Part 15

q esta dho y asi fue muy satisfho y rregalado de su senoria y se boluio y el gouer_or_ siguio su viaje endemahda del puerto con buen biento galerno y Como desde la pobl_on_ nos Vieron y no auia llegado la espia començaron a poner fuego a los Casas el q_l_ llegado fue pte p_a_ q no pasase adel_te_ ynçendio porque entendiero de la espia como ybamos de paz y asise aseguraron y dispusieron a benir nos a Reçiuir al Camino los prinçipales rraxa El viejo y aljandora y el maguno marlanauay y sale laxa que son los mas prinçipales desta trra el Raxa soliman por temor delo q hizo el año pasado no Vino en Conp_a_ destos y entendiende el gouernador q poreste temor no Venia ebiole conestos prinçipales seguro debaxo del qual Vino el dia sigui_e_ sienpre mostraua temor dio disCulpa delo pasado façil y discreta y en suma dixo estas Razones no tube Culpa enlo q se hizo[?] porque ya saues que en esta trra no ay rrey ni Caueca sola sino q Cada vno tiene su parecer y opinion y asisiguen lo q mas gusto les dá Vbo alg_o_s q pudieron mas q yo pues sin licencia mía rronpieron la paz y amistad y hizieronme Caer en falta y si esto no fuera asi y por mi pte y Consejo se hiziera mereçía Pena y si fuera Rey desta trra como soy solo s_r_. demihazienda nose quebrara la palabro que di p_o_ Como dependio de muchos yo no pudemas se oy adel_te_ e lo que ami tocare por mi ps_a_ sugetos y amigos p_o_Curare de q sea cierta la paz y amistad q se asento aviendo entendido el gouer_or_. el Razonami_to_ conçediole perdon general por lo pasado con Cargo que enlo presente y futuro Cumpliese lo que prometia y haziendolo asi en n_e_. de su mag_d_. sele hazia toda mrcd con estos Razones y otras y muchos rregalos fueron este Raja y todos los demas muy cont_o_s de auer asen_do_. las pazes y el Campo se alojo trra y abemos hecho Cosa lo mejor q se pudo y Cada diase Van haziendo.

El dia de Pascoa de Spiritusanto Vinieron a la Costa desta poblaçcion çiertos moros de la Comarca della con n_s_. de To[?] y tantos naujos y ebiaron a dezir al gouer_or_. q_e_ Venian a pelear con su gente rrespondioles q_e_ mirasen bien lo q_e_ dezian porque el no queria mandarlos matar ni hazer daño sino todo buen aCogimiento y Veçindad p_a_ q_e_ Con liuertad pudiesen hazer suscontrataçiones y otros muchos Razones p_o_mesas rregaladas y exortaçiones Xptianas y no basto antes se ensoberbesieron mas pertinazm_te_. Visto esto m_do_ el gouer_or_. que elmr_e_. de Campo min. de goyti fuese a ellos el qual lo hizo con mucha presteza lleuando Consigo la gente que le pareçio lo qual ebarco en al_o_s de los naujos que auia [?] aComodados'y dexo[?] orden que le siguiesen los soldados que dexo señalados y llego al sitio que se senaloe Vnos esteros de mar p_a_ darse la batalla naual como se hizo y desbarato y rrindio a todos los enemigos con muy poco daño delos Espanoles con ser los Contrarios mucha gente de guerra y traer artilleria Visto q_e_ por tan pocos Xptianos fueran Rendidos se admiraron y puro temor en toda la trra p_a_ que los naturales temen en mucha figura esta gente y Con este buen subceso estubo alg_o_s dias quieto este Campo.

Despues desto se trato con ynstancia paz con los naturales desta trra por buenos medios afixando la q_e_ se auia tratado con los primeros y alg_o_s q_e_ no auian sido en ella dezian q_e_ no querian paz ni amistad Con el gouer_or_. ni Con su gente ni verlos ni oyrlos porque no se les seguia prouecho y por esto vbo demandas y rrespuestas y vista su pertinaçia fue neces_o_ ebiarles a hallanar y asi se hizo en diferentes p_tes_ especial a vna prouj_n_ q_e_ tiene mucha gente nonbrada panpagan comarcana a esta çiudad de manila y a todos seles hazian rrequerimientos y amonestaçiones q_e_ viniesen a obidiencia de su mag_d_. y alos que nolo quisieron hazer fue neces_o_ pelear p_a_ rrendirlos y asi se Hizo sin daño notable.

