Chapter XX: Book IX (1)

[Preparations in Spain against the Moluccos.] The continual Application of the President and Council to expedite the Enterprize, seem'd to be a Presage of the late ill Success at the Molucco Islands. The true Account of it was brought in Don Pedro de Acunna's Letters. The King and his Ministers were concern'd at it; but at the same Time, it was a Motive to hasten the Preparations, recover the lost Reputation, and put an End at once to that Strife. Some attributed the Miscarriage to Disagreement between Gallinato and Furtado; others suspected the Discord had been between the Spanish and Portuguese Nations. None urg'd that it might be for Want of Necessaries for carrying on the Work. These Debates ended, and the President espousing the Business with the Resolution that was requisite, represented the Matter in a lively Manner to the King, recounting what the General Furtado had done, the Succours sent by Don Pedro de Acunna under Gallinato, and how, tho' the Officers and Soldiers [The Presidents Remonstrance to the King.] did their Duty, the Success fail'd. That it was look'd upon as most certain, That the Molucco Kings, who still continu'd under Subjection, had acted coldly. That this Failure in them was occasion'd by a Sort of State Policy, easy to be seen thro'; which was the Protracting of the War, and making use of our Arms for their private Advantage, without desiring it should be fully concluded. That if Means were not us'd for expelling the Dutch out of Ternate, they would become absolute Masters of the Archipelago of the Conception, and deprive his Majesty of all the Revenue of the Spice, as they had almost done in the most considerable Parts of India.

[The King's Answer.] The King having consider'd it, approv'd of what was laid before him; and being sensible of its mighty Importance, judg'd the Number of Ships, Men and Arms demanded, too small; and therefore added more with his own Royal Hand, without fixing a certain Proportion; and order'd, that no Time should be lost, seeming very earnest to have his Decree put in Execution. In the same Manner he directed, thro' the Intervention of the Duke of Lerma, that the Design in Hand should be carry'd on. Hereupon the Council pass'd the Necessary Orders, and the President sent Letters and Instructions to the Viceroy of New Spain, and the Governour of the Philippine Islands, that they might with the same Diligence fulfil the Commands they should receive as to this Point. The King in his Order sent to this Effect, declar'd his Will, and the Method he was pleas'd should be observ'd as follows.

Don Pedro de Acunna, my Governour, and Captain General of the Philippine [The King's Letter to Don Pedro de Acunna.] Islands and President of my Royal Court in them. On the 20th of September of the last Year 1603, I writ to you by an Advice Boat, which carry'd Gaspar Gomez, of the Society of JESUS, to New Spain, acquainting you with the Resolution I had taken concerning what you writ to me from New Spain, when you went to serve me those Posts, relating to the Expedition of Ternate. Pursuant to it, I have order'd 500 Men to be rais'd in these Kingdoms, who shall be sent aboard the Fleet that is to go this Year to New Spain. I writ to the Viceroy, directing him to raise 500 more, that so you may have at least 800 sent you for this Enterprize. I have appointed four Captains to carry them from this Kingdom; one of whom is the Vice-Admiral John de Esquivel, to be Commander in Chief of the said Men; besides six in half Pay, who are skillful and experienc'd Soldiers, that in Case any of the said Captains dye by the Way, they may supply their Places; and that they may take Charge of the Companies to be rais'd in New Spain, as I write to the Viceroy. I have appointed the said Captains 40 [Captains and their Pay.] Ducats a Month Pay, and the Vice-Admiral John de Esquivel 60. Those in half Pay are to have 25 Ducats; and from that Time forward, the said John de Esquivel, in Case I order him to have the Title of Collonel, shall have 120 Ducats a Month; and whilst he serves under the Title of Commander in Chief of the said Men, to have 90 Ducats a Month; the Captain: 60, and those in half Pay 40. The Soldiers, as well those rais'd in Spain, [Soldiers Pay.] as those from New Spain, shall have Eight Ducats a Month; the Viceroy being order'd to send to those Islands as much Money as is requisite for a Years Pay, according to those Rates. And, if they shall be longer detain'd upon other Occasions of my Service, he shall also furnish what is Necessary, upon Advice from you. Concerning which I have thought fit to acquaint, charge and command you, that in Case this Pay of the Soldiers can be moderated, [The Viceroy to furnish Money, Powder and Cannon.] with Regard to what is usually paid there to Men of this Sort, you accordingly reform it, as may be justifiable, acquainting me, and the Viceroy of New Spain with it. However you shall make no Alteration in the Pay of the Vice-Admiral John de Esquivel, nor of the Captains, Ensigns, and those in half Pay. I have also directed the Viceroy to furnish you with whatsoever shall be requisite, as far as 120000 Ducats you have demanded for this Expedition, six Pieces of Battering Cannon, and 500 Quintals, or hundred Weight of Musket Powder. The Men from hence go arm'd with Muskets and Firelocks. You must be very careful that there be due Order, Rule and Method in the Distribution of the said Money, and every Thing besides. You shall endeavour to perform what is intended, as I expect you [Don Pedro to go in Person.] will, with the Men sent from hence and from New Spain, and those you may have rais'd in those Islands for the Expedition against Ternate. If it be possible you shall go in Person, as you have offer'd to do, leaving those Islands in the best Order that may be. And in case the Affairs there should be in such a Posture, that you cannot go in Person upon this Expedition, you shall appoint another of sufficient Experience, and well quallify'd, to take the whole Command, for I impower you so to do. And it is my Will, That in Case you should miscarry, either going upon the Expedition, or thro' any other Accident, or the Person you shall appoint for it, that then the [John de Esquivel to succeed Don Pedro.] Vice-Admiral John de Esquivel succeed and prosecute it; and that all such as go upon the said Expedition, as well as Seamen and Landmen, obey him, as they would you, if there. And I declare that in this Case, and if you should miscarry, and the said John de Esquivel succeed in the Command of the Expedition, he shall be subject and subordinate to my Royal Sovereign Court of those Islands. I have made Choice of the Captains, who have the Command of the Foot rais'd in those Kingdoms, as Persons of Merit and Service; and therefore do command you to honour and favour them as far as may be allowable, and in so doing you will please me; and that you do not reform them, nor take away their Companies, to give them to others, unless it be to advance them to higher Posts. Nevertheless, if they shall be guilty of any Crimes, you may punish them, as their Superior Officer. It is to be suppos'd, That when these Men come to those Islands, and they shall set out in the first Ships that sail from New Spain, after the Arrival of the Flota, you will have all Things in such Forwardness, that the Enterprize may be [Charge of Martial Discipline, &c.] gone upon immediately. I charge you strictly to undertake it with all the Precaution, Maturity, and Consideration I can expect from so able a Soldier; and that the Men be well disciplin'd and exercis'd, and all Things so well dispos'd, that you may meet with the wish'd Success, which is of such Consequence, and you are sensible how much is hazarded, and of the great Expence that is made. You are to take Care, as I charge you, that the necessary Order be taken in the Distribution and Management of my Treasure; and that all superfluous Charges be avoided. You shall from Time to Time give me an Account of whatsoever happens, as Occasion shall offer. When you have recover'd the Fort of Ternate, you shall take the necessary Measures for the Security of the same, and of the Island. I have order'd the Viceroy of New Spain to send you Advice, as soon as the Men that go from hence arrive there, if there be conveniency so to do; and that he particularly inform you of what Force he has gather'd there, and will be effective any other Way; as also when they shall sail thence, that you may dispose Things there accordingly; and if you shall think fit that the Men be left any where, before they come to Manila, you may order it, or do as you shall think most Expedient in all Respects. Valladolid, June the 20th 1604.

