The Philippine Islands, 1493 1898: Volume XVI, 1609 by H.E. Blair

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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 XVI, 1609

Edited and annotated by Emma Helen Blair and James Alexander Robertson
with historical introduction and additional notes by Edward Gaylord
Bourne.

CONTENTS OF VOLUME XVI

Preface
Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas (_concluded_). Antonio de Morga;
Mexico, 1609.
Conqvista de las Islas Malvcas. Bartolome Leonardo de
Argensola; Madrid, 1609.
Bibliographical Data
Appendix: Customs of the Pampangas in their lawsuits. Juan
de Plasencia, O.S.F.; [1589?]

ILLUSTRATIONS

Title-page of _Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas_ (Mexici ad
Indos, 1609), another edition of Morga's work; photographic
reproduction of the facsimile presented in Zaragoza's edition
(Madrid, 1887); from copy in possession of Edward E. Ayer,
Chicago, which is supposed to be the only copy extant of
Zaragoza's edition.
View of corcoa (the vessel known as "caracoa"); photographic
facsimile of engraving in John Stevens's _Collection of Voyages
and Travels_ (London, 1711), i.--in Argensola's "Discovery
and conquest of the Molucco and Philippine Islands," p. 61;
from copy in library of Wisconsin Historical Society.
Autograph signature of Antonio de Morga; photographic facsimile
from MS. in Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla.
Title-page of Conqvista de las Islas Malvcas, by Bartolome
Leonardo de Argensola (Madrid, 1609); photographic facsimile,
from copy in library of Harvard University.

PREFACE

In the present volume is concluded the notable work by Morga, _Sucesos
de las Islas Filipinas_, which was begun in _Vol_. XV. The reader is
referred to the preface of that volume for some account of the book,
and of the manner in which it is presented in this series. Another
book notable in the history of the Philippines is that of Argensola,
_Conqvista de las Islas Molvcas_ (Madrid, 1609). In presenting
here this work, the Editors follow the plan which proves to be
more or less necessary with many of the printed early histories of
the islands--that of translating in full only such parts of the
book as relate directly to the Philippines, and are of especial
value or importance; and furnishing a brief synopsis of all matter
omitted, in order that the reader may survey the book as a whole,
and understand the relations and connections of the parts that
are presented in full with those that are synopsized. This method
is rendered necessary by the limitations of this series in regard
to space, especially as most of the old histories--as Aduarte's,
San Agustin's, and La Concepcion's--are exceedingly voluminous;
and, moreover, devote much space to the affairs of Japan, China,
and other countries outside the Philippines. All matter of this sort
must of course, be omitted; and much of what remains is more useful
for annotations, or is relatively unimportant for publication. The
Editors consider, as do many other persons interested in this series,
that it is desirable to present (especially in the early period of
the Philippine history) the larger part of these documents from the
manuscript and hitherto unpublished material largely conserved in
foreign archives; and that the needs of students and investigators
will thus be better served than by occupying the valuable and limited
space of this series with complete translations of books which can be
found in large American libraries. The location of all these will be
noted, so far as is possible, in the volume devoted to bibliographical
information at the end of this series; meanwhile the needs of most
readers will be suitably met by the synopses of omitted matter and the
free use of such works as those of La Concepcion and San Antonio in
annotations. The Editors purpose to present a few of these histories,
especially in the earlier period, in very full form, so far as they
cover Philippine history; for these are original sources, from which
later writers obtained much of their material. These methods render
this series unusually rich in valuable historical material, all
carefully selected, and much of it greatly condensed by the excision
of extraneous, irrelevant, and unimportant matter. The parts thus
omitted and synopsized will be, as heretofore, indicated by enclosing
the synopses in brackets.