est_Do_ en este est_do_ las Cosas desta trra tubo el gouer_or_. rueba dela llegada delos dos naujos Santiago y San Ju_n_ q_e_ dio tanto Cont_o_ como se puede eCarecer y avnque llegaran muy travajados se rrepararon lo mejor q_e_ ser pudo p_a_ q_e_ hiziesen ttorna viaje a esa nueua spaña y el mismo Cont_o_ se Reçiuio con el auer llegado d_n_ p_o_ deluna conel nauio SpirituSanto y asi se despacharon delos tres los dos El año pasado y pasales tarde hallaron en la mar tpos contr_o_s y les fue forçado a Ribar y asi saldran aora med_te_. nro Senor a prinçipio del mes de Julio deste año de 1573.

a los 20. de ag_o_ del ano pasado de 1572. fue nro Señor seruido de llevar p_a_ si al gouernador miguel lopez de legaspi murio rrepentinam_te_. aviendosse aquel dia leuantado sano en su scriptorio se hallo Vna prouj_on_. de su mag_d_. librada por esa rreal avd_a_. en el tiempo q_e_ tubo en si el gouierno por muerte del vissorrey d_n_ luis de vel_co_ e la q_e_ senalaron subcesores del Cargo de miguel lopez y al que Pertineçio de presente fue al thes_o_. guido delabasaris y asi se le entrega el gouierno por el mr_e_. de Campo y offiçiales de su mag_d_. y por el cavildo dela çiudad y otros offiçiales y todo està paçifico y e seruiçio de su mag_d_

De Presente Residimos en esta çiudad de manila e la ysla de Luzon que es lo mejor destos distritos el gouer_or_. pasado y el presente Repartieron la trra y moradores della q_e_ estan paçificos y asise yra rrepartiendo lo q_e_ se paçificare ase hecho tasaçion delo q_e_ Cada tributa_o_ a se dar e Vn año que es vna manta de algodon de q_e_ ay mucha abundançia en esta ysla de diez varas de largo y dos de ancho es rropa de que vsan los naturales p_a_ bestirse delgada asi mismo an de dar dosa_s_. de arroz y vna gallina entiendese lo daran sin pesadunbre porla mucha abundançia q_e_ de todo tienen ay mucha jente, asi se entiende seran alg_o_s muy principales Repartimientos de mucha Renta.

en esta ysla ay muchas minas de oro y pte dellas sean Visto por espanoles y dizen que las labran los naturales como en la nueua spaña, las minas de plata y el metal lleua su veta seguida como la plata an hecho dello ensayes y aCude atanta rriqueza q_e_ no lo scriuo porq_e_ no entiendan que me a largo el tpo descubrira la verdad.

deste oro Vsan Los naturales y lo mezclan con metal de Cobre tan sutil m_te_. que enganaran alos diestros artifices despaña.

Anse desCubierto enesta trra muchos grangeros y asi se entiende los abra y la mejor contr_on_ q_e_ auido ni sea desCubierto en todas las yndias.

De Vn año a esta pte, binieron al puerto desta çiudad tres naujos dela china y a las yslas comarcanas otros 5. y los que aqui llegaron traxeron mr_ca_s. delos q_e_ vsan entre ellos como lo suelen hazer de ord_o_. ay poco Camino desde esta ysla ala trrafirme tardose en nauegar Como 8. dias.

Como estos naujos llegaran a la Vista del puerto desde la mar ebiaron a pedir seguro el gouer_or_. se lo dio y se les hizo muy buen tratami_to_. traxeron alg_o_s menudencias avnque poca Cantidad porque los naturales con quien principalm_te_. bienen a Contratar lo q_e_ comunm_te_. Vsan y p_a_ ellos se trae son tinajas grandes y boca basta hierro Cobre estaño y otras cosas a su modo y p_a_ los prinçipales alg_o_s pieças de seda y porçelanas finas y esto no delo muy Curioso p_a_ espanoles traxeron alguna loçafina y otras Cosas lo q_l_ Vendieron muy bien porque alos que aqui estamos nos sobra dineros y a los chinos les falta q Vender fueron tan engolosinados q_e_ cierto bolberan de aqui a 6. o 7. meses y traeran Cosas muy Curiosas y e mucha abundançia.

