The Philippine Islands, 1493 to 1898 by Various
V >>
Various >> The Philippine Islands, 1493 to 1898
Pages:
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
16 | 17 |
18 |
19
The instructions order Don Francisco Tello to carry to those
islands from Mexico a certain number of farmers to cultivate the
land, who should be associated with the natives, and teach them
agriculture. This he did not then do, because the instructions did
not reach him there. I wrote, however, to the viceroy of Nueva Espana
to send them at the first opportunity; but, if he has not done so,
you will endeavor to have the said farmers conveyed to the islands,
because they are so necessary to make that land productive. You will
also make diligent efforts to introduce there, and carry over from
Nueva Espana, mares and horses of good blood for breeding purposes,
since this is of great importance for the service of the people.
The copy of a portion of a letter which accompanies this, which
was written to me by the said Don Francisco Tello, will show you
how he wished to enter the kingdom of Siam; and how he despatched
Captain Juan de Mendoza on an embassy to the king of that country,
requesting him to consent that four monks should go there, of the
Order of St. Domini, of which order the king had already a friar with
him. You will inform me how the matter stands, and report the answer
which the king will have given you. You will notify me of it, and
will encourage, so far as you can, the conversion of those infidels
and the preaching of the gospel to them.
The said Don Francisco Tello writes that, although it has been decreed
that the Indians shall not be condemned to pay money fines, it would be
advisable to make them, although with due moderation, pay some fines in
money, because on account of their disobedience and natural disposition
they feel more the punishment of paying one real than that of a hundred
lashes; the result is that we do not gain the expected result--namely,
to have them engaged in cultivating the fields and raising fowls,
cattle and other articles for the general need and welfare. Since I
desire to learn from you the facts, and what takes place in regard
to the aforesaid matter, and what measures are expedient in regard
to punishing them for their crimes and offenses by money fines,
and whether this causes or may cause some difficulties, I order you,
after having examined the question thoroughly and discussed it with
the Audiencia, archbishops, and ecclesiastical cabildo, to let me
know the result and the opinion of all.
I have heard that the buildings which have been erected for the
Audiencia and for the president's residence are in great need of a
hall in which the president and the auditors might hold their meetings;
for it is not convenient for them to meet in a hall of the president's
house, where the desirable secrecy cannot be observed because their
discussions can easily be overheard. Therefore it would be expedient
to build the said hall beyond the hall of the Audiencia, and next to
it, on the side where the clock is. As it is so important that the
said meetings be held in a suitable hall, and that great secrecy
be maintained in regard to the affairs transacted by them, it has
seemed good to me to notify you of this, and to charge you as I do,
that with the advice of the Audiencia you erect such building in
suitable style; so that the above-mentioned difficulties may cease,
and occur no longer on account of the authority and secrecy which
should prevail in the said meetings.
I have learned that Governor Don Francisco Tello, your predecessor,
went to the Audiencia and attended its meetings and visitations,
in unbefitting garments; and that at times he went half-dressed,
without sword or jacket. Since in positions of that sort, in places
and regions so remote, it is necessary to exercise the authority and
propriety due to those offices, I charge you to be very careful in
that respect, and always to attend meetings and courts with the garb
and decorum which befit the occasion.
The fiscal of the Audiencia of the said islands, to whom is entrusted
the protection of the Indians, has informed me that, as their lawsuits
are many and involve much work, with the Audiencia's permission he
appointed a solicitor, with a salary of two hundred pesos, and an
interpreter with a salary of eighty pesos, at the expense of the
encomenderos. I charge you that, as soon as you reach the islands,
you discuss this matter with the Audiencia; and, if it be necessary
to retain the said solicitor and interpreter, to see that their
salaries be paid, and that they be trustworthy men and competent to
fill those offices. You will always take special care to see that
the Indians be relieved from burdens, and protected and favored in
all permissible ways, and that their affairs be promptly settled,
endeavoring to avoid lawsuits whenever possible. At Zamora, on the
sixteenth day of February in the year one thousand six hundred and two.
