Chapter XXI: Book IX (2)

[Desperate Sangleyes kill'd from the Wall.] At this Time many of the Sangleyes that had cross'd the River, appear'd in the Streets of the Parian; who standing in Sight of the Walls, with their own, or the Weapons they had taken from the Spaniards they slew, call'd upon those who defended the City, whence they made several Musket Shot at them, wounding and killing many, for they came within good Aim, after a desperate Manner. It was reported, they had taken their Anfion, that is, a Composition of Opium, as the Turks do, and is also us'd by the People of the Moluccos, when they are to give Battel; for it doses and gives them a brutal Courage. A Piece of Cannon was planted on the Gate of the Parian, and did considerable Execution, and no Man [Opium gives Courage.] would have suspected that any had been there. Some Japoneses and Natives of the Philippines sally'd out upon the Sangleyes, with good Success; for they kill'd many of them, and particularly such as had been wounded by the small Shot, and Brass Guns on the Wall. They thinking the Parian [Japoneses and Indians fight the Chineses.] was a Shelter for Cowards, set Fire to it, and went out to fight the Japoneses and Indians. The Sangleyes from the Houses, where they lay conceal'd, kill'd a Portuguese Captain, and wounded three others, with small Shot. One of them was Ruy Gonzalez de Sequeyra, Commander in Chief of the Moluccos. The Sangleyes remov'd to the Monastery of Candelaria, that is of Candlemas, whence they sally'd more furiously than from the Parian.

[Fight of Spaniards and Chineses.] On Tuesday in the Morning, Captain Gallinato march'd towards the Candelaria, with about 500 Spaniards, and some Japoneses. The Enemy refus'd not the Engagement, but came out above 4000 strong. Our Men made themselves Masters of a Bridge, whence they pour'd some Volleys upon them. Perceiving the Loss they sustain'd, they fell back, to draw the Spaniards into open Field, and serve them as they had done Don Lewis; but tho' some Soldiers were so bold as to go into the Church, and plunder Part of what the Sangleyes had robb'd in the Parian, yet some of them [Slaughter of the Latter.] retir'd hastily to the Bridge, with the Loss of three Spaniards, and five Japoneses, besides the wounded, the Enemy charging them in a Body. Of the Chineses 360 of the boldest were kill'd, which made them flinch with Fear. The same Day in the Evening, a Party of them came up to assault the Wall, where it was lowest, bringing scaling Ladders, and other Necessaries, cover'd with Silk; but the Cannon play'd so smartly on them, that they lost their Ladders, and many of them their Lives. This same Afternoon there was an Engagement on the Side of the Parian, where the Enemy brought on two great Machines, like Carts, made the Night before, with Wheels, and stuff'd with Quilts, Blankets, and such Materials, to defend them against the Cannon, and small Shot. The Governour was apprehensive that they had some Fire-works, they being great Masters at them; but was soon satisfy'd, for having fir'd at them with the Piece that was over the Gate of the Parian, where one of his Servants was Gunner, it carry'd away a considerable Part of the foremost Machine, and with it a good Number of the Sangleyes that drew underneath, and were on it. However they advanc'd boldly, till the Gun tore others in Pieces, and they retir'd, abandoning the Machine. Still the Fight grew hot about the River, and several Men went out in Boats, and others did Execution thro' the Loop-Holes. The Ensign John Guerra de Cervantes, [Their machine destroy'd.] sent out the Japonese and Native Soldiers, and they drew near to the Parian, under the Shelter of the Cannon on the Walls, so courageously, that they set fire to the best of it, being the Houses of the Anhayes; which quite discourag'd those that were in them, especially when they observ'd they [The Spaniards fire the Parian.] had secur'd the River, and the Boats, and taken their Musquetiers. It was judg'd that above 2500 Sangleyes perish'd this Day by Fire and Sword, besides those at the Candelaria, and other Straglers. Having left the Shelter of the Parian, they took up in the Church of the Candelaria, but the next Morning none of them appear'd. They cross'd the River on Wednesday, [Kill 2500 Chineses.] and some of our Men were drowned pursuing them too eagerly. They took the Way to the Village call'd Tabuco, 5 Leagues from Manila, which is very populous, and plentiful. Here Captain Don Lewis de Velasco found [They fly.] them fortify'd, and defended with Doors and Boards, towards the Lake [And are pursu'd with great Slaughter.] Vay; whence he ply'd them with small Shot, and kill'd many, they no longer able to endure the Damage they receiv'd, kindled many Fires in the Night, to prevent being observ'd, and march'd away towards S. Paul's, a Village 16 Leagues from Manila, where they came so thin, that they were not above 6000, having lost very many in the Way to Tabuco. There [Capt. Velasco kill'd.] Don Lewis fell upon them again; and pursuing them after they quitted the Village, was so hot, that they kill'd him four Soldiers, and two barefoot Fryers, the one a Priest, the other a Lay-Brother.

They made a Halt at S. Paul's, intending to reap the Rice, which was then almost Ripe, because that is a forwarder Country than Pampangua. [Another Slaughter of Chineses.] Before they came to S. Paul's, a Detachment of 1500 of them turn'd off from the main Body towards the Mountains of Pace. The Spaniards and Natives overtook them, and tho' they stood to it, our Men play'd their Parts so well, that they cut them all off, and recover'd Part of their Booty.

