Chapter XVIII: Book VIII (2)

[King of Ternate's Preparations.] Those who fled to Ternate, gave an Account of the Loss of the Towns and Forts that King had been possess'd of at Amboyna; and that the General Furtado openly declar'd he was making Preparations against those Islands, and grew stronger upon his Success. The King slighted not this Intelligence, but immediately strengthened his Fleet, and his Forts, and call'd in the Javaneses and Mindanaos, to be in readiness upon any Attack. Amidst the Noise of War, and his Treaties with the Dutch for maintaining of it, he found Leasure to seek his Satisfaction; concluding a Match with his Queen Celicaya, who follow'd him in all his Troubles, even when he last fled from his Kingdom. She was very Young, and so Beautiful, that all the Indian Kings courted her for their Wife, and sent to demand her of the Sangiack of Motiel, her Father; who gave her to him of Ternate, as the greatest, most potent, and respected. [His Marriage.] The Time for the Nuptials being come, when the Bride was brought to Ternate, attended by her Father, Kindred, Brothers-in-law, and many Troops of arm'd Men, she was receiv'd with the Noise of Cannon, Musick, and other Instruments us'd in their Festivals and Solemnities. These [Queen Celicaya's great Beauty.] lasted many Days, with Profusion; but the most pleasing Object, was the Presence of Celicaya, her extraordinary Grace, which drew the Eyes, and Affections of all Men, temper'd with a Sort of Affability, which encourag'd all that convers'd with her. This Quality very often gave Occasion to suspect her Husband's Reputation, and were not this History confined to such Things as really relate to the Conquest, it might afford us a large Field to treat of the Gentleness of her Disposition, her Love Intrigues, and uncontroulable Power over the Affections, even of those who were most wrong'd; which are spoken of at large in several Discourses and Relations.

[Furtado sends for Succours to the Philippine Islands.] The Exigencies of the Time, and necessity oblig'd the General Furtado to press for the Succours, which were providing for him in the Philippine Islands. Amboyna is 200 Leagues from the nearest of them, and that 200 more from Manila, he sent thither F. Andrew Pereyra, a Jesuit, and Captain Antony Brito Fogaza, in May 1602. They arriv'd at Cebu on the 25th of July, sail'd thence for Manila on the 6th of August, and came to that City on the 5th of September. Don Pedro de Acunna was well pleas'd to see them, asking particularly concerning all the Proceedings of the General Furtado, wherein he was very curious, or rather generously emulous, and he having in his Letters referr'd himself to their Relation, they gave it him at large, and perform'd the Duty of their Embassy, each according to his Profession. Don Pedro did not delay their Business; but call'd a Council of War, wherein it was resolv'd, that the Succours he desir'd should be sent Furtado, tho' they were forc'd to comply with the Difficulties the Country then labour'd under. Upon this Determination he sent away to [Succours sent from the Philippines to Furtado.] the Provinces of the Pintados, ordering Capt. John Xuarez Gallinato, who commanded there, to furnish all Things necessary for the Enterprize; and that he, with the best disciplin'd Infantry, should leave Cebu, and repair to the Town of Arevalo, the place appointed for the Fleet to rendezvouz. Gallinato did so, and sent a Ship to Oton, to take in as much as it could of the Succours. It arriv'd at Oton on the 28th of October; and that same Day Don Pedro set out from Manila for the Pintados, in Order to hasten the fitting out of the Fleet by his Presence, tho' it was then almost ready at Oton, where he arriv'd on the 13th of November, and he was of such a mettled Temper, that never regarding the Expeditions of Xolo and Mindanao, or that the Natives of those Islands were spread about in Troops among those of the Pintados, robbing and murdering his Majesty's Subjects, he gather'd the Supplies, and deliver'd them to John Xuarez Gallinato, appointing him General, and Commander in Chief for this Expedition.

As soon as the General Furtado had sent away for Succours to Manila, after chastising and garrisoning of Veranula and Amboyna, he set sail for the Molucco Islands, with five Galeons, four Galliots, and 12 Carcoas, carrying his Victorious Men; but in those Seas Disasters are so frequent, that neither the Joy of their late Successes, nor the Refreshment receiv'd after their Victories, appear'd in their Countenances. He arriv'd at Ternate [Furtado sails by Ternate to Tydore.] with this Fleet, on the 10th of August; but he only look'd on that Island, and proceeded to Tydore: There he view'd the Fort, encourag'd the Soldiers in it, and made use of that King's Person and Interest, as Prudence directed; for that Prince, tho' he labours by Words to convince us of his Friendship and Fidelity, does not confirm it by his Actions; but rather leaves us dubious, when he most endeavours to perswade.

Furtado left the Galeons at Tydore, and with the other Vessels that row'd, went six Leagues thence, to the Island of Machian, then Subject to the [Machian Island submits to Furtado.] King of Ternate, but so weary of that Vassalage, that as soon as our Fleet appear'd, the Governours flock'd down to the Port, attended by the Natives, with their Wives and Children, and such Gifts as came next to Hand, as also some Colours, which they laid at Furtado's Feet, submitting themselves, and delivering up their Country. The Men landed in peaceable Manner, amidst the usual Noise of Bagpipes and Basons; and the Portugueses having in vain sought after some Dutch Men, who chose rather to secure themselves by Flight, than to trust to the General's good Nature, were inform'd that they were gone over to Ternate. A view having [Dutch fly to Ternate.] been taken of the Island, Furtado erected a Fort with all possible Expedition, in the most convenient Place. When finish'd according to the Rules of Fortification, he put into it a Captain with 50 Men, whom he left well arm'd and provided, and with them a light Vessel, call'd a Galizabra. Then he return'd himself, with the Rest of the fleet, to Tydore, where he joyn'd all his Ships, repair'd them, and set out for Ternate to the Port of Talangame, where he anchor'd, and lay from the End of October to the middle of February, when the Succours from Manila came.

