Chapter XVII: Book VIII (1)

All the Contents of the Letters, and other Papers, that came from the Molucco Islands to India and the Philippines, for the following Years, amount to nothing but Complaints, asking Relief, and giving Intelligence, not altogether below the Dignity of History, were we not come so near the last Period of it. Particularly there are Letters of the Commander of Tydore, Ruy Gonzalez de Sequeyra, to the Governor of the Philippine Islands, wherein he complains, [Complaints from Tydore, and other Advice.] That whereas he had sent 400 Men, Ships, and Warlike Stores to Camboxa, where his Majesty had nothing to Recover, he had furnish'd him with only twenty Soldiers. He represents to him many pressing Wants, without any Hopes of Relief from the Viceroy, by the way of Malaca; urging the scarcity of Provisions, Arms, and all other Necessaries. He informs him, That through his Means Cachil Mole had been sworn King of Tydore; and how faithful a Friend he approves himself to the Crown of Sian, and an Enemy to the Ternates, and that he is always sollicitous for recovering of that Fort. He desires him to send the King a Present of great Guns, and other Gifts, and to do the same by the King of Sian, who is a Christian, and our Friend. He acquaints him how frequently the English and Dutch Ships resort to those Seas, and that he had taken some of them.

The Success of a very great and rich Ship of Zealand, is most particularly Remarkable: This Vessel putting into Ternate, and Trading with that Wicked Faithless King, he consented that Ruy Gonzalez should contrive [Villany of the King of Ternate.] to cut her Cables, provided the Booty might be his: He agreed to it, exacting an Exorbitant price for the Villany. The Bargain made, and the Bribe receiv'd, they who had cut the Cables leap'd over-board, and immediately the King's Officers appear'd, who seiz'd all the Loading, the Ship being beaten to pieces, to no purpose. He assures him, That the Enterprize on Ternate might be effected with 400 Spaniards; and promises to send him a great piece of Amber, as an extraordinary Rarity, from the Isles of Mava, which are 60 Leagues from the Moluccos. He again gives Advice of Northern Galeons, and that one of them, in four Hours, had batter'd that Fort, shot into it 261 Bullets; one of which he sent him; and that they had beaten down a large Curtin of the Wall, which was then Repairing.

[English Infest the West-Indies.] In the mean while England infested the West-Indies; where the Towns and Ships suffer'd by their Invasions, Robberies, and Burnings. Only that Part, which was the District belonging to Don Pedro de Acunna, defended it self, through the Bravery of its Governor, and for the same Reason the Enemy had Regard to it. William Park, the English Admiral, appear'd upon the strong and garrison'd Coasts of America, in the Year 1601. They defended themselves well, yet he prevail'd in some Places. On the Coast of Cartagena he took one Julio, a Fisherman, whom he afterwards set at Liberty, that he might carry the following Letter, writ in broken Spanish to Don Pedro.

[A'miral Parke's Letter to Don Pedro.] Being inform'd by Fame, with how much Generosity and Kindness your Lordship entertains Strangers, especially those of my Nation, I would not forbear expressing the Gratitude due to your Lordship for that Magnificence, on my own Part, and returning Thanks, wishing you as long a Life, and as much Health, as to my self. I would not omit writing these few Lines to your Lordship, not only on the aforesaid Account, but to acquaint you with what has happen'd to me during this Expedition. It pleas'd God to make me Master of one of the Kings Ports, call'd Porto Belo, which I was possess'd of a whole Day and Part of the Night, where I found some Gentlemen, particularly Captain Melendez, and some other Soldiers of the Garrison; and plundering the Place had very little Booty. The said Captain Melendez, fought like a resolute Soldier, and faithful Servant of his King, and therefore I order'd him to be dress'd by my Surgeon, and to be carry'd out of the House where he was wounded, having laid Wood in all the Houses to fire them, and consume the Town. I do assure your Lordship, and declare on the Word of a Soldier, that being inform'd of your Valour and Renown, by certain Prisoners I took, as Captain Rolon, and several others, and at Porto Belo by the King's Factor, Funes, and other Soldiers, that were my Prisoners, and aboard my Ship, I gave them all their Liberty, and forebore firing the City, only on Account of your Reputation, and the Fame of your good Usage to such Prisoners as fall into your Hands. So that those I set at Liberty, as also the Town, may be thankful to your Lordship for so great an Obligation, as is the Value of the said Town, and their Lives. The Castle, and the Fort at the Mouth of the Harbour, and the Port it self, so well fortify'd and furnish'd with Artillery, and all other Necessaries, did not deter, fright, or daunt me, for I went out with six Ships, and the Castles did me no Harm. Really the Commanders and Guners were very honest Men. I give your Lordship Notice of two English Men, who landed at Santa Marta, near ten Months since, their Names are Abraham Collins, and Thomas Hall. These are both Spies upon Cartagena. I like the Treason, but drown the Traitor; I send you some poor Men ashore, whom I took upon this Coast, your Lordship will favour them as is due, and according to your Custom. And having Nothing else, at present, to acquaint your Lordship with, pray to God to lengthen your Life, with much Health, and Prosperity, and to give me good Luck, as is in his divine Power, is convenient for us, and I wish. From aboard my Ship, February the twenty eigth, 1601, our Stile. Your Lordships, William Park.

Don Pedro answer'd in few Words, yet so as his Brevity might not exclude Civility, and the Pyrate being satisfy'd, proceeded on his Voyage. The King had at this Time appointed Don Pedro to succeed Don Francis [Don Pedro appointed Governor of the Philippines.] Tello in the Government of the Philippine Islands, designing him for those Enterprizes he afterwards perform'd. This his Majesty judg'd a proper Resolution, and safe in the Execution; for what Person is fit to be pitch'd upon to Govern the utmost Limits of so far extended a Dominion, but such a one as is endu'd with both Valour and Loyalty, two necessary Qualifications to secure the Respect and Submission due to an absent Prince; a Matter of much Difficulty in remote Governments?

