the banners
of your Majesty were driven from the islands, the power and arrogance
of Olanda, which would dominate all the wealth of the kingdoms of the
Orient, would greatly increase with the freedom and ease of commerce;
while they would gain other and greater riches in Europa, and would so
further their own advancement that more would be spent in this part
of the world in restraining them than is spent in driving them away
in those regions [_i.e._, the Orient]. Consequently, those islands
are the bit that restrains the enemy, the obstacle that embarrasses
them, the force that checks them, and the only care that causes them
anxiety, so that they cannot attain their desires--an evident proof
of the importance of those islands, and a fundamental reason for
their conservation.
Number 20. The foreign and general commerce of the islands makes them
more valuable
The above is not the sole motive of the Dutch for desiring to
gain control of the Filipinas, but they recognize that they are,
by their location, the most suitable of all the islands in the
Orient for carrying on the general commerce of these kingdoms and
nations. Already we have discussed the domestic and private commerce
that is now conducted, which is scanty and limited; and we have stated
that what most enriches the islands, and makes them most valuable, is
the foreign trade. For it is rich and of great volume, and furnishes so
great profits to the European merchants that, for the sake of these,
in spite of the expenses, risks, and dangers of so long a voyage,
the Portuguese go to seek it by way of India, the Castilians by Nueva
España; the Turks by way of Persia, the Venetians by way of Egipto;
and the Dutch, now by the Eastern route, entering India, or by the
Western, crossing the immense open stretch of the South Sea, or even
by way of the north and Nueva Zembla.
Number 21. Estimation of the commerce of the Orient, and its condition
That commerce, then, consists, according to what the Filipinas can
enjoy of it, in different products and trades because of the difference
of the kingdoms or islands with which they do or can communicate. And
inasmuch as the explanation of this commerce is the chief part of
the matter; and so that one may see in what estimation it has always
been held, and what it deserves, and that there is no other medium
by which to maintain this crown except by the conservation of India
and the Filipinas: we will here describe, as briefly as possible, the
times through which that trade has run, and its varying conditions
up to the present. Now it all belongs to the two royal crowns of
Castilla and Portugal, but it is usurped in part from both by the
Dutch, whose only aim is to secure possession of it; and this they
will attain on that day when either of the two extremes presented
[for which these--_MS._] which are maintained shall fail. [23]
Number 22. Oriental commerce; why it is valued
For many centuries has the oriental commerce been known as the
foremost, and most valuable and rich in the world, as appears from
Divine and human writings. [24] The kingdoms of Europa, Asia Minor,
and part of Africa produce, for their mutual intercourse, certain
fruits almost the same, and commodities for merchandise, which differ
rather in quality or quantity than in essence. But in Asia and the
regions of the Orient, God created some things so precious in the
estimation of men, and so peculiar to those provinces, that, as they
are only found or manufactured therein, they are desired and sought
by the rest of the world. Accordingly, different voyages and routes
have been taken, which have been varied by the change of monarchies,
on which such accidents depend.
Number 23. Beginnings of the Oriental commerce by way of Persia
The islands of Maluco, to begin with what is most suitable for my
purpose, were peopled by Chinese [_sic_] and Jaos, who, with the
practice of navigation, commenced to traffic in cloves, a precious
and peculiar drug of the forests there, with India, there meeting
the traders in pepper, cinnamon, and other articles; thus going from
port to port and from nation to nation, all these spices reached
the Persian Gulf. There came together various peoples, with still
greater diversity of drugs, perfumes, and precious stones, which were
brought into Persia; and, being disseminated throughout Asia, these
commodities were imparted, although at a great price, to the eastern
lands of Africa, and to the south of Europa. That commerce having
become known for the precious and wonderful character of its wares,
was at once esteemed so highly that it was one of the causes which
induced Alexander the Great to direct his conquests toward India,
in order to make himself master of the kingdoms which he imagined
(and without error) to be the richest of the world, as from them
originated the most precious thing that was known in it.
Number 24. Commerce of the Orient through the Arabian Gulf and
other parts
Later, the monarchy of the Persians having become extinct and ruined,
a part of that commerce passed, on account of the division of the
states and the increase of trade among the peoples, by way of the Red
Sea to the Arabian Gulf. Then, entering by way of the two Arabias, the
nations of Asia Minor snared the spices and drugs; and through Africa
they went down by the river Nilo to Egipto, stopping now in Cayro by
land, now in Alexandria by water. As the latter was a frequented port
in the Mediterranean, the communication of that commerce was easy,
almost without knowing from what beginnings it sprang. By that voyage,
the commerce increased so greatly that the king Ptolomeo Auleta [25]
collected there as many as one thousand five hundred talents in duties:
if these were Attic talents, they amounted to nine and one-half million
Castilian escudos. The Romans came into the monarchy, and, having made
Egipto a province of the empire, they enjoyed that commerce by way
of the Arabian Gulf--by which the spice-trade penetrated at that time
(even to the city of Arsinoe, or that of Berenice), and by the Nile,
or went overland to Alexandria, which came to be one of the richest
cities in the world because of this trade. Later, as the sultans of
Babilonia went on gathering power, until they gained possession of
the best part of Asia, the spice again came to have an exit more by
way of Persia and Trapisonda [_i.e._, Trebizond] to the Caspian Sea,
whence it was taken down to the ports of the Mediterranean, and in
one or another place, was received by the merchants of Italia, who
imparted it, in the utmost abundance, to Europa. In Asia Minor, the
Ottoman house succeeded, and the Turks got control of that commerce,
which they divided--directing it, through the cities of Juda and Meca,
to the interior of their lands; and, by the gulf and port of Suez,
to Alexandria.
Number 25. Commerce of India confined to Portugal
The Turks did not enjoy the commerce for many years, for after
the year 1497 [26] the Lusitanian banners in India conquered their
coasts, and the Portuguese, masters of the navigation of the Orient,
blockaded the ports of the two gulfs--the Persian and the Arabic--with
their fleets, preventing the entrance of that commerce there; and,
conducting it by the Atlantic Ocean, they made the great city of
Lisboa universal ruler over all that India produces. Thither [_i.e._,
to Lisboa] resorted immediately not only the European nations, but
also those from Africa and Asia, by which they despoiled the Turks
of the source of their greatest incomes, forcing them to beg from
these kingdoms what all had formerly bought from theirs. The wealth
of Portugal increased so greatly by the commerce of India that, in
the time of the king Don Manuel, payments of money in copper were
more esteemed than those in gold. That trade furnished the profits
with which to maintain wars, squadrons, and great presidios in the
Orient, with which the Portuguese defended their coasts and seas, not
only from the native kings, but also from the fleets that the Turks
sent up through the Red Sea in order to recover what they so resented
losing. Those fleets always returned either conquered or without the
result for which they had sailed, until, having lost hopes of the
restoration of that commerce through their lands, they desisted from
the attempt--contenting themselves with some ships which, with the
danger of encountering the Portuguese ships, they take to certain ports
and lade with such spice as the fear of robbers allows them to take.
Number 26. Entrance of the Dutch into India, and their commerce
The commerce of the Orient lasted in Lisboa, without any other
nation but the Portuguese sharing it, for almost one hundred years,
which appears to have been the fatal century of their career. But as
always they set upon that trade the value which has been made known
in the wars of Flandes and the prohibition of trading with Olanda,
their rebels determined to try to secure it; and in the year 1595
their first armed fleet entered India, to carry a portion of the
spice to their islands, imparting it through them to all the northern
nations, and even to those of the Levant by way of the strait of
Gibraltar. Returning merchandise of great richness, they introduced
a new trade, so remunerative as may be understood from the peril
that they undergo, and from the expenses that they incur, in order to
maintain it. Whatever they have acquired by that voyage (and it is not
little) they have pillaged from this crown. The Dutch spreading through
the Orient, recognizing the wealth of those regions, established
their business, took part in barter there, erected factories, built
presidios, fortified ports, and (what can well cause more anxiety)
collected sea forces, by which they have succeeded even in driving out
the Spaniards from their houses, in disquieting them, and, at times,
in blockading them. They began to go out to the ocean with this trade,
becoming the general pirates of the two Indias--where there are those
who affirm that they have pillaged more than one hundred and thirty
millions in less than forty years. They established the chief seat
of this commerce in Bantan, [27] the principal port of Java Major,
whither people go from all the islands--Banda, Maluco, Gilolo, Sumatra,
Amboino--and from the mainland of Coroman [Goroman--_MS._], Siam,
Pegu, Canboxa [Ganboxa--_MS._], Patan, Champa, and China. Turks,
Arabs, Persians, Gusarates, Malays, Jaos, Egyptians, and Japanese
go there. Consequently, with the presence of so many nations and so
various sects (all of which are evil) Bantan may better be called
"the Oriental Ginebra [_i.e._, Geneva]." There are two markets or
fairs held there daily, at which more than thirty thousand persons
come together to buy and sell.
Number 27. Commerce of the Orient, which the Dutch carry on from
Ba[n]tan
The commerce acquired by the Dutch from that place is notable and
large; for it consists of all the drugs, perfumes, and products found
in those seas. The money carried by the Dutch is Castilian silver,
as that is the kind that is most valued throughout the Orient. The
money that circulates in the country is that of the leaden _caxies_
[_i.e._, cash], of which one thousand five hundred are given for
one real of silver. Two hundred caxies make one _satac_, and five
_sataques_ one _sapacou_. Rice is carried from the islands of Macaser,
Sanbaya, and others. Rice forms the chief food bought by the Dutch,
not only for the supply of their forts and fleets, but as a means of
gain in that same port. Cocoanuts are taken [thither] from Balamban;
this is another product that is consumed widely, and is of great
use. They go to the confines of the island for salt, which is very
profitable in Ba[n]tan [Bamtan--_MS._]; and which is of greater profit,
taking it, as they do, to Sumatra [Samatra--_MS._], where they exchange
it for wax from Pegú, white pepper, and various articles made from
tortoise-shell. Twelve leguas away lies Jacatra, whence, and from
Cranaon, Timor, and Dolimban, they get honey; and from Japara, sugar;
from Querimara [Quarimara--_MS._], east of Bornio, iron; [28] from
Pera and Gustean, tin and lead; from China come linens, silks, and
porcelains. Their most abundant article of trade is pepper, for huge
quantities of it are gathered in Java and Sumatra. And inasmuch as
even those islands do not suffice to fill all their ships, they buy
the pepper in other parts where they go: as on the coast of Malabar,
as far as the cape of Comori--a land that produces whatever is taken to
Portugal, and that which the Moors carry to the Red Sea; at Balagate,
that which goes to Persia and Arabia; at Malaca, that which goes to
Pegu, Sian, and China. The large variety comes from Bengala and Java,
while the Canarin, which is the least valuable, is gathered from Goa
and Malabar. The best is bought at Bantan, for forty thousand caxies
(which amount to 27 reals in silver), per sack of 45 cates, [29] or
56 Castilian libras, and it sells at one-half real [per libra?]. The
ships which are unable to lade there--either because many ships go
there, or because they are looking for wares that are not carried
to their markets, or because they try to get them cheaper at their
home market--go to other factories and places of trade. They go even
to Meca in the Arabian Gulf, and cast anchor in Juda, twelve leguas
away. For that voyage they carry drugs, food, and Chinese merchandise,
which they sell for silver money--of which there is a quantity stamped
with the arms of your Majesty in this kingdom, while the rest of
the money consists of Turkish ducados. With that they go to other
ports, and buy very precious commodities, as money is more precious
[in those ports] than anything else. They get the aromatic mace from
the island of Banda, which belongs to the Filipinas, and where Jacobo
Cornelio left the first factors in the year 600; and in that of 608,
Pedro Guillelmo Verrufio erected a fortress, although at the cost of
his life. There, then, they barter the mace and the nutmeg, which
is grown in no other part of the world, and obtain it there in so
great quantity that they can lade annually one thousand toneladas of
it. They take it dry, in order to carry it to Europa; and to Meca,
Ormuz, and all the Orient in a conserve; for it is highly esteemed,
as it is a very delicate relish. With mace, pepper, nutmeg, and
other drugs they go to Pegu and Sian, where they trade rubies and
wax in their factories. They barter those substances in Sumatra
for pepper, which they also carry to Ormuz. There and at certain
ports of Cambaya, they buy indigo (a royal product, and of which
there is a monopoly in India), manna (a medicinal drug of Arabia and
Persia), and rhubarb. What they are most eager to buy at Ormuz are the
pearls that are fished from the Persian Gulf as far as Besorà. They
also get them between Ceylan and Comori, between Borneo and Anion,
and in Cochinchina. At Ormuz they trade most for precious stones
[30]--fine bezoars, turquoises, chrysolites, amethysts, jacinths,
garnets, topazes from Cahanor, Calecut, and Cambaya, copper wire, and
not very good agates. They have a factory in Patan, since--although
they do not desire the trade of those people, as it consists only
of silver money--a great quantity of Chinese merchandise is found
there; and, as the Dutch cannot enter that country, they barter there
[_i.e._, at Patan] for silk in the skein and woven, porcelain ware,
and other things, and for calambuco wood, which is found in Sian,
Malaca, Sumatra, and Cambaya. They get ginger from Malabar, not to
take to Olanda--where they have too much with what they plunder in the
Windward [_Barlovento_] Islands--but to take to Ormuz, which with that
from Malaca, Dabul, and Bacain is traded in Persia [Percia--_MS._] and
Arabia. They trade cardamomum in Malabar, Calecut, and Cananor, [that
plant] being used throughout the Orient to sweeten the breath. From
the coasts of Sofala, Melinde, and Mozambique, they get gold, ivory,
amber, and ebony, which they also get from Champá, whose mountains
apparently raise no other [varieties of] woods. From Bengala they
get civet, and mother-of-pearl. The best benzoin is that of Ceylan
and Malaca; but as the Dutch have but little trade in those parts,
they get along with that of the Javas, which is not so good, and
with some of fine quality that they obtain in fairs and ports. The
same is true of cinnamon which they are unable to obtain at Ceylan,
except through third persons; accordingly, they secure but little,
and content themselves with the wild cinnamon of Malabar, although it
is very poor. Sandalwood was formerly the most profitable product
in India, and was traded by the Portuguese. It was obtained in
the island of Timor, where they had a fortress; but, as it is near
Bantan, the Dutch have gained possession of it and its trade. This
is the white sandalwood, for the red comes from Coromandel and
Pegu. They buy snakewood [_palo serpentino_], [31] brought from Ceylan
[Seilan--_MS._], in the fairs of Sumatra; eaglewood from Coromandel;
camphor in Sunda and Chincheo, but better in Borneo; myrobalans [32]
in Cambaya, Balagate, and Malabar; incense from Arabia; myrrh from
Abasia [Abaçia--_MS._]; aloes-wood from Socotora; all of which they
obtain at Ormuz. They trade but few diamonds, for the fine ones come
from Bisnaga and Decan, and are taken to the fair of Lispor, between
Goa and Cambaya; and since the Dutch do not go thither, they have no
share in them, but they get some at the fair in Sumatra.
Number 28. Commerce in cloves, and how the Dutch entered it, and took
possession of Maluco
The most noble product, and that which is must earnestly desired,
as it is of the greatest profit and gain, is the clove. Cloves are
produced in the celebrated islands of Maluco and that of Amboyno; and a
little in the islands of Ires, Meytarana, Pulo, Cavali, Gilolo, Sabugo,
Veranula, [33] and other islands adjacent to the Malucas--which are
the chief producers of cloves, and produce the best quality. As now,
it was formerly the most valued product of the Orient; and now it forms
one of the royal commodities of its commerce. In the islands where
it is grown, one bare costs 460 Castilian reals. [The bare] has 640
libras, so that it does not amount to 25 [34] maravedis [per libra];
while it is sold for at least one ducado in Europa, so that each libra
gains fourteen, which is an excessive profit. From the time when those
islands were sold to the crown of Portugal, for the above-mentioned
reason, for the sum of three hundred thousand ducados, that crown
possessed them and the clove trade until the year 1598, when Jacobo
Cornelio Nec went to India with eight ships. Dispersing those ships
through its kingdoms, two of them went to Terrenate, where they left
six factors, the first that Olanda had in that archipelago [_In the
margin_: "In the year 11"]. In the year 601, of twelve other ships
which entered the Orient, seven went to Amboyno, and by an arduous
attempt gained the fort held there by the Portuguese; and although
it was immediately recovered by Andres de Mendoca Furtado, commander
of the fleet of India, and he, victorious, overran the islands of
Maluco, subduing those of Tidore and Maguso [Magusié--_MS._], he was
unable to enter that of Terrenate [Teranete--_MS._], where the Dutch
had taken refuge and made its king rebel--the reënforcement of two
hundred soldiers sent (in one ship and four fragatas, in charge of
Captain Juan Galinato) by Don Pedro de Acuña, governor of Filipinas,
being of no use. Thereupon everything was in a ruinous condition. In
the year 605 [_sic_] Estevan Drage, who went to India with twelve
galleons, attacked Amboyno and recaptured the fortress; and, going
to Tidore and the rest of the Malucas, gained possession of them all.
Number 29. Recovery of Maluco by the governor of Filipinas, and its
annexation thereto
That loss was felt keenly in España. The difficulty of relief from
India having been recognized--as that country was so distant, and
its forces were so broken; while those of the Filipinas, because
they were greater and nearer, were more suitable--letters were sent
to the governor of those islands, with orders that, aided by the
Portuguese, they should endeavor to recover Maluco and restore it
to this crown. Don Pedro de Acuña, having determined to make that
expedition, and being already in possession of the aid that India
could furnish, assembled a fine fleet in Iloylo, consisting of five
large ships, six galleys, three Portuguese galliots, another open
galliot, four junks, three champans, two English lanchas, and fourteen
fragatas; and with them thirty-eight small boats, one thousand four
hundred and twenty-three Spaniards, one thousand six hundred natives,
seventy-five pieces of artillery, and everything else needed. With
that he gained Terrenate, reduced Tidore, and subdued Siao, Sula, and
Tacome, Gilolo, Sabugo, Gamocanora; and left those islands obedient. He
moved the fortress of Terrenate to a better site, and garrisoned it
with six hundred Spaniards, as it was the capital of all the other
islands. Thus he placed on the enemy a curb, which some disasters
have [since] removed. Inasmuch as the Malucos had been recovered by
the Filipinas, and obtain from the latter the most certain succor,
it was deemed inexpedient to return them to the crown of Portugal,
or to its viceroy of India, which is so far distant from them, by
the consent of both crowns; and a royal decree of October 29, 607,
ordered that all the Malucas should remain, as at present, in charge
of the governor of Filipinas.
Number 30. The clove trade, which is carried on by way of India
In regard to the clove trade, it was proposed that it be introduced
by way of Nueva España, carrying to barter for it the products of
the island of Panay and the merchandise of China at the account of
the royal treasury; and that with the 100,000 ducados that would be
invested in that, one might trade for all the cloves that were gathered
in those islands. In the five chief islands alone that amounts to 4,400
bares of cloves of prime quality (which is the selected spice). At
640 libras, that amounts to 2,816,000 libras, in which two millions
are concerned annually, for the maintenance of those islands, and the
gaining of large increases for the royal treasury. In regard to it
a decree of instruction had been given February 16, 602; but it was
not then considered advisable to disturb that trade of India, either
because of the injury that the Portuguese would receive, or in order
not to cause a greater withdrawal of silver from Nueva España. However,
that argument had little force; for, in exchange for the 100,000
ducados, two millions would be returned. Accordingly, although Maluco
remained under the crown of Castilla, it was ordered that the clove
trade be carried on by way of India, by a decree of November 17, 607;
and the Portuguese go from India to buy the cloves at Manila, and take
them to Malaca. Only what is needed there it shipped to Nueva España,
and the rest is conveyed to various parts and kingdoms of the Orient
which are convenient to Manila and the Malucas. The Dutch have again
attempted to usurp that trade, as will be told later.
Number 31. The Dutch return to Maluco; and the deeds of the governor
of Filipinas
Don Juan de Silva, who succeeded Don Pedro de Acuña in the
government, tried to preserve during his term what his predecessor had
gained. Immediately upon his arrival, learning that four ships from
Olanda were near Manila, he prepared five ships and three galleys,
and went to give them battle with one thousand Spaniards. Of the
three ships that he found, one was destroyed by fire, and the other
two surrendered; and their booty amounted to more than two hundred
thousand ducados. That victory was not sufficient to make the enemy
lose their liking for that commerce, and they returned in greater
force to seek it. Don Juan de Silva made an expedition against them,
and went to find them in the strait of Maluco; but that expedition
did not have the desired success. Having written to the viceroy of
India, by a secret letter of arrangements, dated December [35] 13,
615, asking the latter to join with him to endeavor to drive the
Dutch from those seas once for all, he resolved to put forth his
utmost efforts in order to accomplish it; and had he had the good
fortune to carry out that plan as he desired, it would have been
an exploit worthy of his great courage and valor. He built seven
galleons of one thousand or one thousand five hundred toneladas, in
addition to three others that he had; and cast one hundred and fifty
large pieces of artillery--although, for lack of master-workmen, they
did not turn out well. He sent to request ten other galleons and six
galleys from the viceroy of India, and sent sixteen thousand pesos for
the purchase of certain articles. That was taken by Don Christoval de
Azqueta and forty Spaniards, who were never seen again, the disaster
of that expedition thus commencing. The governor repeated the embassy
by means of Father Juan de Ribera of the Society of Jesus. The latter
obtained a reënforcement of four galleons and four galliots, and a
few poorly-disciplined men; and (what was worse) they left so far
ahead of time, that they had to await Don Juan de Silva at Malaca
before the season to arrive, and at the worst time possible; for
scarcely had they entered port when the king of Achen attacked them
with four hundred boats. He fought with the four galleons of Goa,
and burned one of them, whereupon he desisted from the blockade. As
soon as the Jaos had gone, six galleons from Olanda entered, and after
fighting with the three galleons of Portugal, burned them. Learning
that Don Juan de Silva was coming, the Dutch retired to their forts,
in fear of the force that he was carrying. Then the governor left
Manila with ten galleons, the best that have ever been on that sea,
and four galleys, in the year 616. He learned of the loss of the
Portuguese, and although he ought to have attacked Bantan, where the
enemy were fearing him, he entered Malaca without doing anything;
and, while hesitating there as to what he could accomplish, he was
seized by the illness from which he died. His fleet, being left
without a leader, returned to Manila, destroyed and conquered by
itself. The disaster of that voyage was recognized not only in
what has been said, but also in that if he had gone to Maluco,
as he had been advised, he would have accomplished an important
feat of arms. If he had been a fortnight later in leaving Manila,
he would have prevented the depredations committed by the Dutchman
Jorje Spilberg. The latter--having entered the South Sea, and fought
the battle of Cañete, near Lima, which was of but little consolation
for the Peruvians--arrived at the bar of that city [_i.e._, Manila],
and then went to Maluco, thinking that the governor had gone to their
islands. Hearing that he was in Malaca, he took ten galleons from them,
and went to look for him. Not finding him, and hearing of his death,
he caused the rebellion of all those who were peaceful. The Mindanaos
went out with sixty caracoas, and attacked the province of Camarines,
where they caused considerable depredation. Having disagreed, the
Mindanaos divided into two companies--one going toward Manila to join
the Dutch, the other to the island of Panay. There Captain Lazaro de
Torres destroyed them with only seven caracoas; and, capturing four
of the Mindanao caracoas, made the rest of them take to the open
sea, until they were all lost. The Dutch, with their ten galleons,
sighted the same island of Panay, and Captain Don Diego de Quiñones
with seventy soldiers fought with seven companies of them that landed,
and made them return to their boats with great loss, and but little
reputation, so much can a good captain do. The enemy went in sight
of Manila again, where the fleet taken out by Don Juan de Silva had
already entered; however, it was in so bad condition that it did not
have sufficient strength to attack the Dutch. Finally six galleons
could be prepared, to oppose the other six which were infesting the
coasts. The battle was fought, and the flagship of Olanda was sunk,
and two galleons burned, while the almiranta, with two others, took
to flight. But that victory had its diminution, for the galleon
"San Marcos," having become separated [from the others], met two
Dutch galleons which had not taken part in the battle. In order to
avoid a new battle with them, and the captain losing courage, the
"San Marcos" was run ashore and burned. Thus the Spanish side was
victorious, but weakened. The enemy, although conquered and having
lost three galleons, went to Maluco with the seven remaining ones,
and were able to keep what they had acquired. It is recognized that
Maluco is of the importance that has been stated, because they have
maintained it at the cost of so many losses, fleets, and men.
