Book: The Philippine Islands, 1493 1898

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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 IX, 1593-1597



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




Contents of Volume IX


Preface 9
Documents of 1593

The second embassy to Japan. G. P. Dasmarinas, and others;
April-May. ... 23
Two letters to Felipe II. G. P. Dasmarinas; Manila,
June 20. ... 58
Memorandum of troops required in the Philippines. [Unsigned
and undated; 1593?]. ... 74
Letter to the king of Camboja. G. P. Dasmarinas; Manila,
September 27. ... 76

Documents of 1594

List of Philippine villages reduced by the
Spaniards. [Unsigned and undated; 1594?]. ... 81
Letter to king of Canboja. Luis Perez Dasmarinas; Manila,
February 8. ... 86
Investigation of the hospital. Hernando de los Rios,
and others; Manila, February-April. ... 88
Report concerning the Filipinas Islands, and other
papers. Francisco de Ortega, O.S.A.; [1594]. ... 95
Decree for despatch of missionaries. Felipe II; Aranjuez,
April 27. ... 120
Reply to the Japanese emperor's letter. L.P. Dasmarinas,
and others; Manila, April 22--28 ... 122
Three letters to Felipe II. L.P. Dasmarinas; Manila,
June 15--23 ... 137

Documents of 1595

Letter to Felipe II. Pedro Gongalez de Carbajal;
[1595?] ... 147
Formation of new dioceses. Felipe II; Madrid, June 17
... 150
Letter to Felipe II. Antonio de Morga; Manila, June 25
... 154
Expedition to Camboja. Gregorio da Cruz, and others;
August 1--3 ... 161
Instructions to Figueroa. L.P. Dasmarinas; Manila,
November 13--16 ... 181
The Audiencia of Manila reestablished. Felipe II; El Pardo,
November 26 ... 189
Letter to Felipe II. L.P. Dasmarinas; Manila, December
6 ... 193

Documents of 1596

Coat-of-arms of the city of Manila. Felipe II; Aranjuez,
March 20 ... 211
Decree regarding the bishopric of Nueva Segovia. Felipe
II; Ateca, May 15 ... 216
Instructions for Governor Tello. Felipe II; Toledo,
May 25 ... 218
Letter to Felipe II. L.P. Dasmarinas; Manila, June 30
... 259
Letter to Felipe II. Antonio de Morga; Manila, July 6
... 263
Letter to Felipe II. Francisco Tello; Manila, July 17
... 274

Documents of 1597

Pacification of Mindanao. Juan de Ronquillo; Tanpaca,
May 10 ... 281
Memorial on navigation and conquest. Hernando de los Rios;
Manila, June 27 ... 299
Letter to Felipe II. L.P. Dasmarinas; Manila, June 28
... 315

Bibliographical Data ... 327





Illustrations



Autograph signature of Gomez Perez Dasmarinas, governor of the
Philippine Islands; photographic facsimile from MS. in Archivo
general de Indias, Sevilla ... 69
Coat-of-arms of the city of Manila (two representations);
photographic facsimiles from original MSS. (dated 1683 and 1748)
in Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla ... 213
Map of islands of Luzon and Hermosa, with part of China;
photographic facsimile of MS. map by Hernando de los Rios Coronel
(dated June 27, 1597), in Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla
... 305





Preface


The events related in the present volume (1593-97) conclude the first
quarter-century of the history of Manila as a Spanish settlement. That
city, although small, is gaining in importance and prosperity; it is
fairly well fortified, and its public institutions are increasing; it
is now the seat of an archbishop, and three dioceses are formed to be
under his care. Restless spirits among the Spaniards desire to conquer
neighboring lands; this is partially accomplished in Mindanao, but that
island proves to be of little value. An expedition is sent nominally
in aid of Camboja against Siam, but is unsuccessful. Meanwhile,
the Spaniards are not free from danger: the emperor of Japan is
apparently plotting their subjection; and the natives of the islands,
although nominally pacified, are inclined to rebel. The increasing
numbers of the Chinese in the islands render them dangerous, and
various restrictions are imposed upon them. Governor Dasmarinas,
slain by his Chinese oarsmen, is succeeded _pro tempore_ by his son
Luis Perez; but the latter is too young for so important a post,
and the king reestablishes the Audiencia at Manila. Its president,
Francisco Tello, is also governor of the islands.