Since this Gentleman's own Actions, and the great Opinion his very Enemies had conceiv'd of them, are sufficient Testimonies of his Valour, let us proceed to say something of his Quality. Don Pedro had the Surname of Bravo, as being Son to Don Lewis Bravo, who serving under the [Don Pedro's Father.] Emperor Charles the fifth, on the Day the Prince of Orange dy'd, ask'd Leave to assault S. Desir, a strong Town in the Low Countries, on the Banks of the River Matrone. The History of that War informs us, that some Friends of his Father's, hearing of it, endeavour'd to obstruct it, either by disswading the Son, or prevailing with the Emperor not to grant him Leave. His Father was Sancho Bravo de Lagunas, a Gentleman of Quality by Birth, and no less by his own Actions, at that Time Inspector General of the Emperor's Forces by Sea and Land, and one of his Council of War. All Men honour'd, and lov'd him entirely. They consider'd he had no other Son but Don Lewis, and the manifest Danger he expos'd himself to; but he perceiving what his Fathers Friends were contriving, took upon him to lead the Van, before they could have Time to prevent his gaining the Honour he expected; and assaulted the Place with Success, tho' not without some Imputation of Rashness. His Son Don Pedro did not degenerate, for the Brave are the Off-spring of the Brave, and the Eagle does not breed Doves.

The Name of Acunna he took from his Mother, according to the [His Mother.] Custom of the Kingdoms of Castile, where noble Families, to keep up the Honour of the Quality they acquire by Matrimony, use to revive the Names of their Progenitors even in the Grand-Children. Don Lewis Bravo, marry'd Donna Isabel de Acunna, Daughter to Don Pedro de Acunna, call'd in those Days el Cabezudo, signifying, either the Head-strong, or Great-Headed, great Grand-Son to the first Earl of Buendia, a Family of known Antiquity. Among his Sons, Don Sancho Bravo, the eldest, is now, when this History was writ, Adelantado, or Lord Lieutenant of Ternate, and Knight of the Order of Alcantara; Don Garcia, is Knight of Santiago; Don Lewis, of Calatrava; Don John, bred in the principal Colledge of Alcala, went thence to be Gentleman of the Bed-chamber to the most serene Arch-Duke Albertus, and is since Cannon of the Holy Church of Toledo, besides other Church Affairs he is always employ'd in. Our [Don Pedro Knight of Malta.] Don Pedro was Knight of Malta, and Commendary of Salamanca.

He departed Cartagena, leaving that Government disconsolate, and full of the Desire of his Continuance among them. He had a good Passage, [Comes to Mexico.] and being come to Mexico, and entertain'd by the Viceroy, Don Gaspar De Zunnigay Azevedo, Earl of Monterey, consulted with him about the Expedition and Recovery of the Molucco Islands, beginning with Ternate, the Head of them. They admitted to their Consultations some experienc'd Commanders in those Countries. The Result was, the Viceroy's being well affected to the Expedition, and to the Governour, who was going to undertake it, which was of no small Consequence, towards rend'ring the Preparations made in New Spain effective. Don Pedro writ to the King, to his Confessor, to the Duke of Lerma, and to other Ministers of State, especially the supreme Councellors of the Indies, very largely, in Relation to this War, showing how difficult it was, and how great a Dishonour, to permit a Tyrant to reign so long, he being so near a Neighbour. He said, he could not secure any Ships, nor even the Provinces, against the Moluccos; and that, had he not been promis'd to be enabled to recover them, he would never have accepted of the Government of the Philippine Islands. He sent Brother Gaspar Gomez, a Jesuit, [Arrives at the Islands Ladrones.] with these Letters into Spain, And set out himself from Mexico, for Acapulco, the Sea-Port-Town of that Kingdom. Thence he proceeded, with four Ships of New Spain, to the Islands de los Ladrones, that is of Thieves, otherwise call'd de las Velas, or of Sails, from the great Multitude of Little Sails seen about them, belonging to Abundance of Boats that come out to meet the Ships.

He directed his Course to the Isles of Carpana, and that of Guan, that no Time might be lost without doing good to others. His Design was to bring off from among those barbarous People, such Men as had escap'd [Rich Ships lost.] of the Ship Margarita, cast away there the Year before, with above 1200000 Ducats; and as true Virtue never wants Matter to work on, he [Twenty five Men sav'd.] deliver'd twenty five Men of the many that suffer'd Shipwrack in that Place. Having perform'd this good Work, in twenty six Days he came to the Mouth of the Streight of the Philippines, and anchor'd at Cabite, three [Don Pedro at Manila.] Leagues from Manila; where he was receiv'd with incredible, and universal Joy. His first Care was to be inform'd of the Condition his Predecessor left the Government in. He view'd every Part, and cast off the Sangleys, or Chineses, as thinking they exceeded the large Number allowed of by the King's Order. Some interpreted the Exclusion of those People, was only to condemn the extravagant Liberties they took; but Time soon show'd, that there were other great Advantages reap'd by it. In Don Pedro all Men believ'd the Security of the Philippine Islands was come; for the Governour's Reputation was equal to the Necessities of his Province; which requir'd the Government of an experienc'd Commander, of great Name, and so vigilant as he was.