Some accuse him of lying still very long without attempting any thing; [Furtado accus'd.] saying, he let slip the Opportunities, without cutting off the Enemies Provisions, or ravaging their Country, when he might have subdu'd them by that Means alone, without firing a Shot. However, when we have before us the Actions of such great Commanders, it is safer to judge they had some sufficient unknown Reason for what they did, than to attribute it to their Fault. Most certain it is, That being inform'd of a Fleet of the Enemies of 22 Carcoas, which was not far from the Island Machian, he lost no Time, but putting 172 Portugueses, of the chosen Men of his Fleet, into 18 Carcoas, under an able Commander, he sent them to find out the Infidels. But tho' the Soldiers were so haughty, that every one undertook to fight six Carcoas, yet every Officer was for commanding all the Rest, and [Portugueses baffled through their Pride.] thus Want of Discipline snatch'd the Victory out of their Hands. The Enemy pass'd by, and they look'd on, without firing a Gun. The Barbarian Fleet, observing their Disorder, stood about nimbly, and pouring in a Volley upon the Portugueses, took a Carcoa, with fourteen Men in it, whom they slew, in Sight of their Companions, and it was good Fortune that they did not follow their Stroke. This occasion'd the General's erecting the Fort at Machian; whilst the King of Ternate strengthen'd his, with the Assistance of 20 Hollanders, making good Use of the Leisure of eight Months given him by Furtado. He then cast up Works, and provided Engines, as he did afterwards in the Sight of our Camp.

When the Fleet was all assembled at the Philippine Islands, the Ammunition and Provisions were deliver'd to Gallinato, by the Judges and King's [The Succours sent by Don Pedro de Acunna.] Attorney of the Sovereign Court, being 1000 Bushels of clean Rice, 300 Bullocks for Flesh; 200 Jars of Wine; 80 Quintals, or hundred Weight of Nails, Hooks, Hinges, and other Iron Work; 40 of Powder; 300 Ilocos Blankets; 700 Yards of Spanish Woollen Cloth; 100 Needles for Sails; 30 Jars of Oil; and for the Complement of Men, 200 Soldiers, 165 of them heavy Harquebusiers, and the other, 35 light Musquetiers; 22 Seamen; some Pilots; one Master; three Gunners of S. Potenciana, and 20 Grummets. The whole Expence hereof amounting to 22260 Pieces of Eight a Month. The Governour and Sovereign Court having done thus much, they requir'd F. Andrew Pereyra, and Captain Brito, to go with that Supply, which was then in readiness, under Gallinato, with the Colours, and Captains Christopher Villagra, and John Fernandes de Torres. The Company belonging to Captain Don Thomas Bravo, the Governour's Nephew, and Son to his Brother Don Garcia, staid behind, but the Captain went himself, and serv'd honourably in the Expedition. The Foot embark'd on the Ship S. Potenciana, and the Frigats S. Antony, S. Sebastian, S. Bonaventure, and S. Francis. They set sail from the Port of Yloilo, on the 20th of January, 1603, and arriv'd at that of Caldera, in Mindanao, on the 25th; where receiving some Intelligence of the Enemy, they continued till the 28th. Then they saild towards the Moluccos, and on the 7th of February descry'd the Island of Siao, and the next Morning, by Break of Day, that [S. Antony Frigat cast away.] of Toalan, four Leagues from it. There the Frigat S. Antony was cast away, on a Shoal of that Island, which discompos'd all the Squadron. Gallinato took Care to save the Men. He sent Captain Villagra, who brought them off, with the Arms and Guns; the rest was swallowed by the Sea.

They held on their Voyage, and on the 13th of February discover'd the Island of Ternate. On the 14th they arriv'd at Tydore, where they were inform'd of the coming of Andrew Furtado; and therefore stay'd but a [Gallinato from Manila joyns Furtado.] short Time to refresh themselves, being earnest to joyn him. Setting forward with a fair Wind, they came to Ternate, and enter'd the Port of Talangame, a League from the Fort, on the 16th of the aforesaid Month. The Fleets saluted one another in friendly Manner, and the Generals did the like, giving one another an Account of their Strength, Transactions, and all other Particulars till that Time. The Discourse falling out of one Thing into another, came to contesting; for Gallinato affirm'd, That the Enemies Provisions ought to have been cut off, by ordering our Carcoas to sail round the Island, which was in great Want of them, and could be reliev'd by the Opportunity he had given. Furtado alledg'd other Reasons to defend himself. It was thought convenient before they landed, to take a View of the Enemies Fort, to which Purpose, the Captains, Christopher Villagra, and Gonzalo Sequeyra were appointed to make up to it in a Carcoa, with a white Flag, as it were to speak with the King, and propose Peace and Conditions.