In 1593 another ambassador arrives at Manila from the Japanese
ruler Hideyoshi. This is Faranda, who furnishes a full account of
the manner in which Fray Juan Cobos had been received in Japan the
year before, and of his own appointment from the emperor as envoy
to the Spaniards, on which errand he departed with Cobos. The latter
perished by shipwreck, Faranda arriving safely at Manila. He professes
a desire for peace and friendship between the Japanese and Spaniards,
instead of the subjection of the latter; and asks that Franciscan
missionaries be sent to his country. Since he brings no credentials,
except letters from Fray Cobos, the governor orders an official inquiry
into the whole matter, and examines witnesses about it. Juan de Solis,
a Spanish captain who happened to be in Japan when Fray Cobos arrived
there, thinks that the emperor is sincere in asking only the friendship
of the Castilians. Solis relates the events of the father's stay there,
confirming the account given by Faranda. A similar deposition is made
by Antonio Lopez, the Chinese convert who comes with Faranda. But
there follows a long account, apparently obtained from conversations
held with this Antonio and several others, of intrigues and plots
among the Japanese to subdue the Philippines, as they have done
with Corea. The Spaniards are warned against the Chinese who are in
Manila. Much of this is apparently the gossip of the Parian; but it
affords curious side-lights on the relations between the Japanese,
Chinese, and Spaniards. A letter from Dasmarinas to the Japanese
emperor (May 20, 1593) announces his despatch of another envoy,
the Franciscan priest Pedro Baptista.

Governor Dasmarinas writes (June 20, 1593) to King Felipe,
reporting the present state of affairs in he islands. He asks
for more missionaries, and states the qualifications that they
should possess. He intends to found a new Spanish colony in the
recently-pacified district of Tuy. All Luzon has now been explored
and pacified. The fortifications of Manila are now in good condition;
accordingly, the city is safe from outside enemies, and the natives
can see that the Spanish occupation is a permanent one. The cathedral
is so nearly completed that worship is celebrated therein; and the
convent of Sancta Potenciana is well under way. Galleys are patrolling
the coast to watch for enemies; but the clergy have so opposed the
efforts of the governor to man the galleys that he could not equip
them as well as he desired. The permission given to the Indians to
pay their tributes in produce or in coin, as they might choose, is
leading to the ruin of the country; for the natives are in consequence
neglecting their industries and manufactures, and prices are much
higher. The royal officials, therefore, now collect the tributes
in produce only. Again the governor complains of the marriages of
wealthy widows to adventurers, who have thus "defrauded several
very honorable and worthy captains and soldiers who serve here;"
he recommends that heiresses be not allowed to marry without the
king's consent. He also advises that all collections of tributes be
made by the royal officials, who should pay the encomenderos their
dues. Another letter of the same date is especially interesting,
as containing the earliest data thus far available on the first
printing in the Philippines. Dasmarinas desires the king to provide
some suitable design for the coat-of-arms of the city of Manila. He
protests against the heavy duties levied in Mexico on goods exported
from the islands. These letters are followed by a memorandum--unsigned
and undated, but probably written about 1593--of "the troops required
in the Philippines;" this is itemized, and gives a total of 1,517. On
September 27, 1593, Dasmarinas sends a friendly letter, with gifts,
to the king of Camboja, who is threatened by the king of Siam; and
he offers to be arbitrator of their differences. An unsigned list
(1594?) is given of the villages reduced by the Spaniards under an
officer named Berramontano.

Luis Perez, son of Gomez Perez Dasmarinas, who has succeeded
to his father's office, writes to the king of Camboja (February
8, 1594) renewing his father's proffers of friendship for that
ruler. At this time Hernando de los Rios, administrator of the
royal hospital at Manila, demands from the government more aid for
that institution. Witnesses testify that there is much sickness and
mortality among the Spanish soldiery in the islands; and that the
hospital, as their only resource for care when ill, should receive an
increase of its present inadequate income, and new buildings should
be constructed for its use.