The Fort the Sangleyes had rais'd at S. Paul's was of Palm-Trees, whence they made Excursions to fight, reap the Rice, and ravage the Country. They thought it convenient to divide themselves into two equal Bodies; the one stay'd in the Fort, the other went away to Vatangas, seven Leagues distant towards the Sea-Coast, with a Design, as was thought, to build Ships, for which Purpose they carry'd Carpenters, Labourers, Tools, [Rebels design to build Ships.] Nails, and all other Necessaries. The Governour reflecting on their Design, sent some vigilant Persons towards the Bay of Vatangas, to secure the Vessels on the Coast, that the Enemy might not make use of them, and get over to other Islands, which would have been of ill Consequence.

The Governour believing the Design of the Sangleyes was to gain Time, [The Rebels press'd.] and perhaps to expect some Supplies from China, which might be promis'd by the Mandarines, before they went away; he thought it requisite to bring the War to a speedy Conclusion, because the Enemy fortify'd themselves daily, and made Excursions from their Forts, to scour the Country, and gather in the Rice; perswading the Natives to joyn with them; tho' they were so far from complying, that they kill'd all they could meet with. There were several other Reasons which prov'd that the greatest Safety consisted in Expedition, and therefore abundance of Spaniards and Natives, by the Governour's Order, were always in Quest of the straggling Chineses. However it was judg'd expedient to press them yet nearer, and not allow them Time, as they wish'd, till the Rice was ripe, since Hunger must prove their greatest Enemy. To this Purpose it was thought Expedient to make use of trusty neighbouring People.

Pampangua is a Province ten Leagues from Manila, beyond the Town of [Pampangua describ'd.] Tondo, over the River Pasig, on which the Citizens have convenient small Vessels. The Country is subject to be overflow'd, by reason of the many Rivers, and because the Natives draw Trenches from them, to water the Rice, and other Grain. The whole District is of twelve Leagues, all inhabited, and has seven Churches, belonging to the Order of S. Augustin. The Natives are Brave, Docible and Loyal, receive the Christian Faith, and are steadfast in it; and richer than those of other Parts of the Island. Captain Ferdinand de Avalos was Alcalde mayor, or chief Governour of Pampangua, and the Governour General having acquainted him by Letter [Service done by the Alcayde of Pampangua.] with the Rebellion of the Sangleyes, requiring him to send Provisions and Arms for the War, and not to leave any Enemies behind, he perform'd both Things, with extraordinary Care. He furnish'd him with great Store of Rice, Palm-Wine, and a considerable Number of Cows and Calves; and took above 400 Sangleyes, who being carry'd to a Creek in the River, bound two and two, and deliver'd to the Japoneses, they slew them all. F. James de Guevara of the Order of S. Augustin, Prior of Manila, who writ this Relation, preach'd to them first, and only five of them forsook their Idolatry, and were baptiz'd. At the same Time he sent the Governour 4000 Pampanguos, arm'd after their Country Fashion, with Bows, Arrows, Half-Pikes, Shields, and long broad Poniards. They came to Manila with great Shouts, and as if sure of Victory, fell upon the Enemy, who increas'd still, the more they were destroy'd.

This obliged the Governour, notwithstanding some Opposition, to send a Number of Spaniards, and Japoneses, with a strong Party of the Pampangua Indians, well arm'd and provided, under the Command of the Captain and Major Azcueta, a brave and vigilant Commander, well acquainted with the [Major Azcueta sent against the Chineses.] Country, ordering him to draw near the Enemy; yet not to engage, because they were a desperate barbarous People in their first Onsets, but to alarm them Day, and Night, on every Side, obstructing their Excursions, that so they might want Provisions, and consequently be oblig'd to dislodge, for if he could remove them but twice, he might cut them off, as it happen'd accordingly. The Major departed Manila, with these Orders, by the Way of the River. On Munday the 20th of October, he came in Sight of the Enemy, who was still in the Fort at S. Paul's, and there he had some Actions. Having cast up some Works, for his greater Security, in the Quarters he took up, the Enemy's sally'd out of their Fort, and some of those who valu'd themselves on their Bravery advanc'd to fight the Spaniards in their Posts, with as much Boldness, as could be expected from Men in Despair, and quite distracted. Thus being cut off from Water, streightned, often alarm'd, never suffer'd to rest, and such as ventur'd out cut off, they dismay'd, and dislodg'd in the Night very silently, marching towards Batangas, where their other Body was. However their Departure could not be conceal'd from the Vigilany of our Men, who march'd after them, Martin de Herrera, Captain of the Governours Guard, leading the Van, which consisted of Spaniards, and the bravest of the Natives. He overtook the Enemy, and began to fall so hard upon their Rear, that they were [He cuts off one entire Body of them.] forc'd to face about; and after killing above 800 of them as they pass'd a narrow but deep River, our main Body coming up attack'd the rest three several Ways, on an Eminency they had taken, and slew above 1000 more; those that escap'd perishing the next Day, so that only one was taken alive, tho' the Governour would have had many sav'd to serve in the Galleys; but the Japoneses and Natives are so bloody, that neither his Orders, nor Major Azcueta's Severity, or the other Commanders could curb them.

The Men rested that Day, having travel'd above five Leagues over Grounds full of Sedges, and Bogs; and prepar'd to proceed to Batangas, to fight the other Body of Rebels, carrying some Fields Pieces. The Major had dismiss'd the Japoneses, because they, alledging they were not Soldiers in Pay, would return to Manila. He had only 50 Soldiers left with him, and found the Enemy well fortify'd, and furnish'd with Provisions, as having been Masters of the Country. He spoke to them in peaceable Manner, as he had [Offers those at Batangas Terms.] done before to the other Party, offering good Terms, if they would submit to the Governour; but Obstinacy had stopp'd their Ears, and excluded all Hopes, so that they would not admit of any Accommodation. Our Men drew near, three several Ways with their small Shot, and the Pampangua Indians, who were brave, supported by the Spaniards, who led and encourag'd them, attack'd the Fort; but the Defendants behav'd themselves so bravely, that they caus'd them to retire, with the Loss of four or five Pampanguos kill'd, and some wounded. Our Men came on again, and the Captain of the Guards, who Commanded that Attack, with the Men under his Charge, and others that joyn'd him, fell on with such Fury, that they enter'd [Destroys them all.] the Fort, and put them to the Sword. About 600 escap'd of whom they made an End a few Days after. Some few above a Hundred were saved, who were carry'd alive to serve in the Galleys. Of our Men eight Natives and six Japoneses were kill'd in those two Actions; but never a Spaniard, tho' many were wounded, and among them the Captain of the Guards, who had both his Thighs run through across with a Lance.

