Part 8
At this time, Don Fernando de Silva, who came as sargento-mayor of the present governor, [26] has always given proofs of so great [ability as] a captain that he was sent as commander of two hundred Spaniards who went to aid the city of Macam, which the Portuguese have in China. A Dutch fleet arrived at the city of Macam on this occasion and besieged it, landing four hundred men. But the inhabitants of Macam issued forth in their orderly array and concert, and attacked the Dutch so courageously that they destroyed all the four hundred in their camp. Then the Portuguese, ascertaining that the Dutch were gathering force once more to avenge that injury, begged for aid from the governor of Manila. On that so honorable occasion Captain Don Fernando de Silva went out with his two hundred chosen Spaniards. There were very welcome to the Portuguese, and he was always highly esteemed by them because of his gracious manner. The Portuguese delivered to him a ship laden with merchandise, the profits to be shared by all. He took it to the kingdom of Siam and ascended the river for thirty leguas, unladed his goods, and disposed of them as well as possible, for they were injured by the water. The Japanese, many of whom live there, tried, in their greed, to attack the Spaniards; but Don Fernando de Silva understood them, and resisted them with his infantry. The Dutch, who have their factory there, notified others near there to come to their aid, in order to attack the ship with its three hundred persons, which is supplied with arms and force sufficiently abundant for its defense. Some evil outcome is feared, for the ship cannot leave the bar without unlading its goods.
The persecution in Japon is even more bloody, for they returned his present to the ambassador from Macan, and ordered him to return home. A governor was sent down with orders to kill the Christians and the captive religious whom he should find. In short, the order has gone forth to suppress trade with Macan and Filipinas, and that no ships be received from, or leave Japon for, these regions.
It has been learned by way of Macan that the Chinese seized from the Dutch their almiranta.
With the severe persecution of Japon, we are advised that four hundred Catholics have been slain for the faith. While two cavaliers were present at the martyrdom _irruit spiritus Domini_, [27] and they went forth in public, crying out: "Surely this is a good faith that teaches so lofty things. Salvation cometh only by it, as is proven by so many dying in order not to abandon it." Thus crying out and acting, they went running into the fire, where they were burned, leaving the bystanders amazed, and all the world marveling at so wonderful an example.
It is rumored that beyond doubt the emperor of Japon will order Nangazaqui to be razed, and all the Europeans driven out and exiled--commanding that they depart with their children and wives; but that, if the wives are Japanese, they as well as their daughters must be given up, and the sons be taken away.
_Laus Deo_
Printed with permission of Don Luys Remirez de Arellano, deputy-mayor of Sevilla.
Printed in Sevilla by Juan de Cabrera, opposite the post-office. The year 1626.
DOCUMENTS OF 1627
Importance of the Philippines. Martin Castaño; [undated; 1627?]. Relation of 1626. [Unsigned and undated; _ca._ 1627]. Letter to Tavora. Felipe IV; September 3. Laws regarding the Sangleys. [From _Recopilacion de leyes de las Indias_]; 1594-1627. Decrees regarding the religious. Felipe IV; May-November. Decrees regarding the Chinese. Felipe IV; September 10 and November 19. Inadvisability of a Spanish post on the island of Formosa. Juan Cevicos; December 20.
_Sources_: The first, fifth, and seventh of these documents are obtained from MSS. in the Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla; the second, from the Ventura del Arco MSS. (Ayer library), vol. i, pp. 523-545; the third and sixth, from the Archivo Historico Nacional, Madrid; the fourth, from _Recopilación de leyes de las Indias,_ lib. vi, tit. xviii.
_Translations_: These are all made by James A. Robertson, except the third, by Arthur B. Myrick.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PHILIPPINES
Sire:
I, Martin Castaño, procurator-general of the Filipinas, declare that--having examined and carefully considered, in the course of so long a period as I have spent here, the region of these islands, their great importance, and the little energy displayed in coming to their help while the enemies from Olanda are exerting themselves so strenuously to gain possession of them--I am convinced that such inaction can proceed only from a failure to estimate that country at its proper value, imagining it to be of less importance than it is, since it is regarded as being so far away [from España]. But those islands are the most important part of your Majesty's dominion; and from delay it results that the enemy is continually gaining, and your Majesty losing, while recovery becomes more difficult. If they should be lost, and the country given up to the natives, it would be, even if the Hollanders had not gone thither, a loss of the magnitude which will be made evident by this paper; but if your Majesty lose them, and your greatest enemy gain them, the loss will be beyond all exaggeration. Therefore, I have desired to advance four important considerations regarding those islands: namely, the extension of the faith, and the increase of your Majesty's dominion, glory, and riches. And in case of any doubt as to the truth of my assertions, I will prove them by trustworthy witnesses and authentic papers, to your entire satisfaction.