In 1594 Francisco de Ortega, Augustinian visitor-general in the
Philippines, presents a number of reports and petitions to the
king. The abstracts of these papers which are preserved in the Sevilla
archives are here presented. The first of these documents contains a
list of the islands, with a brief account of their size and population,
of the number of religious already at work in them, and of the number
yet needed. Next, Ortega asks for certain grants from the royal bounty
for his order: a fixed sum for the building of the burnt monastery; an
increased allowance for the yearly support of the religious, as prices
have risen; allowances of wine, oil, and medicine for the Augustinian
convent at Manila; and an increase in the number of religious provided
for it. He complains that the Dominicans are, by their mission to the
Chinese, intruding upon the rights of the Augustinians, and prays for
the establishment of a convent of Recollect Augustinians in a place
proposed by him. Ortega urges upon the king the temporal and spiritual
importance of providing religious ministers, of striving to gain an
entrance to China, of accepting the advances of the Japanese king
of Firando, of conquering Ternate, of resisting the Japanese tyrant,
and of pacifying Mindanao. He asks that more troops be sent to Cebu;
that the Spanish settlement there be raised to the rank of a city; that
the regidors be crown appointees; and that its people be permitted to
send their exports directly to Nueva Espana. He also advises that the
port of Cavite be more strongly fortified. A royal decree (April 27)
orders that one hundred religious be sent to the islands.

On April 22, 1594, a council of war is held at Manila, to agree
upon the reply which shall be made to an arrogant despatch from the
Japanese emperor, ostensibly peaceful, but containing covert threats
and accepting certain gifts as tokens of vassalage. He then reads a
draft of reply, which is criticized as likely to cause unnecessary
offense by some expressions therein; an amended reply is read and
adopted by the council, a few days later.

Luis Perez Dasmarinas asks (June 15, 1594) from Felipe II aid for
two charitable institutions in Manila--the girls' seminary of Sancta
Potenciana, and the Confraternity of La Misericordia; also for the
establishment and support of a temporary lodging-house for colonists,
and of a hospital for the servants of Spaniards. In another letter
(June 22) the governor commends to Felipe's favor Carbajal, the
captain who had gone to Japan; the latter is now sent to Spain with
Hideyoshi's letter. On the next day, Dasmarinas advises the king of
further news and despatches from Japan, sent by the envoy Fray Pedro
Baptista. The Japanese emperor professes friendship, but Dasmarinas
does not trust him, and has done all in his power to fortify Manila.

Carbajal, the captain who conveyed the Franciscans to Japan,
writes (1595?) to the king, to inform him of the prosperity and
importance of that country, and the attitude of its ruler toward the
Spaniards. The emperor has treated the Franciscans kindly. Carbajal
recommends that the Spanish trade in China should be diverted to
Japan. In 1595 the diocese of Manila is elevated to an archdiocese,
and three new bishoprics are created--those of Cebu, Nueva Caceres,
and Nueva Segovia. The king of Spain, in the decree (June 17) making
provision for this, also appoints incumbents for these posts.

Dr. Antonio de Morga, sent to the Philippines in place of Rojas,
reports to Felipe II (June 25, 1595) his arrival and inauguration as
lieutenant-governor, and urges the necessity of an investigation (which
was accordingly decreed) of the royal treasury of the islands. He
encloses the various official papers establishing his appointment and
inauguration in due form. In August of that year, Luis Dasmarinas is
persuaded to send aid to the king of Camboja against the Siamese. This
is requested in his behalf by Diego Veloso, a Portuguese adventurer
who has spent ten years in that country, and who states that its
ruler has protected the Christian missionaries in his kingdom and now
should be aided by the Spaniards. Certain stipulations are proposed
to be fulfilled by the king of Camboja in return for Spanish aid,
and Veloso accepts them in his behalf.

Instructions are given to Figueroa (November 13, 1595) regarding the
conquest of Mindanao. On November 26 following, the king issues a
decree reestablishing the Audiencia of Manila, and appointing as its
president the new governor of the islands, Francisco Tello--sending
him detailed instructions as to the ceremonies to be observed in
receiving the royal seal, "which are to be the same as would be
observed in the reception of my royal person."

Luis Perez Dasmarinas writes to Felipe II (December 6, 1595) giving
a general report of external conditions in the province. After a
reference to the progress of various religious missions, he reports
that Figueroa has gone to pacify Mindanao, although a dispute whether
he is to be subordinate to the Manila government is unsettled. He
gives an account of the projects of Veloso for assisting the king of
Camboja; and states that he, with the consent of both religious and
military authorities, has decided to make an attempt first against
Champa, but to send a representative to Camboja in order to keep the
friendship of its king. He urges the sending of a moderate force
against Siam, to be provided by the home government. He announces
that he is planning to send an embassy to China, with gifts; and
he prays the king to reimburse him for expenses connected with the
sending of this embassy. Toward the end of the letter he discusses
the gifts most acceptable in China.