[Encan and others Executed.] On the 22d Encan, otherwise call'd Baptist, was executed, being hang'd and quarter'd, his Head set up in the Parian, and his Goods confiscated. The following Days the like Justice was executed on other guilty Chineses; and had the Laws of their own Country been observ'd, the same Punishment had been inflicted on their whole Families and Kindred.

[End of the Chinese Rebellion. ] Thus was that Conflagration suppress'd, which threatned the utter Ruin of the Philippine Islands, and thus above 23000 Chineses perish'd, few above 500 being left for the Galleys, and all those Isles being restor'd to unexpected Peace. Some affirm, the Number of the Sangleyes slain was greater, but that the Magistrates conceal'd it, for fear Notice should be taken of their Fault in admitting so many to live in the Country, contrary to the King's Prohibition; yet in vain does Subtilty contend with Truth.

Don Pedro had receiv'd some Intelligence of his Majesties approving of the Enterprize on the Moluccos; and whilst he expected to see the Effect of that Resolution, writ all the Ways he could; as also through India, to solicite those who were commission'd in that Affair. Being deliver'd of the Trouble of the Sangleyes, he bent his Mind to provide all Necessaries for the Fleet, against he should be commanded to set out; but the End of this [Ill Effects of the Chinese Rebellion.] War, was the Beginning of other Difficulties at Manila. All Handicrafts ceas'd, Works were lay'd aside, and Provisions grew scarce; which Scarcity made all Things dear; whereas before there was Abundance, all Things laborious being done by the Sangleyes, by Reason that the Native Indians are neither willing, nor industrious at such Affairs. They had quite laid aside tilling the Land; breeding of Fowl, and weaving of Blankets, all which they formerly us'd to do, in the Time of their Infidelity. The Parian or Chinese Quarter was particularly ruin'd with Fire and Sword. That Place us'd to be so plentiful and advantageous, that when Don Pedro came first to Manila, he writ concerning it to a Kinsman of his in Spain, as follows. [Wealth of the Parian.] This City is remarkeable for stately Buildings, which have astonish'd me. I shall only mention one Particular, which is the chiefest, That it has a Suburb, or Quarter, full of all Sorts of Silks, and Gold, and Mechanick Trades, and 400 Shops full of this Sort, with above 8000 Men generally dealing in them; and at the Time when Fleets come from China with Merchandize, which is at this Season there are always above 13 or 14000 Men. They bring extraordinary Things, such as are not in Europe. Don Pedro was also afraid that the Slaughter lately made would obstruct the Trade, and that the Ships would not come as usual, with Provisions, from China. But the greater and more general Apprehension was that instead of Merchants, Ships of War would come to revenge the Sangleyes. He therefore sent away F. James [F. Guevara sent through India to Spain.] de Guevara, Prior of Manila, into Spain, by the Way of India, with an Account of what had been done, and of his Fears. The many Accidents that befell him in India, Persia, Turkey, and Italy, made him spend three Years before he came to Court, where he then found other fresher Intelligence.

At the same Time Don Pedro sent Captain Mark de la Cueva, with F. Lewis Gandullo, a Dominican, to Macao, a City in China, where the Portugueses reside, with Letters for the Commander in Chief and Council of that City, giving them an Account of the Rebellion of the Sangleyes, and the Event of it, that they, upon any Rumour of a Fleet providing in China, might [Message to China.] send him Notice of it several Ways. They had also Letters for the Tutones, or Tsuntos, Abytaos, and Visitors of the Provinces of Canton, and Chincheo, acquainting them with the Guilt of the Chineses, which oblig'd the Spaniards to punish them so severely. The Messengers at their Arrival, found all the Country peaceably dispos'd, notwithstanding that some Sangleyes flying from Manila in Champanes, had given an Account of their Commotions. The Coming of these Spaniards to Macao was soon known at Chincheo, and presently some of the richest Captains, who us'd Manila most, came to visit them; their Names were Guansan, Sinu, and Guachuan. They being fully inform'd of the Truth of the Fact, took upon them to deliver the Letters Don Pedro sent to the Mandarines, who receiv'd them by their Means. The Merchants of Chincheo took Courage to trade in the Philippine Islands, and sail'd in their own Ships from Macao, with our Messengers, carrying Abundance of Powder, Saltpeter, and Lead, wherewith the [Chineses trade again at Manila.] publick Magazines were stor'd. In May following 13 Chinese Ships arriv'd at Manila, and many more after them, continuing that Trade.