Don Francis Tello resign'd up the Power into his Hands, and staying [Don Francis Tello dyes.] there to give an Account of his Administration, dyed in April, the following Year. The new Governour was much concern'd to find the King's Treasury empty, and himself under an Obligation of supporting the King's and his own Credit. To this Consideration belong'd the Moluccos, the reducing whereof he had in Charge. However he took Courage, believing he might with Industry and Labour, make amends for the Want of Cash. He attended all the Works in Person, as he had been wont to do, both at Manila and in the Country about, building Galleys, and other Vessels, whereof there was then a great Want, to secure the Sea, at that Time infested [Don Pedro visits his Government.] by the Neighbouring Pirates and Enemies, especially those of Mindanao. Next he visited the Provinces of the Pintados, and supply'd the Wants he found in those Parts. In these Passages betwixt the Islands, besides the Storms, his little Vessel, which had only three Soldiers in it, escap'd, he fell into another notable Danger. Two and twenty English Vessels enrich'd with the Booty they had taken in the Islands belonging to that Government, attempted to inclose and take him, but the Tide failing them, they stuck on Ground, and could not get off. Don Pedro saw them [Cruelty of English.] throw over-board above 2000 Spaniards, and Natives they had made Prisoners, to lighten their Vessels. They also cast into the Sea a beautiful Spanish Maid, about 17 Years of Age. Afterwards the Fleet from Manila sail'd in quest of them, and chastis'd some, tho' the Punishment was inferior to their Cruelty.

Don Pedro would fain have remov'd all Obstacles that lay in the Way to the Enterprize he had in Hand; but was oblig'd to put off for some Months that which he was most intent upon, and to dispatch the Affairs [Japonese Embassador at Manila.] of Xolo and Japan. Chiquiro, a Japonese Embassador, was newly arriv'd at Manila, with a Present of the Product and Manufactures of that Island, and orders to treat with the Governour, and settle Amity and Commerce, between the Subjects of the Emperor of Japan, whose Name was Dayfusama, and the Philippines and New-Spain. The Neighbourhood of those Provinces, the Power of the Japonese Kings, their natural Disposition, and other Considerations, which Experience had shown to be of great Moment, made against refusing of that Commerce; and yet there were Opinions to the contrary, for those very Reasons. However that barbarous Prince having once espous'd that Affair, it was not easy to find out an Expedient to settle it, without any Jealousy or Disgust. Dayfusama demanded, that the Spaniards should trade to Quanto, a Port in one of his Provinces, and that such Friendship might be establish'd, that the Japoneses might go over to New-Spain. That the Governour should send him Ship-wrights, and Workmen to build Ships in Japan, for performing of that [His Proposals.] Voyage, upon which Dayfusama was very intent, being perswaded to it by a Religious Man of ours, of the Order of St. Francis, whose Name was F. Jerome of JESUS, and for whom that Monarch had a great Esteem.

[Objections to them.] This was a Matter of great Weight, and on several Accounts most prejudicial to the Philippine Islands, whose greatest Security for so many Years, has consisted in the Japonese's wanting of Ships and Pilots, and being ignorant in the Art of Navigation. Men of Experience observ'd, that whensoever the said haughty barbarous Prince has attempted to arm against Manila, he has still been obstructed by this Want. They said, that to send him Ship-Wrights, and Men to build him Ships after the Spanish Manner, would be no other than arming him against the Spaniards themselves; and that their Voyages would be destructive to the Philippines and New-Spain; for that the making the Japoneses capable of Trading far off, was not only inconvenient, but unsafe. The Governour Don Pedro de Acunna seriously weighing all these Reasons, order'd the Embassador Chiquiro to be magnificently entertain'd, made him some Presents for his King and for himself, and sent a Ship with another moderate Present, lest it should be interpreted to proceed from Fear, if it had been too considerable. This Ship sail'd with Dayfusama and his Embassador, both of them loaded with Commodities to barter. Don Pedro's Letters contain'd many Compliments, and Thanks for the good Will he show'd towards establishing more solid Friendship; but that, tho' he had ample Commission for all Things relating to the Government of the Philippine Islands, yet he could not satisfy that Part of his Embassy, which concern'd the furnishing of him with Sailors and Workmen to build Spanish Ships, without acquainting the Viceroy of New-Spain, nor could the Viceroy do it, without special Orders from the King of Spain. That he promis'd to write to them about it, for promoting the Accomplishment of his reasonable Demands; but that he must consider, it would be above three Years before they had an Answer, because of the great Length, and many Accidents of such Voyages. It was order'd that the aforesaid F. Jerome should himself deliver these Letters, to Dayfusama. The Fryar himself had a private Letter sent him with a Reproof for what he had done, and Instructions how to mend it; and that he should signify to the Japonese Monarch, how highly [Instructions to F. Jerome.] the Governour valu'd the Inclination he show'd to settle Peace and Commerce with the Spaniards, and his Kindness to them; and at the same Time perswade him to continue that good Correspondence, which the Governour would inviolably observe; but that he should endeavour to divert the King's Thoughts from such Designs, and never go about to facilitate the Execution of them; because, tho' perhaps the Emperor then reigning entertain'd no sinister Meaning, nor had any farther Thought than promoting a sincere Friendship, yet that might be very prejudicial in the Days of a more mischievous Successor; who might make an ill Use of his Skill in Navigation, and improve it against the Persons that taught it him. The Governour promis'd he would soon send another Ship with Commodities to barter; and he might put the King in Hopes it would carry over some Spanish Ship-Carpenters to build Ships after their Manner. That he should desire Dayfusama to wait with Patience, and consider how heinously he would be offended himself, if any of his Governours should presume to make any new Settlements in Trade without his Privity or Order.