Those two Officers drew near, the Enemy met them, and understanding what they came about, sent to acquaint the King. He answer'd he could not give them Audience that Day, but they might return the next. They returning accordingly, the Inhabitants of the City came out to meet them, [Two Captains sent to the City of Ternate.] and among them Cachil Sugui, Cachil Gogo, and Cachil Quipate, the King's Uncles, who went back to tell him, that those Captains were come by his Highness's Command. This Message was brought him at Nine a Clock in the Morning, and tho' he was close by the City, the Answer came not till four in the Afternoon, and was, That unless Furtado, or Gallinato came, he would not speak with any other; but that the Captains that were come might treat with his Officers, and he would stand by, and ratify what they should conclude. The Spaniards having receiv'd this Answer, and their Design being to view the Fort, Captain Villagra [Villagra views the Fort.] set his Resolution, and pretending some Occasion, went into the Thicket, whence he observ'd all that could be seen on that Side, more nicely than could have been expected in so short a Time. They return'd to the Fleet, and gave the General an Account of all they knew.

In fine, they landed, and then again Gallinato intreated Furtado, to [The Forces land.] send out the light Vessels a cruising, to cut off the Enemies Supplies; and those which went out upon his Request, sped so well, that they met a plentiful and strong Reinforcement of Men and Provisions, in two Junks and a large Chiampan, which they took, killing and taking the Men, who were Numerous and well arm'd. They continu'd to round the Island, encourag'd by this first Success, and by that Means cut off all Succours. The Enemy began to want, sicken and dye. They fed on Herbs, and other slight Dyet; and many, but particularly Women, not being able to endure Hunger, [Famine at Ternate.] fled confidently, tho' compell'd by Necessity, to our Camp; and the rest would have done the same if they could.

On the 27th of February, Furtado took a Review of his Men on the [Christians review'd.] Enemies Shore, where our Ships were at Anchor. Gallinato said, he was much troubled to see it, because in his Opinion, they were not fit even to make that Show, most of them being Boys, sick of the Distemper they call Berber, unskillful at their Fire-arms, and very few of them had Muskets, but only little Fowling-Pieces; so that all seem'd to forebode ill Success. The whole Number of them was 420 Soldiers, divided into four Companies. The next Day, the Spanish Infantry of the Philippine Islands pass'd Muster, in the same Place, before Furtado and his Officers. Don Thomas led them in Armour, and with a Pike in his Hand, with all the Musquetiers in the Van. After him the other Companies in Order, according to Seniority. They all form'd three Bodies, being Men of Experience, well equipp'd, orderly, and of such Valour as soon after appear'd.

A Council was held, about landing, on the first of March, where the [Consuls about landing.] General declar'd by Word of Mouth, saying he never did it in Writing, That he had lain so long, almost idle, wholly depending on the Succour that was come, and that since Don Pedro de Acunna had sent it so compleat, it was not reasonable to lose Time. Gallinato answer'd, representing the Greatness of the Enterprize, and that they had provided no Necessaries to begin the Work, hinting at some Home Particulars, which were signify'd to him by the Portuguese Commanders. The Votes being taken, it was finally resolv'd to land, because all Things were in readiness; perhaps they conceited that the Enemies Power was imaginary, and that they would submit at the Sight of our Army. Gallinato was always of the [Gallinato against it.] contrary Opinion; because that Weakness he was an Eye-witness to, could not deceive him; and therefore that nothing might be wanting on his Part, tho' he was under Command, but much respected, he writ a Role of the Things necessary for the Design in Hand, setting down in it even the Hand-Spikes for moving of the Artillery, which had not been provided in all that Time. By which may be seen, said Gallinato, how great a Defect there had been in the Rest. When the Council broke up, Furtado told Gallinato, he had order'd, that as soon as they landed, 200 Portugueses should mount the Guard, with one Company of Spaniards. Gallinato begg'd he would give him leave to lead the Van, saying, he would not go as Chief, but only as a Soldier, as being proud of serving under him. This he requested very earnestly; but Furtado, who knew how to value such Requests, answer'd, That if he went he must accept of his [He begs to lead the Van and obtains it.] Company. Gallinato reply'd, That he should take the Post due to his Person, since it was of such Consequence, and do him the Favour to grant him the Van. He would not grant it at that Time, but the next Day, he and his Admiral spoke to him, saying, He assign'd him the Van, by the Advice of his Admiral, and therefore desired he would be content it might consist of the Number of Men he had appointed. Gallinato accepted the Command, and valu'd it as was due. They landed on the 3d of March, and as they were drawing up, Furtado would needs place two of his Colours, and one of the Spanish in the Van, with 300 Men; the other three in the Rear; and the Royal Standard, and himself to be in the main Body; Gallinato was of Opinion, that all the Colours should march with the main Body, but the General follow'd his own Way.