After the Dispatching of this Order, or Letter, the Contents of it began to be executed in Spain. In the foregoing Year 1603, whilst Don Pedro [Dreadful Fire at Manila.] de Acunna was busy in making Preparations to this Effect, an Accident happen'd in the Philippine Islands, which threatned the Ruin of them, and greater Calamaties. A Fire broke out at Manila in April, which consum'd the best Part, and above half the City, without being able to save the Goods, which had been landed from the Ships newly arriv'd from New Spain, and laid up in the safest Part of the Houses, whereof 270 of Timber and Stone were burnt, as also the Monastery of S. Dominick, House and Church, the Royal Hospital of the Spaniards, and the Magazines, no Building that lay betwixt them escaping. Fourteen Spaniards were burnt, and among them, the licenciate Sanz, a Canon of the Cathedral, with some Indians and Blacks. The Loss was valu'd at a Million. It seem'd to be an Omen of what was to follow, which agreed with the Signs seen in the Sky.

In the foregoing March, a Chinese Ship came into the Bay of Manila, [Three Chinese Mandarines at Manila.] in which, as the Out-Guards gave the Account, there came three great Mandarines, with suitable Pomp and Retinue, about their Monarch's Business. The Governour gave them leave to land, and come into the City. As soon as landed, they were carry'd directly to the King's House, in Palankines of Ivory, and curious Sorts of Wood gilt, on the Shoulders of their Servants, who were clad in Red. There the Governour expected them, with the Members of the Royal Court, and a great Number of Officers and Soldiers, who also lin'd the Streets, and publick Places. When they came to the House, they were set down by their Servants, and leaving their Colours, Umbrelloes, Launces, and other Tokens of Grandeur, went into a spacious Room magnificently adorn'd. As soon as they saw the Governour, who expected them standing, the Mandarines, making their Obeysance, and performing Ceremonies of Civility after the Chinese Fashion, made up to him. Don Pedro return'd their Courtesy after the Manner of Spain. They, pursuant to their Commission, with the Interposition [Their Extraordinary Message.] of Interpreters, told him; "That their King had sent them with a Chinese, they brought along with them in Chains, that they might with their own Eyes see a Golden Island, call'd Cabit, near Manila, of which that Subject of his had given him an Account, telling him, it was not possess'd by any Body, and therefore ask'd of him a Number of Ships, to seize it, promising to bring them back loaden with Gold, and if he did not he should take his Head. That they were come to fulfill that Promise to their King, and to satisfy him of the Truth of the Existence of so strange an Island; which being an Affair of such Consequence, their King would not commit it to any Persons of less Note than themselves." Don Pedro de Acunna answer'd them in a few [Don Pedro's Answer.] Words. "That they were Welcome; that they might rest them in the House prepar'd for their Entertainment in the City, and they would afterwards discourse about that Affair more at Leisure. Thus they took their Leave, and at the Door got up again into their Palankines, on the Shoulders of their Slaves, who carry'd them to their Lodgings. There the Governour order'd them to be plentifully furnish'd with Provisions, and all Dainties as long as they staid.

It is a plain Case, that the coming of these Mandarines must raise a Jealousy, [Jealousy of the Chineses.] and make it be concluded, that they came upon another Design, than what they declar'd. The Chineses are sharp and mistrustful, and it was not to be believ'd, that their King should send them on that Errand, nor the Fiction likely to be credited by the Spaniards. At the same Time, eight Chinese Ships arriv'd at Manila with Merchandize, and declar'd, That the Mandarines come as Spies, because the King of China intended to break off all Trade with the Spaniards, and send over a mighty Fleet of Ships that could carry an hundred Thousand fighting Men, to possess himself of that Place, and that this Expedition would be some time that Year. The Governour redoubled his Care for the Security of the City, and order'd the Mandarines to be well treated, but not to be suffer'd to go out of the City, nor to administer Justice among the Sangleys, or Chineses, as they had began to do, which they seem'd to resent. Then he sent them Word, that they must dispatch their Business, and return speedily to China. All this was done, without any Signs of Jealousy shown by the Spaniards, or that they saw into their private Designs.