Number 32. Dutch forts and presidios in the Filipinas district
The above is confirmed by mentioning the forts which they have
established with presidios, and which they have now in the district
of the Filipinas Islands, both for the defense by their arms and for
the continuance of the clove trade. [36]
In Terrenate they possess the fort of Malayo, which they call
Granoya. There lives the Dutch governor, who has the rest of Maluco
in his charge. It is a regular city in which there was usually a
garrison of 850 soldiers, but which now has only 150 [140--_MS._]. At
a quarter of a legua is Toloco, a strong site, in which there are,
for garrison, one alférez with twenty soldiers. Tacubo is also near
Malayo, whence they garrison it as is necessary. Malaca is one-half
legua to the north of Malayo. Tacome, which they call Vuillemistat,
[37] three leguas from Toloco, is a principal fort, and has a garrison
of one company.
They had no fort in Tidore formerly, from the time of the expedition
of Don Pedro de Acuña until the year 612, when they gained a small
rampart where the governor of Maluco, Don Geronimo de Silva, kept
an alférez with 14 [15--_MS._] soldiers. There the Dutch built the
fort called Marieco the great, where there is a captain with sixty
soldiers. However, they do not get any profit from that island.
Motri [Morri--_MS._], which lies between Tidore and Maquien,
became depopulated through the fear of the natives for the men of
Tidore. Persuaded by the Terrenatans, the Dutch founded a fort there
in its northern part, taking a colony from Gilolo; the natives were
thereupon assured of safety, and settled there. It has a captain with
fifty soldiers.
There are three forts in Maquin or Muchian, one legua from Motir
[Morir--_MS._]: Nofagia, at the north, with one alférez and forty
married soldiers; Tafazen, at the west, with one lieutenant of the
governor, and one hundred married [38] soldiers; at Tabelole, in the
east, a small fort of but slight importance, with one sergeant and
twelve soldiers.
In Bachian is the fort of Bernevelt, with one captain and sixty
soldiers.
In Gilolo or Batochina, [39] three leguas from the fort maintained
there by the Spaniards, the Dutch maintain that of Tabori, with one
alférez and fifty soldiers; and three leguas farther on is another
fort, with one lieutenant and twelve soldiers.
In Amborino [_i.e._, Amboina], [40] eighty leguas from Terrenate,
is a large fort, with a watered moat capable of floating a galley
without its oars. Its garrison consists of a commandant with one
hundred soldiers.
In Siao, thirty leguas from Terrenate, the Dutch own Sagu Maruco
[Marico--_MS._]. A Spanish alférez was there with five soldiers
in the year 614 for a certain purpose. The Dutch came, and after
driving out the Spaniards, fortified themselves in that place, as
they always crave what España possesses. A sergeant was stationed
there with sixteen soldiers, although it is not a post of importance.
They have two forts in Banda: Moçovia and Belgio, each one with one
hundred and twenty soldiers. Although the natives are hostile, those
presidios are kept up with the hope of reducing them, and because of
the nutmeg which is gotten there, which is but little.
In Java Major there are three factories, namely, in Baatan, Jacava,
and Japara. Bantan is the chief stronghold that the Dutch have in
India. The governor or prefect lives there, in whose charge are all
the forts of the Orient. There is kept account of all that is laden
and of the ships, so that it is the accountancy and register of their
trade. There are two galleys and more than thirty barks, armed and
garrisoned, in which they cross to Jacatra, which is the arsenal and
dockyard where their ships are repaired, as it is the first and last
station that they make on leaving and on entering by the straits of
Sincapura and Sonda. It is one day's journey from Bantan. However,
the English, in confederacy with the Jaos, a few years ago seized
certain of those ports. In the year 629, the king of Matalan [_i.e._,
Mataram] besieged Jacatra, where he remained for five months. They
destroyed the city, and killed three hundred of the Dutch, and the
latter only retained their fortress.
In Borneo, which is the most westerly of the Filipinas, and the
largest, being five hundred leguas in circumference, the Dutch do
not possess fort or factory, but they are allowed to trade there.
In the island of Hermosa, between the Filipinas and China, they
have established a presidio and seized a port. España has another
fort there, each on its own point, as the island is long. That has
caused anxiety, as the island lies on the way to China. Accordingly,
the governor [of Filipinas] has been ordered to endeavor to drive
the Dutch away.
In the island of Sumatra, at the city of Jambo in the strait of
Sincapura, they have a factory for the pepper trade, which is of
great importance to them.
In the kingdom of Patan, they have another factory, which ranks
with that of Jambo; another in that of Sian; another in Camboxa;
and another in Cochinchina. They have no entrance into China; on the
contrary, they are the declared and common enemy [of that country]
because of the great piracies that they have committed against those
natives. They have a factory in Japon, from which they get food and
ammunition, which is worth not a little to them.
They have other ports, which they have abandoned as it was convenient
for them to do so--as that of Gemalanor, in Gilolo; the forts of
Bouson, Solor, and Timor; the factories of Gresco in Java, and that
of Asqueo, because of a war which they had with their king. They
abandoned another in Macasar, in the island of the Celebes, where they
got a quantity of sago [_segu_], which is the bread of the country,
and a quantity of rice. Accordingly, they tried to return there,
but were unable.
In all those forts and presidios Jorje Spilberg found, in the year
616, three thousand regular soldiers; one hundred and ninety-three
bronze pieces, and three hundred and ten of cast iron, with three
hundred swivel-guns; and thirty war galleons, besides those galleons
in which they made the journey to and from Olanda.
Number 33. Arguments based on the forts of the Dutch
From this account which has been given of the Dutch forts in the seas
of the Filipinas, are deduced certain arguments that belong to the
purpose of this memorial and the matters of which it treats.
Number 34. First argument: for the condition and danger of the commerce
The first argument is the quality and importance of the commerce of
the Orient, its condition, and the risk to which it is exposed.
Number 35. Second argument: participation in the clove trade of Maluco
The second is the special point of the trade in the cloves which are
obtained in Maluco, in which it is to be noted that the Dutch share
by means of the forts that they maintain. Accordingly, they obtain
600 bares [misprinted _baus_] from the cloves of Terrenate annually,
or 384,000 libras; from Motir, 700 bares, or 468,000 libras; from
Maquien, 1,400 bares, or 896,000 libras; from Bachian, 400 bares, or
256,000 libras; from Amboyno, 1,800 bares, or 1,152,000 libras. The
total of the cloves obtained from Maluco, exclusive of Amboyno, is
1,098,000 libras. Since the total yield from all those islands is,
as has been stated, 2,816,000 libras, there is left for the Spaniards,
Portuguese, Castilians, and other nations who get some of it, 1,718,000
libras. Even that is because of the protection and proximity of the
Filipinas; and if that protection were lacking, not only would all
the clove trade belong to the Dutch, but, not needing the presidios
that they maintain for it, they would enjoy all the trade at a much
less cost and with greater gains, as can be understood from what is
here stated.
Number 36. Third argument: the profits of that commerce, and the effect
[on it] of the Filipinas
The third, the great profits of that commerce; since for its
maintenance alone the enemy employ and support so many fleets and
presidios. And although the states of Olanda are so poor and of so
little importance, when compared with the grandeur of the monarchy of
España, they obtain [from that trade] with only good management and the
freedom with which they conduct it, so large profits that with that
gain they maintain so great a force on the sea; and their profits
would be much greater, if the Dutch were not opposed by the force
which your Majesty has in the Filipinas Islands. For it is affirmed
that when two ships and one patache were coming laden from India to
their country, and the ships were wrecked, and the patache saved,
from that vessel alone they made up the loss, and had a considerable
gain. That shows how advisable it is that the enemy do not increase
and that the [colony in the] islands be permanent, and be protected,
and its citizens succored.
Number 37. [Fourth argument:] Commerce of China sustains the Filipinas,
and how it is carried on.
Returning to the commerce that the islands have and what they can
have--namely, all the above and that of Japon and other kingdoms
of those regions--the first and chief thing in which consists the
preservation of the Filipinas is the Chinese trade. Although the
commerce is shared by Portugal, it is with great peril and danger,
as the Portuguese have to go through the strait of Sincapura, which
is always occupied by the Dutch. It has this difference, that the
Portuguese go to China itself to get the goods, where they have a
settlement in the city of Macan; while the Castilians enjoy the
trade in Manila, to whose port many ships come annually from China,
laden with all the products, natural and artificial, that that great
kingdom yields. Governor Don Francisco Tello granted permission to Don
Juan Zamudio, in the year 1599, to go to China, and to establish the
trade as the Portuguese have it. He went with a ship to the city of
Canton, and although he experienced not a little opposition from them,
he opened a port for the inhabitants of Filipinas. That of El Pinal
was assigned them, and a house in Canton, together with chapas and
passports, so that they might go to form a settlement there whenever
they liked. Don Luis Perez Das Mariñas being wrecked afterward on the
coast of China, the Chinese welcomed him, and the Spaniards entered
that port. Although, as that was in violation of the royal decree
of 593, a censure was sent to the Audiencia, yet the governor was
charged by a secret letter of October 15, 603, to call a council to
consider the advisability of continuing that enterprise. From that
conference it appears that the royal decree of July 25, 609, resulted,
by which that trade of China and Japon was permitted to the citizens
of Manila. However, it is a fact that they do not avail themselves
of it directly, but that they are content to await the Chinese who
bring their merchandise to them, as the citizens have not the forces
or the capital to go to their country for it. The Chinese are allowed
to sell the goods at wholesale, in accordance with the order that
was introduced by Governor Gomez Perez Das Mariñas. The goods are
appraised in a lump by persons deputed for that purpose; and then
the goods are divided and distributed among the inhabitants, so that
all may have a share in the commerce. That method was approved by a
letter of instructions of January 17, 593, and is the method called
"pancada;" to the governor was left only permission to send one ship
annually to Macan, in order to buy military supplies and no other
thing, by a decree of February 4, 608. For some little time past the
Portuguese of that city have begun going to Manila, or sending thither
merchandise from China. That is a great damage to the citizens, for
the Portuguese sell the goods dearer than do the Chinese. Formerly
those Chinese goods were taken freely to Nueva España, Guatimala,
and Panamá, and passed on to Perú; but on account of their cheapness
and the extent to which they were consumed, and the profit made on
their cost, they were a menace to those kingdoms, and the damage
caused by them to the commerce of Sevilla was regretted. Accordingly,
the exportation of those goods to Guatimala and Panamá was forbidden,
and afterward their transportation to Perú; and the permission was left
only for Nueva España, as will be related, as that is the principal
point under discussion. [_In the margin_: "From number 62 on."]
Number 38. Fifth argument for the importance of the islands: their
superiority in those seas
Concluding with the arguments that make the Filipinas important,
the fifth is the superiority that they have in the Orient over not a
few crowned kings. Your Majesty does not provide any post in all the
kingdoms of this monarchy, that are equal in that region to that of
governor of the islands, unless it be the viceroyalty of India. As such
governor, the king of Borneo, confessing himself, although a Mahometan,
a vassal of the crown of Castilla, rendered homage to Doctor Francisco
de Sande. During the term of Gomez Perez Das Mariñas, the king of
another island, Siao, went to Manila and rendered homage. Don Pedro
de Acuña took their king prisoner in the expedition to Terrenate,
and kept him in that city [_i.e._, Manila]. When Don Juan Niño de
Tavora went [as governor], he bore an order, by a decree of November
10, 626, to give that king his freedom if he considered it advisable;
but he was not freed, and died a prisoner in 629, as did also his son
shortly before. He was succeeded by a cachil who had been a prisoner
with the king, and who remained hostile. The king of Tidore is an ally,
and recognizes the governor as his superior; and the arms of España
as his protection. A treaty of peace was made in the year 618 with
the king of Macasar, as that was important for the maintenance of
Terrenate. The watchfulness maintained with the king of Mindanao is
constant; and although he has been subdued several times--especially
in the year 597, through the valor of Don Juan Ronquillo, who had
many encounters in that island with the natives--he has once more
revolted. Although he has been severely punished, never is there
assurance of him except when he knows that there is a force in the
Filipinas. Consequently, such a force is necessary, in order that he
may not dare to commit greater depredations, for the Mindanaos who
shall be taken in war are declared to be by that very fact slaves,
by a royal decree of May 29, 620. By a decree of July 4, 1609,
it is ordered that peace be maintained with the emperor of Japon;
and harmonious relations were long maintained with him, by sending
him a present annually and receiving his, and by admitting ships and
commerce between the two countries. [This was done] until the year
634, when the Dutch so angered him against the Catholics that they
roused up a new persecution against them in his kingdoms, and put
an end to his friendship with Filipinas. That is no small injury,
not only on account of the cessation of intercourse with them, but
because that barbarian is powerful, and the Japanese are general
pirates. Peace with Great China and its king has been better managed,
and is maintained by means of commerce and some presents which are
sent. Doctor Sande wrote that he would dare to conquer that kingdom,
which was a very confident promise; he was answered on April 9,
586, that he was not to consider such a thing, but to preserve
friendship with the Chinese. Accordingly, that has been done, and so
many Chinese are in Manila that they have two villages: one that of
Vindonoc [_i.e._, Binondo], which is near the city, and composed of
married Christians; and the other the Parián--which is, as it were,
an enclosed suburb--in which live those who bring merchandise, and
all these are called Sangleys. The kingdoms of Champa, Camboxa, and
Sian, which occupy the mainland, are frontiers of war. The conquest
of Champa is regarded as lawful, by agreement of the theologians,
as its natives are notorious pirates on those who pass their coasts,
and they have many Christian captives; and because they consent to and
defend the law of Mahomet, and are nearly all Moors, as is mentioned
in a royal decree of October 13, 600. The king of Camboxa is not so
pernicious, and allows woods, which abound in his kingdom, to be taken
[thence] for shipbuilding in Filipinas, besides other products and
valuable drugs. There is a history of the ambassadors whom the king,
Apran Langara, sent to Manila, whence went to him the reënforcement
taken to him by Captain Gallinato, and the success that he had;
consequently, that kingdom has always been well affected toward the
Spaniards. The king of Sian is like him of Champa; he holds more
than fourteen thousand Christians captive, from various nations. In
the year 629, that king captured two ships from Manila in his ports,
and detained them. Therefore the governor, Don Juan Niño, sent two
galleons, which inflicted a sufficient punishment along their coast;
and then an embassy to demand satisfaction for the two ships, saying
that, if it were not given, they would continue to collect it. The
king was dead, and his son agreed to do what was demanded from
him. Thereby your Majesty's arms kept the reputation that they have
always preserved in those seas among so many Moorish and pagan kings,
and in presence of the forces of Olanda and Inglaterra.
Number 39. Sixth argument for the importance of the islands: the
effects of their preservation
The sixth and last argument which shows and proves the importance of
the islands, and how advisable is their conservation and maintenance,
consists in the excellent and considerable effects that result from it,
which, although they are numerous, can be reduced to five chief points.
Number 40. First effect of the conservation of the islands: the
promulgation of the faith
The first effect is the conservation of the Catholic faith, and
the continuance of its promulgation, which has entered the rich and
extensive regions of the Orient through the agency of both crowns
of Castilla and Portugal. In that are seen so [41] miraculous
advances that it would be for the kings of España to disregard
the obligation that they so much value, in [not] giving them the
protection possible--so that while the faith does not advance, it
may not decrease, nor lose what has been planted in the vineyard of
God our Lord. This will be attained (humanly speaking), as long as
the two extremes on which this mean depends do not fail, those two
extremes being the states maintained by the two crowns in the Orient:
that of Portugal, in India; and that of Castilla, in Filipinas. As
India is the gateway for all the kingdoms that belong to this part of
the straits, so also are the islands for these kingdoms about them,
such as Great China, Japon, the Javas, Nueva Guinea, and the islands
of Salomon--for whose discovery three voyages had been made from Lima
at great cost, but with little result, although they could be reached
with greater ease by sailing from Manila.
Number 41. Second effect of the conservation of the islands: the
security of India
The second effect will be to assure the safety of those states, of
which as they are found today, one may understand that, if one be
lost, the other will become endangered. India has declined in its
commerce and wealth, and consequently, in its power, because of the
relationship that there is between these two things; for when a kingdom
loses its wealth, it loses its strength. Both have been usurped by
the Dutch, as is proved; for they, commencing with the commerce, have
appropriated it to themselves, as well as the strength that is annexed
to commerce. Therefore India needs to avail itself of the Filipinas,
and that not only for such special aid as was requested by the viceroy,
Conde de Linares, in the year 631 (who was governing India with the
care, prudence, and success that is known by the excellent results
that he obtained, and by the great talent and valor of his person,
experienced in that and in other charges), to whom Governor Don Juan
Niño sent two galleons; but also so that the enemy, being diverted,
may have less power. Thus was he [_i.e._, the governor of Filipinas]
charged to do by decrees of April 4, 1581, and December 5, 1584. The
same must also be understood of the islands, which although they do
not now have less strength than for the last forty years, have more
enemies and more to which to attend. If India should fail them, they
would be maintained with greater difficulty. The Portuguese aided in
the expedition made by Don Pedro de Acuña, and also in that of Don Juan
de Silva, but not with equal success in both; and it is ordered that
the two forces unite for the recovery of the island of Hermosa. The
city of Macan, in China, is so far from India that it would be in
danger should the islands fail it. The governor of the islands had an
order to aid that city, by a decree of December twenty, six hundred
and twenty-three. He did so by sending it six pieces of artillery,
with ammunition and other supplies, which were of so great importance
that the Portuguese averted their danger. That action is recommended
by the good treatment and welcome that the men of Filipinas receive
in India--especially in Cochin, where they go to buy ships and other
things--as was written, in acknowledgment therefor, to Don Felipe
Mascareñas [Mascarenhas--_MS._] in the year 630.
Number 42. Third effect of the conservation of the islands: to deprive
Olanda of commerce
The third effect is to deprive the Dutch of a great part of their
commerce, not only by España maintaining it in the Filipinas,
which otherwise would all belong to the Dutch, as has been said,
[_In the margin_: "In number 36."] but also by forcing them to keep
the presidios and fleets that have been mentioned, [_In the margin_:
"In number 32."] in order to preserve what they have usurped; and thus,
the expenses being heavier, consequently the profits would be less. It
was already proposed, with arguments that gained no little approbation
(thus they secured its execution), how advisable it was for a royal
fleet to cruise among the Windward Islands. Among the effects that
were assured was one (and the most important), that of compelling the
enemy who should go to infest those islands and commit piracies along
their coasts, to erect a fort, and form settlements in some [of the
islands], as they have done; and to do it with presidios and garrisons,
because of their fear of being attacked and punished--and not as they
usually do, when with two little ships carrying each six pieces and
twenty men, they pillage what they wish; and with a hundred [common]
laborers, and one captain to command them, without arms or defense,
they settle on this or that island, confident that there is no one on
the sea who can oppose them, or attack them ashore. For if they were
in fear, and were obliged to carry an armed force, they would, as that
requires cost and preparation, be unable to make so many settlements;
nor would their profits be so great that they would not some time or
other be ruined and take warning from experience. The Filipinas are
doing this in the Orient, and are resisting the enemy in such manner
that they not only compel them to maintain forts in their seas, but
also to suffer so great losses in them that at times the losses, as is
known, exceed the profits. On that account, it is understood that the
East [India] Company of Olanda is less rich than formerly; and that,
leaving it, they have established the West [India Company]. As the
latter does not consume [demand--_MS._] so much expense, although
the profits are less, it is more appreciated. This is an argument
that ought to be heeded in order to establish a fort in the Windward
Islands, as there is in the Filipinas, so that the same result might
be experienced in the former as in the latter.
Number 43. Fourth effect of the conservation of the islands: the
relief of the Indias
The fourth effect is the relief of the Western Indias; for with the
diversion and expense that the enemy encounters in the Eastern Indias
and the posts of Maluco, he is forced to pay less attention to the
Western Indias, and to infest them with weaker forces--which would
be greater if he could dispense with employing them in the Orient to
counteract the forces of Filipinas; and the profits of commerce there
increasing, he would, freed from the expense [of those armaments],
be at liberty to occupy himself in the West. If the Dutch should
enter there with all their forces, they would cause much more anxiety
[than now], and more costly means of defense than those which are
made in Filipinas.