[They move towards the Enemy.] In this Order they began to move towards the Enemy, Captain Don Thomas marching by Gallinato, who afterwards, in a Letter to Don Pedro, said, He this Day, and upon other Occasions, gave good Proof, that he was the Son of such a Father, and these grey Hairs of mine were sufficiently honour'd with the Assistance of such a Hand, and I was well defended and secure. The Enemy being above 700, kept in a strong and safe Post, the Shore on which our Men march'd, being little or nothing, by Reason it was High-Water, and that on the Land Side there was a very high Bank, and above it a rising and close Zacatal, which could not be broke through. Zacatal is a Field overgrown with such deep Grass or Weeds, that many Men, and much Cattle may be hid among them. These are much thicker [Zacatal what it is.] than the Fields of Sedge, or Sheer-Grass in Spain. They call it Zacatal, from the Word Zacate, signifying that Sort of Grass or Weed, which grows up almost as thick as a Reed. Along this narrow Slip of Shore, which was full of Rocks, and uneven, only three Men could march abreast, he that was next the Sea, being partly in the Water. The Enemy was possess'd of this close Pass, and a great Tree cut down for that Purpose, and lying across the Place, serv'd them instead of a Trench. Behind [Posture of the Ternates.] it, and upon the Bank, between it, and the Zacatal, appear'd all their Men, with Muskets, Fire-Locks, Campilanes, or Cymiters, Bacacacs, or burnt Staves, Darts, Hand Granadoes, and Stones which did not do us the least Harm. They had also five Drakes in this Post, wherewith, upon some short Attacks, they kill'd five Spaniards; and afterwards, as the Action grew hotter, wounded ten Portugueses, in such Sort that they dy'd in a few Days. Gallinato owns he was this Day in Danger of losing his Honour; because the Colours, and all the Rest was in the utmost Peril.

[Gallinato repulsed.] The Enemy fought in Safety, and did our Men so much Harm, that the first Charge Gallinato gave, the Ternates fell on so furiously, as to drive us from the Ground we had gain'd. Gallinato look'd behind him to see the Colours he had brought with him in the Van, with the 300 Men, and found them at his Back very thinly Guarded. Thus the second Time the Shout was given to fall on, and he again oblig'd to retire, because he had fewer Men every time, and the last they were scarce twenty. At length shaming those that lagg'd, and as it were inspiring new Vigour into them, he [Gains the Pass.] fell on so fiercely, that he gain'd the Post, and the five Drakes. The Ternates lost all, or most of their best Men. Gallinato follow'd the Chace till he discover'd the Fort, then he halted, and order'd our Camp to be Intrenched. The work was begun, and the Enemy obstructed it twice, sending out Parties to prevent planting the Gabions, and divert the Workmen; but they retir'd both times with loss. When the Trench was finished, Gallinato [Spaniards Intrench.] sent to the General to come to it. He came and took up his Quarters, with all his Men, bringing the Royal Standard, and all the Colours.

The next Day he judg'd it convenient to carry the Lodgment forward. [Trenches carry'd on nearer to the Fort.] Gallinato undertook it, and with his Men finish'd the Trench, within 200 Paces of the Enemies Fort. There they continu'd some Days; and it being Gallinato's Part only to obey, he sometimes gave his Opinion, and always did what he was commanded. He did so, when the General told them it would be convenient to carry on a Trench farther, to plant the Cannon. On the Ninth of the same Month, before the Fort had been well view'd, he went to open the Trench, with his own Men, and 100 Portugueses, a little above 100 Paces from the Walls, which being so near they all soon perceiv'd the danger of the Undertaking. It was the worse for the Confusion and Noise in filling the Gabions. The next Day the Cannon was brought thither, being four Guns, two thirteen, and two sixteen Pounders. These sixteen Pounders, which the Portuguese Soldiers call Camels, are short Pieces, unfit for Battery; besides that the Bullets [Stone Bullets unfit for Battery.] were made of Stone, and broke as soon as they touch'd the Wall; being only fit to fire at the Houses. Gallinato seeing this, told the General that since before they landed he said, he had Cannon, he should order it to be brought on, and planted in Battery, now he saw how ineffectual that they had prov'd. He answer'd, that there was all he had, having left the best in some Places he recover'd the foregoing Year; and could not bring any more such, by Reason of the stormy Weather.

[The Enemies Strength.] This being mounted, the Battery began; but being so improper for this Purpose, it was canonading the Air; for the Enemy overlook'd, and was strengthen'd by a Stone Cavalier, which is that of Our Lady, next the Sea. Under it was a Ravelin, with seven heavy Pieces of Cannon which did, and threatned greater Harm to our Camp. The Cavalier was all Rampard, four Fathom high, and a Fathom and a half broad; all which had been perform'd, and rais'd with Espauls, by the Contrivance of the Dutch, who forwarded it, ever since they traded with that Tyrant. On the Land Side ran the Curtin of the Wall, as far as the Stone Bullwark, call'd Cachil Tulo, fortify'd outwards with Massy Timbers, on which there were three large Guns, and two on the Wall from this Bullwark to that of our Lady. All these Works look'd towards that Part, where our Men had taken up their Quarters. These Forts had also a great Number of Falconets, and Drakes; and the Cavalier that was batter'd being the strongest Part, where there was more Noise than Effect, the General order'd the Battery to cease.

[They Sally.] On Sunday the sixteenth, between four and five in the Evening, the Enemy sally'd out of their Fort, with most of their Men to attack, and gain the Trench, where our Cannon was planted. They assaulted it in three Places, dividing their Men, next the Mountain in Front, and towards the Shore. From the Mountainward came above 800 Ternates, with Campilanes, or Cymiters, in the Van of them almost as many Javaneses, with Pikes 25 Spans long, all in close Order. The Leader of them was a [Amuxa, the King's Nephew leads them.] gallant Youth, call'd Cachil Amuxa, the King's Cousin German, and Son to Cachil Tulo. Four hundred attack'd in Front, and many more next the Sea, each Body under its own Commander; who all fell on together with such Vigour, that had not they who defended it been in great Readiness, the Enemy could not miss of being Master of it. The Captains Pinto and Villagra commanded in it, who defended it bravely, but Emanuel Andres, Sergeant to Villagra, Alonso Roldan, a Corporal, and another Portuguese, who behav'd himself gallantly, dy'd fighting, being all run through with Pikes. The Advantage soon appear'd on the Spanish Side, [He is Defeated.] which the Enemy perceiving, they turn'd their Backs, leaving the Commanders their King had the greatest Value for, dead in the Field, and retired to the Fort. This Success gave Occasion to draw another Trench nearer the Fort, to batter the Ravelin, whence they did us Harm, with seven Pieces, notwithstanding our Work, which was carry'd on by the Captains Villagra and Sebastian Suarez. On Thursday the Trench was almost finish'd, and being near, made them so uneasy, that the Besieged began to batter it, with all their Cannon, but ineffectually, because the Gabions, and Rampart on the Inside, could bear much more. However, by this they perceiv'd the Power and Strength of the Enemy, and the Difficulty of the Undertaking.