The Mandarines visited the Governour again, and then he was more [Second Visit of the Mandarines, and the Governour's Answers.] plain; and making something of a Jest of their Coming, said to them, That he wonder'd their King should give Credit to the Chinese they brought Prisoner; or if it had been true that any such Gold were in the Philippine Islands, that he should think the Spaniards would suffer it to be carry'd away, the Country belonging, as it did, to the King of Spain. The Mandarines answer'd they believ'd as much; but that their King had sent them, and they were oblig'd to come, and to carry him an Answer. That having done their Part, according to their Duty, they would return. The Governour being willing to make short Work of it, sent the Mandarines, with their Prisoner and Servants to the Port of Cabite, which is two Leagues from the City. There they were receiv'd with the Noise of our Cannon, purposely fir'd at their Landing, which they admir'd, and did not conceal their Surprise and Fear. When landed they ask'd the Prisoner, [The Chinese Prisoner prov'd a Cheat.] whether that was the Island he had told the King of: He, nothing daunted, answer'd, It was. They reply'd, Then where is the Gold? All that is in it, rejoyn'd he, is Gold, and I will make it good. The same Answer he made to several other Questions put to him; and all was writ down in the Presence of some Spanish Commanders, and trusty Naguatatoes, or Interpreters. To conclude, the Mandarines order'd a Basket made of Palm-Tree Leaves to be fill'd with that Earth, to carry it to the King of China; and after dining and resting, return'd to Manila. The Naguatatoes or Interpreters, declar'd, That the Mandarines pressing the Prisoner to answer directly to the Purpose, he told them, That the meaning of what he said to the King was, that there was abundance of Gold, and other Wealth in the [He explains himself.] Possession of the Spaniards and Natives of the Philippine Islands; and if he would furnish him with a Fleet well mann'd, he having been at Luzon, and knowing the Country, would undertake to make himself Master of it, and return to China with the Ships laden with Gold. This, with what the Chineses had said before, seem'd more likely than the Invention of the Mandarines.

Don F. Michael de Benavides, then Archbishop Elect of Manila, who understood the Chinese Language, was of this Opinion. He had been in their Country, was acquainted with the Subtilties of the Sangleyes, and suffer'd their Torments and Cruelties. It was presently Judg'd, that the Mandarines came under that Colour to view the Country, and to lay the Foundation of their Insurrection and Mutiny there. These certain Judgments are grounded on the Irrational Disposition of the Sangleyes, or Chineses, which, not to mention other Proofs, will sufficiently appear, by some few [Part of a Letter concerning the Chineses.] Periods of the Long Letter Ferdinand de los Rios, of whom we have spoken before, writ to Manila, from the Port of Pinar in Canton, where he was upon the Service of the Church, and of his King. For these Infidels, says he, have the Light of Nature more clouded than any other People in the World, and therefore there is need of Angels, and not Men, to deal with them. For the better conceiving what a sort of Country 'tis we are in, I shall only say, that this is the true Kingdom of the Devil, and where he may be said to govern with absolute Power. Every Sangley, or Chinese, seems to be possess'd by him; for there is no piece of Malice, or Fraud, but what they attempt. The Government, tho' outwardly it appears good, as to Order and Method, for its Security; yet when you once have Experience of its Practice, you will find it is all a Contrivance of the Devil. Tho' they do not here publickly rob, or plunder Strangers, they do it another worse Way, &c.

[Chineses design the Conquest of the Philippines.] This Jealousy conceiv'd against the Sangleyes, who, once for all, are the Chineses so call'd by the Spaniards at Manila, was verify'd; for it was afterwards known, that the Captain of the King of China's Guards had begg'd of him the Conquest of the Philippine Islands, at the Perswasion of that Chinese they brought Prisoner. The Governour treated the Mandarines civilly, and mistrusted their Designs, keeping a watchfull Eye over them. However there wanted not some-body that ask'd them, what they thought of that Fellow's Invention, since they had seen that the Place he mention'd was so far from having any Gold, that there were not the least Tokens of any such Thing to be found in it; and since it was so, they ought to make him give it under his Hand, that he had told his King a Lye. One of the Mandarines bid him do so, and he taking the Pen form'd [The Prisoners Declaration.] three Characters, which, explain'd in our Tongue, signify'd, If the King pleases, it is Gold; and if not, it is Sand. Being press'd farther, he declared, That he had inform'd his King that Gold was produc'd there to incline his Majesty to entrust him with a good Fleet, wherewith he might take Revenge of the Christian Sangleyes, who had done him many Wrongs. Little Notice was taken of all this, and tho' the Authority of the Mandarines seem'd to corroborate it, all was look'd upon as Folly, for none believ'd that they design'd to carry on a War out of their Country. The Mandarines return'd Home, having, as is believ'd, communicated their Project to the Sangleyes that were settled there, who at Manila, and in the other Islands, were above 30000.