Number 44. Fifth effect of the conservation of the islands: the
reputation of this crown
The fifth and last effect is that this crown will sustain its
reputation and renown, a consideration which so urgently persuades
it to preserve a post so honored, avoiding the scandal that would
result from losing it, or from abandoning as difficult and costly the
most noble exploit that has been offered to any prince. That would
[will--_MS._] persuade the enemy that it was for lack of forces,
or that the gospel ministers whom España sends only go where riches
and advantage await them, and not where these are not found. That was
one of the motives, if not the greatest, of the kings your Majesty's
father and grandfather; and your greatness has not only to preserve
what you inherited by so many legitimate titles, but also to increase
it as much as possible.
Number 45. Means existing for the conservation of the islands
Granted, then, and declared by so many and so evident arguments,
the importance of the Filipinas, in regard to both its causes and its
effects, it is to be noted that there are to be found but two means
for the attainment of their conservation. One is for your Majesty
to supply from the royal treasury all the expense that should be
necessary, without heeding what income they furnish. The other method
is to concede to them the commerce with Nueva España, in such quantity
and manner that, with what should proceed from it, there should be
enough to defend the islands. Each of these means is insufficient by
itself, nor is it possible; for your Majesty cannot spend all that is
necessary for the maintenance of Filipinas, and it is not advisable
to permit their commerce to the extent that the duties derived from
it may equal the expenses incurred for the islands. Consequently,
the least damaging and the most certain expedient seems to be to
combine these measures so that your Majesty may aid in part, and
may protect that commerce in such manner that the islands having
the means therefor, may attend to their own wants; since the greater
the sum derived from the commerce, without increasing it too much,
the less the expense from the royal treasury.
Number 46. Points to which the execution of the means proposed can
be reduced
In order to adjust these two means, as they are the only ones for
this end, it is necessary to make known what the Filipinas are costing
today. This will be the first of five points to which this matter is
reduced. The second, what they contribute. The third, what commerce
they exercise with Nueva España. The fourth, the present condition of
this commerce. The fifth and last, what illegal acts are committed
in this commerce, and how these can be avoided or corrected without
ruining or destroying it. These points having been declared, the
decision that can be rendered in regard to the petitions that are
made in behalf of the islands will be clear.
Number 47. First point: of the expenses of the islands; and the first
division of it, the administration of justice.
In regard to the first point, namely, the cost and expense of
the islands, it consists in what results from eight branches or
main divisions to which it is reduced. The first is that of the
justice which your Majesty, as natural seignior, ought to furnish and
administer to those vassals. The head of it is the royal Chancillería
which resides in the city of Manila. It was first established (for
everything is done with a foundation), by a royal decree of March 5,
582, with a president (who was to be governor), three auditors, and
one fiscal. [42] The governor and president, who was then Licentiate
Santiago de Vera, was assigned a salary of four thousand _pesos
ensayados_; [43] and the auditors and fiscal, two thousand. For
the payment of those salaries, by a royal decree of May 10, 1583,
twelve thousand [pesos] ensayados in tributes of the Indians were
ordered to be assigned (and they were assigned) to the crown. Later,
it having been understood through some less authentic reports that the
Audiencia was unnecessary in Manila, it was suppressed by a decree of
August 9, 1589; and Gomez Perez Das Mariñas, of the Habit of Santiago,
was appointed governor and captain-general, with a salary of 8,000
pesos ensayados, and with authority to have a guard of halberdiers
to uphold the dignity of the post (as is done by his successors to
this day). It consists of one captain with 240 pesos pay (although
this post is always held by an infantry captain who receives no more
than the ordinary pay, which will be mentioned), twelve soldiers at
96 pesos, and one corporal at 108 pesos, making a total of 1,260
pesos of eight reals (all this account and summary being reckoned
in pesos of that denomination). He was given a lieutenant-general as
counselor, with a salary of 2,000 pesos ensayados. But scarcely was
the Audiencia suppressed, than results showed the unreliability of
the reports which had led to that step. Don Francisco Tello having
succeeded to the government, the Audiencia was again established,
and he was given the title of president, on December 21, 595. There
were four auditors and one fiscal, who was to be protector of the
Indians; and all were given the salary that they had before, except
the president, who was left the 8,000 pesos ensayados that had been
assigned him as governor. Thus the Audiencia is still maintained,
with an expense of 18,000 pesos ensayados, or 29,000 pesos, 2 reals
of common gold. To the court scrivener was assigned 300 [pesos];
to one reporter, 600 one fiscal solicitor, 300; to the captain,
350; to one herald, 48: a total of 1,898, to be paid from fines of
the exchequer. The sum paid to corregidors is as follows: to two,
for the island of Mindoro and the province of Catanduanes, at the
rate of 100 pesos, to two, for the islands of Mariveles and Negros,
at the rate of 150 pesos; to those of the islands of Leyte, Samare,
Ybabao, and to him of Ibalon (who is also a sentinel), at the rate of
200. To twelve alcaldes-mayor of Tondo, Pampanga, Bulacan, Pangasinar,
Ilocos, Cagayan, Calamianes, Zebu, Camarines, Laguna de Bay, Balayan,
and Atilaya, at the rate of 300 pesos; and to him of Oton, who serves
in the post of purveyor for Terrenate, 700 pesos. Therefore the total
in this department is 37,077 pesos.
Number 48. Second division: the conversion, preaching, divine worship,
and the hospitals
The second is that which pertains to the conversion, and to preaching,
divine worship, and the hospitals. The first bishop appointed for the
church of Manila was Fray Domingo de Salazar. He was succeeded by Fray
Ignacio de Santivañez, with the pall as archbishop--the church being
erected into a metropolitan, and the three of [Nueva] Caceres, Zebu,
and [Nueva] Segovia into suffragans, in the year 596, although the
latter have no prebends. The archbishop was assigned a competence
of 3,000 ducados, and the three bishops each 500,000 maravedis,
all from the royal treasury; the tithes enter into the treasury,
as their amount is small. Thus the four prelates receive annually,
9,637 and one-half pesos. To the dignitaries of the metropolitan
church are paid: to the dean, 600 pesos; to the archdeacon,
precentor, treasurer, and schoolmaster, each 500; to four canons,
each 400; to two racioneros, each 300; to two medio-racioneros, 200;
to two curas, each 50,000 maravedis; to two sacristans, each 25,000
maravedis. To the chaplain of the seminary of Santa Potenciana, which
belongs to the royal patronage, 300 pesos. For four regular priests of
St. Dominic, four of St. Augustine, and four of the Society of Jesus,
who administer instruction in Manila, to each convent are given,
1,072 pesos; and for four others, Augustinian Recollects, 697 pesos
to their convent. To two secular assistants of the bishop of Zebu,
each 576 pesos, by a decree of March 14, 633; and a like sum to two
of [Nueva] Segovia, by a decree of April 11, 635; and the same to
him of [Nueva] Caceres. To twelve curas, and twelve sacristans, in
the three cathedrals, and in nine other churches of those islands,
each 50,000 maravedis, and 25,000 [respectively]. To two religious
who administer the sacraments in the island of Hermosa, each 536
pesos. To the convents of St. Dominic and St. Augustine, each 400;
to that of the Society of Jesus, 200; to that of St. Francis, 300;
to the nuns of St. Clare, 200. To two infirmaries, maintained by
the Dominican religious in Cagayan and Pangasinan, each 400. To the
Spanish hospital in Manila, 3,000 pesos; to the physician, 300; to
the surgeon, 400; to the barber, 312; to the apothecary, 200; to the
steward, 182 and one-half, and one tonelada in the trading ships. To
the hospital of Cavite, 700; to that of San Lazaro of the natives,
outside the walls, 3,442; to that of Los Baños of Nueva España, of
holy [44] waters, 1,472, and 100 more for medicines; to that of the
Sangleys of San Gabriel [Graviel--_MS._], 425; to that of Terrenate,
1,000; to that of Cagayan, 300; to that of Oton, 250; to that of
Caraga, 50; to that of Zebu, 250; to that of the artillerymen, 500;
to that of the trading ships, 1,000. To some churches which have
alms of oil are distributed annually 3,940 gantas, which are worth
760 pesos. [The expenses for] this department amount to 37,297 pesos.
Number 49. Third division: the presents sent by the governor
The third is but little, and consists of [the expenses caused by]
the custom in those islands of the governor sending some gifts,
donations, and presents to the kings of Japon, Camboxa, Tidore,
and others. These are necessary to maintain their friendship, and to
keep them well-disposed for what is asked from them; for not one of
them receives an embassy favorably, unless it is accompanied by some
present. In the year 580 a present was sent from España to Great China,
consisting of twelve falcons; twelve horses, with their trappings
and saddle-cloths embroidered with the royal arms; and six mules,
[45] with their wrought coverings, which carried twelve boxes, filled
with various curious articles. For securing this amicable relation,
there are spent annually one thousand five hundred pesos.
Number 50. Fourth division: the management of the royal treasury
The fourth division is that of the management of the royal treasury. To
the three officials--treasurer, accountant, and factor--are paid
salaries of 5,625 pesos. To eight greater and lesser officials, 2,300
pesos; to one computer-in-ordinary of accounts, 1,000; to his chief
clerk, who is a royal notary, 450; to three other clerks of accounts,
900; to the assayer and weigher, 550; and to its officer of justice,
300. The full total is 11,550 pesos.
Number 51. Fifth division: land warfare
The fifth division is that of land warfare. There is one master-of-camp
in the camp of Manila, with 1,654 and one-half pesos pay; one
sargento-mayor, with 990; two adjutants, with 360; one chaplain of the
regiment, with 360; one field captain, with 180; one chief constable,
with 96; one head drummer, with 126; ten substitutes stationed near
the person of the governor and appointed by your Majesty at different
rates of pay, which amounted in the year 635 (the year when all this
report was drawn up) to 6,675 pesos; one military notary, with 200
[20--_MS._]; and one procurator for the infantry, with 126. Of the
presidios of Manila, the castellan of the fort of Santiago receives 800
pesos, and his one lieutenant, 420; three wardens for the presidios of
Zebu, Oton, and Cagayan, each 300; their three lieutenants, each 96;
one chaplain for Oton, 180; one lieutenant of the captain-general of
Pintados, 800; one lieutenant of the governor and captain-general,
for the presidio of the island of Hermosa, 1,200; one sargento-mayor
of that presidio, who is also a captain of infantry, has captain's pay;
three adjutants of the sargento-mayor of Oton [Octon--_MS._], Cebu, and
Cagayan, each 180; another in the island of Hermosa, 250. The infantry
of the camp of Manila, which includes that of the island of Hermosa,
consists of eighteen companies--sixteen of them with a like number
of captains, and the two which are commanded by the master-of-camp
of the army and the castellan of Santiago. All amount generally to
1,576 infantrymen, 88 men to each company. As to pay, the captains
receive each 600 pesos; the alférezes, each 240; the sergeants,
each 120; the corporals (there being four in each company), each 12
pesos over the common soldier's pay; the 56 infantrymen, including
page, fifer, two drummers, and one standard-bearer, each 96 pesos;
the [remaining] infantrymen, who are musketeers, each 126 pesos. To
each company is given 30 escudos per month over the regular pay. The
total expense in pay to each company amounts to 9,555 and one-half
pesos. And inasmuch as they are never without crippled soldiers,
who receive 72 pesos without serving, there is a fund of 1,000 pesos
for them. There are 140 other soldiers of the Pampango tribe, who are
stationed in the presidios of Manila, Oton, Zebu, Cagayan, and Caraga,
who receive each 86 pesos per year. Their captain receives 288, one
alférez, 192, one sergeant, 96. Consequently, this company causes
an expense of 7,296 pesos. For the artillery, there is one captain
who receives 800; four constables, in Manila, the fort of Santiago,
the fort of Cavite, and the island of Hermosa, each 300; one hundred
and ten artillerymen in the camp and presidios, each 200; the total
amounting to 32,596. The total for this department is 229,696 pesos.
Number 52. Sixth division: of the defense of Maluco
The sixth is for the war and defense of Maluco. The castellan and
governor of the forts of Terrenate receives 2,750 pesos; two adjutants
of the sargento-mayor, each 825. There are seven companies of infantry
with 570 soldiers. The captains receive each 600 pesos; each alférez,
240; each sergeant, 120; each corporal, 30 pesos in addition to the
regular soldier's pay; and the others as in Manila. Each company gets
30 escudos in addition to the regular pay. They were ordered to spend
[the money for] four substitutes that they had, each of 440 pesos, and
that pay was also given as additional pay. Thus each of these companies
causes an expense of 9,809 pesos. In addition there are two Pampango
infantry companies, with 200 soldiers. Each captain gets 288 pesos;
each alférez, 192; each sergeant, 144; and each infantryman, 72. The
two companies cost 13,312 pesos. There is one surgeon who receives
664 pesos; one artillery captain, 480; one constable, 300; one field
captain, 330; one war notary, 200; one accountant and factor, 1,150;
one chief clerk, 400; another minor clerk, 150; one notary of the royal
treasury, 250; one [book]keeper and paymaster, 523; twenty sailors, 150
[pesos] and one ganta of rice apiece; one cura, 50,000 maravedis; one
sacristan, 25,000 maravedis; and seven religious, four of St. Francis
and three of the Society, to whom are given 1,330 pesos. Consequently,
[the expense of] this department amounts to a total of 97,128 pesos,
three reals.
Number 53. Seventh division: the navy and marine works
The seventh is that of the navy and what pertains to marine
works. There are six galleys, used as a guard for the islands. They
have one commander-in-chief, who receives 800 pesos; one lieutenant,
600; six captains, two of whom live in Manila, two in the island
of Hermosa, each 422 pesos, and two in Terrenate, each 699 and
one-half pesos; one accountant, 400; one chaplain [captain--_MS._],
200. Each galley has one leader, who receives 170 pesos; one master,
300; one boatswain, [46] 250; one boatswain's mate, 217 and one-half;
one alguaçil, 230; one oarmaker, 230; three sailors, each 133. In all
[six galleys] there are 1,080 convicts who receive 27 pesos and two
reals, and three pesos in clothing. These six galleys cost 45,026
pesos annually. There are twelve pilots in the ports of Cavite, the
island of Hermosa, and Terrenate, each of whom receives 200 pesos when
he is not afloat (for when afloat they receive more); ten boatswains
[_contramaestres_] of as many boats, who are paid each 325 pesos;
ten boatswain's mates, each 225. There are 520 sailors, each of whom
receives 175 pesos, among whom are included those who sail to Nueva
España, Terrenate, and the island of Hermosa, and other parts. There
are 200 common seamen, each of whom receives 60 and one-half pesos;
seven coopers, each 325; four Indian coopers, each 72 and one-half; one
diver, 350; one hundred and sixty Sangleys (24 of whom are pilots), who
serve as sailors in the champans and bring the food and war supplies,
all of whom together get 7,504 pesos; twenty Indians, who serve in
the boat that acts as a scout-boat in the island of Marivelez, who
receive five hundred and forty pesos; one hundred and thirty Lascars,
natives of India, who are sailors and common seamen, 9,754 pesos; one
master of ropemaking, one hundred and seventy-five pesos; two Indian
ropemakers, each 78 pesos; fifty Indians who work at the rigging,
each 24 and one-half pesos; six Spanish carpenters, each 325; five
hundred and fifty Indians, carpenters along the Cavite coast (six
of them, who are bosses, each 97 pesos; 120 workmen and laborers,
each 61; and the rest, each 49); 50 other Sangley carpenters and
sawyers, who are paid 4,220 pesos; seven Spanish calkers, each 325;
four slave calkers, each 47 and one-half; fourteen Sangley calkers,
who get 1,165 pesos; one master of the smithy of Cavite, 425; another
of the Manila foundry, 375; another of the smithy of the army, 350;
one hundred Indian smiths, for the three smithies, get 5,377 pesos;
thirty Sangley smiths, ten of them bosses of forges, are paid 2,280
pesos. Therefore this part amounts to 180,731 pesos.
The ships that sail annually to Nueva España carry one
commander-in-chief, or head, who, in addition to four rations
that are given him, receives a salary of 4,325 pesos; one admiral,
2,900. Although it is ordered in the royal decree for the grant of
the last of December, 604, that these ships have an overseer and
accountant, with pay of 2,000 ducados apiece, in order that they
may keep account in their books of what is carried and taken, as
in the last reports of expenses and salaries, those offices are not
found. It is doubtful whether they are provided, and accordingly they
are omitted. There are two masters, each of whom receives 400 pesos;
four pilots, each 700; two boatswains, each 325; two boatswain's mates,
each 225; two notaries, each 225; two keepers of the arms and stores,
each 225; two calkers, each 325; two water guards, each 225; two
surgeons, each 225; two constables, each 325; twenty artillerymen,
each 225 (who ought to serve a like number of pieces, according
to the seventh section of the royal decree of 604); six Cahayanes
[_i.e._, Cagayans (Indians)?], each 60; two coopers, each 325. These
wages amount to 20,535 pesos, for sailors and common seamen belong to
those whose posts are continuous. On the return trip [to Filipinas],
when the usual reënforcements are carried, there is a sargento-mayor,
who gets 600 pesos; one adjutant, 412; one royal alférez, 865. It
is ordered by a royal decree of December 14, 630, that the latter
officers be aided with only four months' pay at Acapulco, and that
they be paid for the time of their service. Furthermore, there is
a shoremaster at the port of Cavite, who receives 600 [650--_MS._]
pesos; and although it was ordered by a royal decree of April 22,
608, that he should not receive this salary, that office must have
appeared indispensable. There is one builder for ships and another
for galleys, each of whom receives 690 pesos; one gunner to sight the
guns, and an overseer of the royal works of Cavite, 800; one manager
for the artillery foundry, 500; one founder, 450; one powder manager,
500; another of the rigging, 272. One galley is built every year, on
an average, which costs 20,000 pesos finished and ready for sailing,
exclusive of the men who work at it. The purchase and equipment of
18 champans cost 2,300 pesos. Therefore, according to the items above
mentioned, the expense of this department amounts to 283,184 pesos.
Number 54. Eighth division: the food, munitions, [47] and other
expenses
The eighth and last is that of the food and munitions. As much as
50,000 pesos are given annually to the factor of the royal treasury,
for expenses and the purchases of food, and the pay for the careening
and repair of ten galleons and six galleys. For flour biscuit for
the voyage, besides the rations, are spent 5,000 pesos; for iron,
1,250; for wax, cotton, and other things, 1,300; for balls and fuses,
1,000; for saltpetre, and the making of powder, 4,000. A quantity
of money is sent to the alcaldes-mayor and the persons who bring in
the supplies for the provision of the royal magazines, the amount
being estimated at 86,000 pesos. On extraordinary watchmen are spent
2,000 pesos. To the keeper of the magazines of Manila is given 750
pesos; to his clerk, 222; to the keeper of those of Cavite, 395;
to his clerk, 212; to the keeper of that of Jambolo in Pangasinan,
173; to the keeper of the magazines in the island of Hermosa, 300;
to his accountant, 500; to his clerk, 200. The expense of this last
department amounts to 153,202 [15,302--_MS._] pesos.
Number 55. Summary of the expenses of the islands, and the persons
employed
The above is what is spent annually on the average, more or less
according to the times, for all purposes in the Filipinas Islands,
a summary of which (both of persons and money) is as follows.
The first department, that of justice,
supports 32 Spaniards, and costs 37,077 pesos
The second--the conversion [of heathen],
worship, and hospitality in most of
the convents, and the hospitals and
churches--supports 73 Spaniards, and costs 37,297 pesos.
The third, the maintenance of friendly
relations with the kings, costs 1,500 pesos.
The fourth, the management of the royal
treasury, in which 19 Spaniards are employed,
costs 11,550 pesos.
[21,550--_MS._]
The fifth, the land warfare of Manila and
its islands, in which 1,762 [1,702--_MS._]
Spaniards and 140 Indians are employed,
costs 229,696 pesos.
The sixth, the war in Maluco and its islands,
in which there are 612 Spaniards and 200
Indians employed, costs 97,128 pesos.
The seventh, the navy and marine works,
in which 832 Spaniards and 2,200 Indians are
employed, costs 283,184 pesos.
The eighth, the commissariat, in which 8
Spaniards are employed, costs 153,302 pesos.
[53,302--_MS._]
-------
850,734
Consequently, exclusive of the four convents and fourteen hospitals
which are cared for, and the alms which are given for wine and oil
to certain churches, your Majesty pays in the Filipinas Islands
and Maluco, and in their navigations and trade-line, salary, pay,
and special wages to 5,878 persons, 3,338 of whom are Spaniards,
and 2,540 are Indians or men of various nations. The cost of all
included in the eight departments here presented, as it appears,
is 850,734 pesos of eight reals.
Number 56. Second point: of that which the Filipinas produce
Having seen what it costs to maintain the Filipinas Islands, the
second point is to ascertain how far they aid in this cost, and with
what they supply your Majesty's royal treasury, in which notice is
to be taken that there are eleven departments of revenue.
1. The tributes of the encomiendas which
are assigned to the crown, paid by not only
the natives of the islands but the Chinese
and Japanese, are annually valued--in reals,
and in products which proceed from 44,763
tributarios--at ten reals apiece 53,715 pesos.
2. In the encomiendas of private persons, who,
as has been said, possess 84,439 tributes,
there is a [royal] situado of two reals for
each tribute--only eight being reserved for
the encomenderos, which are valued annually
at 21,107 and one-half pesos 21,107 pesos.
3. The licenses which are given annually to
the Sangleys, in order that they may remain
for some time in the islands, amount to about
14,000, which at eight pesos that are paid
for them as fees, amount to 112,1000 pesos 112,000 pesos.
4. The tribute of these 14,000 Sangleys at
five reals apiece--four for the tribute,
and one for the situado--are worth 8,250
pesos 8,250 pesos.
5. The fifth and tenth of the gold that is
collected from what is declared by the natives,
is 750 pesos 750 pesos.