On the twenty first of March the General came to the Trench, and [Council of War held.] calling together the Captains, Gallinato, Villagra, Antony Andrea, John Fernandez de Torres, Gonzalo de Sequeyra, Sebastian Suarez de Albergueria, Stephen Texeira, Gaspar Pacheco, the Admiral Thomas de Sousa Ronches, Lewis de Melo Sampayo, Jacome de Morales, Don Lope de Almeyda, Ruy Gonzalez, Trajan Rodriguez Castelbranco, Antony de Brito Fogaza, John Pinto de Moraes, and Don Thomas Bravo, and taking out a Missal, in the first Place desir'd them to take an Oath upon the holy Evangelists, that they would not speak of, nor any otherwise reveal, what he should there propose to them, and what should be resolv'd upon it, till effected. They all swore, and then he propos'd the Matter thus.

[Furtado's Speech to the Council.] I have call'd you together, Gentlemen, to acquaint you with the Condition I am in at Present, and this Siege has brought me to. It is two Years since I came from Goa, and during my Voyage, have spent a great Quantity of Ammunition, upon several Occasions; so that when we landed the other Day we had only ten Pipes of Powder, and 29 Barrels sent me from Manila. Since I landed, so much has been consum'd, as is visible, in Skirmishes, and Battery, that I have now much less than half that Quantity. The Dead, Wounded and Sick, of our Foot, now wanting in the Camp, are 130; and the rest, as daily Experience shows, fall Sick very fast of the Distemper call'd Berber. Our Provisions, tho' we took the Rice the Frigates brought from Manila, are so short, that they can not last beyond the beginning of June. The Ships and other Vessels of the Fleet, in the Opinion of the Pilots, run a great Hazard, where they now lie at Anchor; because, when this Moon is out, there can be no Safety for it, by reason of the high Winds and Storms, unless they remove to another Place, and there is no other but Tydore. We see how resolute, and well fortify'd the Enemy is, since all our Battery has produc'd so little Effect, and if they receive any Damage, it is soon made up by the Multitude of People. The Friendship the King of Tydore promis'd for advancing of his Majesty's Service, has prov'd so false, that he has perform'd nothing of what was concerted with him, tho' so reasonable, and beneficial to himself; having only been free in Words, but his Actions have not yet been seen. I have had sufficient Tryal of him. He has no other Design, but to deceive, and amuse us, that our Men may be destroy'd by Degrees, and so Time may consume us if the Enemy cannot. When I press'd him to do something, to show at this Time that he was a Friend, and his Majesty's Subject, he answer'd, he would; but that we must furnish Provisions for all his Men, because he had none. They demand Powder and Ball, for every trivial Undertaking, that so they may consume the little we have left; and when there is any Work to be done, there are no Men for it. Of the few Amboyneses I brought with me, for this Purpose, their Labour being great, some are return'd home, others gone to the Enemy. Those that remain are not sufficient, and most of what has been hitherto done is owing to the Infantry; which is so harrass'd, that it can do no Service. The Enemy expects Dutch Ships, and knows they are now at Banda. I have Intelligence that they have sent for them, and if they come they will be a great Obstacle to our Designs. Considering what I have discours'd of, I desire you, Gentlemen, and every one of you, still under the Obligation of the Oath, to give me your Opinions, that according to them I may resolve what to do, in pursuance of the great Duty incumbent on me.

Upon the Request of the Captains, the General Furtado gave in these Proposals in writing, tho' he oppos'd it at first. In short they were written, as were the Opinions of the Councellors, among whom the greater Part, even of the Portugueses oppos'd the General; and tho' I ought to give some Account of their Votes, because they had all different Views, yet, in Regard that most of them assented to Gallinato's Opinion, it will suffice to set down his Answer.

John Xuarez Gallinato, Commander of the Provinces of the Pintados, and [Gallinato's Answer to Furtado.]

the Officers attending me, do answer to the Proposal made by your Lordship, as follows. That as to the want of Powder you represent, we look upon it as essential, since we can not fight without it, and if that fails, our Cannon and small Fire-Arms, are rather Encumbrances, than Weapons, and therefore it is requisite to resolve and agree, where and when to employ, and how much of what we have may be spent, so as our Enterprize may succeed, since we see how ineffectual that hitherto spent has been; considering, at the same Time, that a great Quantity is to be reserv'd, to fight five Dutch Galeons we expect; which, if they come, part of our Fleet must of necessity go out and ingage. For, if this be not done they will put Succours into the Place, which tho' never so inconsiderable, as but of 100 Muskets, would be very prejudicial to us; besides that, it will be a great Disreputation, not to meet them out at Sea.