[Chineses take Aynan by Treachery.] The same was practis'd by the Chinese King in the Island of Aynao, or Aynan, a most fruitful Country, and near to his Kingdom, where the Chineses crept in under Colour of Trade, as they did at Manila, and possess'd themselves of it to this Day. This Island has such a plentiful Pearl Fishery, that in the Year 1600 the King caus'd 1500 Arrobas, that is, 375 Hundred Weight of them to be taken up. This will not seem incredible to such as know, that not long before, in four Months Time, he gather'd 1700 [Monstrous Quantity of Pearls.] Vessels that row'd, for this Fishery, every one being oblig'd to take a Pico, that is, five Arrobas, or Quarters of an Hundred, to gather a sufficient Quantity of Pearls to rebuil'd a Royal Apartment that had been pull'd down in that King's Palace. He built it again, covering the Walls and Roofs with Clusters of Pearls, and Birds, Beasts, Fruits, and Flowers, all made of that precious Substance, set on Plates of Gold. The Truth of this Fact appears by an Authentick Writing, which gives an Account of it; for being likely to be judg'd Fabulous, it was requisite to authorize the Relation.

[Precautions taken at Manila.] The Governour did not altogether look upon the Design of the Mandarines as a Piece of Vanity and Folly, tho' he conceal'd his Thoughts; for he made some Preparations, and among the rest hasten'd the repairing of the Walls of the City; which having suffer'd much by the Fire, when the Arms were also lost, he made up that Defect the best he could, and the Sangleyes were assisting in it. It is to be observ'd, that those People have a separate Government among themselves, in the Philippine Islands.

At the Time that Don Pedro, the Governour, was most intent upon the War against the Molucco Islands, there happen'd such an Accident at Manila, as [Encan a Chinese of great Subtilty.] might not only have diverted it, but utterly destroy'd the whole Province. A Man was then living, who stay'd at Manila, when the great Pyrate Limaon, of whose Life and Actions there are Printed Relations, came to Manila. He was then an Idolater, and, as was reported, serv'd the Pyrate in a leud Capacity. His Name was Encan, born at Semygua, in the Province of Chincheo; and was baptiz'd under the Government of Santiago de Vera, who gave him his Surname, and he was call'd Baptist de Vera. He prov'd a subtile Dealer, and successfully Active, by which Means, following Trade, he gather'd immense Wealth, and was Great with the Governours of the Philippines. Through his Interposition, the Sangleyes propos'd to Don Pedro, that he should allow them to repair a Parapet of the Wall, which was finishing, at their own Expence; for that they, as a Part of the Publick, would do his Majesty that Piece of Service; and every one of them offer'd four Royals, that is, two Shillings, towards the Work. This Piece of Service, and the Favour of the Citizens, Encan had purchas'd by good Turns, made the Suspicion conceiv'd of their Conspiracy vanish, or at least be little regarded.

[His crafty Practices.] He was respected by the Spaniards, and belov'd by the Sangleyes, had been their Governour several Times, and had many Godsons, and other Dependants. At this Time he cunningly kept within the City, to secure Things by his Presence; but from thence he stirr'd up the People, and laid his Design, by Means of his Confidents. He thought fit to know what Number of People he should find to put it in Execution, and that he might muster them in private, order'd that every one of his Country-Men should bring him a Needle; pretending he had Occasion for them for some Work. The Sangleyes, either guessing at the End for which these Needles were gather'd, or else ignorantly obey'd Encan. The Needles being put into a little Box, the Number of them was so great, that it encourag'd him to undertake a far different Work than he had propos'd.

The Governour still forwarded the Work of the Walls; rais'd Men; and directed the Justices to furnish themselves with Provisions, and Arms, to relieve the City. Near the Parian, which is the Quarters of the Chineses, [Don Pedro strengthens himself.] there was another Ward, inhabited by Japoneses, who are Enemies to the Sangleyes, with whom they are continually at War in their own Country. The Governour summon'd the Heads of them, and artfully div'd into their Inclinations, to discover, what Use he might make of them upon Occasion, and whether they would assist him against the Chineses, in Case [Japoneses promise to assist the Spaniards, and alarm the Chineses.] they came to a War. The Japoneses, proud of the Confidence he repos'd in them, and of an Opportunity of serving against their Enemy, answer'd, they were ready to dye with the Spaniards. This discreet Precaution occasion'd some Harm, for the Japoneses revealing the Secret, or adding some Circumstances in the Relation, it was given out, that Don Pedro, with their Assistance, intended to cut off the Sangleyes; and some of the Japoneses told them as much, that they might fly, and reward them for the Intelligence. Many of them had Thoughts of absconding in the Mountains, the Rest were frighted, and those who intended to revolt, found an Opportunity to perswade the others to joyn with them, and encourag'd the unsettled with fair Promises. In short, most of them consented to the Rebellion, and appointed S. Francis's Day, when the Christians were all at Church, [Conspiracy of the Chineses.] celebrating that Festival, for the Time of rising. Others were for having it done at Night, when 25000 of them were to break in and murder our Men.

Notwithstanding their Secrecy some Discovery was made. John de Talavera, [Discovery of it.] Curate of the Village of Quiapo, inform'd the Arch-Bishop, that an Indian Woman, with whom a Sangley, or Chinese, was in Love, had discover'd to him the Plot laid for S. Francis's Day. It was also reported, that a Woman-Black had said, there would be a great Slaughter, and another Conflagration, like the former, on S. Francis's Night. These and other Advices were presently made known to the Governour and Council. A sufficient Proof was to see the Chineses sell all, to their very Shoes, and compound their Debts, tho' this was rather lookt upon as a Design to [The Governour's Precautions.] be gone, than to commit any Treason. To dispell their Fear of the Spaniards and Japoneses, the Governour made them some Speeches himself, and caus'd the same to be proclaim'd in all Parts, ingaging the King's Faith and Security; but nothing was of Force to quiet them. Three Days before the Feast of S. Francis, above 400 Anhayes Merchants stay'd in the City, because they could not dispose of their Goods. These seeing the others in Disorder, on Account of the Report, that the Spaniards and Japoneses design'd to massacre them, sent a Message to the Governour, by Chican, [Anhayes in Fear, assur'd.] one of the Province of Anhay, or Chincheo, whereof that City is Head. He came to him by Night, for Fear of the other Chineses; and acquainted him with the Dread, and Confusion they were in, without knowing what Course to take, and therefore they came to him for Advice and Protection. He having hear'd him, gave all possible Security in his Answer, and the next Day went himself to talk to his Companions, whom he satisfy'd in a very obliging Manner, assuring them, that the Spanish Nation never was guilty of executing, or consenting to such Villanies. This Discourse satisfy'd them; but still those who had Mischief in their Hearts did not desist.