6. The ecclesiastical tithes--which are
collected for the royal treasury, because
all the clergy are paid from it, as has been
seen--amount to 2,750 pesos. 2,750 pesos.
7. The fares for passengers, who leave
the islands for other parts in royal ships,
350 pesos. 350 pesos.
8. The fines of the exchequer are worth
1,000 pesos annually. 1,000 pesos.
9. The customs duties on the merchandise of
China, India, [48] and other parts, which
are imported and exported, 38,000 pesos. 38,000 pesos.
10. The imposts and freight charges, customs
duties, and other charges that are collected
in Nueva España on the merchandise exported
annually from the islands, are worth 300,000
[309,000--_MS._] pesos which is reckoned as
income of the Filipinas, for those islands
cause it. Accordingly, it is ordered by a
royal decree of February 19, 606, that the
proceeds from this department be remitted to
Manila, and that so much less a sum be sent
from Mexico; besides which they ought to make
good to it 30,000 more, because of what in
Nueva España proceeds from the traffic and
commerce of this merchandise for the excise
duty and other imposts. 300,000 pesos.
[309,000--_MS._]
11. It cannot be ascertained what the mesada
taxes in the ecclesiastical estate, and the
half-annats in the secular, are worth; nor that
concerning sales and resignations of office,
and other petty transactions, for all of
which a figure of 6,000 pesos annually is set
down...... 6,000 pesos.
These eleven departments of royal revenue amount to 573,922 pesos;
and the Filipinas produce that sum in revenue for your Majesty. [49]
[In the margin of _Extracto-historial reprint_: "Note--This sum seems
to be inaccurate, because it should amount only to 543,922 pesos."]
Number 57. The excess of expenditures for the islands over the receipts
It is ordered by a royal decree that the amount reported from the
islands to be lacking for the total amount of situado be sent annually
from Nueva España; and as the situado, according to the calculation
set forth, is 850,734 pesos, there is an annual deficit of 276,512
pesos or thereabouts; [In the margin of _Extracto-historial reprint_:
"The deficit should be 306,812 pesos."] for this account is made for
only one year, and is not fixed, although it it usual every year. In
this matter it is to be noted that this [itemized statement] answers
the current report that every year six hundred thousand pesos and
more are taken from Nueva España for their expense. That report gives
rise to the belief and understanding that they spend that amount in
addition to their receipts. That is an error; for if from the tenth
division the sum of 330,000 pesos is made good, which is collected
in Acapulco and Mexico, and other parts of Nueva España (and this
is recognized to belong to the islands by the above-cited royal
decree of 606 and is therefore ordered to be returned to them), when
600,000 or more pesos are sent, not one-half that amount is supply
of deficiency, and expense, since more than one-half is returns. And
even this is counterbalanced somewhat by what is derived from the
bulls of the crusade, the proceeds of which are ordered by a royal
decree of December 21, 634, not to be taken to Mexico, but to be
kept at Manila, and that to the treasurers in Mexico a like amount
be furnished. Although this order is opposed by the crusade, as
it is advisable it ought to be executed, and a second decree issued
ordering its observance; thus two dangers might be avoided to this sum,
one in going and the other in being returned--as is done with the
possessions of deceased persons, by a royal decree of December 13,
[of the year] 16, which are kept in the Manila treasury, and paid
into that of Mexico.
Number 58. The islands contribute more than they spend
From the expenses and contributions of the islands, and the excess
of the debits over the credits, some, through lack of acquaintance
with the matter, are wont to derive the main argument against
them, imagining that the islands are of little use but of great
expense. Although the first of these propositions is quite confuted and
answered by what is thus far alleged, the second also lacks foundation
in the meaning in which it is put forward, which attributes to the
islands more expense than profit; for the Filipinas alone contribute
more than what they cost. Until the year 607, the islands of Maluco
belonged to the crown of Portugal, which spent a great sum of money
on them--as was necessary on account of the great distance from Goa,
upon which their government was dependent. Although, nevertheless,
those islands were maintained, that appeared impossible after the
Dutch entered the Orient; for with their advent the expenses of
Maluco were so increased that the islands were lost, inasmuch as
there was no money with which to maintain them. It was ordered that
the Filipinas recover them, and they did so. In order to assure the
safety of the Malucos and to economize expenses for the convenience of
both crowns, they were joined and united to them [_i.e._, Filipinas],
imposing on the crown of Castilla, and in its name on the Filipinas,
the obligation to attend to their wants, thus adding to Filipinas at
least 290,000 pesos of expense--the amount of what pertains to Maluco
from the second, third, and fourth departments, all the sixth, half the
seventh, and a third of the eighth. If your Majesty is petitioned for
276,000 pesos annually for both groups of islands, as is attested,
and those of Maluco alone cost 290,000, the deduction is evident
that the Filipinas _per se_ cost less than what they contribute--and
more, if it is considered that the crown of Portugal saves 400,000
pesos which the Malucas must have cost it when they were under its
charge. Since the Filipinas did not ask for that union, and were not
a party in causing it to be made, they ought not to be charged with
increase in expenses which those islands cause them.
Number 59. How and in what the inhabitants aid in the support of
the islands
But it is proper to remark at this point, what is the kernel of
the matter under discussion, that the Filipinas and Malucas are
not supported with the 850,000 [890,000--_MS._] pesos, which are
the amount of their expenses. Neither that sum nor a much greater
one would be sufficient, if the inhabitants of Manila did not serve,
aid, and help with their possessions and lives on the occasions that
arise, both extraordinary and ordinary. Now [they serve] as soldiers
in the wars when the enlisted and paid troops are outside, or are
not sufficient to resist the enemy, standing guard and assisting in
military duties with the [same] punctuality and discipline as if they
drew pay; and although they are few, as has been said, they count
for many in the valor, willingness, and generosity with which they
serve. Again, they give their slaves to labor on the public works
and shipbuilding, and ordinarily for the levies for the galleys,
as happens daily; and in the term of Don Alonso Faxardo, had not the
inhabitants furnished the crews, the galleys could not have sallied
out, as they did, against the enemy. Then they lend, when the aid
from Nueva España is delayed or insufficient, very great quantities
[of money] for any sudden expense--as was that above mentioned in
the case of Don Alonso Faxardo, to whom they lent at that time two
hundred and fifty thousand pesos. So they do every year, and always
without interest, the payments sometimes being delayed two or three
years. In regard to that, there is a royal decree of February 29,
six hundred and thirty-six, in which it is ordered that those who
make such loans shall be promptly repaid, in order that the royal
treasury may be accredited when it needs help. They help, too, with
very large and continuous gifts of money, and food and products (which
are generally more important than money), which the governor assigns
for the aid of Terrenate, the island of Hermosa, and other posts. They
also accept expeditions and embassies, by which they go at their own
expense to the kings of those archipelagos. So have gone General Juan
Xuarez Gallinato, to the king of Camboxa; Gregorio de Vargas, to him
of Tunquin [Tumquin--_MS._]; Juan Tello de Aguirre and Juan Ruiz de
Ycoaga, to him of Siam; to whom also went Admiral Andres Lopez de
Asaldegui; Don Luis Navarrete Faxardo; and afterward Don Antonio de
Arco, to the emperor of Japon, at the cost of life; Don Juan Zamudio
to China; and others to other kings--each one spending ten or twelve
thousand pesos to serve your Majesty. In short, the occasions that
the inhabitants of Manila have for helping, and to which they respond
as loyal vassals, are as many as will be seen in the future, and as
one can imagine would be found in a post and frontier so infested by
so many and so strong enemies--Dutch, Chinese, Japanese, Mindanaos,
Terrenates, Zambales, and those of other nations, which keeps the
inhabitants in arms continually. Scarcely is there a year when the
inhabitants do not engage in hostilities, and it necessarily costs
them heavily. If it were all at the expense of the royal treasury,
the cost of the islands would increase so that it would almost exceed
their possessions.
Number 60. To what degree the inhabitants of the islands ought to
be favored
By all this is represented to your Majesty what those vassals merit
who are always and continually serving, not in posts and duties that
increase their wealth and advance their households, but in land and
naval warfare, in which they lose their lives and possessions--fighting
now with the Dutch, who harass them more sharply than in Flandes,
and make daily attacks; now with the numerous nations who surround
them. Consequently, they deserve that their services be considered,
not only in consulting as to rewards, but in giving them; and that
they be gratified with honors and rewards--if not equal to their
services, as those are so great, at least equivalent to what good
government permits, and to what the same land which they defend can
support. That is in accordance with the royal decree of February 29,
636, in which the governor is ordered to observe the rules ordering
that military offices and encomiendas be given only to those who
shall have served under your Majesty's banners, and always preferring
those who shall have rendered most service. It will be proper and very
consoling for the deserving citizens and residents of those islands,
that the royal Council of the Indias--which, as it were a crucible for
the new world, estimates services, approves merits, and deliberates
as to rewards, with so much acumen, equality, and justice--allow
the claims of Filipinas before those of others who, by serving in
Flandes, Italia, and Alemania, try to get hold of the best posts,
not alone of the Indias, but even of the islands themselves which
they never entered. For, if the latter do not exceed the former in
the hardships, perils, and services that the citizens of the islands
suffer and perform, for your Majesty and for that colony, and those
citizens should be preferred justly in the rewards of their own land,
then they have sufficient ground for asking that they be not despoiled
of this favor and privilege, which they try to merit by so many and
so repeated acts of valor and loyalty; but that in the dispensing of
that favor they may recognize that they may expect sure rewards for
their children, by leaving them as an inheritance the blood shed and
the property spent in defense of their king and the preservation of
their fatherland. And since their services differ so widely in quality
from those of others, who have no services, it will be just that
their papers and claims be examined with a different kind of attention.
Number 61. It is not advisable that the magistracies of the islands
be sold
In this matter also it is to be noted that the magistracies of the
city were formerly conferred by the governor on the most deserving
and venerable persons who were to be found. They, because of their
experience and zeal, accepted those offices, and attended to the duties
of those charges as was demanded. In order that those offices might
be held by them for life, it was sufficient for them to come to ask
for confirmation of them from your Majesty, in accordance with the
royal decree of March 17, 1608, and February 8, 1610. And although,
since they were ordered to be sold, persons of equal ability and
position have bought them, and fill them and attend as they ought
to the government of the community (which in this, above all else,
has always been fortunate); and although the governor is ordered by a
decree of June [July--_MS._] 12, 636, to employ the regidors of Manila
in charges and posts according to their rank and the competency with
which they can serve your Majesty, and that he honor, favor, and aid
them in whatever else arises: the deserving men of that city cannot
be prevented from expressing their resentment that, while there are
so few rewards to which they can aspire, so many the occasions in
which to serve, and so remote the qualification of their merits, that
small part should be taken away from them, and that, in order to enjoy
those offices, they should have to be bought. Moreover, the command,
by decree of June 3, 620, that the magistracies of the Filipinas be
sold only to conquistadors and settlers, or to their descendants
(which was only recognizing that it was fitting to do so, but not
assuring the reward), is no favor; for those to whom it is ordered to
sell them, since it is so just that those who conquered and seeded
should govern, are generally the poorest of all. And although they
desire to enjoy the offices which belong to them, some of them do not
possess the money with which to buy these; while others do not care to
spend the little wealth that they have acquired for what is not of any
use or profit to them, but rather a burden and inconvenience--since,
by defending that community, they have had many contentions with
the former governors. Consequently, it is very advisable that the
magistracies be given to men of years, and old residents in the colony,
who have held military posts, and who can oppose the governors when
the latter try to exceed the provisions of your Majesty's decrees. For
this and other reasons, it has been experienced that eight vacancies
have existed in the magistracy of Manila for many years, because
there were no buyers for them, as appears from the royal decree of
February 29, 636, in which it is mentioned. And since the greatest
value of those offices is one thousand one hundred pesos, and, if
one consider the twelve magistracies, they do not produce an income
of five hundred pesos per year, that is so small a sum, and there
are so many damages and disadvantages that may result from it, that
it would be a gain for the royal treasury and a great service to your
Majesty to have the sale of the said offices stopped, and to have them
given as formerly by the governors to the oldest residents, and to men
of greatest experience and worth and as favors to individuals--that,
while they do not give any profit, they may give honor to the citizens
of Manila. Since there is not a city in all the Indias of its rank,
nor one in which the inhabitants render so much service and with less
advantage, this measure will not be a conclusion of which others may
avail themselves to demand the same.
Number 62. Third point: of the commerce of the islands with Nueva
España
From the service rendered by the inhabitants of Filipinas, one may
deduce how necessary it is to maintain the rich, or to give them
capital sufficient for them to attend to their business. For that the
only method (and the third point of the five arguments proposed), is
the commerce of the islands with Nueva España, for in the proportion
in which that shall increase, their possessions will increase, and
with that the defense and security of the islands. For there is no
more powerful argument than that which establishes the conservation
of a province in the strength, that is, the wealth of its inhabitants,
and depends on the abundance of that for its conservation. Commerce is
a natural law of nations, by which they make common to all provinces
what each one produces, grows, or manufactures--now by selling,
now by exchanging. Although commerce ought to be free, and was in
the beginning, when kingdoms and seigniories were less powerful
(for as they had narrower territories, so they had fewer matters to
which to attend), as the monarchies increased and extended it became
necessary to limit the commerce in parts, prohibiting it with some,
in order to oblige or cause it to be maintained or increased with
others. If that of Filipinas with the Indias were free and absolute,
as it was immediately after their discovery, it is evident that they
would enjoy the greatest prosperity; while Nueva España would have
greater abundance of what was necessary to it, and Peru of what it
lacked. But the commerce of España, which would perish and be ruined,
was opposed to that; for since the goods sent thence to the Indias
were dearer than those of Filipinas, if merchandise entered from
both parts without restriction it would be to the advantage of the
consumers to seek that from Filipinas rather than that from España;
and the former commerce would continue to increase, and the latter to
decline. Accordingly, it was right and proper to restrain the one so
that the other might endure, and that, heeding the principal thing,
namely, the conservation of these kingdoms (the heads of the monarchy),
trade to them might be free, and to the others restricted--maintaining
such a proportion in this that in securing the prosperity of España
the ruin of the Filipinas might not result; for natural laws influence
us to concede what is to the advantage of another, when it involves no
injury to one's self. And thus it is no considerable damage that the
kingdoms do not increase as much as is possible, if they maintain what
they have; for the former is a matter of gaining, and the latter of not
losing, until each one is left what is sufficient, if from conceding
more results the lack to others of what is necessary. Accordingly,
to Perù [50] is conceded one ship annually for Nueva España; to Nueva
España two for Filipinas; and to España the number that its commerce
demands and is entitled to, in consideration of its amount--so
that thus neither may the islands be lost nor Nueva España and Perú
be deprived of all the freedom of their trade, nor España feel so
much weakness in the trade of the Indias that it should lose that;
and that all may remain in suitable relations [to each other], since
they are members of the mystical body of this monarchy.
Number 63. Why the islands need the commerce of Nueva España
This matter being thus explained, it is also supposed that the
Filipinas retain the trade above described with various kingdoms
of the Orient; and that all that trade is free and open without any
restriction, except that of China, and that of the Western Indias,
which they maintain and observe in a certain manner. For since all
those different traffics require the return of suitable kinds of
merchandise in order to sustain the exchange in which they consist, and
the islands need them--for the rice, cotton, wines, blankets, textiles,
and other products, are not desired by China, Japon, Sian, or any other
pagan nation, because they abound in the same products, or have better
ones--those different branches of commerce must necessarily cease, if
there were not another foreign and different commerce, which, desiring
the products of those regions, can extend and carry on another trade,
which their nations desire and crave. This is that of the Indias,
from which is conveyed and bartered silver (a most noble commodity),
in return for which are carried the drugs and merchandise that are
produced in China and other Oriental kingdoms and provinces, and traded
in Filipinas, by which all come to be sustained, united, and joined.
Number 64. Commerce of the islands: why it is injurious to España
This commerce of the Indias with the Filipinas is to the prejudice
of España for two causes or reasons, from which result great
disadvantages. The first, because the silver is withdrawn and conveyed
to the islands, whence it passes into the possession of the enemies of
religion and of this crown, Moors and pagans; and finally remains in
China--which, according to what we understand, is the general center
for the silver of Europe and Asia. For as it always is current, gaining
and increasing in value until it reaches that great kingdom, whence
it must issue with a loss, it does not issue, and remains perpetually
among those inhabitants. From that cause result many damaging effects:
such as enriching our enemies, giving them the most noble product of
all the commerce of the globe; making easy for them the possession
of that which private persons among them maintain, and increasing
their number; preventing that silver from going to España so that
the royal duties might increase thereby, the avería and the commerce
be sustained; and, in short, making this crown lose and its enemies
gain. The second cause is that, in addition to the aforesaid losses
(which are obvious) from the withdrawal of silver, no less are the
damages that are experienced on what is sent in return for it to
Nueva España, and passes to Perú--namely, a great quantity of the
merchandise of China in textiles of gold, silk, and cotton, and other
articles. [These are sold] at so low prices that, when the merchandise
of these kingdoms arrives (which is worth more, as it is of better
quality), it is not sold and has no outlet, as the country is full of
the others [from China]; so that those who ship it lose. Consequently,
losses are multiplied; and from all results so extreme weakening of
the commerce of España with the Indias, that it is almost extinct
and will be diminished just as that of Filipinas increases.
Number 65. Reply to the damages of the commerce of Filipinas; and to
the first, regarding the withdrawal of the silver.
These two reasons are [alleged as] those which hinder the advancement
of the islands, and restrict its commerce. However, a reply is not
lacking, which, if it does not destroy, weakens them. For to the
first, regarding the withdrawal of the silver and its retention in
China, answer is made, that on the silver which goes [from Nueva
España] nine per cent [duties] are paid at Manila, and at Acapulco
fourteen per cent, a total of twenty-three per cent. Consequently,
the duties on its transportation to España are not lost, for they
are paid there in larger measure. The effects are not those which
are represented; for, although it is true that the silver goes from
Manila, it is for China, and for the very reason that it does not
issue from that country, it does no harm. But the retention of what
comes to these kingdoms is a greater injury, as it all goes to Olanda,
Genova, and Venecia [Venencia--_MS._], and thence to Turquia, while
some portion goes to India by way of Portugal, and those same Dutch,
and the Persians, Arabs, and Mogores share the silver; and, although
at last it goes to remain in China, it is after it has enriched the
greatest enemies of this crown. That is not the case with what goes
by way of Manila; for, if it goes thence, it is through the hands
of your Majesty's vassals, and it does not reach the hands of the
enemies. But even this reply is superfluous, for it is not necessary
to the islands nor to their inhabitants that more silver be sent to
Manila than is permitted; rather is it important to them that the
[amount for which] permission be observed and executed with rigor,
as will be said. [_In the margin_: "In numbers 98 and 99."] Therefore,
of the damages caused to the commerce of España by that of Filipinas,
only that to the merchandise should be made good; for the silver
either is within the limits of the permission, and does not conflict
[with this statement] (for neither does it cause any loss, nor can it
be dispensed with), or it is in the illegal amount that is stated,
and the citizens request that this be corrected and prevented. For
if there is any damage to España, it is not any advantage to them;
but, on the contrary, destroys and ruins them, as will be seen.
Number 66. Reply to the statement touching the merchandise exported
from the islands
As for the second reason--that of the merchandise, and the trade
of the islands therein--it is not denied that it would have the
effects that have been stated, if it were free, open, and without
restriction; but these cease, because experience and good government
have chosen a method such that neither the commerce of España should
be destroyed, nor that of the islands be annihilated, by permitting
the commerce to one in such quantity that it should not prove damaging
to the other. And although España petitioned that the commerce from
Filipinas be totally suppressed, by which they thought that they
would assure their own increase, it was also considered that the
islands would surely be lost in that case; and that they would be
settled by the Dutch, who would make themselves masters of all the
Orient. Consequently, that would not only expose India to evident
danger, as has been proved, but would also, by increasing the forces
of the Dutch, render them more powerful in the trade of the Indias,
and in all the regions where they navigate and traffic. Therefore,
if the trade of [the merchants in] España should increase for the
one reason, their risks and expenses would be greater for another;
and nearly all the trade of Portugal would be ruined. Thus from an
imagined benefit would result damages so certain and considerable
that, were they weighed as they ought to be, the present losses would
be considered as more tolerable. Such is the mutual relationship of
states which are many and extended that, if attention to all of them
be difficult, it is advisable that decisions be adjusted to the least
harmful course. Accordingly, it is proper that the islands should
not continue to increase, but that they be allowed the commerce that
is sufficient to maintain them; and that that of España should not
be increased in that region, but that the trade of the islands be
restricted in such manner that it shall be as little obstructed as
possible. For, by each kingdom losing a part of its right, all will
be maintained and conserved.
Number 67. Commerce of España with the Indias: why it is decreasing
This will be more apparent with the conditions and the changes
which the commerce of Filipinas and that of España in the Indias
have sustained and suffered. That of España has decreased so much
from its usual status that it appears to be less than the half of
its former amount. Although the fault is attributed to the Filipinas,
that is because the matter is not probed below the surface, and causes
are not sought at their sources. The physician who understands only
the effect of a dangerous illness, namely, the death of the patient,
generally attributes the sickness to uncertain causes and sometimes
so remote that they have no connection with the case in question; and,
since he prescribes his remedies for such causes, the true, proximate,
and essential causes which are working out of sight without any check,
end, if not by killing the patient, by placing him in evident risk. All
see and recognize that the commerce of the Indias is in a feeble
condition, that the merchants are losing, that the exporters do not
obtain their capital [from what they ship], and that the ships which go
are smaller, and return with poorer cargoes. Although this loss is so
well known, there are some who ascribe the cause of so great an effect
to the Filipinas, and not to the misapprehension of España--which
is persuaded that the wealth of the Indias must be inexhaustible,
and that the merchants can still gain on their investments the same
amounts as fifty years ago, while the causal means of it all have
been lacking, which have been noticed by few, and ignored by many.