As to the Mens sickning, being kill'd and wounded, we say, those are Misfortunes always attending War; and that we are sensible how fast the Army grows weak, for which Reason, it will be necessary to be the more expeditious in the Work we have in Hand; yet so that neither too much Precipitation may expose it to Hazards, nor Delay give Time for all the Army to fall Sick. As for the Scarcity of Provisions, our Opinion is, that an Account be taken of what we have, how much is consum'd in a Month, and thus the necessary Distribution may be made in Time; for otherwise we shall fall short, when we least expect it; and Hunger will do us more Harm than the Enemy.

To the Danger of the Ships threatned by the Pilots, and their Advice to go over to Tydore, we answer. That if the Fleet quits the Station where it is, it will be a manifest Detriment to the Army, which is supply'd from it with all it Wants, and must want every Thing upon its Absence. Besides, that if the Enemy see it once gone, they will take fresh Courage; and if the Dutch come and find the Harbour empty, it is plain they will possess themselves of it. Again, if the Fleet makes off, must not a considerable Number of the Soldiers go for its Security? Now how can it be proper to divide our Forces; especially considering they are so small, and the Men so sickly? Besides that here is no Place to lay up the Provisions, for the Waters destroy them by Day and Night. Whilst aboard the Fleet, the Soldiers have it daily brought fresh and wholesome. Farther, the Pilots, and Natives of Tydore, say the Ships are safe in the Harbour till after the Middle of April.

We have had Tryal of the Enemies Power, and believe they have Men, Ammunition, and Cannon to spare, considering our Condition; and the Commanders, and Deserters from them confirm it. But neither can it be deny'd, that the very first Day we ingag'd as we have been told by Prisoners, and wounded Men, 1000 of the best Men they had in Ternate came out to stop our Passage with five Pieces of Cannon, and so posted, that only two of our Men could come up a Breast to charge them; and yet they with all these Odds, were beaten off with the Loss of many Men, as appear'd by the dead Bodies, scatter'd along the Shore, where they also lost their Artillery. The same Day we saw them sally upon the Fort of Santiago, where Captain Villagra commanded, and tho' our Men were surpriz'd, yet they repuls'd them and slew the Flower of their Commanders; so that they were certainly much weakned; and streightned by Hunger and Sickness. And tho' with the Help of the Dutch, and their own Hardiness they repair the Breaches, and fortify themselves with Artillery, Means may be found to surmount these Difficulties, for if there were none, it would be no War we are ingag'd in.

We are sensible of the King of Tydore's Want of Faith; but what discreet Commander has not made the best of such Accidents, and wink'd at disloyal, and unsteady Persons till a more favourable Opportunity; Besides, before we landed, Notice was taken of this Princes Indifferency, and that his Design is to protract the War, rather in Hatred to Ternate, than out of any Love to our Nation. We our selves will make amends for the Want of Labourers; we will be both Soldiers and Pioniers, as we have hitherto been; for the Sword and the Spade are equally honourable in so just a War; and we again offer our selves, and our Soldiers, to perform whatsoever shall be for the Service of God and the King.

It is therefore our Opinion, that the Galeons remove immediately; that two of them Anchor between our Ladies Cavalier, and S. Paul, and batter the inside of the Cavalier, and the other two, the House of S. Paul, the Fort, and the Town. Then of Necessity the Defendants within must fly, since the Defence of the Stone Parapet, is but a meer Show, except only where it looks upon the open Country. As soon as the Galeons begin to batter, we will also batter the Ravelin before the Cavalier, where the seven Pieces of Cannon are, which will certainly be ruin'd in two Hours, because our Fort of S. Christopher commands them, and the Thickness is not above a Fathom. To conclude, My Lord, the Want of Provisions, and of Health, the coming of the Dutch, the Resolution of the Besieged, of all other Difficulties will be surmounted by Celerity. We are ready to perform all Things on our Part; it belongs to your Lordship to make Tryal of our Promise. It will not be reasonable immediately to abandon the small Remains of Christianity in the Moluccos, and the Hopes of regaining what has been lost, in vain endeavour'd for so many Years, at the Expence of so many Millions of Money, so many Lives, and the Honour of European Nations, by turning our Backs upon so holy an Undertaking.

[Furtado dissolves the Council, and acts counter to it.] This Answer was sent in a Paper signed by the Captains, to satisfy all his Doubts, for they answer'd others by Word of Mouth, which were started by the Portuguese Commanders to perswade drawing off; but the General Thanking both Parties for their Zeal in Advising, broke up the Council; and on Saturday the 22d, came to a Resolution, which he left to be put in Execution the next Day. That Night he drew off the Cannon; and on Sunday Night, at the second Watch, the Forces began to March towards the Shore, where the Ships lay to take in the Men. The Admiral, Thomas de Sousa, led the Van; the General and his Officers, the Main Body; and John Xuarez Gallinato, with the Captains Don Thomas Bravo, John Fernandez de Torres, and Christopher Villagra, and the Musketiers, brought up the Rear. [The Forces Shipp'd off.] In this Order the Foot were Shipp'd off, and got all aboard by the Morning. At the same time two Dutch Men, of those that were in the Fort with the Enemy, fled from it, and came to the Ships. Among other Intelligence, they told the Spaniards how strong the Enemy were in Men and Cannon: That they had 36 heavy Pieces mounted on the Ravelin near our Ladies; seven on Cachil Tulo's Bastion; three between them; and two on the Cavalier; three at S. Paul's; eight in the Main Fort; three at Limatao; three more on that Bastion, and four more near it.