Continuing his narrative, Morga describes his voyage to Mexico,
whither he goes (1603) to be a member of the Audiencia there. He then
relates the events of the Chinese uprising in Luzon in that year,
which has been fully described in previous volumes of this series;
and his picturesque although plain narrative casts new light upon that
episode. Many Spaniards in Manila are so alarmed by this danger that
they remove, with all their households and property, to Nueva Espana;
but one of the ships carrying them is lost at sea, and the other is
compelled, after great injury and loss, to return to Manila--a serious
calamity for the colony there. The governor does his best to fortify
the city, and reenforcements and supplies are provided for him from
Nueva Espana. Bishop Benavides dies (1605). Friars from the islands
go to Japan, but the emperor of that country is offended at their
preaching, and advises Acuna to restrain them. In the summer of 1605
arrive supplies and men from Nueva Espana, and Acuna proceeds with his
preparations for the expedition against the Dutch in the Moluccas. In
the following spring he sets out on this enterprise, conducting it
in person; Morga describes this naval campaign in detail. Ternate is
captured by the Spaniards without bombardment, and with little loss to
themselves. The fugitive king of the island is persuaded to surrender
to the Spaniards and become a vassal of Felipe. Several other petty
rulers follow his example and promise not to allow the Dutch to engage
in the clove trade. Acuna builds a new fort there, and another in
Tidore, leaving Juan de Esquivel as governor of the Moluccas, with
a garrison and several vessels far their defense, and carrying to
Manila the king of Ternate and many of his nobles, as hostages. During
Acuna's absence a mutiny occurs among the Japanese near Manila, which
is quelled mainly by the influence of the friars. The governor dies,
apparently from poison, soon after his return to Manila. The trade
of the islands is injured by the restrictions laid upon it by the
home government; and the reduction of Ternate has not sufficed to
restrain the Moro pirates. The natives of the Moluccas are uneasy and
rebellious, especially as they have a prospect of aid from the Dutch,
who are endeavoring to regain their lost possessions there. Morga cites
a letter from a Spanish officer at La Palma, recounting the purpose
and outcome of van Noordt's expedition to the Indian archipelago.

The historical part of Morga's account ends here; and the final
chapter is devoted to a description of the islands and their people,
the customs and religious beliefs of the natives, and the condition at
that time of the Spanish colony and the city of Manila. He describes
the principal islands of the Philippine group, beginning with Luzon;
the various races of inhabitants--Moros, Negritos, and Visayans:
their mode of dress, their occupations and industries, their habits
of life; their weapons, their ships and boats; the trees and fruits of
the islands; the animals and birds, both wild and tame; the reptiles,
fishes, and other creatures; and various plants. Among these is the
buyo (or betel); the habit of chewing it has become universal among the
Spaniards, of all classes, and poison is often administered through
its medium. Various means and methods of poisoning are described,
as well as some antidotes therefor. Some account is given of the
gold mines and pearl fisheries, and of other products of the country
which form articles of commerce. Morga describes the two great lakes
of Luzon (Bombon and Bai), Manila and its harbor and approaches, and
other principal ports, with some neighboring islands; and gives some
account of the Visayan people and the larger islands inhabited by them,
and of the tides in the archipelago. Then follows an interesting and
detailed account of the Filipino peoples, their language, customs,
beliefs, etc. The language used in Luzon and other northern islands
is different from that of the Visayas; but all the natives write,
expressing themselves fluently and correctly, and using a simple
alphabet which resembles the Arabic. Their houses, and their mode
of life therein, arc fully described; also their government, social
organization, and administration of justice. The classes and status
of slaves, and the causes of enslavement are recounted. Their customs
in marriages and dowries, divorces, adoption, and inheritance are
described; also in usury, trading, and punishment for crimes. The
standard of social purity is described by Morga as being very low;
yet infamous vices were not indigenous with them, but communicated by
foreigners, especially by the Chinese. The natives of Luzon appear
to be superior, both intellectually and morally, to the Visayan
peoples. Their religious beliefs and practices are recounted by Morga,
who naturally ascribes these to the influence of the devil. He also
narrates the entrance of Mahometanism into the islands, and how it
was checked by the coming of the Spaniards.