Number 68. First reason for the decline of the commerce of the Indias
First, the abundance of gold and silver. So great was the abundance of
these metals in the Indias, that one could say the same as of Jerusalem
in the time of Solomon, that they were regarded as the stones of the
street. Accordingly, articles were paid for at so exorbitant prices,
as is apparent from the histories of their conquests. That region
has failed, for the ores that yielded three hundred pesos per quintal
by smelting, now yield eight or six by quicksilver, which costs more
than smelting; and [such ores] are worked as good ones. Potosi, which
is the heart of the Indias, is threatening to give out; for it alone
yielded for forty years an amount that it cannot now yield, although
aided by the opening of many mines which sustain its reputation. The
mines of Nueva Reino [_i.e._, New Granada] and of Nueva España have
lost a part of what they had. The cost of mining is greater, the mines
are poorer, and, consequently, the gains less, and less the amount
obtained. Therefore, since this was the first cause of the greatness
of the Indias, it is not remarkable that with its deficiency their
commerce has declined.
Number 69. Second cause for the decline of the commerce of the Indias
The second cause is the decrease of the Indians and the increase of
the Spaniards. The latter number thirty times more than formerly; where
there were five hundred, there are now three or four thousand. Without
exaggeration, there has been a decrease of the Indians of more than
six millions. Although not all of them used Spanish commodities,
they consumed many, and to so great an excess that it became
advisable to prohibit this to them and order them to dress as did
their ancestors. What is most to be regretted is the cessation of the
service for the mines, the cultivation of the fields, the gross sum
of the tributes, and the local commerce of many provinces. With fewer
people and less wealth, there must be less consumption and smaller
profits; and, if everything diminish, it is impossible that trade
should not do the same.
Number 70. Third cause for the decline of the commerce of the Indias
The third cause has proceeded from the above two; for with the increase
of the Spaniards, not only has the consumption not increased, but it
has been and is much less. For, besides the fact that so many stuffs
and figured goods are no longer worn out in the Indias as formerly,
and he who clad himself in silk now contents himself with cloth,
all bulky goods that are exported from Sevilla are manufactured there
[in the Indias]--where with the number of people their necessity has
increased, and with their necessity their skill. The consumers are
fewer, and the officials more; there is little money, and those who
seek it are many; and they seek it more eagerly as their courage is
small, since their funds are already scant. The springs are drained
dry, for there is less water, so that scarcely can they dampen what
they formerly soaked. What few formerly shipped and many bought is
now quite the contrary, and many send it and there are few who use
it--as is evident by the wine which was and now is consumed by Nueva
España. On that account it has been necessary that the former profits
cease, and that the exportation and consumption of merchandise be
restricted--not only on account of the goods which are manufactured
there, but because of lack of consumers and lack of wealth, all of
which are causal circumstances of the decline of the commerce.
Number 71. Fourth cause for the decline of the commerce of the Indias
The fourth and last cause is the little favor extended to the Indian
trade, both in the Indias, and in these kingdoms--either because of the
straitness of the times, or because of other accidents--together with
the burdens that have fallen upon everything, the imposts and duties
increasing, although greater relief was needed as the amount of wealth
was less. The avería, which increased from two and three per cent to
six and seven, and was then judged to be so exorbitant that it seemed
impossible for the commerce not to be ruined with that excessive tax,
has increased so greatly that one year it rose to forty, and with
the other expenses is never lower than twenty. What were formerly
risks at sea are now great and evident losses, which, aided by the
necessities of this crown--which force loans and considerable gifts,
and the exchange for _juros_ [51] of what was formerly the capital
for commerce--have so weakened commerce, that one is more astonished
that it has not been entirely ruined, than that it has declined to its
present condition. And all the more justifiable have been the reasons
why this crown has profited from the exporters among the merchants of
the Indias, and from what has come from the Indias, the greater the
loss has been, as it was known to be unavoidable on account of what
occurs on land, and more hazardous because of what is risked on the
sea--by which some have been ruined, others have retired from trade,
and others have changed their business; and all who take part in it
are aware that this commerce is ruined, and with it whatever depends
on it. It is certain, and has been observed in Manila, that since
the loss of the trading fleet of the year 629, and their unfortunate
experiences with [storms in] the Northern Sea, the winterings, the
disasters, the averías, the embargoes, the delays, and the burdens
[imposed] at Sevilla, the merchants in Mexico have decided to export
more to Filipinas than to España. And although these things are
found by experience to be thoroughly damaging and irreparable, and
[it is evident] that they demanded new exemptions and safeguards,
by which the losses might be recuperated, and those who suffer them
be encouraged, there has not been lacking a person to propose as an
expedient that the duties and customs should be raised still higher
in the Indias, affirming that they are the most free, and that they
pay less--although they really are quite the opposite, as is known.
Number 72. The Filipinas do not damage the commerce of España
The above and many other causes which might be mentioned are those
which have weakened and are ruining the commerce of the Indias;
and although it would be more advisable to counteract some of them,
or to seek reparation for those which are most hurtful, the Filipinas
Islands come to be the ones that suffer the penalty, without being
implicated in the guilt. And although their commerce is in the
lowest condition that it has ever experienced or suffered, yet even
in this condition they are not allowed or permitted [to improve] it,
and there are some who propose its destruction as a remedy, so that
it may share in the universal destruction of all trade; and this is
in so far as it touches the commerce of España.
Number 73. Beginning of the commerce of the islands
The commerce of these islands began with their second discovery
and the first settlement, which was in the year 565. [52] However,
it was at the first scanty and of little weight, until during the
government of Guido de Labazarris, in the year 576, the trade of China
was introduced, and with it considerable profits, which extended it
freely to Nueva España, Guatimala, Tierrafirme, and Perú, by a royal
decree of April 14, 579. As it continued to increase, it was believed
necessary to restrict it; and accordingly, by a decree of November 11,
587, it was ordered that Chinese cloth brought from Filipinas should
not pass from Nueva España to Perú or to Tierrafirme. That decree
was later confirmed by others of February 13, and June 13, 599. And
in order that what was prohibited in one way might not be obtained
in another, decrees were despatched on February 6 and December 18,
591, ordering the total cessation of commerce between the islands
and Perú. That was later extended to Tierrafirme and Guatimala, by
decrees of January 12, 593, and July 5, 595, forbidding the trade of
China and its merchandise to all the Indias, except to Nueva España,
which was left open to the Filipinas.
Number 74. Permission for the commerce of the Indias, and its
final form
The commerce of Sevilla was not satisfied with even these orders
and restrictions. That commerce continued to decrease, although the
cause was unknown. They regretted the damage, and tried to apply the
remedy, but in vain. As the trade of Filipinas was already the stone
of offense, they immediately descended on that. Not only was the
prohibition of commodities from the islands strengthened, but their
quantity was limited, reducing it to a fixed amount that was permitted,
and a certain form. It was ordered that only four ships should ply
in that trade-route--two which should sail to Nueva España, and two
to the islands, and all at the account of the royal treasury. In
these could be carried two hundred and fifty thousand pesos' worth
of such merchandise as they should have in Manila; and in return they
could take five hundred thousand in silver, including in this sum the
principal and the profits. And inasmuch as this permission, from its
beginning, was never in favor of Nueva España, but of the islands, it
was declared that only the citizens of the islands could navigate and
trade, as was already ruled by a royal decree of January 11, 593. In
accordance with this, the commander [of the fleet] was despatched on
the last of December, 604, with various instructions and declarations,
which gave form to this commerce. And since his permission was for
only the citizens of the islands, and those who were not residents
of the islands but of Nueva España had begun to take part in it,
it was ordered that the toneladas of the two ships which sailed
should be distributed in Manila by the governor, the archbishop (or
the senior auditor), the fiscal, and two regidors. That order was
confirmed by decrees of May 4, 619, and May 29, 620, and by others,
which regulate this matter, and declare that the respective shares
of the silver which must be sent back as returns for the merchandise
must be allotted in Nueva España.
Number 75. Administration of the permission for the islands for its
citizens alone
Notwithstanding this last order, the citizens of Mexico, who had
before taken possession of part of this commerce, continued in it,
availing themselves of certain underhand work and management--by
which the citizens of Manila perceived the damage that they were
receiving, in that others were enjoying what had been conceded to
them. Accordingly, as soon as they received the decree of 593, which
was the first decree that granted to them exclusively the permission
and trade, they decided, in order that they might manage their cargoes,
to appoint four or six men to go to Nueva España in the name of
all, and there attend to the sale of the merchandise in the ships,
and to the returns for it. That determination had no effect then,
nor in the year 597, when Governor Don Francisco Tello ordered it
executed by an act of January 24. It was again proposed in the year
623, when open cabildo-sessions were held in Manila for that purpose,
and persons appointed for it; but neither were they sent, because
of certain obstacles in the way. But since the necessity became more
urgent, because of the injuries experienced, the matter was undertaken
more effectively in the year 629, and six commissaries, citizens of
Manila, were actually appointed and went to Nueva España, where they
are today administering the commerce permitted to the islands. That
has been examined in the royal Council of the Indias, together with
all the acts which have been made upon it; and it was approved by a
decree of March 25, 635, and extended for four years more than the six
(for the one of 593 was for six years), by another decree of February
16, 635. The chief motives that induced the inhabitants of Manila to
carry out this resolution, were three. The first was, to prevent the
consignments of silver which the merchants of Perú and Nueva España
made through their agents and correspondents, the result of which--to
say nothing of the violations of the royal orders in sending silver in
excess of the amount allowed--was so prejudicial to the citizens of the
islands that it deprived them of the benefit of the permission, while
those who were expressly excluded from it enjoyed it. The second was,
that with the great amount of silver that entered Manila the price
of the Chinese merchandise advanced so greatly that the inhabitants
could not buy it. The third was, that prices fell in Nueva España for
the same reason, so that the principal could scarcely be realized,
as will be told. [_In the margin_: "In number 98."] [Those were]
damages that were repaired by the decisive action above mentioned. And
lest that should not be sufficient, it will be advisable that, in
the distribution of the licensed toneladas that is made in Manila,
measures be taken that no one have a share except the citizens [of
the islands] in accordance with the third petition. [_In the margin_:
"In number 103."]
Number 76. Declaration of what is or is not included in the five
hundred thousand pesos allowed.
Inasmuch as there were certain doubts in regard to the sum of the five
hundred thousand pesos of the returns, it was declared by royal decree
of August 19, 606, that it should include the legacies, bequests,
moneys for charities, payments for service, wrought silver, and
whatever else might be shipped, except by those who bound themselves
to reside for eight years in the Filipinas. Such might carry their
possessions in money, in addition to the general permission, as was
declared by a decree of November 20, 608; and the seamen of that
trade-route might take their wages in silver, registered, also in
addition to the amount permitted.
Number 77. Smuggled Chinese goods shall not be sold in Perú
Peru was excluded from the above-mentioned concession, and the
former prohibitions forbidding the importation of Chinese stuffs
into Perú remained in force, while the penalties were rendered more
severe. Inasmuch as from their enforcement it resulted that merchandise
of this character, which was seized as forfeited and confiscated, was
sold as smuggled goods, and thus the goods remained in the country,
they were (although remaining with that warrant and reason) the cause
of as much loss and damage as if they had been brought in either
secretly or by permission; for the country was filled with these
wares, at more moderate prices than those of España. Accordingly,
it was ordered by decrees of April 18, 617, and July 30, 627, that
Chinese cloth which should be smuggled, and as such condemned as
forfeited in Perú, should not be sold in the provinces; but that,
in the same form in which it had been seized, it should be carried
to these kingdoms and sold here.
Number 78. Permission to trade between Perú and Nueva España, and
its condition
Perú and Nueva España appealed from the mode imposed on the commerce
of the islands, and from the above-mentioned prohibitions, representing
certain disadvantages that resulted from barring them from the commerce
that those two most opulent states had maintained between themselves,
almost by nature, the chief one being that they were deprived, in
this manner, of all the mutual relationship and dependence that they
ought to enjoy. Therefore another permission was conceded, for two
ships: one to leave annually the port of Callao de Lima, and to carry
silver to the amount of two hundred thousand ducados to the port of
Acapulco, in order to invest it in the products peculiar to Nueva
España--of agriculture, stock, and manufactures--and in no others,
even though they be products of these kingdoms; and the other, to
sail from Acapulco to Callao with these returns. The prohibition of
Chinese cloth was left in force, and it was declared that no Chinese
cloth could be sent in the returns for the two hundred thousand
ducados, nor beyond that sum. Severe penalties were imposed for its
enforcement, by decrees of the last of December, 604, June 20, 609,
and March 28, 620, which gave final form to this permission. This
last is now suspended and ordered to cease by a decree of November
23, 1634, without the reason that has inspired it being known, other
than the expedients that have been proposed for the destruction of the
islands. And this order, forbidding ships to go to Acapulco from Perú,
is so menacing to the Filipinas, that it alone may prove sufficient to
ruin them. For if no ships go from Perú to Acapulco the islands are
exposed to the failure of their succor, in any year when their ships
should not arrive--whether because of having been wrecked, or having
put back in distress, or having arrived late--since, in such cases,
it is usual to supply their lack with the ships of Perú, sending in
them the ordinary aid of men and money. If the latter do not go and the
former do not arrive, there will be no vessels for the above-mentioned
purpose; and the islands might remain for several years without the
succor that sustains them, and with evident danger of being lost.
Number 79. Fourth, point: of the condition of the commerce between
the islands and Nueva España
In regard to the fourth point, which is to declare the present
condition of the commerce of the islands, it is supposed that
although all the orders above mentioned were to their evident
injury--restricting their prosperity, if not prognosticating their
ruin--that which was permitted to them was sufficient, when enjoyed
by their citizens, to preserve the islands, as it has preserved them,
although with some decrease. Moreover, the enemy having increased the
expenses and obligations of the islands, they needed, when the succor
sent from India, and at times that from Nueva España, failed them,
new favors and less strict trading permissions, in order not to be
ruined as they fear--being exposed to a more continual and dangerous
war than any stronghold of this monarchy endures, with resistance equal
to the strongest of them, and with danger greater than that of those
most harassed, as they have no other aid than what they themselves
can supply. Nevertheless, although it seems as if it were advisable,
on account of the importance of their conservation, not only to [let
them] go beyond the amount permitted, but also to increase still
farther that favor, they find it is greatly restricted, and that
their commerce is reduced to such condition and mode that it will
be almost impossible for them to enjoy or to continue it. That which
should be considered is, that this innovation does not originate as
at other times, from Sevilla--which now, undeceived as to the causes
that weaken them, knows better--but from the counsels given for action
in the matter by Captain Francisco de Vitoria [Victoria--_MS._]. He,
with no knowledge of the past or heed of the future, judged only by a
hasty conclusion that for the present a sum of money might be obtained
where there is none--although from it may result the damage that can
be understood, not only to your vassals, but to the whole monarchy,
as if there could be distinctions and peril between the vassals and
the monarchy that would not be common.
Number 80. Allegations of transgressions of the permissions given
for the islands and Perú
As an argument for that course, it is alleged that notable
transgressions are committed in regard to the two permissions for
Filipinas and Perú. Although this memorial only defends that of the
islands, the one is most completely verified by treating likewise
of the other; and the illegal acts in both consist rather in the
exaggeration with [53] which they are mentioned than in the arguments
by which they are proved. Who has ever said, or what possibility can
there be, that the two ships which come every year from the islands to
Acapulco, whose permitted cargo is of 250,000 pesos (not of 500,000,
as is affirmed), carry four millions in merchandise? That, even in
pearls and diamonds, seems impossible to be contained in two small
vessels; and how much more so in the goods of so great bulk as those
that are carried in them! The schemer tries [to say] that those four
millions are worth eight in Nueva España, or even ten for the returns
[on investments]; and that that sum goes back to the islands with the
500,000 pesos allowed by the permission, with another 600,000 which is
sent as the ordinary aid, granting the net profits at one hundred and
fifty per cent, or at the least at one hundred per cent. Were that so,
those islands would be most wealthy in one year, for their citizens,
as has been said, numbering 230 (counting married and single men), if
ten millions entered their possession annually, which would be more
than 43,000 pesos for each one, neither Venecia [Venençia--_MS._],
Genova, Sevilla, nor Lisboa, nor these four empires together, would
equal their wealth. With the same extravagance does the captain talk
of the ship that sails annually to [from--_MS._] Perú, [saying that]
its permission, which is for 200,000 ducados, extends to three millions
of silver that goes unregistered.
Number 81. The violations of law in all commerce, and why they are
not remedied
One cannot deny, Sire, that there are illegalities and abuses in all
the navigations and commerces in the world, without excepting one;
and that, under pretext of the permission and register that goes,
which is not permitted and registered. This is known, and is not
remedied for two principal reasons. The first is that it is impossible
to remedy it, unless a greater damage results from the remedy; for if
the bales and boxes were opened in Sevilla, or in other ports of heavy
trade, and the articles that enter and leave were measured, weighed,
and counted in detail, the employees there would not suffice, nor six
times as many; nor would there be time to despatch one-tenth of the
trade. Thus the salaries increasing, because of the greater number
of administrators, and the trade being embarrassed by this method,
it is evident that the damage caused would be greater than the gain
acquired. The other reason is that in imposing the duties of import and
export, the customs, the excise, the avería, and other similar duties,
care is taken that it is not done with the strictness that is due;
and thus they amount to more than it would be convenient [to obtain]
if it were paid by measuring, weighing, and counting them all. It is
a general decision of all who carry on commerce that, if something be
not dispensed with in that direction, the trade and traffic cannot be
maintained at all. Accordingly, collection is made on the bales by
the packings of the cargoes, by the memoranda of the ships, and by
the registers, without making any other moral efforts to ascertain
whether more is being carried than is declared--punishing what is
discovered, but not discovering the fourth of what is hidden.
Number 82. Tacit permission for what is secreted in the commerce
Many examples might be mentioned which prove this truth. Let the
first be the one that was disputed in Sevilla by the exporters of the
Indias, namely, that they had not furnished sworn invoices of their
cargoes. And although the administrators of the customs insisted upon
that, the exporters secured [permission] to furnish, as they are doing,
mere lists [of the goods]. Nevertheless, they do not open the bales
or boxes; and, although at times these contain cloths, silks, and
fine Holland linen, and other rich stuffs, they pass as coarse linen,
[54] in great part, [55] and at most as Rouen linen; and they pay
as duties the fourth part of what they would have paid had the bales
been opened. Let the second be the existing ordinance that no bale be
opened, until it is apparent by information that it carries more or
different articles than are stated on the enclosures. That ordinance
is observed in all ports of Europa. The third, the custom that has
been introduced into Sevilla of imposing on every bale exported to the
Indias a certain duty above the amount of the invoice and measure of
it that is presented. That can only be justified by the presumption
from evidence that the bale carries different goods from what are
declared. In the Indias, in the appraisals that are made at Cartagena
for the collection of the customs, although it is apparent to the
royal officials that the merchants are selling the entire invoices
at a profit of ten or twelve per cent over the cost in España, they
add to them forty-four per cent of the cost that they [nominally]
bear, and then collect ten per cent on the bulk of all. That would
be an excessive burden and grievance, if it were not understood as
certain that this is charged upon what is shipped registered and what
is concealed by substituting some goods for others. Let the fourth
be the notable denunciation made in the year 624 by Don Christoval
de Balvas, while factor of Tierrafirme, in which he gave information
against seventy exporters and merchants concerned with the one fleet
that went that year under command of Don Gaspar de Azevedo Bonal. He
ascertained that they had carried and shipped to Perú by the house
of Cruzes, located between Puerto Velo and Panamá, besides 1,446,346
pesos which were registered, another 7,597,559 pesos, by which the
royal duties were defrauded of 1,370,656 pesos. And when it was feared
that for so flagrant a violation of the law there would be an equal
punishment, the affair was all settled for 200,000 pesos, besides 6,000
which were given to the informant, whereupon the whole case and matter
was relegated to silence; and there was no change in the despatch
[of the ships], nor in the registers, nor in anything else of the
previous practices. For if the burdens of your vassals are not eased
in this manner, so that they can make up their losses, risks, injuries,
expenses, and other damages that they suffer in so long voyages and so
distressing navigations, everything will be ruined. If that has been
experienced in Sevilla, and in the trade of the Indias, the magnitude
of which is what is known, and where rigor would be more important
than in Acapulco (which can not at all be compared to the other),
why, if the greater transgression is overlooked (although there is
the same and stronger argument), should not the less be excused, and
why should not the islands be treated like all the ports of the world?
Number 83. The illegalities in the two commerces of the islands and
Perú cannot be such as are alleged, in the withdrawal of silver.
It follows that it is not to be denied that in the two traffics
permitted to Filipinas and Perú the same illegal acts might be found
as in the other parts where there is trade; but it is not conceded
that these excesses are so enormous as are represented. Nor are they
greater than those in other regions, where, in the shadow of 200,000
ducados of silver, 50,000 go concealed, while in that of 250,000 in
merchandise will come another 60,000; and perhaps both one and the
other will be so much less that they merit no attention, and never
[is the concealed merchandise] so much more that it exceeds the
principal. Some arguments can be advanced on this point. The first
is that there is no place whence so much silver can be obtained
that three millions of it should be sent from Perú to Nueva España,
and ten from Nueva España to the Filipinas. For if six millions and
upwards come every year from Perú to these kingdoms, one remains
in their land, and three go to Acapulco, then their mines yield
from ten to eleven millions. Those of Potosi never amount to six,
[56] while all the others together do not yield two. Consequently,
the supposition that eleven millions are mined is false. That will
be better proved by what has come [thence] and what shall come in
the future; for since it is ordered that the ship that was permitted
shall not sail from Perú, it will be necessary for three millions
more than usual to come from its provinces, since those who trafficked
by way of the South Sea cannot let their money remain idle, and must
employ it on the Northern Sea. The same consideration ought to hold
for Nueva España. Three millions are sent [here] annually from that
country, and one-half or one [no--_MS._] million remains there in the
country. Let us suppose that ten millions are sent to Filipinas. It is
proved that the three millions cannot be sent from Perú; but admitting
for the sake of the argument that they can be sent, it follows that it
[_i.e._, Nueva España] alone yields another eleven millions from its
mines--which is impossible, as is gathered from the royal fifths,
and from the facts that in some years ships do not go to Filipinas,
and that more silver is not for that reason sent to these kingdoms,
as would be necessary.