The Sangleyes, or Chineses live there in a separate Quarter, which the Arabs call Alcayceria, and the People of the Philippines, Parian. On S. Francis's Eve, a great Number of them met in a House half a League from [Parian the Chinese Quarter.] the City, where there is a Sugar Work: The House stands in a Thicket, which belongs to the Sangley Governour. Those who began first to gather there, were the Gardiners of the Quarter of Parian. Don Lewis Perez [First meeting of the mutinous Chineses.] de las Marinhas had Advice of it, from the Dominicans of Minondo. Don Lewis had Charge of the Christian Sangleyes, and sent Word to Don Pedro de Acunna. Minondo is a Town inhabited by Chineses opposite to Manila, the River only parting them. From Minondo the Chinese Dwellings run on, as far as another Town of the Natives, call'd Tondo; and in the [Minondo a Town of Chineses.] Quarter of the Chineses, there is a strong Monastery of Augustinians, all of Stone. Not far from it the Dominicans have two, but wooden Buildings. The Governour, to be fully inform'd of the whole Truth, sent thither Baptist [Tondo a Town of Natives.] before mention'd, Governour of the Sangleyes, of whom he had a great Opinion, and all Men lookt upon him as a sincere Christian, and loyal Subject to the King. He charg'd him to speak to them in his Name, and to convince [Baptist, the Chinese Governour sent to appease them.] them how little Cause they had to fear, as knowing how peaceable the Spaniards were. Baptist undertook this Commission, went to the Sugar Work, which was his own, spoke to his People as he thought fit, and return'd very late with the Answer, telling Don Pedro, that he had been in Danger of being chosen their Chief, and that his People would have forc'd him to accept of it. That it was true, they were assembled together, and strong, but that it was all occasion'd by the Fear they had conceiv'd of the Spaniards; and that they had display'd several Colours with Chinese Characters on them, which, being translated, contain'd these Words.

[Inscription on the Chinese Rebels Colours.] 'The Chief and General of the Kingdom of China, call'd Ezequi, and another of the Tribe of Su, call'd Tym, following the Dictates of Heaven in this Affair, that all the Chineses may unanimously joyn in this Work, and obey them, in Order to root out these Enemy Robbers, are willing that Yochume and Quinte, Japoneses, in Conjunction with us Sangleyes, do conquer this City, and when we have subdu'd it, we will divide this Country, even to the Grass of it, equally between us, as becomes loving Brothers.

[Falshood of Baptist.] He pretended to be mightily concern'd, because they would have proclaim'd him King, and he was forc'd to make his Escape to save his Loyalty; and had deceiv'd them, promising to return. Hereupon the Governour us'd several Means to appease them, the Danger of so furious a Beginning increasing with the Number of the Rebells. The first Mischief he endeavour'd to prevent was the destroying of the Rice, which was then almost ripe. He appointed Colonel Augustin de Arceo, Major Christopher de Azcueta, and Captain Gallinato to go speak to them; but Don Lewis Perez de la Marinhas, who liv'd at Minondo thinking the Rebellion now requir'd some harsher Remedy, came at Night to advise the Governour to be more watchful, and that all the City should do the like. He desir'd he would allow him some Men to secure that Town, for he fear'd the Sangleyes would burn it that Night, and it was now requisite to make open War; and he must not believe they could be reduc'd by Messages, or fair Means. The [Don Lewis Perez secures Minondo.] Governour being impos'd upon by Baptist, still hop'd all would be compos'd without Effusion of Blood, and at the Perswasion of Don Lewis gave him 20 Soldiers, his own Servants, and some marry'd Spaniards, who were Inhabitants of the same Town. He distributed these Men into the most dangerous Posts of it, that the Enemy might not set Fire to it, and the Christian Sangleyes when they lost their Goods, joyn'd the Rebels. On the other Hand, the Governour privately posted his Troops, and Sentinels; and all Men expected, or dreaded the Fate of that Night, particularly the General John de Alcega, who, by the Governor's Command, was to follow the Orders he receiv'd from Don Lewis. Proclamation was again made, that all Men should be peaceable, under Penalty of being sent to the Galleys for four Years.