Morga next sketches the condition at that time of Spanish colonies
in the islands. He describes the city of Manila in detail, with
its fortifications, arsenals, government and municipal buildings,
cathedral, and convents; also the seminary of Santa Potenciana, and
the hospitals. There are six hundred houses, mostly built of stone,
within the walls, and even more in the suburbs; "and all are the
habitations and homes of Spaniards." All the people, both men and
women, are clad and gorgeously adorned in silks; and nowhere is there
greater abundance of food, and of other necessaries of human life,
than in Manila. Morga enumerates the dignitaries, ecclesiastical
and civil, who reside in the city; and mentions it as the center
and metropolis of the archipelago. He then briefly describes the
other Spanish settlements in the Philippines; and mentions in their
turn the various orders and their work there, with the number of
laborers in each. He praises their efforts for the conversion,
education, and social improvement of the Indians. He defines the
functions of both the civil and the ecclesiastical authorities,
and the policy of the government toward the natives; and describes
the application and results in the Philippines of the encomienda
system imported thither from America. He deprecates the permission
given to the Indians for paying their tributes in kind or in money,
at their option; for it has led to their neglecting their former
industries, and thus to the general damage of the country. Slavery
still exists among them, but the Spaniards have been forbidden to
enslave the natives. Personal services of various sorts are due
from the latter, however, to their encomenderos, to the religious,
and to the king, for all of which they receive a moderate wage; and
all other services for the Spaniards are voluntary and paid. Close
restrictions are laid upon the intercourse of the Spaniards with
natives. Various information is given regarding appointments to
office, residencias, elections, town government, and finances; also
of the ecclesiastical organization, expenses, and administration,
as well as of the incomes of the religious orders. Morga recounts
the numbers, character, pay, and organization of the military and
naval forces in the islands. The bulk of the citizens are merchants
and traders, commerce being the chief occupation and support of the
Spanish colony. Manila is a market for all the countries of Eastern
Asia, from Japan to Borneo. The China trade is restricted to the
inhabitants of the Philippines; Morga describes its nature and extent,
and the manner in which it is conducted, as well as the character
and methods of the Chinese traders. A similar account is given of the
trade carried on with the Philippines by the Japanese, Borneans, and
other neighboring peoples, and of the shipment to Nueva Espana of the
goods thus procured. This last commerce is "so great and profitable,
and easy to control, that the Spaniards do not apply themselves to,
or engage in, any other industry," and thus not only they neglect to
avail themselves of and develop the natural resources of the country,
but the natives are neglecting and forgetting their former industries;
and the supply of silver in the country steadily flows out of it and
into the hands of infidels. Morga enumerates the officials, revenues,
and expenditures of the colonial government. As its income is too small
for its necessary expenses, the annual deficit is made up from the
royal treasury of Nueva Espana. But this great expense is incurred
"only for the Christianization and conversion of the natives, for
the hopes of greater fruits in other kingdoms and provinces of Asia."

The large extent of the Chinese immigration to the islands is
disapproved by Morga, as unsafe to the Spaniards and injurious to the
natives. Some Chinese are needed for the service of the Spaniards,
for all the trades are carried on by them; but the number of Chinese
allowed to live in the islands should be restricted to those who are
thus needed. Morga describes the character, dress, mode of life,
and settlements of the Chinese near Manila; they are cared for in
religious matters by the Dominican friars. The Christian Chinese live
apart from the heathens, in a settlement of some five hundred people;
Morga has but a poor opinion of even these converts. Some account is
also given of the Japanese who have settled in Manila; Morga commends
them, and states that they prove to be good Christians.

He ends his work by a detailed account of the navigation and voyage
to and from the Philippines. The Mexican port of departure for this
route has been removed from Navidad to Acapulco. Morga describes the
westward voyage; the stop at the Ladrone Islands, and the traffic
of the natives with the ships; and the route thence, and among the
Philippine Islands. The return route to Mexico is much more difficult
and dangerous; for the winds are varying and not always favorable,
and the ship must change its course more frequently, and go far north
to secure favoring winds, there encountering cold weather. These severe
changes cause much suffering, and even death; and the vessel makes this
voyage without once touching land until it reaches Acapulco, a period
of five or six months. Morga also describes the voyage to Spain by
way of Goa and the Cape of Good Hope, which also is long and dangerous.