I, The King
Countersigned by Juan De Ybarra
Two Royal Decrees
Colonists for the Islands
The King: To the Conde de Monterrey, my kinsman, and viceroy,
governor and captain-general of Nueva Spana, or to the person or
persons in whose charge the government thereof may be: The kingdoms
of infidels and enemies of our holy Catholic faith, with which the
Philipinas Islands are surrounded, being so numerous and so great, the
most advisable thing for its safety and defense is to settle it with
Spaniards. That colony, I am informed, is not only not being augmented,
but is not even being preserved in its present state; for the people
who are sent to those islands are few compared with the number of
those who die from the unhealthful climate of the country, and those
who are dispersed in expeditions, and because most of those who go to
the said islands do not intend to abide there, and accordingly return
with their wealth. It is considered expedient to give such persons
permission to return, so that others may be willing to go to the
islands; and it is necessary to give others such permission, either
because they are married in Espana, or because they are Peruvians, a
people who are injurious to the community. Consequently there is always
a lack of people, and those who remain there are the poorest. As it
is expedient to attend with great care to the settlement of the said
Islands and their conservation, I charge and command you to provide
for and send thither useful people, and to see to it that settlers
of good character go thither. In order that this may be done, and
that they may live and remain there, you will see to the careful and
rigorous execution of the orders already given concerning the trade of
the Philipinas with your country of Nueva Espana, and that the object
be attained for which it is permitted--that is, that it be directed
to the settlement and conservation of the said islands and applied to
the benefit and advantage of the citizens--taking care that nothing
be done which shall transgress any order which has been given in the
matter, or which may be so given in the future, and with great care
favoring the interests of the said islands. In this you will please me.
Given at Zamora, on the sixteenth of February, in the year one thousand
six hundred and two.
_I, The King_
Countersigned by
_Joan de Ybarra_
Signed by the Council.
[_Endorsed:_ "To the Viceroy of Nueva Spana, concerning the settlement
of the Philipinas Islands, and directing him to send useful people
there."]
Nuns for Santa Potenciana
The King: To the Conde de Monterrey, my kinsman, and viceroy, governor
and captain-general of Nueva Spana, or to the person or persons in
whose charge the government thereof may be: Don Francisco Tello, my
governor and captain-general of the Philipinas Islands, has informed
me of the prosperous condition of the seminary of Sancta Potenciana
at Manila, where girls are sheltered, and of the retirement and the
exemplary lives which they lead, and that many of them intend to remain
in the said seminary. I wrote to you to send them, from Nueva Spana,
two religious women for the said seminary, but you answered to the
effect that none of them dared to go. As this is of great importance,
and should be carried out, for the establishment of that seminary and
the settlement there of professed nuns, and that its inmates may be
thoroughly trained in piety, I charge and command that you that, in
any event, you make arrangements to send there the said two religious
women from one of the convents of your country, and that they shall
be persons of approved character--and this on account of the great
service which this will be for our Lord; and you shall advise me of
what is done in the matter.
Given at Camora, on the sixteenth of February, in the year one thousand
six hundred and two.
_I, The King_
Countersigned by
_Joan de Ybarra_
Signed by the Council.
[_Endorsed:_ "To the viceroy of Nueva Spana, directing him to send
thence to the Philipinas certain religious for the establishment of
a seminary."]
Pintados Menaced by Mindanao Pirates
_Testimony which Captain Gallinato sent to the governor of the
Filipinas concerning the help which the king of Terrenate is giving
to the Mindanaos._
On the sea, off the tinguis ["hills"] of La Caldera, on the
twenty-ninth day of the month of May in the year one thousand six
hundred and two. The purveyor-general, Juan Juarez Gallinato. Whereas
Ensign Antonio de Alarcon, commander of the patrona, [54] took with
his galley from a vessel of Lutaos an Indian of San Buangan [_i.e._,
Zamboanga,] who is supposed to be a spy, I command, in order to learn
the truth and the design of the enemy, that his confession be taken;
and so I order it and sign my name.