As to the increase of the faith, it is quite well known that no other gate in all the world has been opened through which so many souls may come into the knowledge of it as in the Filipinas; for they are situated amid so vast kingdoms, so densely inhabited, so ready to be christianized, as has been proved in China and Japon. And had not the Hollanders gained the friendship of the Japanese, the greater part of that kingdom would have been converted, as things were going; for at Nangasaqui, the port of entry for those going from the Filipinas, there were so many Christians that they formed processions for the discipline during Holy Week, just as in España. But since the entrance of the Hollanders there, Christianity has been so rooted out that there is not one declared Christian, because of the severe punishments inflicted at the Dutch instigation. It is a great misfortune that these heretics have managed to gain the friendship of the emperor of Japon, by promising him Chinese silks--depending on those that they expect to steal from the Chinese and the citizens of Manila. It is a misfortune that at the same time your Majesty has not preserved your friendship with them, as we are in so much better a position to let them have silks in trade, which are the things that they want. This is of so great importance, that it would be advisable to send an embassy to the emperor, to inform him that those heretics are rebellious vassals of your Majesty; and that it is not right that any king should receive those who have revolted from your obedience. For the Hollanders provide themselves with all necessary munitions of war and food supplies there, as that kingdom is so well furnished with everything; while your Majesty's vassals are in want of those things, although they are so near at hand. One other very great loss is suffered, namely, that, since the Hollanders live in Japon as if in their own land, well supplied with all necessities, and so near Manila, they enter the bay of that city with much greater facility, and carry away as plunder all the merchandise from China and other countries. They remain there most of the year, because they have a safer retreat, when the weather compels them to retire. Returning to the increase of the faith, besides that it was extending itself in the neighboring kingdoms, years ago I was informed, by the religious who instructed those fields of Christendom, of the number of Christians that were vassals of your Majesty, reckoned by congregations; and the number exceeded six hundred thousand. Consider, then, your Majesty, what should be done to preserve and cultivate that new plant, and not allow it to be lost, and heresy to be substituted for it.
As to the increase of your Majesty's dominion, there is no doubt that while you are master and lord of the Filipinas, your crown encircles and embraces all the world; for today your kingdom stretches on the eastern side from Portuguese India to Malaca, and between the point of the mainland of Malaca and the island of Samatra is the strait of Sincapura by which one enters the South Sea and goes to the above-named places and the Filipinas, while on the western side the coasts of Piru and Nuevaespaña border on the South Sea, whence one goes likewise to the Filipinas. Thus it is proved that with those islands your Majesty's crown encircles and embraces the whole world--a greatness which furnishes a reason for great energy. Further, if the enemy succeeds in getting possession of the Filipinas, toward which end he is putting forth so great effort, not only will this richest fragment of your Majesty's crown be lost, but the enemy will make himself master of Portuguese India immediately; and then by way of the South Sea, he will disturb Piru and Nuevaespaña, so that they can be of no profit to your Majesty. And if the enemy perceives himself to be so powerful, he will even dare to undertake other great enterprises.
As to reputation, one word is sufficient. All the kings and nations of the world are watching to see who comes out ahead in this undertaking--your Majesty or the rebels of Olanda.
As to wealth, to see the efforts that the Hollanders are making for it, having experienced it--for nothing but wealth comes to them--might well answer as sufficient proof. But yet I notify your Majesty of three extremely great sources of wealth in the Filipinas: first, the wonderfully rich gold mines, of which I have given accounts separately, so that I shall not repeat them now; second, the cloves of the Malucos, which amount to three and one-half millions per year. Of this likewise I have given detailed reports. It is the sole inducement of the Hollanders to go there, and therefore they have exerted great care and effort to gain possession, as they have done, of the islands where it is grown, so that they enjoy nearly all of it. The third is the trade from China to Japon, and from Japon to China, in which--as those two kingdoms bear so mortal a hatred to one another that under no considerations can they trade with one another, and China has so much silk that is wanted in Japon, and Japon so much silver, so desired by the Chinese-the inhabitants of the Filipinas, which lie between both kingdoms, traffic in these articles with very great profit. The Hollanders desire that traffic exceedingly; and, as they have acquired the trade of Japon, so they will be able to acquire that of China, although the Chinese are hostile to them, because of the robberies that the Hollanders have committed on them. But, for this very reason it might even be feared that, seeing the Hollanders so powerful and superior on the sea, and that they steal their property from them, without leaving them any for their own trading, and your Majesty's forces are so weak that they cannot defend them, they will abandon us and become friendly with the Hollanders, just as those who were formerly your Majesty's vassals are doing. For all those barbarous nations, inasmuch as neither religion, kinship, nor friendship binds them, are ever on the lookout to make friends with him who is most powerful. Admitting all the foregoing, I beseech your Majesty not to permit further delay in coming to the aid of this so important matter; for the enemy is so needfully profiting by the time that is being lost here.