Don Pedro sent the Ships that had brought Supplies from the Islands, to [Spanish Ship lost.] New Spain; the Commodore of them was cast away, and not a Man nor a Plank sav'd. He ceas'd not at the same Time to store the City with Provisions and Ammunition, that he might be at Leasure to undertake the Expedition against the Moluccos. Now arriv'd Colonel John de Esquivel, [Esquivel with 600 Men at Manila from New Spain.] from Mexico, with 600 Soldiers, and Intelligence that farther Provision was making in New Spain of Men, Stores, Ammunition, and Money, by the King's Order. All came in due Season to Manila; and there at that Time dy'd the Arch-Bishop Don Miguel de Benavides, generally lamented by all the Country. The Chinese Ships that came again to trade, brought the Governour the Answers to his Letters, contain'd in three others, all to the same Effect, from the Tuton, or Tsunto, that is, the Viceroy, the Hayton, and the Visitor General of the Province of Chincheo. Being translated by the Interpreters, they were found to this Effect.

[Chinese Letter to the Governour.] To the Chief Commander of Luzon. Having understood that the Chineses that went to Trade and Trafick in the Kingdom of Luzon, have been kill'd by the Spaniards, I have inquir'd into the Cause of that Slaughter, and intreated the King to do Justice, on those who had been the Occasion of so much Mischief, that the like may be prevented for the future, and the Merchants enjoy Peace and Quietness. Some years since, before I came hither as Visitor, a Sangley, whose Name was Tioneg, went over to Cabit, in Luzon, with three Mandarines, and the King's Leave, to seek for Gold and Silver, which was all a Cheat; for he found neither Gold nor Silver, and therefore I beseech'd the King to punish that Deceiver, Tioneg, that the [Discovery of the Cheat of the three Mandarines above.] World might see how impartially Justice is administer'd in China. It was in the Time of the late Viceroy, and Eunuch, that Tioneg and his Companion, whose Name was Yanlion, told the said Lye. Since then I intreated the King to cause all the Papers relating to Tioneg's Case, to be copy'd, and the said Tioneg, and the Proceedings against him, to be lay'd before his Majesty, and I my self saw those Papers, and was sensible that all the said Tioneg had said was a Lie. I writ to acquaint the King that the Castillas suspected we intended [Chineses punish'd for Falshood.] to make War on them, on Account of the Lyes Tioneg had told, and therefore they had slain above 30000 Chineses at Luzon. The King did what I desir'd, and accordingly punish'd the aforesaid Yanlion, ordering him to be put to Death; and caus'd Tioneg's Head to be cut off, and hung up in a Cage. The Chineses that Dy'd at Luzon were not to blame, and I, and some others have acquainted the King with so much; as also with the coming of two English Ships upon these Coasts of Chincheo, a Thing very dangerous for China, that the King may resolve what is to be done in two Affairs of such Consequence. We also Writ to the King, to order two Sangleyes to be punish'd, for having shown the Harbour to the English. And after having Writ as aforesaid to the King, he answer'd, What did the English Ships come into China for? Whether they came to Rob? That they should be order'd to depart thence immediately to Luzon; and to tell those of Luzon that they should not give Credit to the wicked and lying Persons among the Chineses; and that they should immediately kill the two Sangleyes. As for the rest we writ to him about, he answer'd that we should do our Wills. The Viceroy, the Eunuch and I, after receiving this Order, do now send these our letters to the Governour of Luzon, that his Lordship may be acquainted with the Grandeur of the King of China; for he is so Great that he governs all the Sun and Moon shine on; as also that the Governour of Luzon may know how well this so large Kingdom is govern'd, [Japoneses expell'd Corea.] whose King none has dar'd to offend this long Time. And tho' the Japoneses have attempted to disturb Corea, which belongs to the Government of China, that have not succeeded; but have been expell'd thence, and Corea has remain'd very peaceable and quiet, as is well known by Fame to the People of Luzon.

The last Year, when we were inform'd, that so many Chineses were slain at Luzon, on the Account of Tioneg's falshood, we met many Mandarines of us to agree to propose to the King, that he would revenge so great a [Spaniards charg'd with the Slaughter of the Chineses.] Slaughter. We said, that the Land of Luzon is poor, of no Value, and that formerly it was the Habitation of none but Devils and Snakes; and that so many Sangleyes having of late Years gone to Trade with the Castillas, they are now grown so great; the said Sangleyes having labour'd so much there, building Walls, and Houses, making Gardens, and other Things very Advantageous to the Castillas. And since this is so, why had not the Castillas consider'd these Things, nor been grateful for these good Turns, but on the contrary so cruelly destroy'd so many Men? And tho' we, two or three Times, Writ to the King as above, he being Angry for the aforesaid Things, answer'd us, That it was not convenient to take Revenge, nor make War on the People of Luzon, for three Reasons. First, Because the Castillas have for many Years past, been Friends to the Chineses. Secondly, Because it could not be known, whether the Victory would fall to the Castillas, or the Chineses. Thirdly, and lastly, Because the People kill'd by the Castillas were base, and ungrateful to their Native Country of China, their Parents and Kindred, since they had not return'd to China in so many years; which People the King said he did not much value, for the aforesaid Reasons; and he only order'd the Viceroy, the Eunuch, and me to Write this Letter by the Embassador; that the People of Luzon may know the King of China has a great Soul is very Patient and Merciful, since he has not order'd War to be made on the Inhabitants of Luzon. And his Justice will appear, by his causing the Falshood of Tioneg to be punish'd. And since the Spaniards are a discreet People, how can they not be troubled for having kill'd so many Men; and repent of it, and be kind to the Chineses that are left. For if the Castillas bear the Chineses good Will, and restore the Sangleyes that have remain'd of the War, and pay the Money that is due, and restore the Goods taken from the Sangleyes, there will be Amity betwixt this Kingdom, and that, and Trading Ships shall go every Year; otherwise the King will not give Leave for any Ships to trade; but on the contrary will cause 1000 Ships of [Mandarines Threats.] War to be built, with Soldiers, and Kindred of the slain, and with other Nations, and Kingdoms that pay Homage to China, and will make war without sparing any Person, and then the Kingdom of Luzon shall be given to those People that pay Acknowledgement to China. The Visitor General's Letter was writ on the 12th of the second Month, which, according to our Reckning, is March; the Eunuchs on the 16th, and the Viceroys on the 22d of the same Month and Year.