_Juan Juarez Gallinato_
By his order:
_Rafael de Sarria_, notary
_Deposition_. Then on the day, month, and year aforesaid, the
purveyor-general caused to appear before him the said Lutao, who was
questioned by the interpreter Pedro Navarro, encomendero of Canamucan
and Baibay.
He was asked what his name was, of what place he was a native, and
if he were a slave or a timagua; and he replied that his name was
Saliot, that he was a native of Sanbuangan, which is near La Caldera,
and that he was a timagua. This was his answer.
When asked for what purpose he was coming yesterday when he was taken,
and who sent him, he said that he was sent by a chief named Bato, a
native of the witness's village, who told the witness to take fowls
and wax and fish, and go to the place where the fleet was, or was
coming, and find out who was in it, what sort of ships there were,
where it was going, what people it carried, and how many ships;
and the witness came to do what the aforesaid chief had ordered,
and was captured. This was his answer.
He was asked what ships there were in the river of Mindanao, armed
to set out; and where they were going, who was going as commander
of them, and what fighting men there were. He said that there were
a hundred ships in the aforesaid river of Mindanao, large and small,
intending to go out to plunder Pintados and Cebu, and Oton, and all the
regions that they could; and that for commander there goes Silonga,
with Raxamora and Buysan. He said that a large number of men were
going on the war-vessels, because they take a hundred men from each
village; and he said that within ten days they would set out from
the river for Pintados. This was his answer.
When asked if the Mindanaos knew that the Spanish fleet was going to
help Pintados, or what they understood about it, he said that a son of
Liguana, called Ssapay, with Gumapas and Nasa, were sent from Mindanao
as spies in order to know what the Spaniards were doing, and where
they were; and that they told where the Spanish fleet was, and what
it was doing. He said that the Lutaos who came with him yesterday had
returned to give news of the coming of the fleet. This was his answer.
He was asked whether Liguana, chief of Taguima, had planned to
go to Pintados with the enemy's fleet. He said that he had, and
that likewise his sons were going with him, and all the chiefs of
his country; and thirty-five vessels were going from Sanbuangan,
Tragima, and Basilanban. This he said to be the truth, according to
the obligation of his oath, which he had taken after his custom. He
said that he was about twenty years old; and he did not sign this
paper, but the interpreter signed it.
_Juan Juarez Gallinato Pedro Navarro_
Before me:
_Rafael de Sarria_, notary
_Official act_. On the sea, off the mainland of Dapitan, on the
thirtieth day of the month of May in the year one thousand six hundred
and two. The purveyor-general, Juan Juarez Gallinato. Whereas Ensign
Pedro de Carrion, while scouting among the little islands opposite
the kingdom of Xolo in the last few days, captured a Lutao in a
[_MS. defective_] and was fleeing; it is proper, in order to know
the design of the inhabitants of the aforesaid kingdom, that his
deposition be taken; and thus I command it and sign my name.
_Juan Juarez Gallinato Pedro Navarro_
By his command:
_Rafael de Sarria_, notary
_Deposition_. On the aforesaid day, month, and year, the aforesaid
purveyor-general ordered to appear before him the aforesaid Indian,
in order to take his deposition, through the interpreter Pedro Navarro,
encomendero of Baibay. The following questions were asked of him.
After he had taken the oath according to his custom, and after he had
promised to tell the truth, he was asked what his name was, where he
lived, what his occupation was, and if he was a slave or a timagua. He
said that he was called Onarano; that he was a Lutao of the village of
Lumian, which is near Xolo; that his occupation was always to fight;
and that he was a timague. This was his answer.
When asked if it was true that the son of Diguana, called Sapaz, [55]
was with the natives of Jolo on the morning on which they attacked the
Spanish quarters, and if Diguana knew of the attack, he said that he
did not know; nor had he heard it said, because the witness was not
in that affray, for he had gone away to fight at that time. This was
his answer.