traxeron muestra de muchos generos de Cosas q_e_ ay e su trra p_a_ entender el precio en que los podran vender como es azogue, polbora pimienta Canela fina clauo acucar hierro Cobre estaño laton sedas texidos de muchos suertes y en madexas rrexalgar alCanfor loça de diferentes suertes rrica naranjas dulçes y otros mill generos y menud_a_s q_e_ no traen mas los flamencos asi mismo traxeron ymagenes de crusificos y sellos muy Curiosos en que se asentar a nro modo la Causa desta Venida demas dela ord_a_ que ellos tienen fue alg_o_s chinos q_e_ an estado entre nosotros y eran esclauos y se les dio liuertad y pasaje p_a_ su trra los q_a_les dieron notiçia, desta poblaçion ala qual podian venir con seguridad y Contratar con liuertad y Paz a entender esto vinieron Con los naujos y Cosas ya rreferidos.

ase entendido que esta gente son muy delicados e su contrat_on_. traxe y Costumbres y Cada dia se entendera mas porque ay alg_o_s V_o_s desto poblaçion q_e_ son naturales dela china de quien se etiende ques trra muy rrica y poblada y que el rrey tiene muy buena orden de guerra y sus fronteros muy fortificados con muchos fuerças y artilleria y gente, de guarniçion y Cuidado enellos dizen que desde la çiudad de Canton ques Vna delas mas fuertes poblaçiones dela maritima de trrafirme ay distançia de Camino de Vn año p_a_ llegar a paquin ques donde esta el Rey esto se entiende por trra costa a Costa y enel Cami_o_ ay muchas poblaçiones de Ciudades muy populosas pero si su mag_d_. fuese seruido se podria allanar y Conquistar con menos de 60 españoles buena gente.

Otros menudençias auia de q_e_dar Razon de Xolo se hazer porque se entenderan delo que van en estos naujos lo mas esençial delas Cosas desta trra es lo q_e_ tengo rreferido el dia de oy a Cont_o_ enella porlo mucho q_e_ promete la rr queza y contrataçiones todo sea p_a_ servir a nro s_r_.

Rel_on_ délo q traen los dos nauios q Vinieron delas yslas del poni_te_ y otros Cosas q_e_ á esto toca q_e_ se ponen p_a_ q_e_ mejor se entienda la Calidad de aquellos prouj_a_s.

448. marcos de oro de diferentes quilates.

712 p_a_s de todas suertes desedas.

312 q_e_s de canela.

22U300 p_a_s de loça fina dorada y de otras suertes.

11U300 m_a_s de algodón q_e_ cada vna vale a 2 p_a_s de oro Comun y mas.

930 a_s_ de çera q_e_ Cada a_a_ vale 15 p_o_s de oro Comun.

334 a_s_ de hilo de algodon q_e_ Cada a_a_ vale a 17. y 20 p_o_s del dho oro.

otras muchas Cosas de menudençias traen q_e_ no sea valian por no entenderselos preçios dellos.

en otro nauio q esta a la Carga, y se espera Cada dia se etiende

Vendra mucha Cantidad de todos las Cosas q_e_ estos dos naujos traxeron.

Para sus mag_d_s. En Particular ebian deaquellos prouj_a_s. muchos joyas y Coronas de oro sedas porcelana y tinajas rricas y otras Cosas muy Primas q_e_ los Prinçipales ebian en reConoçimi_o_ de su vasallaje y por premiçias deaquella trra de Presento se alistan dos naujos en que Yran 200 Soldados de socorro enel entre tanto q_e_ se adreçan mas naujos en que se entiende yra gran Cantidad de gente, segun a sonado esta bu_a_ nueua la q_l_ se ebia a su mag_d_. por dos duplicados en diferentes naujos q_e_ nra senor lleue ensaluo, de mex_o_ xj de henero 1574. a_o_s

[_Endorsed at beginning_: "Rel_on_ De Las nueuas quescriuen delas yslas del poni_te_ herDo rrequel scriu_o_ degouernaçion dellas y otros Cuyos Cartas binieron e Vno de dos nauios que partieron del puerto de manila a primero del mes de Julio de 1573. a_o_s y surgio enel puerto de Acapulco desta nueua spaña, a 15. de nouj_e_. del dho ano."]