This Day Furtado propos'd to sail away with the Fleet towards Amboyna, but wanting Water, put it off for four Days, and during that time Gallinato had leasure to Discourse him, since he was going away, about providing [Furtado refuses to supply Tydore, and other Places.] the Fort of Tydore, which could not be Maintain'd without Supplies. He Answer'd, He was very willing to do it, but could not; and therefore would send Succours from Amboyna. Application was made to him to provide for other Wants, which concern'd his Majesties Service, to which he return'd the same Answer. He press'd him to consider, in what Condition he left the Fort of Machian, whereto particular Regard ought to be had, because there were 50 Men and a Captain, with the small Vessel, call'd a Galizabra, and he must either Relieve, or Dismantle it. He said, He had already sent to Destroy it, and did believe it was then Raz'd. [Machian Fort raz'd.]

Having taken this Order, and Leave of the Commanders, he set sail on Thursday the 27th of March, sending a Letter to Don Pedro de Acunna, the Governour of the Philippine Islands, with an Account of the Particulars of this Enterprize: A small Part of it will suffice to express the Thoughts and Intention of so Discreet a Commander as he has been prov'd by his former and later Actions; for it is not to be believ'd that he would quit the Attempt upon Ternate, without substantial Reasons: The Succours your Lordship [Part of Furtado's Letter to the Governor of the Philippines.] sent me, says he, by Gods Assistance, came in good Time; for it was Providence that furnished his Majesty with this Fleet, and sav'd the Lives of us, who still enjoy them. By what has happen'd in this Expedition, his Majesty will understand how much he is beholding to your Lordship, and how little to the Commander of Malaca; since it is his Fault, that his Majesty was not serv'd. When the Succours your Lordship sent me arriv'd, this Fleet had no Ammunition, as having been two Years out from Goa, and having spent it as Occasion offer'd. Wherefore, that it might not be thought I Obstructed his Majesties Service, I landed; and did it with the Loss of many of the Enemies. I carry'd up my last Trenches within 100 Paces of the Enemies Works, planted five heavy Battering-Pieces; and in ten Days Battery a great part of a Bastion, wherein the Enemies main Strength consisted, was ruin'd. During that Time all the Powder the Fleet had was spent, without leaving enough for one Charge of the Guns, and if it should happen, as I do not question it will, that I meet any Squadron of Dutch, I must of Necessity fight them, this being my principal Motive for raising of the Siege, when the Enemy was reduc'd to great Streights, both by Want, and for that many of their best Commanders had been kill'd during the Siege. By this your Lordship may guess at the Condition I am in. This Letter dilates upon the Complaints against the Governours of India. He promises Don Pedro, that if he meets with any Succours at Amboyna, and is not oblig'd to go relieve the southern Parts, he will return to the Moluccos, tho' he be forc'd to go refit as far as Malaca. He praises and recommends the Captains Gallinato, Don Thomas, Villagra, and their fellow Soldiers, and so concludes the Letter.

Gallinato went to Tydore, where he was inform'd, that tho' the Fort of Machian was abandon'd, only one Bastian of it was dismantled; so that if the Enemy would possess themselves of it, they might do it with Ease, and were actually about it. Hereupon he spoke to the King of Tydore, [Gallinato at Tydore takes Care of Machian.] and the Portuguese Commander in Chief, recommending to them, that they would either take Care to maintain, or else quite raze that Fort. They commission'd a Captain to do the latter, who going to perform it, loaded the Vessel, call'd Galizabra with 200 Quintals, or a hundred Weight of Clove, and return'd to Tydore, to the great Satisfaction of the Portugueses of that Island. At this Time the King of Ternate was repairing the Breaches in his Fortifications, and rais'd new Defences, providing against Dangers he knew Nothing of yet. His Subjects are Warlike, [Falshood of the King of Tydore.] with whom, and the Assistance of the Dutch, he thought his Kingdome invincible. Great Matters might have been expected could any Confidence be repos'd in the King of Tydore; but our Commanders say his People, and those of Ternate understand one another.

On the 17th of April, the King of Tydore acquainted Gallinato, that with [The King and Queen of Tydore at Variance.] his Leave he design'd to make Peace with the King of Ternate. He answer'd, He would do well to consider what was expedient for his own Dominions, without Detriment to his Majesty's Service. The same Day the Sangiack of Nua, in the Kingdom of Bachian, came to Tydore. He was a Christian, and laying hold of the Opportunity of serving his Majesty in the last Expedition, visited the Queen of Tydore, a beautiful young Lady, Daughter to the King of Bachian, who liv'd discontented, because the King her Husband was more fond of another ancient Woman, and not so well born. The Sangiack had Commission and Strength to steal her away, and conduct her to her Father, since neither Complaints, [She is stolen away.] Intreaties, nor any other Methods had been of Force to reclaim the King. On the 4th of May, came a Sister of the King's, on the same Pretence of visiting her Niece, and reconciling her to the King. The Sangiack and she having concerted those Affairs, the young Queen going abroad with them to an Entertainment, and all Things being provided, they embark'd, and sail'd away towards Bachian. The King of Tydore was enrag'd, out of Patience, and apprehensive of a new War; tho' afterwards this Difference was amicably adjusted, by the Interposition of Cachil Malua, a principal Person of Bachian.