[_Endorsed in writing_: "In regard to the importance of the Filipinas."]
RELATION OF 1626
_Relation of the condition of the Filipinas Islands and other regions surrounding, in the year 1626._
Although I have been interrupted for several years in doing this, because of occupations that have allowed me no time for it, and have neglected to give advice of the condition of these islands, at present I have not, although my occupations are not fewer than in the past, attempted to shirk my duty in reporting what has happened this year in these regions, but briefly and concisely.
Commencing with the Malucas Islands, they are at present in the best condition that they have experienced, from our standpoint; for the Dutch enemy are spent, inasmuch as no succor has been sent to them from Holanda for many years--it appearing that the wars which they have had there must have hindered them. Consequently, it has been recognized that, when the war ceases, their ships will come here in multitudes; and we shall enjoy war, and Flandes peace. The king of Tidore, who was very aged, and was always our friend, died this year. One of his sons took his place, and continues the same friendship [with us]. The Ternatans, who have always been friends of the Dutch and very hostile to us, made peace with us. That has had a very good result for us, for we receive more damage from them than from the Dutch themselves. There have been in this city since the time when the strongholds of the Malucas were taken--which was twenty years ago, during the term of Governor Don Pedro de Acuña--certain cachils, who are chiefs among them, and the same king of Ternate, a great Moro. The governor sent one of the cachils to Maluco to talk and confer with his people, especially with Cachil Leali. The latter had, as it were, usurped the kingdom of Ternate--and, as we understand, prevented his fellow-countrymen from receiving the king whom we hold captive here, even if he should return--and continued the war against us. The matter turned out well, and now the said cachil who went from here is returning, in the capacity of ambassador of his people, petitioning that their king be sent to them, whom they promise to receive as such, and to make and unmake for us. I do not know what Governor Don Juan Niño de Tabora will do. What I know is, that the Dutch do not like any of these agreements and friendships that we are making with the Ternatans; but since they are at present fallen, and can do no more, they endure it patiently.
The Dutch have no fleets in the Malucas, while there are scarcely two hundred men in their forts in their islands of Terrenate, Machien, and Motiel (five or six in number); and many of these are so discontented, because of the hardships and misery which they suffer, that some six or eight have come to our camp this year, and many more would have come if there were a place for them, or if opportunity for it had offered. That was a fine opportunity to attack them with our fleet, which was already prepared in the port of Cavite. It is not certainly known where it is going, but we suspect that it is going to attack the fort of the Dutch in the island of Hermosa. It is also thought that the following year will not pass without the fleet attacking them. If the wars in Flandes continue, and help does not come to the Dutch, we may hope for a very fine outcome.
The Camucones (who are certain robbers who infest these seas, pillaging, and are, moreover, a vile people, to whom we have paid but little attention) came with their fleet of small vessels in the past year of 1625, and at dawn one morning in October attacked a village, where the archbishop of Manila was visiting the cura. He as well as his followers had great trouble in escaping, all without clothes or nearly so. They captured all his wardrobe and his pontifical robes, among which he had some very rich garments.
The enemy then attacked a boat in which there was a father of our Society, who was returning to his house and residence, which is located on the island of Marinduque, after having preached at some missions of Franciscan friars who had invited him for that purpose. They spied the enemy suddenly, in a place where it was impossible to escape, and it was necessary for them to fight. Father Juan de las Missas (such was the name of the father) commenced to encourage the Indians with a crucifix to make them fight. But it happened that a shot from a verso, fired by the enemy at the first encounter, struck the father. The enemy immediately entered the boat even while the father was yet alive and took his skull from his head to use as a drinking cup--a thing which they are accustomed to do to Spaniards, without granting life to anyone. After that event, guided by a treacherous Chinese, they suddenly attacked the chief town of Samar, which is a very fine village called Catbalogan. They attacked at dawn, and the father rector and another father and a brother had no little trouble in escaping; they were scarcely able to remove the monstrance of the most holy sacrament, and to hide it in a thicket. The Indians also fled, as far as they were able. Some had not time to do so much, and were captured. Some were sick with smallpox, a kind of pestilence that was among the Indians at that time. They were unable to escape, whereupon the enemy arriving relieved them all of the smallpox by cutting off their heads. In short, they plundered as much as they could, especially the silver and ornaments of the church, which were many and excellent, our residence there being better supplied than our others.
When news was received of the damage inflicted by the enemy, two Spanish fleets went in pursuit of them--one from the island of Cebu, and the other from that of Panay. But such was our misfortune that they were unable to encounter the enemy by any means. Thus did the latter go away, laughing at the robberies that they had committed and greedy to make others.