Number 84. The concealment of silver in the galleons argues for the
two permissions
All people say openly and believe that much silver is sent unregistered
in the galleons of the royal armada for the trade-route of the Indias,
and as its vessels number eight, and sometimes twelve, and it acts
as convoy to twenty or thirty other and smaller vessels, the highest
figure named by those who exaggerate this excess is one million; but
never, by dint of diligent efforts and the experience of so many years,
has there been known, found, or discovered one-half million. Therefore,
if it can scarcely be supposed with probable foundation that thirty
or forty ships, with a registered cargo of nine or ten millions,
carry one million hidden, how can one believe that three millions can
go unregistered in only one vessel (and that a small one), and that
ten millions can go in two? The fact is, that he who is looking for
transgressions does not think that he is accomplishing his purpose
unless he increases them. Besides, if three millions are sent from
Perú, it is in order to have them returned in investments in the
merchandise of Nueva España (all of which are bulky), for those who
send their money [there] will not do so for the purpose of having it
remain there. And three millions of investments (which will amount to
four millions in Perú), in one ship of three hundred toneladas--[why,]
there is no one who will even express an opinion that such a ship
can be found that can hold so much. Hence, it is inferred that the
above sums are imaginary, fantastic, and fabulous, and consequently,
[so is] whatever is based on them.
Number 85. Excess in the merchandise, over the amount permitted to
the islands, cannot be what is stated.
In regard to the merchandise, the extravagance of the report is
also recognized, namely, that what is carried in each of the two
ships is worth four millions; for there is not another like sum in
all the Filipinas, even though the cities be sold, with whatever
possessions are owned by their citizens and inhabitants. And that
such an excess is impossible is apparent for many reasons. First,
because the opinion [proposed] regulates the merchandise by the silver
that it assumes as the returns. Accordingly, on four millions, with
a profit of one hundred and fifty per cent, it gives ten millions
of silver; and if there is no foundation in this sum, as is proved,
neither is there any in the other. Second, that there is not enough
merchandise with which to increase the permitted cargo of the ships,
some years, and fewer toneladas are sent than those that are allowed to
be distributed. It is improbable that there should be a deficit in the
[amount sent by] permission, and yet that outside of it there should
be sent four millions, or one, or a half-million unregistered. In
regard to that, the islands make now the ninth petition, which will
be seen [later]. [_In the margin_: "In number 109."] The third is
the controversy in regard to the distribution of the toneladas--of
which the citizens complain that some have been taken away from them,
and given to those who are not residents. Thus it is ordered, by the
general decree of 604, that no toneladas be assigned to the officers,
captains, soldiers, sailors, and artillerymen, and that such cannot
receive or buy them. A decree of May 29, 620, orders that there be
moderation in the toneladas given for their clothing and ship's stores
to the commanders and chief officers. It cannot be believed that those
who carry goods would go to law about two or four additional toneladas
of allotment, if they were given as many as they wanted. The fourth
is very much to the point. In the year 587, while the Englishman Tomas
Candi[sh] was sailing through the South Sea to India and the Malucas,
he pillaged the ship "Santa Ana" on the coast of Nueva España, which
was one of the most rich and valuable ships that has left the islands
for Acapulco [Capuico--_MS._] The very report of the Englishman himself
says that nothing was concealed, and that the valuable merchandise
that it carried was worth 122,000 pesos [57] of four English _sueldos_
[_sc._: shillings] apiece, besides some bales of so little value
that they were left to burn with the ship. And since that commerce
was then free and unrestricted, they could carry more than now, when
the commerce is reduced to a certain amount permitted. The fifth is
almost evident, because this merchandise comes in two ships of 300
toneladas. Suppose that they are of 500 toneladas, and that they do not
carry any products of the islands, nor any ship's stores, or spices,
or anything else but silk, of which every six boxes make one tonelada;
accordingly, the thousand toneladas of the two ships would mean 6,000
boxes. Each box is worth 1,500 pesos, and therefore all would be
worth 900,000 pesos. Now if from this amount supposed be deducted the
toneladas occupied by the men, artillery, ammunition, and food, those
toneladas that the ships have below 500, and those toneladas which are
of other kinds and not of silk (for those containing cotton cloths are
estimated to have a value of 100 pesos and less, and usually exceed
[in all] 2,000 and at times 4,000), it easily follows how impossible
it is to carry four millions in merchandise in these two vessels--if
indeed the three and one-half millions do not come in gold, pearls,
and diamonds (products of which 20,000 pesos' value are not brought).
Number 86. Permission for the merchandise of the islands: how it is
understood there
The sixth reason is founded on the truth regarding the commerce of the
islands, namely, that in regard to the value of the two hundred and
fifty thousand pesos allotted by the permission, the governors have
granted favors in two ways. One is by admitting registers of more
merchandise than is included in the permission, for certain reasons
and motives that they have had, guiding themselves more by the burden
of the ships and their toneladas, and by the volume of the goods,
than by their intrinsic and real value. That has not been any fault
or transgression in the citizens, nor in the government employees--of
the former, because they are masters of what is allotted to them,
but not of its restriction or its increase; of the latter, because it
is clear that they must have had an order or sufficient reason for
it--and even if such order or reason were lacking at the beginning,
those who have succeeded and have found them in this practice and
procedure, have not greatly transgressed in following it. The other
method is by allowing the citizens to export more than the amount
ordinarily allowed, in the products of their own land, which they
get from their harvests or their encomiendas. Such are white and
yellow wax, and civet; _talingas_, _manteles_, _lampotes_ (which are
cotton fabrics); and certain kinds of blankets [_mantas_] from Ilocos,
Moro, and Bemben. Of these products, eight hundred piezas (which make
one hundred toneladas) are generally sent; and they are declared and
appraised at Acapulco, as will be told of the rest. [_In the margin_:
"In numbers 96 and 97."] That practice seems to have been introduced on
the ground that it was considered probable that the permission was for
the Chinese cloth and other foreign stuffs, and not for those peculiar
to and native to the islands; these latter were always admitted,
and never needed any permission to carry them to Nueva España--both
because of their little value, and because, as will be said, they do
no harm to the commerce of España. This is where the excess [over
the permission] lies, and not where it is imagined by him who is
not conversant with the facts. It is even to be noted that not eight
hundred boxes of those products and commodities are always shipped,
nor all of them outside the permission--but at times much less than
is contained in the per mission, and sometimes very few, are sent;
and these are registered and pay the royal duties, as do the others.
Number 87. Imposition of the two per cent, and the reason why it
should be repealed
The seventh and last reason is that which is deduced from the
imposition of the two per cent which an effort has been made to
introduce, on the merchandise of those islands which is exported to
Nueva España, and on the silver which is taken to them, by way of
avería. It was ordered that this be collected, by the general decree
for the permission of 604, and by another of April 22, 608. Governor
Don Rodrigo de Bivero tried to execute the first, and Don Juan de
Silva the second, and both found so many disadvantages that they
suspended it. In the year 625, the royal officials again insisted upon
its observance, during the governorship of Don Fernando de Silva,
and later during that of Don Juan Niño de Tabora--who, recognizing
that the motives that influenced their predecessors were more cogent
than before, because of the greater decline in which they found
that commerce, the poverty of the inhabitants, and the loss in their
business, conformed to the earlier decisions. Licentiate Don Francisco
de Roxas put forth more diligent efforts for the actual collection of
the said two per cent, but he learned by positive evidence that that
collection would mean the destruction of the trade of the islands. For
their citizens were resolved not to export their goods, or to take
advantage of the permission, as it was apparent to them that, if they
paid this additional two per cent besides the three per cent that
they pay and the other three per cent on the Chinese merchandise,
with the freights and expenses of the ships, the duties in entering
Acapulco, and afterward on the silver when they depart [thence];
and that, if without that two per cent, they are continually losing,
with it they will be completely ruined, and will be able neither
to advance, nor even to preserve their wealth for their support:
therefore, the inhabitants have represented several arguments of
not a little force to your Majesty. First, that although it was a
fact that the profits made formerly on the Chinese trade were large,
they were indeed quite small after the entrance of the Dutch into
those seas; for by their plundering the Chinese merchandise its cost
has so increased that the profit made on it is indeed very little,
and there are so many risks in it that there are some years when
the merchants lose everything. Second, Governor Don Juan de Silva,
seeing that it was difficult to enforce this imposition, supplied
its place by the three per cent duty that he ordered to be collected
on the Chinese merchandise, whereupon its price again rose. Third,
because the duties paid and the expenses incurred by the commerce of
the islands are very large. For each thousand pesos the citizens there
and in Nueva España pay 270 pesos; and on freight, expenses and costs,
280 more--a total of 550 to the thousand. Fourth, since the costs are
so heavy, the profits cannot be large, while the perils are enormous;
so that it is impossible for the inhabitants to maintain that commerce;
and consequently, they will have to abandon it, and the result
will be its total loss. Fifth, the visitor, Don Francisco de Roxas,
understood this, and contented himself with getting four thousand
ducados for that time, as a gift for suspending the execution [of
the two per cent]. Sixth, if from the collection of the two per cent
would result the sure and certain cessation of the commerce, or its so
great decline that it will bring in less with the greater duties than
now with the less, it is better to leave it as at present. Seventh,
because of the decline into which the commerce has fallen since the
Dutch began to frequent the Orient. Eighth, the services performed,
past and present, by the inhabitants of those islands, for which
they deserve this and greater rewards. These arguments, although
more at length, were presented to your Majesty; and you regarded them
as so cogent and sufficient that you were pleased to order that the
execution of the decrees for the two per cent should be suspended, by
another decree of June 13, 636--by which the inhabitants, on account
of their shortness of means, should aid the crown with a gift, in
accordance with the condition of the country and their funds.
Number 88. Scanty profits of the commerce of the islands
Two things are inferred from the above. One is the scanty profits of
the commerce of the islands, which are so greatly exaggerated by him
who is proposing measures for destroying that commerce; for, were its
profits half of what is alleged, it cannot be believed that vassals
so loyal and so liberal in your Majesty's service would hesitate
so much about paying two per cent, and gaining less, when there is
so great experience of the love and good-will with which they offer
you their possessions and lives. This was not the only time in which
this imposition was considered, since Governor Gomez Perez Das Mariñas
imposed an additional two per cent besides what was stipulated in Nueva
España, [58] in the year 591, for the building of the walls of Manila;
and although it was confirmed by a letter of instructions of January
17, 593, orders were given, on account of the opposition manifested
to it by the inhabitants, that that duty cease when the work was
finished, by decree of March 12, 597, which was put in force. For it
is certain that considering the expenses, the risks, the hardships,
the shipwrecks, and the losses of that voyage from China to Manila,
and from Manila to Acapulco--so remote, so long, so troublesome, and so
full of dangers, in which many ships have been wrecked, and the enemy
have pillaged others, and not a few have put back in distress, and
have suffered other disasters, as will be related [_In the margin_:
"In number 93."]--the profits become very small and the gains so
limited. This is recognized in the amount of wealth possessed by the
citizens of those islands at the end of sixty years, which is the
best and most evident proof; since if it were not indeed ten million
annually, as has been imagined, but only that which is permitted,
without any illegal gain, and the profits one hundred per cent net,
the islands would be found in a very different condition from what
they are in at present.
Number 89. The new resolution incompatible with that for the two
per cent
The second thing that is inferred from the proposed resolution for
the two per cent is, that it seems to be incompatible with what it
is claimed to introduce. For if there were so many difficulties in
adding two per cent on the duties of the commerce, and its execution
was suspended after forty-five years of dispute and attempt, and the
arguments proposed were considered as sufficient for that step, and
your Majesty, yielding to those reasons, approved and confirmed them,
how can an increase of duties be suffered now, which will cause so
great an innovation in the manner and despatch of the commerce, which
will result in so increasing the duties that what is being attempted
is exceeded by this way, and did not seem advisable by the other? And
[how is it] that the reasons and arguments which were sufficient in
order not to impose the lesser burden are not sufficient to prevent
the imposition of the greater?
Number 90. Argument for the two per cent that was proposed in Nueva
España
That disadvantage was indeed set forth in Nueva España, although in a
different manner, making an argument from this imposition of the two
per cent to that which results from the present attempt to disturb
the commerce. On account of the attempt of Licentiate Don Francisco de
Rojas to enforce that collection, the citizens of Filipinas resolved
not to export [any goods] in the ships, nor even to avail themselves of
the permission; as they believed that they were going to lose instead
of gain, notwithstanding the fancied shipments in excess, as will
be [if it is not--_MS._] apparent to your Majesty by the reports of
the visitor. The latter recognized therein that, if the duties went
farther, all those now derived from that navigation would be lost,
which, as has been seen, amount to more than three hundred and sixty
thousand pesos [_In the margin_: "In number 56"]; and it would be
necessary to supply them from the royal treasury, or leave the islands
exposed to ruin. And they would have been ruined if the commissions
borne by Licentiate Don Pedro de Quiroga had been fulfilled, as these
were beyond comparison more rigorous and prejudicial to commerce;
and the same effect would result to the inhabitants--as it appears,
inevitably. For, not being able to suffer the lesser burden, they could
ill endure the greater; and the damage would exceed the benefit by many
odds, since in the two or three years that it would take to obtain
the decision, even though it were as favorable as that regarding the
two per cent, either it would have cost your Majesty the loss of the
Filipinas, or you would have spent in their conservation almost two
millions, without any recompense. And what is worse is, that those
vassals would have become so impoverished that, even though the
commerce were to be restored afterward to its first condition, the
inhabitants could not enjoy or continue that condition, or get from
the commerce in many years what it now produces and contributes; for,
the substance and power in which it consists having been consumed, late
or never could that be again accumulated. That is an argument worthy
of considerable thought and reflection, which those who propose the
measures in question do not answer, although they note and consider
it, and they only justify those measures--although your Majesty has
a right to impose what duty you please, which is the only thing in
which there is no doubt. But they do not avert, for they cannot,
the damages which must result.
Number 91. The commerce of the islands pays more duties than any other
By these statements it may be seen how groundless is the supposition
that the commerce of the islands pays small duties (and it is seen
that in this it not only equals but exceeds that of Sevilla, according
to the information concerning that); while in all the Indias it is
noted as an incontestable fact that in Filipinas the boxes of the
permitted lading are not appraised by the cheapest and worst goods,
as is done in other ports, but by the best and those of highest
quality and value. [_In the margin_: "In number 82."] For since
there are among them those goods which will be hereafter mentioned,
and since the most noble and esteemed is silk--as if all the other
boxes contained nothing else, each one of them, whatever it may be,
passes and pays [duties] for one pico of silk, the equivalent of five
arrobas; and conformably to its cost at embarcation, according to
the investigation that the royal officials make for its appraisal,
the duties are paid and collected. On arriving at Nueva España,
they increase its weight by the fourth or third part, and the pico
is held to be about six and one-half arrobas of silk. Then another
report is made, of the kinds of silk that are received that year;
and, distributing it proportionally through them all, the appraisal is
made, and the customs duties are collected, higher than in any other
port. For the whole cargo is considered to be silk, although there are
in it many other articles, inferior in value and quality. Licentiate
Don Pedro de Quiroga, as he had reported, had a box of those which
pass for six and one-half arrobas weighed, and found that it contained
ten--from which three were deducted and discounted for the wood, nails,
tarpaulins, ropes, rattans, papers, and other things which have to
be placed around the package to strengthen and secure it for so long
a voyage. It was found that one arroba or thereabout was exempted,
which, compared to the allowance made on what is sent from España,
is very little; and even that is compensated by making the valuation
by the [standard of the] most valuable commodity, as above stated,
although not all the boxes contain silk. Each box, if of silk, is
usually worth one thousand five hundred pesos. It pays as first duties
and excise two hundred and thirty pesos, while it is a fact that no
bale is sent from Sevilla which pays so much as that, even though it
be worth four or six thousand pesos. Therefore the proposition that
the commerce of the islands pays more duties than that of Sevilla or
any other port seems well proved.
Number 92. The profits [navigations--MS.] of the citizens of Manila
do not equal their losses
But if these duties were less, and the profits greater, or even
greater than what they are said to be, the city of Manila would not
be compensated for the damages and losses suffered there and in its
trade, past and present--partly through serving your Majesty, partly
by being bound to danger and difficulty by their navigation (which
is a circumstance that should be considered, since the same profit
on what is sent from Sevilla to the Indias, or on that which goes
from Madrid to Toledo, is not sufficient for Filipinas), and partly
because of the special disasters that have happened to it from its
foundation. These damages and losses have been so excessive that if
they were noted in detail with the attention that they merit it would
seem not only inevitable that that city, as noble [notable--_MS._]
as unfortunate, would be poor and ruined, but impossible that it
should not be finished, destroyed, and deserted; and impossible that,
struggling against so many disasters as it has suffered, it should
still survive with some luster and wealth. Inasmuch as it is the
purpose to avoid in this memorial generalities that do not influence
or persuade, the mention of the misfortunes that have happened to
Manila has two special and necessary ends. One is the presentation
of the services, valor, and merits of its citizens; the other is the
notable and lamentable recompense for the profits of its commerce
and navigation, since it was necessary that the profits be much
greater, to offset thereby the losses and expenses. Their evil will
be mentioned by years. Many which are yet unknown, or which are minor,
will not be mentioned; and it will be seen whether that city deserves
to be protected, its inhabitants rewarded, its commerce aided, and
its petitions decided in the most favorable manner that the matters
and cases proposed will permit.
Number 93. Misfortunes, losses, and damages that have been suffered
by the city of Manila and its inhabitants.
The Spanish government was established in the distinguished and very
loyal city of Manila, as capital of all the islands of those seas,
in the year 1572.
In the year 575, the pirate Limahon, a Chinese, attacked it with a
fleet of seventy large warships. Finding it in so incipient condition,
and poorly fortified, he entered and sacked it. The Spaniards defended
it rather by valor than by number, in a small fort that they had built.
In the year 578, while Guido de Labacarris was governor, the ship "San
Juanillo" sailed for Nueva España, in command of Captain de Ribera,
in which it was thought to recover the loss inflicted by the pirate;
but the loss became greater, for that ship was lost, and it was never
known how or where.
In the year 580, Captain Don Juan Ronquillo del Castillo sailed for
Nueva España, in a ship that carried no small cargo. After having
sailed for many days, and having found himself in the neighborhood of
Nueva Guinea, he put back in distress in a very bad condition. In this
it is to be noted that among the losses which Manila feels keenly,
is that the ships of their commerce have to put back in distress;
for in that year besides failing to obtain the profits of what they
invest, and the investment of what is sent in return, they lose most
of the principal, which they export--not only in averias, but in the
costs and expenses.
In the year 581, Governor Don Juan Ronquillo de Peñalosa imposed a
duty of two per cent on the merchandise exported to Nueva España,
and three per cent on that carried by the Chinese to Manila. Although
he was censured for having imposed those duties without having any
order for it, they remained.
That year a fleet sailed from Manila, in command of Don Juan Ronquillo,
to succor Maluco and protect the Portuguese who were then in possession
of those islands; but after the cost, expense, and expedition, in
which many of the inhabitants took part, it had no effect.
In the year 583, on February 27, while the funeral honors of the
governor were in progress, fire caught in the church of St. Augustine;
and as the edifices of that time were of wood, all of the city was
burned and made desolate, and not a thing was saved--not even the fort,
in which almost all the possessions of the citizens were lost--while
some people met death. That was one of the greatest losses that that
city has suffered.
That year, building was recommenced; and, in order to avoid a similar
damage, it was determined that all the houses should be built of
stone. That caused the inhabitants the expense that one may understand,
and the city became one of the most beautiful that can be seen.
In the year 584, Captain Pedro Sarmiento went to Maluco with
reënforcements, with another fleet, which had the same expense and
effect as the first.
In the year 585, another fleet sailed in command of Captain Juan de
Moron, from which, as from the others, Manila derived nothing else
than having incurred the expense.
That year, an insurrection that the natives of the country were
attempting was discovered. It was quieted with some damage, although
less than it might have been.
In the year 587, the Englishman, Tomas Candi[sh] besieged Nueva España,
and pillaged and burned the ship "Santa Ana," which was en route to
Acapulco very richly laden.
In the year 588, the same pirate tried to burn a ship in the shipyard
of the islands of Pintados. He was resisted by Manuel Lorenzo de Lemos,
who was in charge of its building. Some men were killed in this affair,
and all the men of the islands were placed under arms.
In the year 590 the royal Audiencia of Manila was suppressed. It had
been established in the year 584, [_sic_] and its suppression must also
be reckoned among the hardships of that city, because of those which
it suffered until the year 597, when the Audiencia was reëstablished.
In the year 591, the commerce of Japon--which was of great
advantage, because of the provision of food which was taken thence to
Manila--began to be disturbed. That was occasioned by the barbarian
emperor Taycocama trying to make the governor of Filipinas pay him
vassalage and tribute. That peril lasted as long as the life of
the emperor. The islands suffered from it, not only because of the
lack of those friendly relations, but because it was necessary to
place themselves in a state of defense against the tyrant, who was
threatening them with his fleets.
In the year 593, the two ships "San Felipe" and "San Francisco"
sailed for Acapulco. They put back in distress, one at Manila, and
the other at the island of Zebre [Zienbre--_MS._], very much crippled
and wrecked.
That year was even more unfortunate. For Governor Gomez Perez Das
Mariñas sailing for the conquest of Terrenate with nine hundred
Spaniards and more than two hundred boats (reckoning galliots, galleys,
fragatas, virreys, and other craft), and arriving at the island of
Caça, the Chinese who were taken as rowers in the flagship galley
mutinied, and killed the governor and forty Spaniards who were with
him. Thereupon, the expedition ceased, and the expenses incurred by
the citizens for it, as most of them had embarked in it, were lost.
In the year 596, the galleon "San Felipe," one of the trading ships,
under command of Don Matias de Landecho, made port in distress at
Japon, where it was wrecked. Those pagans seized the goods aboard the
ship, and martyred some of the Spaniards, together with the religious
and natives. The Church has placed the latter in the list of the
holy martyrs.
In the year 598, Don Luis Das Mariñas left for the expedition
to Camboxa with two ships and one galliot, and two hundred
Spaniards. After many misfortunes he put in at China, where his
vessels were wrecked and beached, some of the men being saved.
In the year 600, two ships under command of Juan Martinez de
Guillestigui sailed for Acapulco. Both put back and were lost--the ship
"Santa Margarita" at the islands of the Ladrones. The natives entered
it in the island of Zarpana, as it was almost destitute of men, and
pillaged all its cargo; and the men who were saved remained there some
years. The ship "San Geronimo" put in at the island of Catanduanes,
where it was wrecked although the men escaped.