Felipe II grants (March 20, 1596) the city of Manila a coat-of-arms
more satisfactory to the Spaniards than the one which had been
previously used. A royal decree, dated May 15, 1596, regulates the
status of the bishoprics suffragan to the archdiocese of Manila. Ten
days later, the king issues instructions for the new governor,
Francisco Tello. He is earnestly charged to further in every possible
way the interests of religion, especially in the instruction of the
natives, and the completion and equipment of the cathedral; and to work
in harmony with the archbishop. He is to provide liberally for the
maintenance of the hospitals, and oversee their management. He must
give the king full information regarding the number of missionaries
now in the islands, and those needed there, etc.; and shall make
arrangements with the superiors of the various orders for the most
advantageous distribution of the missionaries who shall be sent each
year. Every effort must be made to convert the heathen Indians. Tello
is strictly charged not to meddle with ecclesiastical affairs, and to
maintain friendly relations with both clerics and friars. No minister
of religion shall be permitted to collect from the natives any fees for
burials, marriages, etc. Tello is ordered to leave some missionaries
at the Ladrones Islands, for the instruction of the natives. Tribute
must be collected from all the pacified Indians, whether converts
or heathen. The ecclesiastics must not meddle with the collection of
tributes, or oppose the governor's authority; for any reforms which
they may desire, they must consult with their superiors and prelates,
and send applications to the king. Tithes must be paid more fully
than hitherto. The duties which the citizens ask to have repealed
must still be levied. Certain provisions are made for an income for
the municipality of Manila. Tello is directed to see that the Chinese
be removed to quarters outside the city. No duties shall be levied on
provisions and munitions brought to Manila by foreigners. Various other
clauses are practically the duplicates of instructions given to Gomez
Dasmarinas. Agriculture must be encouraged in every way. The convent
for girls is to be aided and encouraged. Encomiendas may not be sold
or transferred to other holders, but should be made large enough to
support both the encomendero and the instruction of the natives. The
Indians should be settled in "reductions" like those of the American
colonies, where they may be sufficiently instructed. Justice is not to
be severe, and litigation is not to be encouraged. Religious will be
provided as needed, and hence the priests are to publish no objections
to the taking of tributes. Soldiers are to be well employed, receiving
pay only when they have no other income, and being exempt from arrest
for debt. Captains have authority only over soldiers, and the military
must treat the Indians kindly. The forts and fortifications must be
maintained, and a watch kept constantly against enemies, who are
enumerated, "especially the English Lutherans." Reports as to the
possibility of new conquests are desired, but no such enterprises
must be undertaken without circumspection and justification. As
the soldiers are now fairly paid, there is no need of spoliation in
conquests. The regions nearest Manila must be conquered, for there
is rebellion now in the heart of Luzon. Encouragement is given to
extend conquests from the Liu Kiu Islands to Java, Borneo, and the
Moluccas. The expense is to be borne by the royal exchequer, so far
as shall be necessary, although the plan of rewarding the conquerors
from the conquered territory is to be followed. The Indians are to have
the right of paying their tributes in any goods at their own option,
to avoid extortion. The religious must not go to China or elsewhere,
but must do the work among the Indians for which they were sent to the
islands. The Chinese suffer oppression and extortion from the customs
officers; this must be corrected. Encomenderos and citizens are not
to leave the islands without permission, on pain of confiscation of
encomiendas. Trade between the islands and China is not to be given up,
in spite of objections made by the Portuguese. Effort shall be made to
teach the Castilian language to the Indians. The governor must maintain
cordial relations with the new Audiencia and with the ecclesiastics.

Luis Perez Dasmarinas prays the king (June 30, 1596) for permission
to lade a small vessel for Peru, that he may make enough to pay
off his debts. An answer is deferred until after the residencia
in his case and his father's be taken. Morga writes to Felipe II
(July 6, 1596) a general report. The country in general is at peace,
and fears from Japan have been removed by the calming influence
of the Franciscans there. Figueroa has been killed in Mindanao,
leaving an estate sufficient to carry on the expedition, and infant
heirs to his prospective rewards. The expedition to Camboja has
gone--the tone of Morga's report evidently disapproving this;
and an expedition to China has been forced to return. There has
been uneasiness as to the presence of so many Chinese, and many
have been sent out of the country. The lines of Manila have been
newly drawn, making it easier of defense. Financial affairs require
complete reform. The officials of the treasury are under suspension,
pending investigation; and the revenue has been wasted for needless
salaries and sinecures. The soldiery devote themselves to trade,
losing their military efficiency and interfering with the business
of the citizens. The city of Manila is well provided with funds,
and the fiscal arrangements are just. Internal affairs are in a bad
way, because of the facility and youth of Luis Perez Dasmarinas, and
the lack of a regularly-appointed governor. Morga complains of the
meddlesomeness of ecclesiastics. He prays for the reestablishment
of the Audiencia; and reports that the country is all pacified,
needing now mainly religious. He praises the plan of educating the
sons of the natives at the Jesuit college. He reports the arrival
of vessels from the unsuccessful exploring expedition of Mendana
to the islands of the South Pacific. In conclusion, he prays that,
in consideration of his poor health and the death of his children,
he may be permitted to return to Spain.