Don Fernando de Silva, who was then governing, because Don Juan Niño had not yet arrived, despatched a small fleet this year to the lands of those enemies, to punish them. Their country lies near Borney, to whose king they are subject. But inasmuch as they have no fixed house or dwelling, as they generally live in their boats, today here and tomorrow there, nothing was done. Consequently, Don Juan Niño, upon his arrival, ordered our fleet prepared in the island of Oton, so that when that enemy came it might attack them. The enemy came, and our fleet sailed out; but half of the caracoas were wrecked in a storm. However, our fleet reforming pursued the enemy, but were unable to overtake them; for as their boats are light and have two prows, in order to escape they do not have to turn their boats about, but only to change the rowers and so return. At least, the result obtained was that the enemy did no damage this year in these islands, and did not capture anything.
The island of Mindanao, which is one of these Filipinas Islands, has rebelled against us; and its chief places have easily accepted the law of Mahoma, which was brought there from the Malucas by the Ternatans. They have done us no damage this year. On the contrary, we have done them considerable. Captain Beñitez has made some very successful raids in their country, and has killed many and captured others--who are made slaves, in accordance with the old-time usage of this country, on account of the damages which we have received from those enemies. Now the governor has offered to conquer that island, which is not a very difficult thing to do; but there is always so much attention to be paid to the Dutch, that he has as yet been unable to attend to this.
The Dutch enemy, together with the English, went to attack Macan during former years with seventeen ships. They landed many men on the shore, but the affair turned out so badly for them that they were forced, after many men had been killed, to retire and to raise the siege. But the Portuguese, fearing that the enemy would attempt another year what they had not been able to accomplish then, set about enclosing the city with an excellent wall (for it had none before), and sent Father Geronimo Rodriguez [28] to Manila for some good artillery, which Don Alonso Fajardo gave him. A master founder also went there to make many other pieces, which have been founded; and the city is placed in a very good state of defense. The Portuguese also asked for a good captain and some infantry for whatever occasion might arise. Don Alonso Fajardo gave them as many as one hundred infantrymen, with Don Fernando de Silva, sargento-mayor of the camp of Manila, and an excellent soldier. They stayed in Macan for some time, but the Portuguese, seeing that the Dutch enemy did not come, and that, even if they did come, the city was more than defended; and inasmuch as they did not get along very well with the Castilians, since there was considerable quarreling and strife between those of the two nations, tried to despatch them to Manila. They did so, in a vessel that carried more than five hundred thousand ducados in merchandise.
The Spanish encountered so grievous a storm on their voyage that they were forced to put in at Siam, where they unladed their ship; and, trying to get over the bar of a river in order to relade, they were wrecked. They bought in place of that ship two others, in order to go to Manila; but as the season was advanced, and they could not get away so quickly, they despatched a champan with some eight Spanish sailors. The latter took some of the merchandise, and came to Manila to give news of what had happened. At that time there was a Dutch patache established in the river of Siam, a very beautiful and large river. That vessel had also entered and traded in that kingdom. It was rumored among our men that that Dutch patache had captured the champan that our men were sending to Manila--although such a rumor was untrue, for the said champan arrived safely at Manila. But induced by that false report, Don Fernando de Silva, who was stationed some leguas up the river, having one day observed the Dutch patache attacked it at night with certain very small craft (I think they were two small boats or lanchas, for they had not bought larger vessels); and after fighting with the enemy, with the loss of only one Spaniard, captured the Dutch patache. It had more than twenty thousand pesos in silver and merchandise, and the Dutch aboard it were captured. Had the matter ended there, it would have been a fortunate result. The king of Siam was informed of it, and sent a message to Don Fernando de Silva saying that he should set the Dutch at liberty and give them back their ship and the property which he had taken or captured from them, since it was captured while the Dutch were in his kingdom, under his royal favor and protection. Don Fernando de Silva answered that he would not do so, and broke out in words that might well have been avoided toward the king. The latter quickly collected a numerous fleet of boats, and one day attacked our ships with Japanese (who form the guard of that kingdom) and many Siamese. Our men, fearing what would happen, were hurriedly embarking their merchandise, in order to come to Manila. Our men began to serve the artillery, but there were so many hostile boats that they covered the water. The Spanish craft ran aground in the confusion and danger, whereupon the Siamese (and chiefly the Japanese) entered the ships. Don Fernando de Silva, with sword and buckler in hand, sold his life dearly, and others did the same. But the enemy killed them except those who fled at the first stroke of the victory, who remained alive. I think some thirty were captured. The goods were pillaged, notwithstanding the fact that the king had ordered that good care be taken of them.