That year the Englishman [_sic_] Oliverio de Noort came in sight of
Manila with war vessels, in order to await those ships which were
expected from Nueva España. Therefore it was judged advisable to drive
him away. Doctor Antonio de Morga, auditor and lieutenant-general
of Governor Don Francisco Tello, sailed to attack him. He took
one moderate-sized ship, another of less size, one patache, and
one galliot, with one hundred Spaniards in each boat. He attacked
the pirate, and the flagship, having been conquered, was set
afire. Thereupon that of España cast off its grappling-irons, but
was so hardly used that it immediately sank. Some of the men escaped
in the small boat, and Doctor Morga reached an island by swimming;
while the ship was lost, with the rest of the soldiers. The other
ship conquered the English almiranta, and took it to Manila. It was
an important capture, but very costly.
In the year 601, the galleon "Santo Tomas" en route from Nueva España,
under command of Licentiate Don Antonio de Ribera Maldonado (who
had been appointed to the post of auditor), having been blown by a
storm to the Embocadero of Capul and the bay of Catamban, was driven
ashore and was wrecked. However, the men and most of the cargo were
saved. The latter was taken to Manila overland and by sea, a distance
of eighty leguas.
In the year 602, Captain Juan Xuarez Gallinato went out in a fleet to
attack the Mindanaos, who were infesting the coast of Manila. Although
he inflicted some punishment upon them, the cost was greater than
the remedy.
That year the ship "Espiritu Santo," en route to Acapulco, after it
had cast out all its cargo because of the gales that it encountered,
put in at Japon, where it was in danger of receiving the same treatment
as had been given to the ship "San Felipe." It was saved from that by
the watchfulness of Don Lope de Ulloa y Lemos, its commander. The ship
"Jesus Maria," with a like loss, put in at the islands of the Ladrones;
and, at the end of five months of navigation, both ships returned to
Manila, almost without crew and without cargo.
In the year 603, on the eve of St. Philip and St. James, some houses
caught fire; and although many of the edifices were now of stone,
the fire leaped to others which were built of wood, and so many were
burned that the loss was estimated at more than one million.
That year was one of misfortunes for Manila. The Mindanaos sailed
out on a marauding expedition, and went in sight of Manila, pillaging
and burning some villages, and taking some Spaniards captive. It was
necessary to send a fleet against them, under command of Gaspar Perez,
who made them retire.
That year, on the fourth of October, occurred the dangerous uprising of
twenty thousand Chinese, who lived in the environs of Manila. Although
they were conquered and punished after two months of war, it was
at a great loss to the country and to the Spaniards. In the first
onset one hundred and fifty of the best Spaniards were killed,
almost all citizens, although there were not more than seven hundred
citizens. The island was desolated and destroyed for more than twenty
leguas round about the city, which was in danger of being lost. The
inhabitants who were left had to sally out, and, pursuing the enemy,
finally conquered and made an end of them.
That year, of the two ships that sailed according to the permission,
die flagship "Nuestra Señora de los Remedios," after having cast out a
great part of its cargo, and having lost its masts, put in at Manila;
while the "San Antonio," most richly laden, and with many people who,
in order to escape the hardships of that city, were going to Nueva
España, suffered a greater hardship--for it was swallowed up by the
sea, and no one heard what became of it.
In the year 604 was despatched the general decree granting the
permission to the islands, which restricted the commerce with Nueva
España, as has been declared.
In the year 606, Governor Don Pedro de Acuña made the Maluco
expedition, which, although it had a good outcome, was very costly
for the citizens of Manila, most of whom took part in it. He took
five galleons, four galleys with poop-lanterns, three galliots, four
champans, three fustas, two lanchas, two brigantines, one flat-bottomed
boat, and thirteen fragatas with high freeboard. He had one thousand
three hundred Spaniards serving for pay, besides the volunteers and
inhabitants, who were numerous. All incurred the expense that can
be imagined in the expedition, without deriving other advantage than
their service as loyal vassals.
That year, while the governor was in Maluco with all the force of the
islands, the Japanese revolted in Manila, and the country arose in
arms and was in great danger; but, after they had done some damage
and caused much, they were subdued.
In the year 608, two ships sailed for Acapulco, under command of Juan
Tello de Aguirre, and the flagship was wrecked in the Embocadero of
Capul, one hundred leguas from Manila.
In the year 609, three ships sailed under command of Juan Ezquerra. The
flagship "San Francisco" was wrecked in Japon, and the ship "Santa
Ana," which went to Nueva España the following year, put in at the
same island.
In the year 610, of the two ships that sailed in accordance with the
permission, the almiranta returned to put in at Filipinas.
That year Governor Don Juan de Silva sailed with five ships and three
galleys to attack four Dutch ships and one patache which had been
before Manila for six months, pillaging all the vessels that entered
and left, and holding the city almost besieged. He found only three
of the ships, burned one, and captured the two others with a loss of
many men; for those expeditions, although their outcome is favorable,
are always a source of loss to the inhabitants, because of the many
who are killed, and because of the expenses incurred in them.
In the year 611, the governor built another fleet, with which he
entered Maluco--but without accomplishing more than the cost, which
was heavy; and little was the reputation with which he returned.
In the following year, 612, there was nothing with which to make
the despatch of the ships to Nueva España, because of the losses and
expeditions above mentioned, and an advice patache alone was sent.
In the year 614, two or three ships from Olanda burned and sacked the
town of Arevalo [Arrebalo--_MS._] with all its [surrounding] country.
In the year 616, Governor Don Juan de Silva made the disastrous
expedition to Malaca with all the force of the islands, of which
mention has been made. He died there, and lost on that occasion all the
sum that had been spent, which was so vast that it is affirmed that
a million was left owing to Spaniards and Indians. To the extortions
that were practiced for this, some attribute the ill-success of
the expedition.
That year, while Don Juan de Silva was away with the fleet, the
Mindanaos came with sixty caracoas, and burned a ship and two pataches
which were being built in the province of Camarines, and pillaged
the land, seizing and capturing many people.
That year the trading ships, under command of Don Francisco de la
Serna, put back. Fearful of the enemy, one discharged its cargo twenty
leguas from Manila, and carried the goods overland. The other went
to the island of Cibuyan.
In the year 617, occurred the battle of Playa Honda, which was fought
by the commander Don Juan Ronquillo, with seven ships and three galleys
pitted against six of the Dutch. He sank the flagship, and one other
ship, and another was burned. Of the Spanish ships, the galleon "San
Marcos" was run aground and wrecked, as above stated. [_In the margin_:
"In number 31."]
That year two ships sailed to Nueva España, under command of Juan
Pardo de Losada, and both of them put back.
In the year 618, advice was received in España of the straitened
condition in which the islands were, through so many disasters, losses,
and foes; and it was determined to send them a goodly reënforcement
by way of East India. The commander, Don Lorenço de Zuaçola, was
given one thousand seven hundred soldiers with six huge ships, and
two pataches, manned by seven hundred and thirty-two seamen and
thirty religious. The fleet left Cadiz, and after sailing twelve
days was, on December 26, 619 [_sic_], struck by so fierce a gale
that the flagship and almiranta, besides three other large ships,
were lost. The ship which was left, with the two battered pataches,
[59] returned to España. Thus deprived of the greatest reënforcement
that has ever been sent to the islands, and when there was most need
of it, the islands were greatly afflicted by that loss; but it was
supplied by the valor of their inhabitants, who maintained themselves
with their usual reputation at the risk of their lives, at the cost
of their possessions, and in spite of their enemies.
In the year 620, of the two ships that sailed under command of Don
Fernando Centeno, the flagship was lost, thirty leguas from Manila,
through the fault of the pilot, whom they hanged there, while the
almiranta put back to Manila.
In the year 625, Governor Don Geronimo de Silva made an expedition,
taking for it five galleons (two of which were of 1,400 toneladas),
one patache, and two galleys. There were 2,269 soldiers, 152 pieces
of artillery, and five champans, with food and ammunition in as great
abundance as if they had sailed from Sevilla to Lisboa.
In the year 631, the ship "Santa Maria Madalena," while already laden
with its cargo in the port of Cavite, and about to sail, went to the
bottom--drowning fourteen persons, and losing all the cargo aboard it,
as it remained a fortnight under the water. The ship "Santa Margarita,"
which was left alone, sailed out, but put back with the losses of
other times.
In the year 634, the trade of the Filipinas with Japon was suppressed
by the efforts of the Dutch. That was a great loss, and it is not
known that it has been revived.
In the year 635, as the city of Manila was so ruined and poor,
it had no wealth with which to lade the ships of their permission,
and hence the ships did not sail to Nueva España.
These are the chief instances of which our knowledge can make relation,
and in which Manila and the islands have suffered misfortunes; and
those disasters have been so many that of all the sixty-five years
since its foundation only fifteen are free from loss and disaster;
and some of those disasters are so great that the prosperity of other
years was unable to make up for them. From all of them can easily be
inferred the proof of the two propositions--namely, the services of
their citizens, and the small profits in their commerce, if, as the
former are qualified by valor, the latter are proportioned to the
losses, risks, and hardships that they endure in order to maintain it.
Number 94. Fifth point: in which is explained the commerce of the
islands, according to its parts
For the last justification and the final point, this commerce of the
islands with Nueva España will be explained. It has two parts, one the
coming with the merchandise, and the other the return voyage with the
returns [from the merchandise] in silver. Regarding both will be stated
what profits they produce, and whether it will be advisable to suppress
or restrict the commerce, or how illegal acts can be prevented.
Number 95. Trade of the islands necessary in Nueva España, because
of their goods
In regard to the first part, which pertains to the merchandise,
the trade of the Filipinas is so necessary today in Nueva España,
that the latter country finds it as difficult as do the islands to
get along without that trade; and its lack cannot be supplied with
merchandise from these kingdoms. The wares taken to Acapulco are plain
and figured velvets, satins, and damasks; grograms, taffetas, and
picotes; headdresses and stockings; silk, loose and twisted, in skeins,
that reeled on spindles, and woven; thread; _tramas_, [60] plushes,
and other silk stuffs and textiles. Of cotton, there are _sinavafas_,
[61] fine glazed buckrams [_bocacies_], glazed linen [_olandilla_],
fine muslins [_canequies_], and _semianas_; and of cotton and silk,
beds, curtains, coverlets, quilts, and other pieces. [They also carry]
civet, musk, and amber; gold and pearls; crockery-ware, cabinets,
and articles made of wood, and other things; and the products of the
islands themselves, of which mention has been made [_In the margin_:
"In number 15"]. But the bulk of the commerce is reduced to the silk
and cotton textiles; for there is but little else that is rare or
elegant, or that has much export. From the skeined silk, and the silk
thread, and trama are manufactured in Nueva España velvets, veils,
headdresses, passementeries, and many taffetas, which were taken to
Perú when there were ships that went to Callao, and to other parts
of the Indias--where the black, brown, and silver-colored goods that
are sent from Sevilla do not arrive in good shape, because the sea
rots them. It is known that the skein silk of China is more even and
elegant for delicate and smooth fabrics than is the Misteca [62] which
is produced in that kingdom; besides that, there is less of the latter
kind than is necessary in the country. By this trade and manufacture,
more than fourteen thousand persons support themselves in Mexico, La
Puebla, and Antequera, by their looms, the whole thing being approved
by royal decrees. Of the cotton textiles, linens [_lienzos_] are used
in Nueva España more than any other stuff, as they are so cheap that
they sell for one and one-half or two reals per vara. Therefore, they
are desired by the Indians and negroes; and when these are lacking,
even though there should be an over-supply of the linens of Europa,
they do not want them or use them, as those are dear and not so much
used by them; and they get along with their own cloths from Campeche or
La Guasteca, and others that they weave. Hence the importation of these
linens (which are brought from China) is now proposed as an expedient
measure; if that be administered at the account of the royal treasury,
it would gain annually more than one hundred and twenty thousand pesos,
as is apparent from a decree of November 20, 606.
Number 96. Distinctions in products from the islands, and their
qualities with respect to those of España.
All these products that are trafficked from the islands are divided
into six [_sic_] classes. The first is of silk, in skeins, thread,
and trama. The second, the silk textiles. The third, the cotton
textiles. The fourth, the products of the islands. The fifth, other
small wares and articles that are brought. Of these, the last class
amounts to but little, and is not harmful to the commerce of España,
as it is composed of rarities and foreign products. The fourth class,
namely, that of the products of the islands, by that very fact ought
to be exported--a claim that is founded on justice; since it is not
usual to prohibit to any province its own trade, and the exportation
of its products wherever they may have a sale, even though foreign
commerce be denied to it. Besides, this sort has the characteristic
of the third, namely, that these wares are so cheap that their like
cannot be supplied from España, as has been said, on account of
the great difference of their prices. [_In the margin_: "In number
95."] Hence, the wares of these kingdoms would not be used any more,
even did those of the islands fail; nor less, even if there were an
over-supply. For the Indians and negroes care only for the linens of
China and Filipinas, and, if they do not have them, they get along
without them; for they have no wealth to give eight reals for what
costs them one and one-half reals. One thousand bales of linen which
is shipped from Sevilla in each trading fleet always finds a sale,
and no more can be carried [to Nueva España]--because that would
create a lack in España, and it would, moreover, be too advantageous
to the foreigners, to whom almost all this commodity belongs. [63]
Two thousand bales of cotton textiles exported from Manila are also
consumed [there]; and the fact that there is less or more does not
cause any considerable loss in the linen made from flax and hemp,
nor does it involve much money; for the two thousand bales of cotton
are worth one hundred and fifty thousand pesos, while one thousand
of fine linen are worth more than one million.
Number 97. Damage caused to the [sale of] Spanish silks by those
of China
The second and first classes of goods are those which may cause more
damage, because they come in conflict with those same commodities
that are exported from España. Since the latter are dearer, and the
former cheaper, while the people are increasing daily, and the wealth
decreasing, necessarily they desire the goods that have the more
moderate price, even though it is not of the same quality. But this
damage, which is the only one, is not such as is imagined. First,
because the prohibition of sending textiles to Perú causes a much
smaller quantity to go to Acapulco than formerly. Second, because
on account of the danger from the piracies of the Dutch, few silks
are shipped from China to Manila, and those cost so dear that it is
not the product in which there is greatest profit; nor can so much
be bought, since he who formerly bought two or three boxes with
one thousand pesos, now buys one. Thus the merchants make the bulk
[of their exportations] in cotton linens, and in the products of the
islands. Third, because Nueva España is now so full of Spaniards, and
they have so little money, that one can understand of them in regard to
the silks, what has been said of the Indians in regard to the cotton
textiles--namely, that if they find those of China, they use them,
and if not, they get along without them. Where this is most true, and
where it ought to be considered, is in the mines--where the _aviadors_
[64] do not and cannot use the cloth from Castilla because of its
quality and value; but that of China, as it is cheaper and more durable
and serviceable. Consequently, with one thousand pesos' worth of it
they maintained their mining operations longer than they could with
five thousand worth of that from España. From that it follows that if
[the supply of] it were to fail, the mines would necessarily decrease;
and that would redound to the greater damage of the royal treasury,
and to that of the country, your vassals, and commerce, than what is
suffered today, even though what is stated be considered as accurate
and true. If there was an over-supply of textiles when there were fewer
people, and now much less rather than more is imported, and there are
more consumers, there can be but little resulting damage to the goods
that are carried hence. Fourth, because the silk in skeins, as already
said, is what is consumed; and, if it should fail, more than fourteen
thousand persons who are employed and supported by its manufacture
would perish. [_In the margin_: "In number 96."] Fifth, because this
[export from España] is already very little, since a great quantity
of the silk used by the looms of Granada and Toledo was formerly
taken to Sevilla; but, since the year 618, that has been decreasing
so much that the workmen of that trade, through lack of silk with
which to work, have gone to Nueva España. The cause that lies at the
root of this injury is found in the navigation from China to Manila,
in which passage the silk is plundered by the Dutch; they carry it to
their country, and send it to Castilla by the hands of third persons,
and sell it at a great profit. It would be better to have it carried,
as formerly, from Manila by way of Mexico, the vassals of this crown
thus gaining the profit that its enemies gain. This is a matter of
no slight importance, and one which has been advanced as a measure
for securing a gain of one-half million for the income of the royal
treasury--as appears from a decree of February 16, 602, which was
sent to Filipinas; and from the memorials furnished in the year 621
by Oracio Levanto, who tried to make a contract for it.
[XCVIII.--Ex. his.] The damage caused by the silver that is sent to
the islands is not at the charge of their inhabitants.
Fourth, in regard to the second point, which concerns the silver
that is carried from Nueva España, it is not denied that it may be
damaging and prejudicial to bleed that kingdom on that side; but
it is denied that the excess in this is that which is alleged--as
has been proved. [_In the margin_: "In number 83."] And if this be
conceded, it ought to be noted that this commerce was granted in
favor of the citizens of the islands, and not of others; and since
most of them are poor, and cannot maintain a commerce of such value
as those of Nueva España wish, the residents of Mexico have entered
and gained control of a great part of the commerce, under [cover of]
the permission granted to the citizens of Manila, and aided by certain
persons. The violations of law have resulted from that; for, as the
Mexican exporters make those consignments and carry the returns for
them--in violation of the royal decrees, and in opposition to the
inhabitants of Manila--they are hidden and kept not only from your
Majesty's employees (or they endeavor to keep these under obligations,
so that they will not denounce them), but from the citizens of the
islands, who are not guilty in that. On the contrary, the inhabitants
desire and endeavor to obtain a remedy for this, because of the damage
that it causes them, not only in usurping their permission from them
(as it has in fact been usurped, by good or evil means), but because,
if more silver than what their inhabitants carry goes in the Filipinas
ships, as that which exceeds [the permission], it belongs to the
exporters of Mexico. Such money is sent for investment, and to be
returned on the first voyage, and those who have it in charge try to
buy on their arrival; and to shorten the time of their return, they
will force prices in that place so high, that what is bought from the
Chinese for one hundred will immediately advance to two hundred. Since
the inhabitants have scanty means and considerable expense, in order
that they may therewith support themselves their profits must be great;
but on account of such proceedings their profits come to amount to
nothing, and they become ruined. Consequently, the whole profit is made
by the inhabitants of Mexico; and, as they have more money, and are
not burdened with the obligations of the islands--their expeditions,
wars, and reënforcements--their profits, although smaller, are larger
for their commerce than for that of the citizens of Manila; the latter
lose, not only in the purchase, for the Mexicans increase the prices
of the merchandise, but afterward in the sale which they make in Nueva
España. There they are compelled to sell more cheaply, in order to
return immediately, or to take silver at high interest--which is not
done by the inhabitants of Mexico; for they remain in their houses
and sell as they choose; for they sell slowly, and by that means make
up the excess of the price in Manila. The citizens of the latter place
cannot enjoy that advantage, and hence return ruined, or with so little
profits from so long voyages that, at the end, they scarcely realize
the principal with which they commenced. Besides, as the greater part
of their possessions are those on which the duties are paid, as they
come registered, while the others are concealed and unregistered, by
that fact also their costs increase and their profits are diminished.
Number 99. Intention of the inhabitants of the islands in regard to
the excesses of the commerce
Therefore it is to be noted that it is not, and cannot be, the
intention of the inhabitants of the islands to have the illegal acts
that shall have been committed in that commerce remain unpunished, or
that liberty be given for the continuance of these and the commission
of greater transgressions. They are honest in this, as they ought
to be in obeying and observing the royal orders and mandates,
which they reverence and respect with so much more obedience, love,
and good-will, as the distance which separates them [from España]
is greater, and it is more difficult for their great services (for
they are great) to be seen and valued, and for them to obtain the
rewards and favors which they deserve. What they solicit with the
humility of vassals of so Catholic a monarch, and represent under
the arguments of expedients and good government which they propose
(subject in everything, to what should be of greatest service to
your Majesty), is, that the past be punished in such manner that the
penalty be not equal for those who have not been equally guilty--and
if any have been, it was rather because they have been carried away
by their need and hardships than for the sake of the profit of their
business; since whatever they have acquired in their business (which,
according to the wealth that they possess, is known to be little),
has been spent and intended to be spent in your Majesty's service,
in ministering to and maintaining those islands, at the cost of their
blood and possessions. They ask that, at present, attention be given to
what is hidden and concealed; and that this be corrected and reduced
to the amount that is permitted and ordered, without the inhabitants
being proceeded against or punished for what they have done through
ignorance, until it shall be known in the islands what they ought
to do, and new orders issued. For the future they petition that the
increase of duties on the goods within the permission be avoided,
whether it be silver or merchandise; that there be no innovation in
the appraisals of it; that their boxes be not opened or appraised
in a different manner from that which has been observed, followed,
and kept--since, as has been seen, they pay more than they are able,
although not as much as they owe. [_In the margin_: "In number 91."]