[_Endorsed at end_: "Nuebas Delas yslas phelipp_a_s." _In another hand_: "anos 1573 y 1574 Noticias de las Yslas del poniente hoy Filipinas y de la china escritas por Hernando Requel Secretario de la Gobernacion de ellas, y otros en el año de 1573. enviadas desde Mexico el año 1574. adonde las dirigio."]

News from the Western Islands by Hernando Riquel and Others

I have always given advices of affairs hereabout, and therefore do so at the present, referring to some things which have happened since I last wrote--a letter sent by the last ships which arrived in that kingdom in the year 1570. I will mention the most notable events, leaving other and unimportant matters for other writers who may be less occupied than I; and I refer you to the captains, passengers, and other persons who go in these ships.

On the seventeenth of November of the year 1570, the governor Miguel Lopez de Legaspi left the river of Panai for Cubie. [80] According to the orders given him by his Majesty, he established a town of fifty inhabitants, to whom he allotted repartimientos of Indians, [81] with the approbation of the provincial, Fray Martin de Herrada, and of the master-of-camp and the captains.

After establishing this town [82] he returned to Panae, where, after his arrival, he remained until he prepared for the expedition to Manila--a city in the island of Luzon, and at present the principal settlement and camp of his Majesty. He set out on the sixteenth of April of the year one thousand five hundred and seventy-one, on Easter Monday. They embarked on the galley called "La Leona de España," completed in that season. On the way, they were detained thirty-two days before arriving at the said town of Manila. Before arriving there, and at about four leagues' distance, there came a spy sent by the chiefs to ascertain the purpose of the Spaniards in going thither. He was told by the governor that his purpose was one wholly of peace and friendship; and that, in order to confer about this more conveniently, and further to please the chiefs and natives, he was coming in person. The spy appeared greatly pleased at this, and then it was explained how the governor happened to go there, as has been said. He was well satisfied thereat, and, having received some presents from his Lordship, he returned to his people. The governor continued his voyage toward the port, with a mild and favoring wind. As the spy had not yet returned, the people of the town, as soon as they perceived us, commenced to set the houses on fire. As soon as the spy came, he made them put out the fire, explaining that our purpose was peaceful. They were thus reassured, and the chiefs--the aged Rraxa [Raja], Aljandora, Maguno, Marlanavay, and Salelaxa, the principal men of that land--prepared to come to receive us on the way. Raxa Soliman, through fear on account of what he did last year, did not accompany the others. When the governor learned that he did not come because of fear, he sent him by these chiefs assurance of safety. On the following day he came, but displayed continual fear. He excused himself for the past with fluency and adroitness; and, according to the reasons which he gave, there was no guilt in his actions. "As you already know, there is no king and no sole authority in this land; but everyone holds his own view and opinion, and does as he prefers. There were some persons more powerful than I, for, without license from me, they violated the peace and friendship, thus obliging me to be guilty of a lapse of duty. But if it had not been done in this wise, and they had done it with my approbation and advice, I would merit punishment. If I were king of this land, instead of being only the master of my own estate, the word I had given would not have been broken. But as this depended on the many, I could not, nor can I henceforth, do more than personally endeavor that my subjects and friends keep the peace and friendship that was established." When the governor understood the cause, he granted general pardon for the past, charging that now and in the future the promises made must be fulfilled. Therefore, in the name of his Majesty, he granted full grace. Because of these and other reasons, and by means of many presents, this Raja and all the other chiefs were satisfied, and peace was well established. A camp was formed in the land, and we have established a settlement, as well as we could; and every day more is being accomplished.

On the day of Pentecost there came to the shore of this settlement certain Moros of the region hereabout, some seventy in number, and with as many boats; they sent word to the governor that they came to fight with his troops. He replied that they must consider well what they were doing, as he was not willing to command that they be killed, or to inflict any harm upon them. On the contrary, he offered asylum and right of residence, that they might freely carry on their traffic. Many other arguments, promises, and presents were given them, and Christian exhortations made; but to no effect, for they stubbornly grew more boisterous. At this, the governor commanded that the master-of-camp, Martin de Goyti, should attack them. This the latter did with exceeding promptness, taking with him such troops as he chose. They embarked on several of the ships which had been made ready, leaving orders that the soldiers whom he had designated should follow him. They proceeded to a place marked by certain estuaries, to engage the enemy in naval battle. This was done, and the enemy were completely defeated; and they surrendered after inflicting but little injury upon the Spaniards, notwithstanding the great force of the enemy, and their many pieces of artillery. When they saw that they were conquered by so few Christians, they were astonished; and fear was inspired in all the natives of the country, who hold the Moros in high estimation. By this success, the country remained quiet for some time.