[Japonese Embassador cast away.] Chiquiro return'd for Japan with this Answer; but when he was off the Head of the Island Formosa, such a dreadful Storm overtook him, that he was swallow'd up, and neither Men, Goods, nor Arms sav'd; and this happen'd in so remote a Place, that it was not known till many Days after. Dayfusama, at the Request of F. Jerome, had granted Leave for Preaching of the Gospel, throughout his Dominions, building of Churches, and such as would professing Christianity by publick Authority. Don Pedro the Governour [Religious allow'd to Preach in Japan.] took the necessary Measures, that so favourable an Indulgence might not be lost, and that not only barefoot Franciscans, but also Religious Men of other Orders should go over thither. They made use of the Japonese Captains and Ships, newly come to Manila with Meal. The Dominicans sent over to the Kingdom of Zazuma four Fryars, and F. Francis de Morales, Prior of Manila for their Superior, saying the King of that Province sent for them, being the only one, who had not yet submitted to Dayfusama. The Order of S. Augustin sent two Religious Men, and F. James de Guevara, Prior also of Manila for their Superior, and these went to the Kingdom of Firando. Those of the Order of S. Francis, sent F. Augustin Rodriguez, who had been Witness to the Martyrdom of his Companions in Japan, to Nangasaqui, for him to go thence with a Lay-Brother to Miaco, and bear F. Jerome of Jesus Company. Many perswaded Don Pedro, not to send away these Religious Men; but tho' those Perswasions were well grounded, and some Difficulties occur'd against their Departure, he resolv'd to dismiss them. The Zeal of true Glory overcomes all Opposition. These Religious Men found no Signs of those Desires that had been signify'd to them in the Provinces they went to. Very few Japoneses were converted, and there was less Disposition to advance, because the Kings, and Tonos, which are Princes had no Affection for our Religion, nor were any Way disgusted with their Idols. They only aspir'd to settle Commerce, and to trade with the Spaniards, for their private Interest.

[Another Ship to Japan.] Don Pedro sent the Ship he had promis'd to Japan, well stor'd with Cannon, and call'd it S. James the Less. The Captain, Officers, and Sailors were all Men of Experience; and she was laden with Commodities to barter, Red-Wood, Deer's-Skins, raw Silk, and several other Sorts. The Govenour order'd them to dispose of what they carry'd at the Port of Quanto, and to furnish the Religious Men they found there, and then return with the Produce and Dayfusama's Leave. Thus Provision was made for all the Affairs of Japan, according to the present Exigences. The Ship-Wrack of the Embassador Chiquiro was known, and by the good Management of F. Jerome, Dayfusama was acquainted with the Answer he carry'd, and rested satisfy'd; so that the preaching of the Gospel went on in his Dominions.

[Furtado's Letter to Don Pedro concerning the Expedition.] Don Pedro's Thoughts were all bent upon Recovering of the Molucco Islands, and his other Business did not make him neglect that Enterprize. Andrew Furtado de Mendoza, Admiral of those Seas for the Crown of Portugal had writ him Word, that he had Orders from his Majesty to repair to Ternate; but that he did not expect the Viceroy would set him out, as was requisite for that Expedition. Don Pedro answer'd him, to his Content, with Assurance, that he should be supported. These Letters came to the Hands of the Portuguese Admiral at Malaca, when he was ready to set out. He presently answer'd both those of the 22d of September, and the 22d of December, signifying how acceptable they were to him. Because, says he, I love your Lordship entirely, tho' I have never seen you, on Account of your being a brave Commander, and so zealous for his Majesty's Service; not to mention other Reasons for which I am yours. I was much troubled for the Loss of the Ship, and the ill Fortune of the other, for the want you will find of the Return you expected by them: But it is to be suppos'd, that the Viceroy of New-Spain, seeing how long those Ships were missing, would impute it to some very considerable Causes, and therefore will Assist you Powerfully, for nothing less can be expected from such a Viceroy who, I am told, is a very worthy Gentleman. I am experimentally sensible of what your Lordship writes to me; for after being in those Parts five Years, without receiving any Succours from India, when I expected these Disorders should end, and considerable Supplies would be sent me, the Viceroy furnish'd me so poorly, as will appear to your Lordship by the List of what he sends, and thence you may infer, how his Majesty is serv'd in those Parts, that your Lordship may acquaint him with it, and we may joyntly so order it, that all this may not be overthrown in one Hour.