He was asked if it was true that the king of Xolo sent to Mindanao
to seek help against the Spaniards. He said that it was, and that
a chief of the aforesaid kingdom, called Diaga, went in a ship to
seek it on behalf of the king; but that it was not known what reply
he brought back. This was his answer.
He was asked if it was true that the Mindanao enemy was preparing a
great fleet to come against the provinces of Pintados and against the
Spaniards. The witness said that he had heard from other natives of
the kingdom of Xolo that, as long as the Spaniards remained in the
aforesaid kingdom, all the natives of Mindanao would go with a large
fleet to Pintados, to plunder it. This was his answer.
He was asked other questions in regard to the matter, but he said that
he did not know anything more than what he had already declared; and
this he affirmed. He did not sign this paper, but the aforesaid Pedro
Navarro signed it. He declared that he was more than fifty years old.
_Juan Juarez Gallinato Pedro Navarro_
Before me:
_Rafael de Sarria_, notary
_Official act_. In the port of Biara, which is on the mainland of
Dapitan and Mindanao, on the thirty-first day of the month of May in
the year one thousand six hundred and two. The purveyor-general, Juan
Juarez Gallinato. Whereas Captain Benito Gomez Descobara y Esquivel
captured on a little island (or rather on the sea-coast) an Indian,
a native of Sanbuangan, who is supposed to be a spy; I command, in
order to learn if he is one, and to ascertain about the enemy's fleet,
that his confession be taken; and thus I order it and sign my name.
_Juan Juarez Gallinato_
By his command:
_Rafael de Sarria_, notary
_Deposition_. Thereupon, immediately, on the day, month, and year
aforesaid, the said purveyor-general caused to appear before him
the aforesaid Indian, in order to receive his confession, through
Agustin de Sepulbeda--who swore in due form to fulfil the office
of interpreter well and faithfully, and administered an oath to the
Indian according to the latter's custom. He promised to tell the truth,
and the following questions were asked of him. He was asked his name,
where he lived, his occupation, his age, and whether he was slave or
free; and he replied that his name was Panran, that he was a native
of the town of Linpapa (which is near Rabos), that he was a slave
of Sumanpie, chief of the said village of Linpapa, and that he was
about twenty years old. This was his answer.
He was asked what ships had gathered and from what nations, and
also where they were and for what purpose. He said that from Maluco
there had come fifty vessels--Terrenatans, Sangils, and Togolandans
[56]--which were brought by Buisan, who is master-of-camp to the one
whom they call Captain Lant. The rest which are going from Mindanao
consisted of forty large caracoas and twenty carangailes and bireyes,
with one caracoa and two bireyes from Sanbuangan and Tagima. All these
had agreed that, if the Spaniards were in Jolo, they should fall upon
them; and that, if they were not there, they should go to plunder in
Pintados, Cebu and Oton. This was his answer.
He was asked where it was said that they were to go. He said that
those who were returning from Oton had agreed to pass through some
little islands which are opposite Quipit; and that those going to
Cebu were to go from Similon, which is opposite Dapitan; and that
they were to return that way. This was his answer.
When he was asked how he knew this that he had said, he replied that
it was generally known and reported among the chiefs of Sanbuangan
and among the Lutaos.
He was asked what agreement Liguana had made with the chiefs of Tagima
and Sanbuangan, and what he said to them against the Spaniards. He
replied that the aforesaid Liguana had ordered the chiefs and the
Lutaos to be assembled together, and in readiness, along with the
Mindanaos, against the Spaniards. This was his answer.
He was asked how many days it would be before the fleet would set out
for Pintados; and he replied that the fleet was ready in Mindanao,
and that he had heard that it was to start shortly, within ten days,
and that five of these had passed. This was his answer.
He was asked other questions in regard to the matter, and he replied
that what he had said was the truth; and he affirmed this and ratified
it. He did not sign this, but Agustin de Sepulbeda signed it.