Number 100. Summary of what is alleged in this memorial
Therefore they once more represent to your Majesty what is contained
in greater detail in this memorial. The charges made against their
commerce, inasmuch as these were based on malicious reports and on less
knowledge than was required by the matter, have disturbed, changed,
and altered it, so that it is in danger of being lost or suspended
(which amounts to the same thing), and with it all the Filipinas,
whose importance is so well known. That can be understood from the
strong arguments advanced for not abandoning them when they were
less necessary than now, when the fact of that importance has been
established by so decisive a resolution. To this can serve as new
motives the extraordinary manner of their discovery; the greatness
of their territory, and therein the notable and especial greatness
of the city of Manila--which, as the mistress of so many seas, and
capital of so many archipelagos, is the second pole of this monarchy;
and the estimation in which their qualities are held, both for the
nature of their lands and from what has been acquired from their
commerces, which, if they are small as regards their own products,
[in their beginnings--_MS._] are most opulent as regards those of
foreign lands. That is facilitated by their remarkable situation,
which, as it is the center of so many islands and powerful kingdoms,
is, if not in advance of all of them, superior to many, as it is
the key of the ancient and ever rich commerce of the Orient. That
commerce, after so many changes, came into the possession of Portugal,
and through the Filipinas was communicated to Castilla. It has been
usurped in part by the enemies of this crown (who now go to search
for it, and carry it on in various ports of its origin), against whom
India and the islands are defending and maintaining it. The islands
especially protect the commerce of China and that in cloves, as they
are now lords of the islands of Maluco--which they recovered after they
had been lost, and which they preserve, although infested [by enemies],
at the cost of the blood and the possessions of their inhabitants. They
are exposed always to the raids of powerful opponents, who in order not
to lose what they have had the good fortune to acquire, the Oriental
trade and that of Maluco (which is of the greatest value), spend the
most of what they gain in forts, presidios, and fleets, that they may
resist the Filipinas. If the islands are important for that reason,
not less important are they for the effects that result from their
preservation. These effects are the promulgation of the Catholic
faith, and the extension of the gospel preaching through so extensive
regions, and so remote kingdoms of pagans and Moors--which in spite
of the northern heresy, has been received by some, while others are
ready to receive it; the assurance of safety for India, which has
doubled its strength because of the nearness of the islands, which
on all occasions reënforce it; the prevention and hindrance of the
enemies from the trade in which they most wish to be absolute masters,
and which they would obtain were it not for that valiant resistance,
and that fortified camp; the relief of the Western Indias from their
raids, which because of this diversion have rest; and finally, the
maintenance of the reputation of this crown, in the most remote part
of its domain. And since, in order to obtain these and other effects,
it is sufficient that the Filipinas be maintained in the force and
renown that they have at present, for that only two methods are to be
found, which consist either in spending from the royal treasury the
amount necessary for them, or in giving them a commerce such that
all the cost of the islands may be derived from it. Each method is
impossible alone, for the expense of the islands is considerable, and
the amount that they contribute is not sufficient, as those of Maluco
are dependent on them, while the royal treasury is exhausted. The
commerce ought not to be opened so widely that its duties supply all
[the cost of the islands], because of the injury that this would
cause to the commerce of España, which is more important. The only
remedy comes to be (and it is that admitted by experience) the union
of both these means, each sharing a portion of the expense. With
this the royal treasury will be relieved, the commerce permitted,
and the islands maintained. In order to provide a guarantee for this
obligation, it is advisable to favor the inhabitants of the islands,
who have attended and are attending to their defense (as that is the
chief part of their preservation) with so abundant aid and so liberal
expense. For this, taking a middle course between the damages and
the advantages, the restricted commerce with Nueva España, without
which they cannot live, is permitted to them. And although results
from that concession the withdrawal of a quantity of silver (which if
it came to these kingdoms could enrich them more), and its passage to
the foreigners, besides the bringing of merchandise from which results
a less consumption of the goods of these kingdoms: as this is not the
only cause that weakens the trade of the Indias, but there are others
very different from it, it is necessary, in order that that trade be
not ruined, that this of Filipinas be preserved, but not more than in
the quantity that is sufficient for its maintenance, and that is not
harmful. Thus has the commerce been given its present form, conceding
it alone to the inhabitants of the islands, restricted as to the
amount of its merchandise and the silver for its returns, by imposing
on both the latter and the former a fixed and determined quantity,
as also on the ships which are to carry it. That is the condition
least damaging to each part which, attentive to the state of so many
kingdoms and the mutual relations of so many provinces, it has been
possible to arrange. Although great illegalities have been ascribed
to this permission, which are not lacking in any part of the world,
and are found in all commerces, and are tolerated--either because
it is impossible to correct them, or because it is not advisable to
reduce them to the full rigor of the orders--those that are found in
this commerce are not greater than those of others; for [65] neither
the silver nor the merchandise which is hidden can exceed the amount
permitted so greatly as has been represented, as has been [herein]
stated. If there is any violation, there are sufficient precedents
so that it ought to be tolerated, and the greatest reason [for so
doing]; for it is impossible for that commerce to last in any other
way, or to have capital with which to maintain it. [This is true],
not only because of the duties that are paid, which are heavier than
those of Sevilla; but because of the great amount that is lost in
it by the risks, expenses, and hardships of its navigation, and by
the special disasters that the islands and their inhabitants have
suffered, and are liable to suffer--which are such and so many, that
it is a wonder that they are not destroyed, ruined, and deserted by
the onset of their disasters, losses, and diminutions, which it seems
that the loyalty, the valor, and the constancy of their inhabitants
have opposed. Besides that, their commerce is no longer what it was
formerly; nor does it cause the damage that is noted; nor is it such
that it can be done away with, without the downfall of the islands,
the suffering of Nueva España, peril to Eastern India, the loss of its
commerce, a greater infesting of the Western Indias, and the sorrow
of these and those kingdoms for the result of this cause, as it is
common to them all, as is proved. Therefore, the procurator-general of
the islands, reducing all their affairs to this memorial, petitions
your Majesty to grant them favor in the affairs and points which he
will request in a separate memorial.
Don Juan Grau y Monfalcon
DOCUMENTS OF 1637
Defeat of Moro pirates. [Unsigned and undated; but probably
written by Pedro Gutierrez, S.J., in 1637.]
Auditorship of accounts in Manila, 1595-1637. [Unsigned and
undated; probably written in 1637.]
Conquest of Mindanao. Marcelo Francisco Mastrilli, S.J.;
June 2.
Events in Filipinas, 1636-37. Juan Lopez, S.J.; July 23.
Corcuera's triumphant entry into Manila. Juan Lopez, May-July.
Royal aid requested by the Jesuits at Manila. Francisco Colin,
S.J., and others; July-August.
Letters to Felipe IV. Sebastian Hurtado de Corcuera; August 20.
Sources: The first, third, and fourth of these documents are obtained
from MSS. in the Academia Real de la Historia, Madrid; the second
and seventh, from MSS. in the Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla;
the fifth, from Barrantes's _Guerras piraticas_, pp. 303-310; the
sixth, from Pastells's edition of Colin's _Labor evangélica_, iii,
pp. 757-758.
Translations: The first of these documents is translated by Arthur
B. Myrick and Emma Helen Blair; the second, fourth, and sixth,
by James A. Robertson; the third, by Helen E. Thomas; the fifth,
by Alfonso de Salvio; the seventh, by Emma Helen Blair.
DEFEAT OF MORO PIRATES
_A relation of the battle with the fleet from Mindanao, and the victory
of the Spanish, off the coast of that island and the cape known as
Punta de Flechas, on the day of the blessed Saint Thomas the Apostle,
December 21, 1636._
Tagal, a chief of Mindanao, [66] who was entitled Captain-general
of Corralat on sea and land, had performed exploits in his service
for many years, both in wars waged with the Goloes and in various
incursions, and on all these occasions came off with good fortune. In
the past year of 636, in the beginning of April, he asked Cachil
Corralat, king of Mindanao, to give him four caracoas, with which
he would go over to the islands of the Castilians, and spend nine
months plundering them--urging that he would return rich, with
his ships laden not only with Vissayans but Castilians; and that
he would bring him the God of the Christians a prisoner; and other
inducements. Corralat gave him the vessels, and with them he went,
in the said month of April, to the chiefs of Taguima and Jolo,
urging them to accompany him. They excused themselves, saying that
they were near neighbors of the Spaniards, and desired no wars with
them. No one accompanied him from those islands, but he, with the
four joangas, entered among the islands of Cuyo and Calamianes, and
the coast of Mindoro, where he remained almost eight months, robbing
and inflicting enormous damage. He plundered the churches of Cuyo and
Calamianes, profaning the vessels and holy vestments, breaking the
holy images, and capturing the ministers in these islands. He seized
three Augustinian Recollect fathers, and captured the corregidor of
Cuyo [67] and another Spaniard. The Moro committed and uttered many
blasphemies against our Lord and His saints, and the holy images and
consecrated things, calling out in a loud voice that Mahomet had taken
prisoner the God of the Christians. Having seized a chalice, with the
paten that belonged to it, they used the latter for a plate for buyos,
and the chalice to spit in. They made a hole through the linen cloth
on the image of Christ our Lord, through which a man would thrust his
head, wearing it as one would a scapulary, suspending it mainly over
the breast and shoulders. They also kept the choristers' mantles,
in order to wear them when they entered Mindanao. Returning, then,
with much booty and many captives, their four large caracoas and three
smaller vessels, seven in all, laden with the plunder which they had
seized, the Moro dared to go where his sins carried him, to pay for
his arrogance and madness. Although he had a large force, he did not
choose to pass between Jolo and the island of Basilan, or Taguima,
as he had done in coming; but he actually passed, in the darkness of
night, before the fort at Sanboangan, in the strait which is made by
the said island with Basilan, for a distance of a league and a half,
more or less, from the fort. This was astonishing audacity; and if,
for our sins, he had returned unhindered to Mindanao, they would have
lost all fear of that fort and the royal arms. He actually passed the
strait without being noticed, and at dawn arrived at a place where
he could not be seen by our people. The day on which he passed before
our fort was a Wednesday, December seventeenth, on the evening of the
Expectation of our Lady, about eight o'clock. The next day just as
Father Gregorio Belin [68] was preparing to say mass, there arrived
a Lutao Indian, who has always displayed fidelity to the Spaniards;
and told him, as above, how that night the enemy had passed near
there on their return, and that it would be easy to go forth in
pursuit of them, because they were heavily loaded and weighed down,
for they had been at sea for eight months. Beside this, the Mindanaos
had a superstition or idolatry according to which all those who are
returning to their land victorious are obliged to proceed to a hill
that is encountered after doubling Punta de Flechas, [69] and at the
point. Each man brings from the ships one of the lances that they
carry, made of bamboo hardened in the fire; and these are usually
hurled into the ground on this hill, because it is of soft stone. The
Indian said that this superstition was so infallible and established
among them that on no account would they omit going together to
this place; and thus it was necessary that we should come to blows
with them. The father placed the whole matter before Sargento-mayor
Bartolome Diaz Barrera, governor of Sanboangan, and Sargento-mayor
Nicolas Gonzales--who is an excellent officer, a captain of infantry in
the garrison there. These men, overcoming many difficulties, prepared,
in two hours, with incredible promptness and diligence, a fleet of six
ships with one hundred infantrymen and one hundred and fifty volunteer
Bisayan warriors, with their cannon and all necessary supplies; and
the said governor detailed Sargento-mayor Nicolas Gonzales to pursue
the enemy. The latter set out with his fleet, with such energy that
although some of our vessels were mere rafts, and all had but scanty
equipment, and let in much water, he allowed nothing to hinder him,
but [kept on his course], overcoming many difficulties. On the first
day he sent back to the fort one of his six vessels, because he saw
that it was falling behind the rest on account of leaking badly; and
with only the five remaining he pursued the enemy, with remarkable
persistence, for three days and three nights.
On the morning of St. Thomas's day, Father Belin, at Sanboangan, felt
such impulses to expose the most holy sacrament that he was almost
unable to restrain himself; and, although he could hardly overcome
the difficulties arising from the inconvenience of the sacristy, he
exposed [the body of] our Lord, in supplication for the fleet. The
governor was piously present, and the people adored the Lord with
supplications. At that very time (as has been carefully investigated)
our fleet discovered two of the enemy's ships near Punta de Flechas,
one rather small and the other very large. The smaller vessel, on
account of its lighter draft, was able to run ashore--all those who
were able fleeing, and leaving the ship, their captives and arms, and
many other things in the hands of our men. Aboard the large vessel
was a chief named Anpay Apuy; with terrible fury and determination
he attacked our capitana, fired three shots at her, and pierced her
with one. But [the men of] our capitana with great gallantry and
valor boarded her, and discharged several shots. The Moros would
not surrender, so almost all of them were killed; even those who
escaped by swimming attacked our almiranta, which was assisting the
capitana. Many Christian captives were rescued, with a large amount
of plunder found at Punta de Flechas. Our people sighted four other
vessels at the place where they practiced their superstition, where
they were casting their lances of burned bamboo. As soon as the enemy
saw our fleet, they tried to escape by lightening their ships of the
captives aboard them. Two vessels which they had drawn ashore were
captured, but the other two escaped on account of their lightness of
draft, after receiving several volleys from our fleet. The darkness
of the night helped them, as well as their having thrown overboard
nearly all that they carried. At that place many of their Christian
captives were recovered. At this time, in the middle of the night,
a strange thing happened, almost prophetic of the misfortune to those
Moros, and apparently a presage of their fall and destruction. There
was an earthquake, so sudden and so terrible that it was plainly felt
upon the sea; and a rumbling which sounded as if some aperture of
hell were opening. All our soldiers were thoroughly terrified at so
frightful rumblings and quaking, and fancied that they heard voices,
or terrible yells; so they armed themselves with their rosaries,
Agnus Dei's, and relics, commending themselves to our Lord. During
this earthquake, the hill where they superstitiously shot their
arrows or lances fell into the sea, where it can still be partly
seen. It is to be hoped that when it fell, or began to fall, it
carried with it the pride of these Mindanao Mohammedans. Our fleet
at midnight sighted the enemy's capitana, which was standing out
to sea with another little ship which served it for a lanpitao, as
they call a boat for reconnoitring, or a tender. The sargento-mayor,
who had ever conducted himself as a prudent and experienced man,
did the same in this case, ordering every one to keep quiet and
await that vessel which was coming into their hands, on its way to
their place of worship, to shoot their arrows there. They were hoping
that that flagship--which was a large one, and carried more than one
hundred and twenty rowers--was heavily laden with captives, booty,
and stores. At midnight, our men heard the enemy's vessel near us,
whereupon our flagship went to attack the enemy's, followed by our
almiranta; and our men boarded her at the stern. Seeing that they
would not surrender, a cannon was fired at them, which Carlos (a good
artilleryman and a good Christian) had loaded with ordinary balls,
an iron bar, and a lantern full of musket-balls. It swept almost
all the men from the _bailio_, and a captive who was aboard that
flagship said that this shot killed twenty men. This artilleryman
made several other good shots, and in the meantime the infantry kept
up a continuous fire, so that it is said that most of our men fired
more than thirty shots apiece. Twenty-four picked musketeers were
stationed on our flagship alone. Finally the [Moro] ship abandoned
resistance and was boarded by Sargento-mayor Nicolas Gonzales--who
killed with his own hand two men who still continued to resist. Some
leaped overboard, but it was impossible for them to make their escape,
for the high waves and the strong wind carried them far out to sea,
so that they presently drowned. Father Fray Francisco de San Joseph,
of acknowledged piety, died here, well content that he had seen
the side of the Christians victorious, and witnessed the valor and
courage of the leaders and soldiers of our fleet, for they behaved
well and honorably. [70] The sargento-mayor, beside his usual valor,
received assistance from the Lord. Although he had very poor health,
yet from the moment that he hastened to go forth until the final
fortunate outcome he enjoyed perfect health for all the hardships
which he underwent before and during the battle. All this made the
good father say that he was very content to die, and especially
because he had not seen the abominations, blasphemies, and shameless
acts of that rabble. There was one sick, Tagal, who was the leader
of the enemy's fleet, and on this occasion he ended his evil life,
to commence payment for his atrocities, blasphemies, and daring. On
the other hand, a younger brother of his who was mortally wounded
asked anxiously for holy baptism, protesting that he believed the
Christian religion to be the true one, and that he had always had a
pious leaning to it. They instructed him in the Christian faith, and
after baptism he died, our Lord taking only this one to heaven out of
all that number of dead Mindanaos--three hundred, more or less. Five
ships in all were captured from the enemy. Of the four large vessels
one only escaped, although our men kept up a continuous fire at it,
and pursued it for a long time. Seventeen shots were fired from the
cannon, to say nothing of the continuous musketry fire. The powder
for one of the cannon was blown up by a shot, and they lightened ship
as much as possible by throwing overboard captives who had been cut
to pieces, in order to make their flight more rapid. One hundred and
twenty of our people were rescued and fourteen Mindanaos who desired
to receive baptism were taken alive. According to their account the
rest of the Moros, full of rage and showing their teeth, fought to
the death. A large amount of gold and many other things of value
were found among their plunder. The soldiers, as good Christians,
declared all the church property they found--among other things,
a gilded lunette, a chalice and paten, three chorister's mantles,
and ornaments and images which had been misused. One ship was seized,
because it was needed for the men who were crowded in the others;
also two cannons with ladles [_pieças de cuchara_], two culverins,
and thirty muskets and arquebuses; with campilans and lances, and
much cloth. The victory did not cost the life of a single Spaniard
or Indian.
This victory has been of so much importance because it has terrified
Mindanao and Jolo, and has been a strong incentive to the resumption
of peace. The day when the fleet sailed, there was a juanga of Joloans
at Sanboangan which was seen going out, and a little while afterward
another was seen entering which came from Zibu, carrying Captain
Becerra; the rest of his company, consisting of thirty infantrymen,
were in five vessels, which entered with great gallantry, all of
which is to the credit of our side. Hundreds of Indians came out
from the shore, from Sanboangan as far as this place, [71] to meet
the ship which bore the news, with demonstrations of great joy;
they brought presents and refreshments for a father who was aboard
the ship. The same thing happened along the shores of these our
islands. The inhabitants of Sibugay--which is the storehouse for
Corralat, who cannot get along without that town--and others of
his subjects have offered tribute. Thanks to the Lord, and to the
most holy sacrament which appeared in public--and, as it were, on
the field of battle--and to the most holy Virgin Mary, our Lady,
on whose day the expedition was prepared and sailed.
The Joloans, by the agreement which they made in the time of Captain
Juan de Chaves through Father Vera and the queen (although it was
in the interim government of Licentiate de Mana), made raids against
the Camucones, and, it is said, they have carried away more than six
hundred [of those people] at one time. They have sold many [of these
captives] in Sanboangan, and they are bringing a number of them here
in a champan. Father Belin says that he has sometimes talked to the
Joloans, asking them to give up the body of Father Vilancio. They
answer that they would like to preserve it, because it is holy;
and they say that it is uninjured. We are very glad [to hear this],
although we do not mention it to those outside until we know about
the matter with more certainty.
The father prior of the Recollects came the day before yesterday from
Cagayan. He says that those who have come there from Mindanao say that
Corralat is quite destitute [_three words illegible_]. The ruler of
Buayen and his sons-in-law are making war upon him, in company with
a brother of that Gogo whose execution Corralat had ordered, because
he had corresponded with the Spaniards at Sanboangan. The peasants,
and the people who dwell inland, are molesting him, and he scarcely
trusts even his own men. He possesses no mounted cannon, and no arms
in good condition. The Mindanao prisoners say that he has not even
means enough to arm three good caracoas.
They write from Oton, that they are hourly expecting the lord governor,
because he has written that he would leave Manila on January 26. He
orders the pataches laden in Sanboangan to wait for him, and the
galleon and galleys to sail.
AUDITORSHIP OF ACCOUNTS IN MANILA, 1595-1637
Sire:
The Council, on examining in the hall of justice the [records of
the] official visit which Licentiate Don Francisco de Rojas made
of the Audiencia and royal officials of the Filipinas Islands; and
having examined therein charge three made against the said royal
officials regarding the general account for each year to be taken
from them by an auditor of accounts [_contador de cuentas_]--namely,
that they have not given him sworn statements; and, in particular,
that they refused to give a sworn statement of the amounts that ought
to be collected, and of other things which the auditor of accounts
ordered--commanded me to make a comprehensive report from what
should appear in the records of the visit, and in the other papers
resting in the secretary's office concerning the matter; so that,
having been examined in the government where they are considering
whether it is advisable or not to appoint one for life to that office
of auditor of accounts in those islands, and with what conditions,
the advisable measures may be taken. In fulfilment of that command,
having attended to that matter as was fitting, I have drawn up this
paper, in which, as briefly as possible, and as was required by the
gravity of the matter, I have compiled what treats of it, dividing it
for greater distinctness and clearness into the four following points.
Point 1. Of the beginnings in those islands of the office of auditor
of accounts, and of the variations and changes that have occurred in
it, down to the present.
Point 2. Of the litigations that have occurred between the royal
officials and the auditor of accounts, in regard to the manner of
exercising the duties of that office.
Point 3. Of the disadvantages, as seen from the records of the visit,
that arise from the existence of that office in those islands.
Point 4. Of the advantages that are found for the existence of that
office in those islands, and what has been enacted and decreed in
the Council regarding it, up to the present.
[Point 1]
Book 7, folio 284, verso. In regard to the first point, I presuppose
that, as appears from the certification of the government notary of
those islands, there is not in it the particular reason of an order
from his Majesty for the governor of the islands to appoint an auditor
of accounts, as all the governors have done for many years past. What
appears is, that in years preceding that of 1595 (although it does not
appear when this practice was first inaugurated), the governor made an
annual appointment of an auditor of accounts, in order that he might
audit the general account of the royal officials for the preceding
year--as is mentioned by the governor Don Luis Perez Dasmariñas in
the first perpetual title that he gave as auditor of accounts, in the
year 595, to Bartolome de Renteria, who was the first to whom it was
given with this title. The governor says the following in regard to it:
"Inasmuch as his Majesty has ordered the governor of these islands to
audit the account of the royal official judges of the islands annually,
by means of an auditor of accounts who should be appointed for that
purpose, and to send each year the report that he should make to his
Majesty, as has been done; and inasmuch as I am informed of, and see,
the disadvantages and dangers that result to the royal estate of having
the governors appoint, as is their custom, a new auditor [_contador_]
for the said accounts each year, in order to give him that profit
that is due him for other services: there is no one in that calling
as competent as is necessary. Thence it results that the said accounts
are not audited with the clearness and completeness that is advisable,
or in the good order and style in which an expert auditor would leave
them, and who would learn by experience and by special acquaintance
from the times when he should have audited them before, or by his
knowledge through the condition of other accounts that he might have
audited, the condition of the royal estate. Such a person will try
to understand the royal treasury thoroughly, while he who audits the
accounts once will do it more carelessly. All that carelessness would
cease, as would many other disadvantages which experience has shown;
and we could achieve the results that are desirable for the service
of his Majesty by appointing an auditor to audit the accounts every
year, without changing or removing him for another, but allowing him
to hold the said office continuously."
The title continues with the appointment of the said Bartolome de
Renteria as auditor of accounts, as long as it may be the will of his
Majesty and of the said governor in his royal name; and orders that the
uncertainties, additions, and results [_resultas_] that shall arise
be communicated to the said governor, so that they may be concluded
and executed with his decision. The title assigns him a salary of
five hundred pesos of common gold, payable from the royal treasury.