Argensola writes a history of "the conquest of the Malucas," and
begins by describing the islands thus named, their inhabitants, and
the customs, mode of dress, and language of the people. He relates
the current stories of their origin and of their early intercourse
with Occidental peoples, mainly through the spice trade. The earlier
expeditions of the Portuguese to the Moluccas arouse the hostility of
the natives; and so much difficulty and expense to the government is
thus occasioned that his councilors advise Felipe II to abandon the
Philippines and Moluccas, as not worth so much cost. This he refuses
to do, on account of the necessity and duty of converting the pagans
in those lands--a decision confirmed also by Felipe III. Argensola
enumerates the various arguments pro and con regarding the retention
of the islands by Spain, which he justifies for the sake of converting
the heathen. The points thus far given are those of the brief synopsis
which results from our examination of books i-iv in the _Conqvista_,
Turning to book v, we find a brief outline of the conquest of the
Philippines by Legazpi, their peoples, their chief products, and their
fauna. The expedition of Penalosa to conquer Ternate is described;
it proves a failure, for various causes. The king of Spain sends the
"invincible armada" against England (1588), desiring to check the
inroads of Northern heretics against Spanish commerce in the Orient;
but that fleet is defeated, and dispersed. Santiago de Vera also
sends an expedition against Ternate, but it also is a failure. One
of the princes that island asks for Spanish aid to gain its royalty
for himself--offering, in return, to become a vassal of Spain; but
his death prevents any further arrangement of this sort. Gomez Perez
Dasmarinas undertakes an expedition for the conquest of the Moluccas,
of which and of his tragic end a full account is given in book vi,
furnishing much interesting information thereon which is not elsewhere
to be obtained. Dasmarinas drafts rowers from among the Filipino
natives and the Chinese, by force; this causes much resentment among
them. He obtains full reports of affairs in the Moluccas, and advice
regarding the conduct of the campaign, from the Jesuits in those
islands. Dasmarinas sets out on this expedition (October 17, 1594),
his own galley being manned by Chinese rowers. These, being harshly
treated, mutiny, and murder all the Spaniards on the galley save two
(October 25), a friar and the governor's secretary. The governor's
death renders necessary the appointment of a temporary successor to his
office; this is his son, Luis Perez Dasmarinas. The murderers return
to Luzon, with armed vessels, hoping to find the country defenseless
and conquer it; but the forces at Manila are sufficient to overawe
the Chinese.

At this juncture, Langara, king of Camboja, asks for aid from the
Spaniards; and Dasmarinas sends for this purpose an expedition under
command of Gallinato. The Spaniards slay the usurper of the Cambojan
throne; this dignity is offered to Gallinato, but he refuses it, and
Ruiz and Velloso replace the rightful heir on the throne. Dasmarinas
himself undertakes another expedition to Camboja, at his own cost;
but he is driven by storms to the Chinese coast, some of his ships are
wrecked, and another is destroyed, with most of its crew, by Malays
at Camboja. These disasters put an end, for the time, to any further
attempts against Ternate.

Argensola relates the exploits of Figueroa and his successors in
subduing the Mindanaos, who are aided by the king of Ternate, as
being in a sense his vassals. Felipe II dies (1598), and for a time
the affairs of Moluccas are neglected. Book vii mainly relates to
Dutch voyages to the Eastern Archipelago; the presence of the Dutch
encourages the Ternatans to keep up their resistance to the Spaniards
and Portuguese. Governor Acuna arrives in the Philippines (May, 1602),
and for some time is occupied with the internal affairs of the colony
and the establishment of amicable relations with the Japanese. These
matters being settled, he turns his mind toward the conquest of
the Moluccas; and he cooeperates with the expedition under Furtado
de Mendoza, which had been sent for this purpose from India. The
combined fleets meet with temporary successes at Ternate, but are
finally compelled to abandon the undertaking. The home government
finally decides that it must be again and effectively prosecuted;
and that Acuna himself shall conduct another expedition against the
Moluccas. The royal decree for this (dated June 20 1604) is given
in full.

Argensola relates the great fire in Manila and the Chinese
insurrection, both in 1603; he gives some information thereon which
is not found in other accounts. This revolt, although quelled,
causes great disturbance of business and industry, and much want
and distress, in Manila, which had so largely been dependent
upon its Chinese population. Soon afterward reenforcements and
supplies are received there from Mexico. In February, 1605, a Dutch
fleet appears in the Eastern archipelago, and captures Amboina and
Tidore. Portuguese fugitives from Tidore inform Acuna of the purpose
of the Dutch to attack the galleons on the Mexican route and perhaps
other Spanish interests; and to drive out the Spaniards from that
quarter of the world. He immediately sends more men to the garrisons
in the Pintados, and takes other precautions. The arrival of numerous
reenforcements at Manila encourages him and checks the insolence of
surrounding peoples. The Dutch aid the Ternatans, while Acuna makes
vigorous preparations for the expedition to be made against these
foes. He sails with over three thousand men, in thirty-six vessels,
from Iloilo on January 5, 1606. The flagship is wrecked at La Caldera;
the other vessels mistake their course, and do not reach the Moluccas
until late in March. They besiege Ternate, and finally carry it by
assault; the city and fort are pillaged by the soldiers. Afterward the
king is induced to surrender and Acuna makes a treaty with him. The
king surrenders his forts and restores all captives; delivers up any
Dutchmen or Spanish renegades who may be in Ternate; and gives up
the villages of Christian natives in adjacent islands. Acuna leaves a
strong garrison in Ternate, and carries the king and other captives
to Manila. A few weeks after his return, Acuna dies--by poison,
according to popular rumor.