[The Governours Answer, to the Mandarines.] The Governour return'd an Answer to these Letters by the same Messengers, in Terms full of Civility, and Authority. He gave an Account of the Rebellion of the Sangleyes from its first Rise; justifying the Spaniards for their natural Defence, and the Punishment they had inflicted on the Criminals. He tells them, no State can subsist without punishing the Wicked, or rewarding the Good; and therefore he does not repent that Execution, because it was to suppress those that would have destroy'd us. That the Visitor ought to consider what he would do, in Case the like had happen'd to him in China. That the only Thing which troubled him was, that he could not save some Sangley Merchants Anhayes, who dy'd among the guilty; but that it was not possible to prevent it, because the severity of War will not allow the killing of some, and exempting of others; especially, they not being known by the Soldiers in the Heat of Action. That using Mercy towards those that were taken alive, he condemn'd them to row in the Galleys, the Punishment substituted among the Castillas for such as deserve Death. Yet if it should be thought in China that it ought to be moderated, they shall be set at Liberty. But let it be consider'd, said Don Pedro, that the not punishing of so heinous an Offence, may be the Occasion of their falling into it again, which would exclude all Mercy. The Goods of the Chineses that were kill'd are safe laid up, and to show I had no other Motive, but the Execution of Justice, I will order them to be immediately deliver'd to their Heirs, or to such Persons, as they of Right belong to. Nothing but Justice inclines me to any of these Things. Your saying, that unless I release the Prisoners, there will be Leave granted in China to the Kindred of the slain in the Rebellion, to come in Arms to Manila, does not move me in the least; because I take the Chineses to be so wise, that they will not go upon such Undertakings upon a slight Occasion; especially, when no Provocation has been given them on our Side. And in Case they should be of another Mind there, we Spaniards are Men that know how to defend our Right, our Religion, and our Territories. Let not the Chineses think they are Lords of the World, as they pretend; for we Castillas, who have measur'd every Foot of it, very well know the Lands of the Chineses; and therefore they ought to understand, that the King of Spain maintains Wars with Kings as powerful as theirs, and checks, and gives them much Trouble. Nor is it any Thing new with us, when our Enemies think they have brought us under, to be wasting and destroying their Lands, and never give over till we have cast them out of their Thrones, and wrested their Scepters out of their Hands. I should be very sorry the Commerce should be interrupted; but at the same Time, believe the Chineses are not willing to lose it, since it is so advantageous to them, for they carry Home our Silver, which never wastes, in Exchange for their Commodities, which are slight Things, soon spoil'd. It was discreetly done, not to admit the English Ships that appear'd upon the Coast, for they are not Spaniards, but their Enemies, and Pyrates; for which Reason they should have been punish'd, had they come to Manila. To conclude, for as much as we Spaniards always justify our Proceedings, and value our selves upon the Worlds not being able to say, we Usurp the Right of others, or make War on our Friends, what is here promis'd shall be perform'd. And the Chineses may take Notice, for the future, that we never do any Thing out of Fear, or on Account of our Enemies Threats. Don Pedro concludes, offering the Continuation of Friendship, upon new Assurances of Peace, with the Kingdom of China; saying, he would, at the proper Time, give Liberty to their Prisoners he had in the Galleys; Tho' he design'd first to make Use of them, and did so in his Expedition to the Moluccos, which he was then preparing for; and all this was punctually perform'd.

[The Emperour of Japan's Letter.] He receiv'd other Letters at the same Time, from the Emperor of Japan, wherein, after returning him Thanks for a Present of Wine of Grapes, which Don Pedro had sent him, with other Things of Value, he Encourag'd him to Trade, and desir'd he would not send him any Christian Preachers, without his Consent. For, says he, this Country is call'd Xincoco, which signifies, Dedicated to Idols; which have been honour'd with much Commendation by our Fore-Fathers, whose Actions I alone can not reverse, and therefore it is not convenient that your Law be spread abroad, or preach'd in Japan; and if your Lordship is willing to entertain Amity with me, and these Kingdoms, do as I would have you. So says the Japonese. Don Pedro answer'd and appeas'd him, so that the preaching was continu'd in his Dominions.

[Dutch Squadron.] This same Year 1604, the Provinces of Holland and Zealand, according to their Custom, fitted out a Squadron of twelve tall Ships, well equipp'd, with some smaller Vessels, and, as if they had been Lords of the Winds and of the Seas, set Sail for India, the known Way, arriving prosperously, in a short Time, at the Cape of Good Hope. All the Captains had been there before, and the Pilots valu'd themselves upon no less Experience. The Admiral was Stephen Drage. Beginning to visit their Forts, and Factories, in Order to take some Prizes, as well as Trade, they met with two small Ships, loaden with Ivory, at the Bar of Mozambique. They chas'd them, and tho' [Takes two Portugues Ships.] they fled amain, being pursu'd with no less Swiftness, the Dutch Robbers overtook, and after a sharp Engagement enter'd them. They burnt the one, and mann'd the other, which was a Reinforcement to prosecute their Robberies. All those Kings, and the Commanders of our Forts, receiv'd them as Friends. In September, they came to the Bar of Goa; and lay 15 Days at Bardes, in as much Security as if they had been at Amsterdam, expecting the India Ships. Thence they sent away a Ship to Cambaya, to exchange the Ivory they had not long before robb'd our People of, acting not like Pyrates, but Merchants who dispose of the Wealth they pick up by Trade, and succeeded prosperously in all their Undertakings. They sent two more Ships to Bengula, with other Commodities; all which return'd in due Time considerably enrich'd. Perceiving that no Power oppos'd them, they sailed [And a Foist.] down the Coast of Malabar, trading wheresoever they thought fit, and took another Portuguese Vessel, called a Foist, which had 21 Oars; and after unlading the Booty, they lifted her up their Way, and took her along with them.