Then he complains, That they have not sent him his Majesty's Letter, [More of the Letter.] nor the Archbishop of Goa had not receiv'd his; and says, He had rather be at Plow in Old Castile, than a Witness to the ill Disposition of what is committed to his Charge: And proceeding, says thus, Your Lordship tells me, That as soon as I draw near the Moluccos, you will do me the favour to have in readiness for me 300 Soldiers, with Captain Gallinato, and another Captain, and two Galleys, four Brigantines, and all the Carcoas that shall be requisite. I know not what his Majesty appoints for me; but, for the Sins of these Dominions, Time has put Things into such a Posture, that I must be forc'd to repair to the Moluccos, as well to recover what is Lost, as to save what is Gain'd, which cannot be done, unless both Powers, from hence and thence, be United. Twelve Dutch Ships anchor'd this Year at the Bar of Goa: They took the Viceroy so unprovided, that they lay at Anchor a Month at the said Bar, without any Attempt made to remove them. They made great Havock amongst the Merchants Ships on the Coast of India, without any Opposition. They came from the other Sea, by the Back of Sumatra, to the Streight of Sunda. Seven of them arriv'd at Amboyna, the others being [Baseness of a Portuguse Govenour.] then parted from them. When they enter'd over the Bar, the Governour sent two Men, to ask, whether Don Emanuel was aboard. The Ships hearing of it, went and Anchor'd under the Fort. Then the Governor sent three or four other Men, who made the Agreement for the surrendering of the Fort. When it was sign'd the Dutch drew near: the Gates were open'd to them, and they admitted without standing one Musket Shot, or firing a Cannon. They took an Oath of Fidelity to Prince Maurice, and the Governor after committing the Treason, commanded a Black of his own to put him into Irons, saying, The People of the Town had done it. Since that he came hither, and skulks about the Mountains, and I am very earnest to take him, that I may make an Example of him. I have already secur'd some of the Marry'd Men that came hither, being fully convinc'd that the Governor and they are Enemies and Traytors. When the Dutch were possess'd of the Fort, they put more Cannon into it, with a Garrison of 140 Men, and Provisions for two Years. I have also received Intelligence, That they sent five Ships against Tydore, and I am very jealous of that Place, because of the Divisions there; wherefore I immediately sent away two Galiots, well Man'd, Arm'd, and Provided. God grant they find that Fort in the King's Possession. Thus, if his Majesty well send hither the Galeons he writes of, and commands me to serve him in these Southern Parts, I must of necessity go over that way; for since Amboyna is in the Possession of the Dutch, we may conclude Tydore will soon follow. If they extend their Dominion, from that Port, which God avert, they will thence put an End to the Affairs of the Moluccos, and of China, and with the Assistance of the Ternates must of necessity Infest those Parts about Manila; and therefore we are all oblig'd, as Christians, and his Majesty's Subjects, to Oppose such a mighty Misfortune. And since the Lot has fallen between your Lordship, and this Soldier of yours, we seem to be in some measure both of us under an Obligation to spare no Pains for the Recovering of those Parts of the Molucco Islands. For my part I will labour for the Success, tho' I were to lose ten Lives, if I had so many. But because I shall not have an Opportunity to send your Lordship Intelligence, till a Year hence, I now intreat you to have what Soldiers you can in Readiness, and the greatest Number of Natives, that we may not fall short when the work is half done, and be forced, for want of them, to put our selves into the Hands, and expect the Assistance of Traytors. The same I beg, as to Provisions; for there are none where I am at present. But since Captain Gallinato has seen all, and knows what is Necessary in those Parts, whereof he has before now given your Lordship ample Information, it will be needless to repeat it in this, being your Lordship tells me in yours, you do me the Favour to appoint him for my Companion; and he is so able a Commander, that when your Lordship orders him to prepare for this Expedition, he will take with him all he thinks proper for it. Tho' his Majesty should send several Galeons, and many Men, I shall not be able to do any thing with them in those Parts, because the main Thing there, is to have Vessels that Row, and Men that have Serv'd, whereof I am very destitute. From India none can come, tho' the Viceroy were never so willing to furnish me. However, confiding in your Lordship's Worth, and in what you have signify'd to me by Letter, I will undertake this Expedition, believing I shall find all Things in such Readiness, that they will set out from thence the Moment your Lordship receives Advice from me. I am told your Lordship expects a Gentleman in those Parts, who comes to Conquer Camboxa. If he happens to come, I must put your Lordship in Mind, that the best Conquest is that of the Moluccos, where his Majesty's Forts will be restor'd, and there the said Gentleman may shew his Valour, and merit a considerable Reward from the King. Before the Dutch came to Amboyna, two English Ships passed by that Island, which sent a Letter to the Governor of the Fort, to acquaint him, that the Dutch were coming after them, with a Design to possess themselves of the said Fort, and therefore they advised him to behave himself well, because the Dutch they spoke of, were a poor faint-hearted People. That, if they had Occasion for Powder, Ball, and all other Necessaries, they were ready to supply him, because they were then at Peace with Spain, and the Constable of Castile was already sent into England, by his Majesty, to Ratify it: And the Post-Master-General was Embassador in Ordinary. This Intelligence leaves the Rebels no pretence to any Excuse. Furtado's Letter goes on, to other Particulars, recommending Religious Men, and Commanders and he concludes with Abundance of Compliments, and Courteous Expressions.

Don Pedro having receiv'd these Letters, order'd and hasten'd all necessary Preparations, with the utmost Diligence, pressing the Business in Spain, and with the Viceroy at Mexico, and thought all Delays tedious; but the Approbation of his Advice, and the Supplies to put it in Execution, being to come from a Center so remote, and where there lay an Obligation of being no less attentive to all Parts of the Circumference, the Expedition could [Brother Gaspar Gomez forwards the Expedition.] not possibly be brought about sooner. Brother Gaspar Gomez, whose Intelligence in this Affair, was always very material, had presently Intimation of what had been resolv'd on, by Letters from Don Pedro; and he was so diligent in promoting it, that to advance this Cause, he cross'd the greatest Oceans as readily, as if they had been the Narrow-Seas, which part those Islands; having solicited the Viceroy at Mexico, and then the Counsellors, and Ministers of State in Spain. His Arguments and Motives were the same we have several Times mention'd in this Work. Dividing the Wealth of the South into three fixt Kinds, precious Stones, and Pearls, Metals, and Spice, and Drugs; all which were distributed among Enemies, English and Dutch. That the King had no Spice left, but only that of Tydore, which must be lost, unless speedily and powerfully supported, and the same Forces would recover Ternate, Banda, Amboyna, and what had been held in Celebes, Batochina, and the Places wrested by the Tyrants of Sumatra. All this the Jesuit made out by Demonstration, for he grounded not the least Information upon any thing less than Experience.