This avail'd so little, that, excepting 4000 Handicrafts Men, and the Anhayes [1000 Sangleyes salley.] Merchants, all the Rest assembled at the Sugar Work. At one in the Morning, a Party of about 1000 Sangleyes march'd out of a Fort, with Catanas, or Cymiters, Halbards, and other Weapons advanc'd, as also with long Staves, harden'd at the Fire at the Points; which they use instead of Pikes, and are no less serviceable. These are very frequent among them in their Country, and are made of a solid Sort of Wood, call'd Mangle. They fell upon the Farm, or Pleasure House of Captain Stephen de Marquina, not far from their Parian, and murder'd him, his Wife, Children, Servants, [They murder several and burn Houses.] and Slaves. They set Fire to the House, and to those of other Spaniards, among which were those of Colonel Peter de Chaves, and of two Clergymen, who liv'd a retir'd Life, their Names Francis Gomez, and Ferdinand de los Rios. They also kill'd F. Barnard de Santa Catalina, Commissary of the Inquisition, of the Order of S. Dominick. All these defended themselves, as did many more who escap'd, desperately wounded. Thence they drew towards the Town of Tondo, which is divided into Quarters. They fell upon that of Quiapo, and set Fire to it, after murdering 20 Persons. [More Cruelties.] Among the Rest they burnt a Lady of Quality, and a Boy, giving great Shouts, and boasting that from thence forward, the Indians should pay Tribute to them, and the Castillas perish.

News being brought on Saturday Morning, that the Sangleyes were going to enter the Town, and that the Natives had withdrawn themselves in their Vessels toward Manila, in Order to get in, or lye under the Shelter of its Walls in the River, the Governour dispos'd the Regular Troops, and those of the City Militia about the Walls, viewing the Gates, and all weak Places. [Captain Perez sent to Tondo.] He sent Captain Gaspar Perez with his regular Company to Tondo, and order'd him to obey Don Lewis de las Marinhas, and to carry no Colours. As soon as he came, the 20 Men sent the Night before, joyn'd him, and Don Lewis thinking that too small a Force, sent to desire Succours. The Governour knowing he was in the right, sent the Captain Don Thomas Bravo, his own Nephew, 24 Years of Age, who serv'd at Ternate in the [Captain Thomas Bravo Succours him.] Expedition of Andrew Furtado. He went over to the Town of Tondo, with another Company of the regular Forces, some Voluntiers, and seven of the Governour's Servants, leaving the Colours in the City. After him he sent Captain Peter de Arcea, an old Low-Country Soldier. Don Lewis sent Word again, that the Chineses were marching towards Tondo, that they were Numerous, and he fear'd they would burn the Town, and a stately Church of the Augustinians. The Governour sent him 60 Men more, most of them arm'd with Pikes, and Halbards, the first having been Musketiers. These were commanded by Don John de Penna, till he deliver'd them to Don Lewis. When this Company came, there had been an Ingagement at Tondo, wherein Don Lewis slew abundance of Sangleyes, and oblig'd the rest to retire; preventing their burning the Town, which began to take Fire, and the Houses at the Entrance of it were consum'd. Don Lewis would have pursu'd the Enemy, who retir'd to their Fort, and Don Thomas Bravo endeavour'd to disswade [Chineses repuls'd.] him, saying, The Men were all fatigu'd, and that as soon as out of the Town they would meet with nothing but Bogs and Brambles; and since the Governor's Orders extended no farther than to keep the Enemy off from thence, and save the burning of the Church and Houses, and that had been done, they ought to send him Advice of it, before they proceeded, being only the River parted them, and in the mean while the Soldiers would refresh themselves, and they might hear more of the Enemies Design. Captain Alcega said the same, but Don Lewis being bent upon it, and offended to be [Don Lewis upbraids Captain Alcega.] contradicted, ask'd him, What Hen had cackled in his Ear? And bid them follow him, for five and twenty Soldiers were enough to deal with all China. Alcega answer'd, He was us'd to hear as good Game-Cocks as himself Crow; yet he would do well to consider what he did. However, tho' F. Farfan, an Augustinian, earnestly perswaded Don Lewis, falling on his Knees, to do as they desir'd him, and not to go any farther, yet he could not be prevail'd on; but having order'd the Captains, Gaspar Perez, and Peter de Arceo, to secure some Posts with a few Men, he broke out furiously, and [Pursues the Enemy against Advice.] began to march, being follow'd by the Men, in Pursuit of the Enemy; who had already gain'd the Road, and they overtook them near the Fort, between the Bogs and the Fordable Shoals. When they came to the Fort, the Country open'd a little more. Here they began to fall upon the Enemies Rear, and they perceiving how few the Spaniards were, as not being above 130, drew up in a Body with two Points, like a Half Moon, and lay in Ambush among the Grass. The main Body of our Men march'd towards the Fort, and then those who lay in Ambush rising, enclos'd our Men, and fell upon them so furiously with sharp Stakes, Cymiters, and other Weapons, that they cut them in Pieces. Head-Pieces of Proof were found batter'd with a Stake. A Musketier, who serv'd Don Lewis, reported, that a Company of [Is slaughter'd with his Men.] Sangleyes fell upon him, who having enclos'd him, laid about so implacably, that they bruiz'd and broke his Legs; after which he fought a considerable Time on his Knees, till they stun'd him with their Staves, against which a strong Helmet could not defend him. They left the Ensign Francis de Rebolledo stun'd, for Dead, and when the Enemy drew off, he made a Shift to get up and escape, with his Head cruelly cut, and was cur'd in the City, where he told many Particulars of that miserable Slaughter, about 30 more escap'd, and among them F. Farfan, who all got off by being in the Rear, and light of Foot. Don Lewis was kill'd there by the same People that had slain his Father, and with him the General Alcega, Don Thomas Bravo, Captain Cebrian de Madrid, and only one of all the Governor's Servants surviv'd.

[Chineses rejoyce with the Spaniard's Heads.] The Sangleyes cut off the Heads of the Slain, and hoisting them on the Points of their Spears, run in at their Nostrils, carry'd them to present to their Chinese General, who was in the Fort, and his Name Hontay. He, and the Rest, view'd the Heads, and set them up with much rejoycing, returning Thanks to Heaven, and the Earth, according to their Custom, for that Victory; thinking they should meet with little Opposition from the Spaniards after that.