[Zamori signifies Cæsar.] After this they bent their Thoughts upon greater Matters, to which End they sent an Embassy to the Zamori, which Name imports as much as Cæsar among us, and he is King of Calicut, a Friend and Confederate with the Dutch. Having agreed upon an Interview, they fell to Trade, and whilst the rest attended Commerce, and private Gain, the Admiral consulted about State Affairs, concerting to carry on the War against the Spaniards, and more particularly the Portugueses. They settled the Time, and the Forces they were to joyn for that Effect. Then they diverted themselves with Feasting [Joins with the Dutch.] and Treats. At one of which, by way of Farewel, Zamori gave Admiral Drage an Emeraud, thought to be the largest and beautifullest in the World. They went on, and took some Prizes on the Coast of Java, and among them a small Ship, in which were Don Manuel de Melo, Commander in Chief of the Moluccos, and his Wife, who was oblig'd to fight as well as her Husband, and yet they could not escape Captivity. The nearer they drew to Ternate, the more considerable Encounters they had, for in [They take a Portuguese Frigat at Amboyna.] Sight of Amboyna they fell in with a Frigat coming from the Moluccos to Anchor in that Island, which they took, and in her Captain Antony Machado, her Commander. They stay'd at Amboyna, hoping to recover what they had lost, either by Treachery, or Force. The Year 1605 had now commenced, and they began their Work on the 23rd of February.

[Drage takes Amboyna.] Eight Ships and six Tenders enter'd the Port, and the Fort was surrender'd to them without much Difficulty, or Opposition. They also possess'd themselves of the Portuguese Colony. Those People seeing the Dutch so strong in Men and Cannon, durst not, nor could they well oppose them. Forty Portugueses took an Oath of Fidelity to the Prince of Orange's Bastard Son. They put the Commander in Chief into Irons, and deliver'd the Fort to the Dutch, alledging, for an Excuse, that they had not Ammunition to defend themselves. There was another greater Mischief, which was, that the Natives favour'd the Dutch, as their Deliverers from the Portuguese Yoke; and they are well belov'd there, and in all Places where they Trade, because [Fits out 40 Carcoas.] of late they have taken this Course, not to meddle with their Religion, nor so much as mention it, unless, where any will embrace Christianity on their own Accord. They neither wrong'd nor distur'd any Body; and to show they would always maintain them in that Security, within five Days, they fitted out 40 Carcoas, to defend the Natives against any Enemy.

[Indians well affected to the Dutch.] The Admiral pick'd out three of the Ships, and went himself with them to the Islands of Banda, to load Nutmeg, Mace, and Clove, there and at Amboyna. The Fame of this Success, and the Hatred conceived against the Spaniards, were so favourable to this Nation, that at this Time the People of Amboyna, Ito, Veranula, and other Places, had their Embassadors at Sunda, to expect this Fleet, which came from Home at their Request. Before they set out from Holland they had receiv'd Embassadors from the King of Achem in Sumatra, to the same End. For this Reason the Dutch give out, that they come to revenge the Wrongs, the Portugueses and Spaniards have done to the Natives, and to restore them to their Liberty. The Designs of these perfidious People were no longer a Secret; for the Admiral Drage refitted five of his Ships, and sent them to the Moluccos, to take the Fort and Kingdom of Tydore, the only one that continu'd in Subjection to Spain; and it was publickly reported, that the King of Ternate would forward the Enterprize with his Ships and Men. The Dutch Vice-Admiral sail'd with these Ships stopping by the Way to make his Advantage, take in the Refreshments in their Factories, and lade Pepper, and other Spice. Every Thing [The Dutch prosperous.] succeeded as they could with, tho' they aspir'd to some Matters which requir'd a greater Power than they brought. They intended to pass by the Streight of Acapulco, and there to lie in wait for the Ships belonging to the Philippines going and coming, because they knew them to be Rich, and might take them. To this End they delay'd Time, till they could be joyn'd by the two Ships they expected from Sunda, laden with Pepper, from that plentiful, and secure Factory of theirs.

Aboard the eight Ships there was great Store of Bricks, Lime, and squared Stones, Wheele-Barrows, and other Tooles and Materials for Building; [Materials for Building in the Dutch Ships.] all which was to be carry'd from the aforesaid Streight, tho' they had already began to build it at Amboyna, and landing a considerable Part of those Materials, they left there 130 Soldiers, to carry on the Works, and Garrison the Fort. At the Heels of this Fleet they expected another to lay Siege to Malaca; designing from thence to Govern India, as the Portugueses have [Their Design against Malaca.] done. In Order to this, they had before confederated with the Kings of Jor, Achem, and Sunda, with whose Assistance, and that of other Native Sangiacks, they were to overthrow the Power of Portugal; for they were resolv'd not to quit India, and since its Commodities enrich'd them, they would pay for the Expence of the War; besides, that they were already so wealthy, that even in Flanders the Soldiers deserted from the Arch-Duke Albertus, to serve them. Notwithstanding this extraordinary Affection, [The English give the Spaniards Intelligence.] wherewith the Dutch are entertain'd in all those Countries, before they came to Amboyna, two English Ships came to an Anchor near by, and acquainted the Natives, that a Dutch Squadron was coming to possess itself of the Island; but bid them not to fear, for it had none but poor scoundrel Men; and therefore they should defend themselves, offering them their Assistance, and acquainting them that the Crowns of Spain and England were then in Amity; and therefore the Subjects of them both ought to be so of Course. They slighting this favourable Opportunity, chose rather to become [Their just Dealing after the Peace.] Subjects to Prince Maurice, and undergo the Dutch Yoke. The English demanded Clove, and offer'd them their own Price for it, and were so just, that they never joyn'd with the Dutch. In short, Amboyna remain'd in the Enemies Hands. The People dispers'd, many of them went to Malaca, and among the rest, the Commander in chief, Don Emanuel de Melo, with some Portugueses. Others repair'd to the Island of Cebu, part of the Philippines and other Places, for they had all their Liberty. They all departed Amboyna about the middle of May, but without their Goods, or Spice; being positively forbid that Trade, the Dutch alledging it was all their own.