On the 22d of May News was brought to Tydore, that the King of Ternate, had fitted out 50 Carcoas in his Harbour, and expected the Dutch Ships. He, at the same Time, made Rejoycings, in a triumphant Manner for the Departure of the Spaniards. It was requisite to leave some Men and Provisions in the Fort of Tydore, which being done, Gallinato, who [Fort of Tydore supply'd.] had before writ by an Advice-Boat, to the General and Governour of the Philippine Islands, left the Moluccos, and sail'd himself that Way. This was the Event of that so long intended and threatned Undertaking, which I have deliver'd impartially, having search'd after, and even guess'd at some Excuses to justify the Behaviour of so great a Commander as Andrew Furtado; enquiring of those very Officers who were present at the Attacks, and in the Councils. Neither by them, nor by the General's own Memorials [Impartiality of the Author.] and Papers, can be found or made out any more than what appears by those which have been here inserted; but to judge of these Affairs is not the Part of an Historian.

[Earl of Lemos President of the Council of the Indies.] This same Year, about the beginning of April, the Presidentship of the Council of the Indies was conferr'd on Don Pedro Fernandez de Castro, Earl of Lemos and Andrade, Marquess de Sarria, Chief of his Family, whose Royal Antiquity is well known, Nephew and Son-in-law to the Duke of Lerma. In his Youth he gave such Hopes, as were afterwards fulfill'd by his Actions. He was then Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber to our King. The World made the same Judgment of him, that the Senate of Rome had in his Time of Scipio, afterwards call'd Africanus, when it made a Scruple of entrusting him with Matters of great Difficulty, because he was so young. But Experience soon made appear in the Earl, as well as in Scipio, that Prudence, which regulates all other Virtues, often anticipates grey Hairs. It is no Merit of the Off-spring to be descended from Noble, or Plebeyan Families; but such was the Vivacity of this great Man's Spirit, and Judgment, that had he been born Mean, he might by his own natural [This was writ when he was living.] Parts have made his Fortune. No Man can say he wanted publick or private Accomplishment. In him appears a settled Magnanimity; with a courteous Sincerity; yet temper'd with that Justice we extol in the severe Austereness of some of the Ancients. These Virtues are interwoven with Religion, a Zeal for its Propagation, and the universal Agreement, which is the Product of publick Tranquility. Thus he serv'd his King, with Care and Solicitude; without Intermission, or seeking himself and his Advantage. It will be requisite to be brief in this Particular, because his singular Modesty is not pleas'd with the Soothings of Commendation; but is as averse to Flattery, as remote from standing in need of it.

[Member of the said Council, at that Time.] The Earl found the Council fill'd with zealous and grave Men; the Lords Benedict Rodriguez Valtodano, Peter Bravo de Sotomayor, Alonso Molina de Medrano, Knight of the Order of Santiago, or S. James the Apostle, James de Armenteros, Gonzalo de Aponte, Don Thomas Ximenes Ortis, Don Francisco Arias Maldonado, Benavente de Benavides, John de Villagutierre, Lewis de Salcedo, and Ferdinand de Villagomez; all of them qualify'd by Extraction, noted for Learning, and having taken the highest Degrees in it. These were Counsellors, and the last of them Solicitor General of that Assembly. To which also belong'd John de Ybarra, Knight of the Order of Calatrava, and Commendary of Moratalaz, and Peter de Lodesma, the King's Secretaries. In the Places of the Licenciates, Molina de Medrano, and Gonzalo de Aponte, whom his Majesty afterwards employ'd in his Royal Council of Castile, and in those of some who dy'd, his Majesty, at several Times put in the Licenciates, Lewis de Salcedo, Gudiel, and Don Francis de Texada y de Mendoza, Doctor Bernard de Olmedilla, and John de Ybarra, &c. All these amidst that Multitude of Business they dexterously dispatch'd, laid all their main Designs, for the restoring his Majesty's Monarchy to its Fulness, in those utmost Limits of it; a Project suitable to the Genius of the new President. He enquiring into the general and particular Posture of all Things then depending, met with that of the Molucco Islands, and finding it of Consequence, and almost forgotten, inclin'd to give it a helping Hand.

[Br. Gaspar Gomez informs the Council.] Much about this Time, Brother Gaspar Gomez came into Spain, being sent by Don Pedro de Acunna, to solicite that Enterprize. The Brother at several tedious Audiences, gave the President full Information of all that concern'd the Molucco Islands, their Wealth, the great Treasure Spain has expended in Attempts to recover them, to restore persecuted Christianity, where it had been so much receiv'd; and what Consequence it was, that this should be done by Way of the Philippine Islands. The Earl undertook that Cause, as such ought to be supported, and consulted about it with the Council, with the Duke of Lerma, and most particularly with the King's Confessor. He never desisted, till it was brought to bear, and in such a Forwardness, that it might be effectually dispatch'd. The Members of the supream Council, with the same Zeal, and considering the repeated Disappointments of this Enterprize, forwarded the Expedition, and all of them agreed that Don Pedro de Acunna should undertake it in Person. This favourable Disposition of theirs, was fully confirm'd, by the News brought a Year after, of the ill Success of the united Forces of India under Furtado, and those of the Philippine Islands, under Gallinato. It was writ by Don Pedro de Acunna, describing it to the Life, with Duplicates for his Majesty, and the prime Ministers, and though he left much to Brother Gaspar Gomez, he was very particular himself.