All this Day, being the Feast of S. Francis, and the next, the Enemy spent in rejoycing. At Manila they were burning the Suburbs, and Houses without the Walls, and consider'd what Order they should take against the Parian; for tho' many Thousands of Sangleyes us'd to inhabit it, there were not then 1500 remaining, and among them 500 Anhayes Merchants, a peaceable and rich People, of whom there was no mistrust; the rest were Handicrafts, no Way suspected. About 50 of the others were secur'd, who had their Hair shorn, and were mix'd among the Christian Sangleys. These gave Information, that they had burnt Monasteries of Religious People in several Places. Some Clergy-Men, with abundance of Women and Children, secur'd themselves in the Church of S. Francis del [Christians defend themselves in a Belfry.] Monte, and some Companies of Sangleyes coming to besiege them, they went up into a Belfry, where having fixt a Sheet on a Staff, they display'd it like Colours, the People appearing at the Windows, the Women and Children ringing the Bells, rating the Enemy, and bidding them come on. Our Men often firing two Muskets, which was all they had, the Sangleyes durst not approach, being more afraid than they had Occasion, and accordingly drew off to a strong Post, whence they were to continue the War.

[Francis de las Missas does the Rebels much Harm.] The Governour endeavour'd to prevent the News of the Slaughter spreading abroad, lest it should discourage the Country; and gave out, that the Slain were at S. Francis del monte. He warn'd the Justices to get together all the Indian Servants, because there were scarce any Spaniards left; and sent the Factor Francis de las Missas to cruise upon the Coast, with three Rowing Vessels, towards the Enemies Fort, to cut off all their Provisions. The Factor perform'd his Part so well, that he sunk some Vessels, and burnt those that carry'd them Provisions. He kill'd many of their Men at the Mouth of a River that falls into the Sea, about the Fort call'd Navotas; look'd for the Clergy-men they were said to have kill'd in their Houses; and sent away to S. Francis del monte, a Party of 500 Japoneses, with three Spaniards, and two Franciscan Fryers, to gather the Remains of that Slaughter. In his Way, he pass'd by the Enemy's Fort, with a Design to do them some Harm, if he could, and found they had abandon'd it, retiring to the Parian, to joyn the rest and besiege the City, being puff'd up with their late Victory. This happen'd on Monday the 6th. The [Japoneses kill 200 Chineses, and burn their Fort.] Japoneses search'd the Fort, where they found about 200 sick and wounded Chineses, whom they slew, and saving abundance of Provisions, burnt the Fort with all their Warlike Preparations, which could not be serviceable against the first Owners. They went up to the Monastery, and return'd thence the same Day to the City.

The few Sangleyes in the Parian were no less apprehensive, than the [Rebels send to stir up the others.] greater Number in the Fort, both because they were so near, and for that it was suppos'd they would joyn their Companions, when they saw the Spaniards decline. Besides, it was known, that those in Rebellion had sent to desire them to come over to their Party, giving them Notice of the Spaniards they had kill'd. This was discover'd by a Sangley, who swimming over, was taken by the Sentinel on the Vessels that were in the River, who, having confess'd on the Rack, that he was a Spy, and went [Spy executed.] forward and backward with Intelligence, was put to Death. On the other Hand, it was consider'd, that though the safest Way was to kill all those People, yet it was not just to execute Men that were not convicted of any Crime; especially since they came to the Philippine Islands, to trade upon the publick Faith, and the Governour having engag'd for their Safety, in case they were quiet, and intermeddled not in the Rebellion. For this Reason some Councils of War were held among the Commanders, at which the Counsellors, and the Archbishop, were also present; and considering, that the Rebels earnestly applying to those in the Parian, to side with them, it was possible they might be perverted, and in case they did not revolt, [The Governour would secure the Anhayes.] those Mutiniers would kill them, it was resolv'd, That the Anhayes Merchants should be perswaded to retire with their Effects into the Monastery of S. Augustin, which is a strong House within Manila. The Governour having himself in Person acquainted them herewith, as also by some of the Counsellors and their Friends, yet they were irresolute; and tho' some of them committed the keeping of their Goods to others, they stay'd themselves to be Spectators of the Event. The last Care taken of them, was Don Pedro's going in Person to the Parian that same Day; and about an Hour after, many of the Enemies Colours appear'd on the other Side of the River, along the Bank of it. They came from the Fort, which was a quarter of a League from the City.

[Chineses pass over to Parian.] Some of the Sangleyes began to swim over to the Parian, and others came in Boats and Floats provided for that Purpose. Their Passage could not be obstructed, because the Galiots and Carcoas belonging to the Navy were then among the Pintados, to defend those Islands; Intelligence having been brought, that a Fleet of Mindanaos and Ternates was coming to invade them. The Rebels enter'd the Parian with great Cries, bringing the Heads of the Spaniards they had kill'd on S. Francis's Day, run through the Nostrils. The Governour observing their Resolution, order'd the Captains, Gaspar Perez, and Peter de Arceo, who were at Tondo, to come over to the City with their Companies. The Enemy being return'd to the Parian, with that dismal Spectacle of the Heads, began to perswade the Anhayes, who had not yet declar'd, but not being able to prevail, and finding them positive on the contrary, and that they blam'd what they had done, [The Chineses murder the Anhayes.] they fell upon and butcher'd above 200 of them. Then they plunder'd Part of their Silks, which made them Cloaths of several Colours. They [Some hang themselves to avoid their Fury.] also hang'd other Merchants, and some, being about 80 in Number, hang'd themselves, to prevent falling into their Hands, which is very frequent in that Country. One of these was the Sangley General himself, call'd, Hontay. F. John Pobre, formerly a Captain, since a Franciscan Fryer, and at this Time compell'd by Necessity to take up Arms again, reported, That the mutinous Sangleyes, having perswaded the Anhayes to follow their Example, they appointed Chican, a rich Sangley, and Master of the Spanish Tongue, to answer for them. He, before he would speak his Mind, told them it would be proper to set up a Gallows, and the Heads of the Spaniards on it, that being in View, they might all take Courage to fight manfully. They approv'd of his Counsel, and the Gallows being set up, he [Strange Death of Chican.] went up himself to range the Heads, and taking out a Rope he had carry'd up unseen, put it about his own Neck, and hang'd himself in the Sight of them all.