Tello writes to Felipe II (July 17, 1596) a letter upon his arrival. He
is pleased with Manila, although many public requirements are not
attended to. The Chinese near the city require watching. The archbishop
has remained in Mexico. Trade has fallen off; and soldiers should
be sent yearly to make up for deaths and losses. He recommends the
continuation of the Mindanao pacification at the expense of the
heirs of Figueroa. In a postscript he reports bad news from the
Camboja expedition.

The pacification of Mindanao (begun by Figueroa) is continued by
Juan de Ronquillo. He sends a report (May 10, 1597) of the campaign
to Governor Tello. After a fierce contest with the natives, in which
neither side gains the victory, a treaty of peace is negotiated. Great
distress ensues for lack of food, among both Spaniards and Indians;
and aid from Manila is asked. Mindanao is a poor country, and will be
of very little use to Spain. Ronquillo urges that supplies of troops,
ammunition, and provision be sent from Manila, for the Mindanaos will
certainly rebel as soon as tribute is exacted from them; and it is
best to complete their conquest promptly. The missions in this island
have been assigned to the Jesuits; but only one priest is now there,
and more are needed at once. The encomenderos to whom Mindanao has been
assigned ought to aid in its subjugation, and should be sent at once
with troops to the island. A brief outline of the campaign is added,
unsigned and undated.

A memorial by Hernando de los Rios (June 27, 1597) to the king
of Spain urges the importance of conquering surrounding countries,
notably the island of Formosa. He describes certain routes, more direct
than those hitherto followed, between Spain and the Philippines, and
also complains of the number of Chinese who infest Manila. Luis Perez
Dasmarinas urges on Felipe II (June 28, 1597) the evils resulting from
the presence in the islands of so many heathen Chinese, with their
vices, cunning, and danger to the state. "Except for self-interest,
we are mutually contrary and hateful." He recommends a number of
severe measures limiting their activity, and placing obstacles in the
way of their employment; and adds various notes recommending specific
regulations for them.


_The Editors_
November, 1903.






Documents of 1593


The second embassy to Japan. G. P. Dasmarinas, and others;
April-May.
Two letters to Felipe II. G. P. Dasmarinas; June 20.
Memorandum of troops required in the Philippines. [1593?]
Letter to the king of Camboja. G. P. Dasmarinas; September 27.


_Sources_: These translations are all obtained from MSS. in the
Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla.

_Translations_: Part of the first document is translated by Consuelo
A. Davidson; the rest of this, and the remaining documents in this
group, by James A. Robertson.



The Second Embassy to Japan


[_Statement by Faranda_]

My lord the emperor Conbacondo [1] sends me as his ambassador to your
Excellency, as the representative of King Philippe, to ask that we
maintain hereafter the peaceful relations required by the close bond of
true friendship and fraternity, for which reason I, in the name of my
lord the emperor Conbacondo and as his ambassador, ask his Majesty King
Philippe and your Excellency to accept and receive that friendship,
as my lord the emperor desires. The letter brought by Gaspar, my
vassal, was in order to ascertain whether your Excellency and the
other Spaniards were friends or foes, and not, as had been imagined or
understood here, that you should become vassals of my lord the emperor,
and render him obedience and submission. Having learned the truth,
my lord the emperor sent this embassy, ordering me to put on the
garment which I am wearing, which means friendship and fraternity;
for if we had come for war, as was thought, my garments would have
been different, and I would have come in a different manner. It would
have greatly pleased me if it had been possible for father Fray Juan
Cobos to come, to present the sword which, as a token of friendship and
true brotherhood was given to him to be presented to your Excellency;
and to describe the kind reception accorded to him there and the love
shown to him, so that I might have been more cordially received by
your Excellency. Your Excellency, not being acquainted with the many
things said in this city concerning my visit, is very kind to receive
me in this manner, not knowing even who I am, which could have been
explained by father Fray Juan Cobos if he had come.

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