[Succeeds in his Negociation.] He was heard in the Council of the Indies, and the Council of State for the Crown of Portugal, and dispatch'd for the Philippines, by the way of New-Spain. By the other Way, the King order'd, that the Captain General Furtado, taking with him the necessary Fleet from Goa, should sail for the Moluccos, by special Commission, by Virtue whereof he afterward sent to ask Assistance at the Philippine Islands, as we have seen, and such Supplies were to be furnish'd on both Sides, as being united, might secure the Conquest of the Moluccos. However the Event must of Necessity be tedious, the Dutch being already possess'd of all the King's Forts in the Archipelago; and their numerous Fleets of all the Ports, Fairs, and Trade, with Factories conveniently settled for their Intercourse between India and their own Country. We shall not enter upon the Account of those Affairs, because no more of them than have been already mention'd, as yet related to the Moluccos. Much Time, and many Precautions were requisite, for these two Commanders to joyn, amidst so many Obstacles: They sent frequent Advice backward and forward, and neither Part was idle in the mean while.

[Furtado Sails from Goa.] At length, notwithstanding all Difficulties, Furtado sail'd from Goa with six Galeons, eighteen Galiots, and one Galley, with the King's Orders, and in his Name those of the Viceroy Arias de Saldania, to fight the Dutch, and any other Enemy, and to proceed to Sunda, to chastize that King, and the Rebels in Java. He was directed to place Garrisons there, and having [Disabled by Storms.] settled the Affairs of India, to proceed to the Moluccos. They went out with good Hearts to undertake that Work, but were hinder'd by Storms and Tempests. In the Gulph of Ceylon, he lost the Galley, and seventeen Galiots that were under the Conduct of Francis de Sousa, and Andrew Roiz, and in them the greatest Strength he had to compass his Designs. He was three whole Years without any Succours to proceed on his Enterprize. At Malaca he recruited the best he could; and in December, 1601, Steering his Course for Sunda, relying on the Succours he expected from the King of Palimbam, in Java, suppos'd to be our Friend and Confederate; but he was deceived, for that Infidel was so far from espousing our Party, that he had taken up with the King of Sunda, whom he intended, and afterwards actually did succour with 30000 Men. This did not dismay Furtado, but he sail'd on towards Sunda, referring the Punishment of the King of Palimbam [Sails for Sunda.] to another Time: There, on the Bar, he discover'd seven Dutch Ships, which he pursu'd, tho' to little purpose, they being excellent Sailers. However the Galeon Commanded by Thomas de Sousa Aronches, fought five of them, killing many Dutch, without losing one Man; but her Rigging was torn, and she could not board the Enemy, who fled, drawing our Ships after them in such a manner, that Furtado could not possibly recover the Bar, tho' he anchor'd in a Road, from whence he might have return'd to the Port.

This was a special Providence, for the Enemy did not seem dispos'd to stand, and they had already been upon both Bars; and therefore reflecting [Arrives at Amboyna.] on the Tears, and Groans of the Commanders, and Christians at Amboyna, he directed his Course towards those Islands, where he arriv'd on the 10th of February without being detain'd by some Victories he gain'd in his Way. The Natives and those in the Fort were alarm'd, believing they had been Enemies, but the Admiral giving a Signal, they knew the Christian Fleet. The Joy spread abroad, and the Shore was cover'd with People expressing it. Furtado first apply'd himself to repair the Fort, and refit the Ships. He also built four Ships, two Galiots, and twelve Carcoas. Then he set out, without losing Time, to make War on the Itos, and other Towns [Subdues the Itos.] that had rebell'd against the Fort, sending Joseph Pinto, with 200 Portugueses by Land. The Fleet sail'd round the Island, and lay a Month in the Bay call'd Bacacio. Texeyra, Commander in Chief of the Fort, went before, with a good Number of Carcoas, to reduce some rebellious Towns, especially those which are on the Mountains call'd Gunos, where there are excellent sweet Waters, and large Woods of Orange Trees. These Towns acknowledge their Fault, and came to make their Submission. Seven or [The Gunos submit.] Eight of the principal Men came from each Town. Every Town brought a Flag, and three large valuable Basons of bright Metal, and in them a little Earth, with Branches of Clove-Trees in Blossom, in Token that they deliver'd up the Land, with the most precious of its Product. Some brought Goats, and Hens, and such Fruit as their Country afforded to denote the same.

Furtado knew there was a private Alliance between the Rebels of Amboyna and the Dutch, and that ten Ships were to come to take that Fort, [Ten Dutch Ships at Amboyna.] and the other we had left us at Amboyna. They were so deeply engag'd in this Contract, that those at Sunda, seeing Furtado set sail towards those Parts, they did the same, and on the 10th of March, the ten Ships appear'd in Sight of the Islands, three of them coming on and treating with the Natives; yet for fear of us, they stood off to the Island Burro, and the other seven to Banda, to sail over to the Moluccos. All this was known to Furtado by good Intelligence, besides that he receiv'd from F. Lewis Fernandez, Rector of the Society of JESUS, who was newly come from Tydore, with Letters from that King, and the Christians residing there, bidding him welcome, and pressing that he would come to their Assistance; [Three of them at Ternate.] because three of the seven Ships that escap'd from him at Sunda, were together at Ternate. He was also inform'd, that those Ships, had found out a Way to relieve those Forts, passing between Borneo and Macossar, [A new Passage to the Molucco.] which is a shorter Cut by a Year; and that they were fortifying Ternate where they would not suffer the Dutch to leave them, but oblig'd them to stay and ingage in the War they expected. Furtado follow'd that in Amboyna, daily reducing some Towns that had revolted. The Inhabitants of Rosatelo, built on an Eminence, and well fortify'd discovering our Ships, [People of Rosatelo burn their Town.] and Carcoas, set fire to all their Goods, and then to their Houses, and fled to a high Mountain, where their Wives and Children were before. The Way up to it was by tying to the Trees certain Rotas, which are slender tough Canes, that may be knotted like Ropes, a slow and almost useless Hold, which render'd the Mountain never the less inaccessible. Yet our Men making their Way thro' Clefts, attain'd the Top two days after. The Rebels perceiving they were lost, came to receive the Conquerors with [Submit.] white Flags, but the King, not daring to trust to that Security, fled to remoter Parts.