_Juan Juarez Gallinato_
_Agustin de Sepulbeda_
Before me:
_Rafael de Sarria_, notary
_Official act_. On the sea, near Dapitan, on the fourth day of the
month of June in the year one thousand six hundred and two. The captain
and sargento-mayor, Juan Juarez Gallinato, purveyor-general and head
of the provinces of Pintados for his Majesty. Whereas it has come to
his notice that yesterday, Monday, the third of this month, Captain
Garcia Gutierres Guerrero and Ensign Domingo Martir and Diego Mendez
went in a caracoa to the river of Sioco to get water; and that, while
they were doing so, there came to them an Indian, the chief of the
said river, who told them that it was he who had given notice to the
captains about the enemy's fleet, in order to warn the Spaniards: now
therefore, in order to ascertain whether this is so or not, I command
that the depositions of the aforesaid men be taken; and I order it,
and sign my name.
_Juan Juarez Gallinato_
By his command:
_Rafael de Sarria_, notary
_Deposition._ Thereupon, on the day, month, and year aforesaid, the
said purveyor-general caused to appear before him the said Captain
Garcia Gutierrez Guerrero, in order to receive his deposition. He took
oath in due form of law, and promised to tell the truth; and, when
questioned in accordance with the above order, the witness declared
that he had gone to the bank of the river of Sioco, where some Indians
who pay tribute to him live; and that when he had arrived there the
witness caused an arquebus to be fired, at the noise of which there
came up an Indian, the chief of that river, called Tumarahoc. The
said chief came to where the witness was, and told him that he had
told the Indians of Dapitan--those who took fowls to the Jolo army
for the commander--that they should warn the Spaniards that in the
river of Mindanao a great fleet was being prepared, with many men,
which they said was to go to Jolo and Pintados; and the aforesaid
Indian likewise told the witness that he would be on the watch, and
that he would warn the Dapitans if the fleet should set out, and where
it was going; and he said that he would also tell the witness. This
he declared to be the truth, under the oath which he had taken; and
he affirmed and ratified it, and signed it, and declared that he was
about forty years old.
_Garcia Guerrero_
_Juan Juarez Gallinato_
Before me:
_Rafael de Sarria_, notary
_Deposition_. Then, on the day, month, and year aforesaid, the said
purveyor-general caused to appear before him Ensign Domingo Martin,
in order to take his testimony. He took oath in due form of law,
and promised to tell the truth. When questioned in accordance with
the above order, the witness said that he went in company with
Captain Guerrero to the bank of the river of Sioco to get water;
and that when they arrived there they fired an arquebus-shot from the
witness's caracoa, and that, after they had fired it, there came to the
aforesaid bank an Indian, the chief of the river, who was a friend of
the Spaniards and paid tribute to the aforesaid Captain Guerrero. When
he reached the caracoa, he told the witness and Captain Guerrero that
he had told the Dapitan Indians (who had gone to Jolo with fowls for
the commander), that they should warn the Spaniards that a large number
of ships were being gathered in the river of Mindanao; and that a very
great number of men was to depart in them to go against the Spaniards
in Jolo and to plunder Pintados. The said chief also said that he had
told the said Indians that if they did not warn the said Spaniards he
would have them beaten with sticks; and that he would be on the watch,
and that he would warn the Dapitan chiefs and Captain Guerrero of what
happened. This he declared to be the truth, under the oath which he
had already taken; and he affirmed and ratified it, and signed it;
and he said that he was about twenty-eight years old.
_Domingo Martin_
_Juan Juarez Gallinato_
Before me:
_Rafael de Sarria_, notary
These agree with the originals, which are in the possession of the
purveyor-general, who signed here with his name; and it is exact and
accurate. And to the fact that it was accurately copied, corrected,
and made to agree, were witnesses: Ensign Juan Rodriguez de Santa,
and the royal ensign Pedro Mendez de Sotomayor, and Francisco
Hernandez. Done in Dapitan, on the fourth day of the month of June
in the year one thousand six hundred and two.