To this volume is appended (apropos of an allusion by Morga) an
interesting account of the ancient customs observed by the natives of
Pampanga in the administration of justice. These differed, according to
the social status of the parties concerned, and the kind of crime; but,
in general, certain fixed amounts were paid as the penalties for most
crimes, and in some cases the penalty was life for life. If the culprit
could not pay the fine, he was usually sold as a slave. Parricide and
infanticide were apparently unknown among them. Marriages, divorces,
inheritances, enslavements, disputes, etc., are all considered in this
account, obtained by the Franciscan Juan de Plasencia from the natives.

_The Editors_
June, 1904.

SUCESOS DE LAS ISLAS FILIPINAS (_concluded_)

By Dr. Antonio de Morga. Mexico: at the shop of Geronymo Balli in
the year 1609; printed by Cornelio Adriano Cesar.

SOURCE: The translation is made from the Harvard copy of the original
printed work.

TRANSLATION: This is made by Alfonso de Salvio, Norman F. Hall,
and James Alexander Robertson.

EVENTS IN THE FILIPINAS ISLANDS. [1]

Chapter Seventh (_concluded_)

On the tenth [of July] [2] of the same year, the vessels
"Espiritu-Santo" and "Jesus Maria" left the port of Cabit en route
for Nueva Espana--in the wake of two smaller vessels, which had been
despatched a fortnight before--with the Filipinas merchandise. Don Lope
de Ulloa was their commander, while Doctor Antonio de Morga left those
islands in the almiranta, the "Santo Espiritu," to fill the office of
alcalde of the court of Mexico. Before leaving the bay, both vessels
were struck head on by a storm, and went dragging upon the coast,
buffeted by the heavy seas and winds, and amid dark and tempestuous
weather, from three in the afternoon until morning of the next day,
notwithstanding that they were anchored with two heavy cables in the
shelter of the land, and their topmasts struck. Then they grounded
upon the coast, in La Pampanga, ten leguas from Manila. The storm
lasted for three more consecutive days. Consequently it was regarded
as impossible for those vessels to sail and make their voyage,
inasmuch as the season was now well advanced, and the vessels
were very large and heavily laden, and were deeply imbedded in the
sand. Advice was immediately sent overland to Manila, whence were
brought several Chinese ships, cables, and anchors. By dint of the
great efforts exerted, both vessels, each singly, were fitted with
tackle and cables, which were rigged at the stern. There awaiting the
high tide, the ships were drawn, by force of capstan and men, stern
first for more than one legua through a bank of sand, upon which
they had struck, until they were set afloat, on the twenty-second
of July, St. Magdelen's day. Immediately they set sail again,
as the vessels had sustained no injury, nor sprung any leak; and
they made their voyage and navigation, under light winds, to the
coast of Nueva Espana. A violent south-southwest gale, accompanied
by heavy showers, hail, and cold, struck the ship "Espiritu Sancto"
on the tenth of November, in forty-two degrees, and within sight of
land. The wind was blowing obliquely toward the shore, upon which the
vessel was almost wrecked several times. The vessel suffered distress
and lost its rigging, while the crew was worn out by the voyage and
with the cold. The storm lasted until November twenty-second. On the
morning of that day, while the ship was in the trough of the waves,
and with topmasts shipped, it was struck by a squall of rain and hail,
accompanied by great darkness. A thunderbolt, descending the mainmast,
struck the vessel amidships. It killed three men besides wounding and
maiming eight others; it had entered the hatches, and torn open the
mainhatch, with a blaze of light, so that the interior of the ship
could be seen. Another thunderbolt fell down along the same mast
among the entire crew, and stunned sixteen persons, some of whom
were speechless and unconscious all that day. It left the vessel
by the pump-dale. The next day, the wind veered to north-northeast,
whereupon the ship set sail, and went coasting along the land, with
sufficient winds until the nineteenth of the month of December,
when it made port at Acapulco. There were found the two smaller
vessels that had sailed first from Manila. Three days later, General
Don Lope de Ulloa entered the same port of Acapulco, in the ship
"Jesus Maria." That vessel had sustained the same storms as the ship
"Espiritu Sancto." From the time when the two vessels had separated,
on sailing out of the channel of Capul, in the Filipinas Islands,
they had not sighted one another again during the entire voyage.

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