[People of Ito fly to the mountain.] The Infidels of Ito, puff'd up with the Dutch Supplies they expected, made no Doubt of routing the Christians, as soon as they landed; but perceiving they were disappointed of the Succour of the ten Ships, which sail'd by without staying, and that Rosatelo was reduc'd; yet they were not quite dejected, but committed their Safety to the Strength and Tops of the Mountains. They abandon'd their chief City, properly call'd Ito. and the Fort there erected by the Dutch, retiring with all their Families to the highest and most impregnable Part of the Country call'd Nao and Bemnao, being two Rocks, one above another, like the Round-Tops in a Ship one over the other; whence the Shore appears near at Hand tho' [Nao strong place, whither the Rebels fled.] half a League distant, by Reason of the Windings of the Ways. Nao is all encompass'd with upright Rocks, with pleasant Planes below. There are three Ways to get up to it, but all of them so difficult, that the very Lizards can scarce climb it. On these three Passes they threw up double Trenches, with strong Ramparts, and a good Number of Brass Sakers, and Demy-Falconets to secure them. At each of them was a considerable Number of Men, with their Colours flying, and all Sorts of offensive and defensive Arms, wherewith the Dutch have furnish'd those Southern Seas. The greatest Danger threatned was from a great Number of mighty Stones, or Pieces of Rocks, which being roul'd down from such a Height can bear down and destroy an Army. All the Enemy's Power was now reduc'd to this single Place, and the Town standing on the first of the [Pleasant Country of Nao, and Bemnao.] two Rocks, being built on a large round Spot it forms, like an European City with good large Houses, after their Manner. All the Country about beautify'd with Clove Trees, like our Olive Trees, but with greater Heads. Among which there ran up Branches of the Male and Female Trees, and underneath all Sorts of thorny Plants, Orange, Lemmon, Citron and Zamboa Trees, with six, or eight Springs, each of them gushing out curious Streams of Water. All the Mountain look'd like a delicious pleasure House and Garden. On the Top of it appear'd the Town of Bemnao, which signifyes, the Son of Nao, exceeding the other in Number of Houses, and Extent of Woods.

The General came to this Place on Palm-Sunday, order'd a Trench to be [Furtado encamps at Bemnao.] cast up, and Tents to be pitch'd, for a Defence against the Sun, and the Rain, which sometimes falls unexpected. He commanded an Enemy Amboynese, that had fallen into his Hands, attended by some Christians, to go enquire into the Designs of the People of Ito, and to guide the Way. When they were come within hearing, and had deliver'd their Message, [Haughty Answer of the Itos.] the Infidels answer'd, That they were the King of Ternate's Subjects, and own'd none but him. That they would trade with the Dutch, and all other Nations they thought fit. That they would also sell Clove to the Spaniards; but that the King of Spain had a very long Neck. Having return'd this Answer, they began to fire the Cannon. Our Men were forc'd to put up the Affront, and pass by their Fury; but the General regarding neither, order'd a Captain, on Monday, to view the Situation of the Place; because his Soldiers had gone up disorderly to their Trenches, and been repuls'd with Shot, and throwing of Stones, which made them retire down the Mountain with many wounded. The next Night he sent 200 Men, to possess themselves of a Mount that overlook'd the Enemies Trenches. They did so, and as soon as the Day appear'd, our Musketiers pour'd in [Portugueses gain Ground.] their Volleys of Shot, firing at the same Time with two Drakes, they had carry'd up with a Design to cast up another Trench, and thus they put the Enemy to Rout. The Trench was thrown up, and the next Night they remov'd the Drakes to it, drawing nearer, to make the greater Slaughter. Gonzalo Vaz de Castello-Branco commanded at this Pass. The Men here that Night talk'd with the besieg'd, and assur'd them, they would take their Fort the next Night, as they actually did.

[They attack the Enemies Fort.] On Wednesday Morning the General order'd the Drums to beat to Arms, to go up himself to the Hill where his Men were, leaving Trajano Ruiz de Castello-Branco below, with 50 Men, to guard the Camp; but without any Design of attacking the Fort that Day; but only to order the Men, and assign them their Posts. Whilst he was concerting this Affair with his Officers, Gonzalo Vaz came to them with a dangerous Shot in one of the Calves of his Legs, and five other Wounds running Blood. The Soldiers were incens'd, at the Sight of him, and signify'd they would fall on. It was given out, where the General was, that the Victorious Enemy was falling upon our Drakes, and Posts; and he improving Necessity cry'd out, with a loud Voice, Santiago, that is, S. James, the Cry given by the Spaniards when they fall on. The Soldiers were so encourag'd by this Cry, that they immediately gave the Assault, with much Fury and Alacrity, climbing those smooth Rocks, upon their Hands and Feet: The Barbarians Drums and Bag-Pipes rattled in their Ears, and the Noise of their Cannon and small Shot eccho'd among all the Rocks. The Enemy threw Stones, which wounded, and knock'd down our Men, and many tumbled, without being able to help themselves: Some single Stones carry'd two or three Men down the Side of a Hill, till they stopp'd at some Tree. A Captain was stunn'd with a Pebble, tho' he receiv'd it on a Steel Buckler; but he soon recover'd, and was seen upon the Enemies Works. The Cries and Shouts rent the Air. Many tumbling down forc'd out the sharp Pointed Stakes that were drove into the Ground; and presently after, as if they had flown, were seen Fighting above. Those who were left to guard the Camp, look'd on with Emulation. Among them a Religious Man of [The Fort taken.] the Order of S. Dominick, fell on his Knees to say the Litany, all the Men answering, and God heard him, for before it was ended, they saw our Colours display'd above, and the Enemies cast down, the Fort and Works being Demolish'd.