_Juan Juarez Gallinato_
In testimony of which, I have affixed my name and the customary
rubrics.
_Rafael de Sarria_, notary
Letters to Felipe III
Sire:
Don Pedro de Acuna, [57] to whom your Majesty granted the favor of
sending him to govern this land, arrived here with a very considerable
reenforcement of troops. This and his arrival are so important and
timely that I think there must follow many results beneficial to
the service of God and of your Majesty, as also the correction of
important matters--which have greatly needed it, as I have informed
your Majesty at greater length in a report and letter that treats of
this matter, and of the great and urgent necessity for your Majesty
to command that the town and fort of Maluco be occupied as promptly
as possible. From this will result the greatest advantages, and great
danger to this land will be averted; and thus may be repaired the many
losses and destructive raids which this country may suffer, which may
result from the inroad of those demons of English and Dutch heretics,
with their intentions and desires. We should have aid, and means
of communication, and strongholds in these regions, and especially
in this one of Maluco, which is the most important, dangerous, and
near to these islands, and whose people are unfriendly. Our enemies,
the Xoloan and Mindanaos, avail themselves of it, and are succored
therefrom, and with this aid have inflicted many damages, which they
will continue to do, if they are not checked. Great cost and expense
must be incurred in these islands, merely to preserve and defend them;
and there are great hindrances and difficulties in the way of their
growth. By gaining this fort the door is closed to notable evils and
troubles, and benefits of the utmost importance, both spiritual and
temporal, through which God our Lord and your Majesty will be well
served, the Christian faith and the extension of the gospel will
be assured and increased in these regions; and the crown and royal
possessions of your Majesty, and the reputation of Espana, well
maintained and accredited, as is not the case now. Other important
undertakings and expeditions which may hereafter be made will be
facilitated; for that place is the capital, and has most reputation;
and it rules as subjects and tributaries many surrounding peoples,
who may be easily reduced after the conquest of this stronghold, and
after those who so greatly fear and respect us have been vanquished and
chastised. Moreover, expenses for supplies and garrisons which must be
maintained, and which are necessary until this is accomplished, will
be saved; and a large amount of property and income will be left for
other expenses and affairs in the service of your Majesty. In short,
until this is once for all assured and established, a certain amount
of damage must be expected, and will inevitably result; and it is very
evident that for the aforesaid reasons it is necessary sooner or later
to undertake this expedition for the preservation and security of these
regions. It is also better not to postpone it, and not to wait until
that place has greater fortification, strength, and defense, thereby
rendering its conquest more difficult and costly. I conclude, Sire,
by saying that as God and your Majesty have sent Don Pedro de Acuna
to this government, and he has inclination and desire for military
service, and for the faithful fulfilling his performance of what
pertains to his office and to the service of your Majesty, (as has been
observed), and besides has experience and the qualifications suitable
and necessary for this undertaking, may your Majesty not defer it, or
wait for another governor to perform this most important service. The
opportunity of having a person so well fitted for such a contingency
(which is by no means unimportant) is not to be lost. To say this
and what else pertains to this matter, Sire, I am constrained only
by the duty which I owe to the service of God and His church, and to
your Majesty and your crown, and to the general welfare of these most
important regions. If this were not so, nothing in this matter would
concern or could influence me; for it has cost me most dear and was
so disastrous to me that I lost by it my father and a great amount of
property, and met other losses to which I shall not refer. For this
reason, I desired to prosecute this expedition after the death of my
father; but I could not do so, on account of the great fear and dread
of hostile Chinese and Japanese. As a man, Sire, I can but desire the
accomplishment of that thing which my father and I had tried to achieve
and had almost succeeded in doing. But may our Lord not permit that
this or any other enterprise should be abandoned, for lack of desire
and effort to secure a result so desirable for the said objects;
and may it come through the hand and means which God shall choose,
and by which He shall be served. May His Divine Majesty guard your
Majesty as He can, and as we all desire and need. At Manila, June 8,
in the year 1602.
Pages:
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
16 | 17 |
18 |
19