The same day Captain Peter de Brito, being with his Company in the Cathedral, which had been assign'd him the Night before, for his Post, and observing that a certain House was not uncover'd, contrary to the Proclamation made the Day before, commanding them all to have the Palm-Tree Leaves and Nipa, wherewith they are thatch'd, taken off, for Fear of another Conflagration; he sent to take it off. The Ensign Andrew Obregon went up to this Purpose to the very Top, and there found Baptist hidden with his Sword and Dagger, whom some Women endeavour'd to conceal. Being ask'd by the Ensign, what he did there? he answer'd, He was [Baptist Chief of the Rebels taken.] taking off the Nipa. The next Question he was quite dash'd, and his own Conscience suddenly accusing him, he said, Do not kill me, Sir. The Ensign mildly encouraging, bid him go to the Governour, who expected him, and stay'd to take off the Covering of Nipa. Then coming down saw some Soldiers, and went up again with them. By this Time certain Indian Women had hid Baptist in a Chamber, where the Soldiers entering by Force, bound him, and he was cast into Prison among other Chineses. The Tryal was short, as is usual in the Martial Way, and in the mean while the Prisoners were remov'd to Captain Gallinato's House. Thither came a Japonese Boy, enquiring for Baptist. They found his Pocket full of Squibs, and another Boy with a Piece of a Wax-Candle, all which was given them by one of Baptist's Slaves. The Squibs were all bloody, perhaps it was some Christian's Gore. He own'd himself he had [His Confession.] so great a Hand in the Rebellion, that it was not without good Reason they would have made him their Chief. That the Sangleys call'd out upon his Name. That Hontay was troubled at his Absence, saying, He [Why Hontay hang'd himself.] must needs be in some Trouble, since he did not come to Head them; and for this Reason he hang'd himself. Next appear'd the Ring-leaders of the Mutiny, and it was prov'd against them, That they had set up a Pole on the Place call'd el Cerro, or the Hill of Calocan, and on it a black Flag, with two Chinese Characters on it, which imported CUNTIEN, the Signification whereof is, IN OBEDIENCE TO HEAVEN. Other Colours were found with the Army that fought at Dilao, with a Cut on them containing the Chinese Figures of Encan, or Baptist.

Several Religious Men, at this Time fought against the Mutiniers; but [Brother Antony Flores, a brave Man.] among them all, special Praise is due to the Valour of the Lay-Brother Antony Flores, of the Order of S. Augustin. He was born in Estremadura, had serv'd in Flanders, was a Slave in Turkey above 20 Years, and made his Escape out of the Inland Country by his Valour and Industry. He went over to the Philippine Islands, where he chearfully took the Habit, in the Monastery of S. Augustin at Manila. He always show'd great Humility in Obedience, and lost nothing of his Courage in the Simplicity of a Religious Life. Him the Governour order'd to scour the River, in the Galliot belonging to the Monastery, fighting the Ships and Champanes of the Sangleyes. One Night after having drove from the Shore above 200 Vessels, [Does good Service.] burnt some large ones, and sunk others, he stay'd in the Middle of the River Passig, to observe the Sangleyes. Between eleven and twelve, he perceiv'd that one of the Rebels was swimming over to the City, and the Darkness causing him to mistake, he lighted upon brother Antony's Galliot. [Takes a Spy.] He having seen him before, the Indian Servants had the Opportunity of laying hold of him, drew him by the Hair into the Galliot, and carry'd him to the Governour. He was put to the Rack, and there confess'd, That he came to acquaint the Sangleyes of the Parian, that the next Day those on the other Side would cross the River, and then they would all together, with the Engines they had provided, attack the Wall, put all the Spaniards to the Sword, and make themselves Masters of the Islands. The Governour having this Intelligence, took the necessary Precautions for the next Day, and Brother Antony return'd to his Monastery, where he furnish'd himself with Meal and other Provisions for his Galliot. He carry'd two Muskets for himself, and drew his Vessel into a Creek the River makes, that runs by the Walls of Manila, among abundance of Manglans, which are Trees growing in any watrey land, and so thick, that Men may easily be hid among them, without being perceiv'd. There Brother Antony lay in Ambush supposing, or knowing, that the Sangleyes must of Necessity pass that Way, [He alone kills 600 Chineses.] as being the narrowest in the River, and nearest to the Wall. Nor was he deceiv'd in his Expectation, for they came very early in the Morning, and were passing over in great Numbers from the first Peep of Day, till very late. The Fryer had put above 200 Bullets into two Pouches, and kept firing the two Muskets from before five in the Morning, at break of Day till six in the Evening, cooling them with Vinegar; nor did he ever fire at less than a Company of 20 or 30 Sangleyes, that no Shot might be lost. It was concluded for certain, that he alone that Day kill'd above 600 of those Barbarians. The Governour afterwards sent him in pursuit of those that remain'd, with a thousand Indians, and he slew above 3000 Sangleyes, putting to flight the small Remains of them.