[They give Intelligence of the Dutch at Tydore.] One of those English Ships sailing along those Coasts, and escaping the Ridges of Rocks, got before-hand to the Port of Tydore. They call'd the Commander in Chief of the Fort, Peter Alvarez Abreu, and inform'd him, that they left the Dutch Squadron fortifying the strong Holds at Amboyna; and that when they had reduc'd all in those Seas, they would come to fall upon Tydore. The Commander in Chief return'd Thanks for that friendly Intelligence; and among other Civilities that pass'd between them, desir'd to know the Motive that induc'd them to show such Kindness. Then the English told him, That their Kings were Friends, and to convince him of it, and the Danger he was in, offer'd him as much Ammunition as he stood in need of. They gave him Six Barrels of Powder, 100 Cannon Balls, and a Number of Head-Pieces. This made the Tydores and Portugueses begin to fortify themselves, and was the Product of the late Peace.

[Four Dutch Ships at Tydore.] A Month after, four great Dutch Ships, and four Tenders, came to the Island, where two of the King's Galleons lay at Anchor, with the Portuguese Ships laden with Goods and Provisions. The Dutch Admiral sent the King of Tydore Word, That if he would deliver him that Fort, and expell the Portugueses, he would be his Friend; and desiring he would not [Their Message to the King.] start any Difficulties, since he might easily do it, being a peaceable King in his own Dominions; besides that, they had Men and Strength enough aboard that Squadron, to force them to consent to what they now courteously demanded. The King of Tydore sent him a Cow, and answer'd, [His Answer.] That he neither could, nor ought to put the Portugueses out of their Forts, nor to admit of any other Nation in their Place, till they had either voluntarily, or by Force of Arms, abandon'd their Possession. That whilst they [Bravery of the Portuguese Commander.] two decided the Quarrel, he would look on as Neuter. The Portuguese Commander in Chief, understanding what Messages pass'd, interrupted them, sending to let the Dutch Men know. That it was in vain to talk of surrendring the Fort, whilst he was alive, and present. That he was to treat with him, and the marry'd Men that liv'd in it about that Affair.

[Dutch take two Galleons.] Being come to this Resolution, the next Morning the Dutch Ships remov'd, and went to board the Portugueses that were at Tydore, two Cannon Shot from the Fort. They fought above two Hours, and so constant was Fortune to one Side, that in so short a Time, the Portugueses that remain'd alive were fain to throw themselves into the Sea, and their Galleons [Bold Answer of the Portugueses.] were taken, one of which they immediately burnt. The next Day another Message was sent to Tydore, wherein the Dutch directed the King to propose the surrendring of the Fort to the Portugueses, and he would give them the Galleon he had spar'd, to carry them and their Effects, wheresoever they should think fit. The Portugueses taking Courage, [Dutch and Ternates joyn and burn a Town.] where others would be dismay'd, answer'd, That the Loss of the Galleons had not daunted them; for they would rather dye all of them, than deliver up the Fort. The Dutch durst not batter it alone, but resolv'd to joyn the King of Ternate, who was already set out with abundance of Carcoas to that Effect. They met him a League from the Fort, and spending little Time in Ceremonies return'd together, burning a Town of Tydore by the Way, came the next Morning before the Fort.

They landed 800 Dutch and Ternate Soldiers, and having made a Trench with Barrels fill'd with Earth, batter'd the Fort for three Days from that Work, with two Pieces of Cannon. At the same Time they play'd upon it from their Ships, firing above 1500 Shot. The third Day they [Batter the Fort and are repuls'd.] drew nearer; and the fourth in the Morning began to batter more furiously. They kill'd the Constable of the Castle, and in the midst of the Confusion, the King of Ternate and the Dutch, that were ashore, advanc'd, drawing the Cannon under the very Fort, having surpriz'd the Portugueses, and falling on them unexpectedly. They soon recovering themselves, attack'd the Dutch afresh, who turning their Backs, behav'd themselves so basely, that they ran into the Water; abandoning the Guns they had ashore. In the Height of this Success, many Dutch being slain, and only four Portugueses, on a sudden they spy'd all the Fort in a Flame, which roar'd from [The Fort Burnt.] the Ground to the Tops of the Houses, till a considerable Part was blown up, and almost all the rest consum'd, and lay'd flat. Six and twenty Portugueses were burnt, and it could never be discover'd or guess'd, how, or which Way the Powder was set a fire, to cause that mighty Destruction. The Portugueses, who just before were joyful for their Victory, having no Walls to shelter them, were forc'd to retire to the City of Tydore, and the Dutch and Ternates rallying, pursu'd them thither. The King receiv'd them in friendly Manner, and he himself went the same Day [Tydore taken by the Dutch.] aboard the Dutch Ship that lay at Anchor before it, and calling the Dutch Admiral, propos'd to him the Affair of the Fort, and that if those who defended it had ships allow'd them, they would go away to other Parts. He agreed to it, and though it cost the Portugueses all they had, they accepted of three small Tenders, a Galliot that had been the King's, and a Dutch Tender to secure them against the Ternates. The Dutch settled Amity with the King of Tydore; that they should continue in his Dominions; and erect Factories, and Trade for Clove, as the Portugueses had done. Thus the Conquer'd having bought some Ships dispers'd themselves about those Islands. Many of them went to the Philippines, where Don Pedro, the Governour, examin'd them, in order to get Information concerning the Moluccos.