A brave Christian, who carry'd the foremost of our Colours, was laid hold of by an Amboynese, yet he, tho' shot thro' the Body with a Musket-Ball, whereof he soon after Dy'd, defended them bravely. However, notwithstanding his Resistance, and that his Captain came to his Succour, the Infidel carry'd off a Part of the Staff, which was recover'd when the Victory was [Amboyneses abandon their highest Fort.] gain'd. The Amboyneses, seeing their Works taken, and their Colours dragg'd about, withdrew to the upper-Part, leaving only three Men behind them, who dy'd Fighting, with honourable Obstinacy. They did not fortifie themselves in that Place, but abandoning their Town and Goods, and slipping down Precipices, and upright Heights with Ropes, made their Escapes; and though they burnt some of their Goods, yet many of value remain'd. The General gave Order for curing of the wounded Men, which were above 200, besides those run through by the sharp Stakes pitch'd all about the Field.

[The Towns submit.] The gaining of this Victory did so discourage all the Islanders, that they refus'd to take up Arms, or hazard an Engagement. Nine Towns submitted at once, the next day, and the Territory about did the same. The General came down Victorious, and erected Arbours in those Delightful Woods, with an Altar, on which Mass was sung on Easter-Day, and all the Office of the Church, with much Solemnity, in Thanksgiving, assigning the Sovereignty to that Lord, who grants, or takes away Victory, according [Dutch Fort raz'd.] to his secret Judgements. The Dutch Fort was raz'd, where, in several Places, were to be seen Escutcheons, with the Arms of Count Maurice. The King of Ito came and submitted himself; his Name, whilst an Idolater, was Talere, afterwards Don Melchior, for he was a Renegado Christian, and fled at the taking of Rosatelo. He deliver'd himself up, as also a famous Caziz he brought with him, who was a Man of much Reputation among them.

To this Victory Furtado resolv'd to add those he expected at Veranula, [Veranula City describ'd.] a large City, and Neighbouring Island. He sail'd from Amboyna with all the Fleet, and arriv'd at Veranula, and the City of the same Name, which is populous, and its Territory the most fruitful in Clove of any in those Parts. It is built along the shore on a high and upright Rock, which look'd like a Wall, with Towers, and Stories. The Houses are high Roof'd, with Galleries. There is a Mosque that has three Isles, with a stately Room to read the Alcoran in. Within the City was the Dutch Fort, conveniently seated, built of Stone, round, and cover'd. Beyond that was also another Stone Fort, with several salliant Angles, Ravelins, and Guerites. This belong'd to the King of Ternate, who was Tyrant of that Part of Veranula. As soon as our Fleet anchor'd before the City, the Prime Men of it came to acquaint the General, That they were willing to submit, but knew not how to do it, for Fear of the Ternates; and therefore desir'd he would let them assemble their Council, and they would return the next Day with their Answer. Furtado granted their Request, sending two Amboyneses of Note along with them. They return'd no Answer, but fled, [People of Veranula fly.] not daring to stand the Fury of those who came Victorious. They fir'd a Gun for a Signal of what they were doing, and the General being assur'd of their Flight, order'd the Men to land and plunder the City. The Inhabitants had before secur'd the best of their Effects, and yet in some Houses they found above the value of 30000 Crowns, and in others less, besides many Goods of value; abundance of Brass Drakes and Muskets; China Ware, and Silks; Dutch Glasses, and great Store of Royal-Cloves. [Veranula plunder'd and burnt.] After plundering the City, they set fire to it, and it burnt for some Days. The Dutch and Ternatese Forts were raz'd. The General was inform'd by some Prisoners, that the People of Veranula, had expected mighty Succours against him from the Dutch Ships that were seen; and that there were aboard 100 Men to Garrison Viranula, and 100 more for the Fort he had demolish'd at Ito. Some of our Men pursu'd the Ternates as far as Lacidecavello, a Town where they imbark'd on many Vessels, for their own Island.

[Mamala City submits with others.] After this, the City Mamala sent to make its Submission, and many others follow'd its Example. Furtado having concluded this Affair, resolv'd to return to Amboyna, and being upon his Departure, Francis de Sousa Teve came to him, with ten Portugueses, who had been, not long before, taken by the Dutch Ships. He had met at Banda the five Ships Furtado found at Sunda, and here gave him some important Intelligence, showing how much he would find the Seas, in his Way to the Moluccos, infested by those Northern Sailers. The Commander in Chief of the Dutch made very much of Francis de Sousa, dismissing him with Arms and Provisions for his Voyage, but at the Price of 500 Crowns, paid for him and his Companions, by some Heathen Towns in the Island; to whom Furtado, without any Delay, made good the whole Sum. The Dutch General writ very civilly to Furtado, desiring he would use his Men well, as he would do by the Spaniards he met with. Furtado return'd an Answer, no less Courteous, and sent him a Dutch Youth, who had been Prisoner at Ternate.

[The conquer'd submit, and give Hostages.] Having reduc'd these Islands, Furtado appointed a Day for the Governors of them to come and swear Fealty to our King, that he might save Time, and follow the Course of his Victories. They came with much State, and Submission; and to secure their future Behaviour, and their new promis'd Fidelity, deliver'd to the General a considerable Number of Youths, being the Sons of the Prime Men, as Hostages. Peace, and the general Pardon, were celebrated with Rejoycings. The Preaching of the Gospel was again exercis'd with entire Liberty, and many Idolaters, and Mahometans were converted. Other Provinces came to acknowledge the Conqueror; without expecting the Chance of War. Furtado at Amboyna prepar'd for the Expedition against the Moluccos.