After this earnest efforts were made to come to friendly terms with the natives, and they were told of the treatment which had been accorded to the first ones. Several of those who had not been in this group declared that they desired no peace or friendship with the governor, or with his people; nor did they wish even to see or hear them, as no profit resulted to them thereby. On this account arguments were given pro and con; and in view of their obstinacy it was necessary to undertake to subdue them. This was done in many places, especially in a well-populated province named Panpagan [Pampanga], near this city of Manila. Demands and admonitions were given to all that they should render obedience to his Majesty. Those who refused to do so, it was necessary to fight and subdue, which was accomplished without much damage.

When the affairs of this country were in this condition, the governor heard of the arrival of two ships, the "Santiago" and the "San Juan." This caused universal satisfaction; and although the ships arrived in a bad condition, they were repaired as well as they could be, in order to make the return voyage to that Nueva Spaña. The same pleasure was experienced at the coming of Don Pedro de Luna [83] in the ship "Spiritu Santo." Of the three ships, two were despatched last year; but on account of their late departure they experienced stormy weather on the sea, and were compelled to put into port again. Accordingly, God willing, they will sail at the beginning of the month of July of this year, 1573.

On the twentieth of August of the past year, 1572, our Lord was pleased to call to Himself the governor, Miguel Lopez de Legaspi. He died suddenly, having that day arisen in good health. In his cabinet a provision of his Majesty was found, issued by that royal Audiencia during his administration, on account of the death of the viceroy, Don Luis de Velasco. Therein were designated the successors of Miguel Lopez; and the office at this time fell to the treasurer, Guido de Labasaris. The authority was therefore delivered to him by the master-of-camp, his Majesty's officers, the cabildo of the city, and other officials. Everything is at peace and at his Majesty's service.

At present we reside in this city of Manila, in this island of Luzon, which is the most important of these districts. Both the former and the present governor apportioned the land, and the inhabitants thereof who were pacified. Thus as the land is subdued, it will be divided. Taxation is imposed in such a manner that every tributario must pay annually a piece of cotton cloth, which is very abundant in these islands. It must be ten [?] varas [84] in length and two varas wide. It is a thin cloth used by the natives for their clothing. Moreover, there must also be given two arrobas of rice, and one hen. It must be understood that this can be levied without difficulty, as there is an abundance thereof, and everyone possesses these articles. There are many people, so it is evident that there will be some very important repartimientos, yielding good profit.

In this island, there are many gold mines, some of which have been inspected by the Spaniards, who say that the natives work them as is done in Nueva Spaña with the mines of silver; and, as in those mines, the vein of ore here is continuous. Assays have been made, yielding so great wealth, that I shall not endeavor to describe them, lest I be suspected of lying. [85] Time will prove the truth.

The natives use this gold and mix it with copper, so cleverly as to deceive the best artisans of España.

Many traders have been encountered in this land; so, it is plain, the country will have them and the best trade which has been or may be discovered in all the Yndias.

A year ago there came to the port of this city three ships from China, and to the neighboring islands five more. Those which came here brought merchandise such as is used among the Chinese, and such as they bring here ordinarily. The distance from this island to the mainland is not great, the voyage lasting about eight days.

When those ships came in sight of the port, they sent from the sea to ask for assurance of safety. The governor granted it, and they were treated very well. They brought some trifles, although but a small quantity, as the natives, with whom they come principally to trade, commonly use, and for them are brought only large earthern jars, common crockery, iron, copper, tin, and other things of that kind. For the chiefs, they brought a few pieces of silks and fine porcelain; but these goods are not especially out of the common. For the Spaniards they brought some fine ware and other articles, which they readily sold, since we who are here have plenty of money, and the Chinese need it. They are so delighted that they will surely return in six or seven months, and will bring a great abundance of many very rare articles.