Antony de Silva, a Portuguese, was one of them that escap'd from the [Dutch design to take the Ships of the Philippines.] Fort of Ternate, and came to the Town of Arevalo in the Philippines; Besides being a Soldier, he was also a Naguatato, or Interpreter. This Man gave an Authentick Relation of that Affair, and added, That being brought Prisoner from Amboyna, the Dutch Admiral having a Sea-Chart before him, look'd for Mindoro, Manila, and for Cabite; and being ask'd by Silva, why he look'd for it, was inform'd, That his Design was, in Case he did not succeed at the Moluccos, to try to take some of the Ships that trade betwixt New Spain, and the Philippines. Silva reply'd, That [Silva gives Intelligence of it.] he had not the Time to meet either; because those that come to the Philippines arrive about the 10th of May, and the others set out on the 10th of June. However that was the Design of the Dutch Admiral, who intended to get Intelligence at Mindoro, thence to sail to Macao, send an Embassador into China, and revenge the Wrong Don Pablos de Portugal had done them in those Countries. Then to load Pepper at Patane; next at the Streight of Sincapura, to endeavour to take the Chinese Ships that resort to Malaca; and whatever happen'd, to hold on his Voyage to Holland that Way, loaden with Treasure. All this the Dutch Admiral communicated to Antony de Silva, as to one that was to go with him into Holland, because he was a Soldier, and able Interpreter in both Languages; and therefore Stephen Drage made much of him. This Intelligence was confirm'd [All the Moluccos lost to Spain.] by some others, who had fought and escap'd the Slaughter at Tydore. Don Pedro hearing so much, was concern'd, as a Man zealous for the Church, and for his King; and it griev'd him to consider, that the Crown of Spain had not a Foot of Land left it in the Moluccos; and that a Rebel was in quiet Possession of them all.

Prosperity having embolden'd, and strengthen'd the Dutch, Don Pedro [Don Pedro's Precautions.] assembling his Council of War, order'd that the Captains Antony Freyle, Commander of the Squadron belonging to the Pintados, Peter Sevil, Stephen de Alcazar, and Bernardine Alfonso, should repair to the Forts of the Pintados, and other Islands that were in Danger, with their Companies. He refitted the Ships, and prepar'd his Cannon, as being so near a victorious Enemy, who so successfully put in Execution all their Threats. Antony [Dutch Letters and Present to the King of Ternate.] de Sylva show'd an Original Letter, written by another Dutch Admiral at the Island of Borneo, to the King of Ternate, and sent by Philip Bissegop, Captain of a Ship, with a Present of a Quantity of fine Holland; Six Bales of several Vessels with Musk; Twelve Bottles of Rose-Water; Six Pounds of Dutch Anfion, that is, Opium, which, as has been said, disturbs the Senses, and is us'd by those People to encourage them to fight; and six Barrels of Powder. He gave him an Account of Andrew Furtado's unfortunate Voyage, the Obstacles, Storms, and Enemies he had met with, since his Departure from Ternate, till he came to Malaca. He gave him the Title of Most Serene Prince, and Potent King of the Moluccos, Bandas, Amboyna, and innumerable other Islands. He congratulated with him for the Event of his Arrival at the Moluccos; promising he would return to Ternate with a greater Power, he expected from Holland, and take Possession of the Forts, to extirpate the common Enemy, the King of Spain; and encourag'd him with these Hopes, to hold out till then. He assur'd him, that he should scour all those Seas from the Moluccos, and extend his Dominions as far as China, without being hinder'd by the Philippines or Japoneses. To this End, he desired him to renew his Friendship with Mindanao, and to acquaint the King of those Islands, that he was a Friend to the Dutch, so to give them Admittance to those Ports, Freedom of Trade, and amicable Entertainment, as was requisite for their Undertakings; this being a Thing most Expedient, above all other Politick Considerations. He added, he might observe, and be assur'd, that nothing was so little regarded in Spain, as to contrive that their many Provinces should preserve some Sort of Union. That therefore all those which are very remote, and subject to that Crown, ought to take much Notice of the great Delays there, in coming to a Resolution, and sending Succours from Spain; because before they believe, or examine the News brought them in order to believe them, Affairs have taken a new Turn, and consequently neither the Spanish Councils, nor their Arms come seasonably. That Experience had made most of these Things known to his Highness, and his Zeal for his Service oblig'd him to mention them. Antony de Silva, added, that he was very sure the King of Ternate had not omitted doing any Thing of what the Dutch Man recommended to him; and that he had already propos'd to his People to go abroad to fight, far from their own Islands. Tho' it was never apprehended he would do so, yet at that Time it much troubled Don Pedro, because he was so spent with the Affair of the Sangleyes, the Want of whom he labour'd so to supply, that no such Mischief might happen again, it being so necessary to support the Trade of the Philippines another Way, and procure safety at Home in Order to make War, and keep up a Reputation.