Chapter XXII: Book IX (3)

Time, which sometimes gives Hope, and sometimes Dispair, comforted Don Pedro in his Affliction, bringing in a few Months after some Ships of private Persons from New Spain, and then in due Season the usual Fleet. [Men, Money, &c. arrive at Manila from New Spain.] They arriv'd at Manila, on the Eve of S. Matthias, and in them the Spaniards sent from Spain, for the Expedition of Ternate, with above 200 more from the Marquess de Montesclaros, Viceroy of New Spain, as also the other Necessaries, and Money, pursuant to the King's Order. Part of this came committed to Brother Gaspar Gomez, who was receiv'd with incredible Joy. He deliver'd all his Letters to the Governour, and immediate Care was taken to quarter the Officers and Soldiers, and to distribute them speedily, so that all Men might believe there was no other Design in their coming, but the Security of the Philippine Islands, threatned by the Emperor of Japan, and the Conspiracies of the Sangleyes. This Report was industriously so given out, that it might fly and spread abroad [Management of the Governour.] without the Kingdom, lest they might receive any Intelligence, who had cause to fear. Besides that, as the Fame of those great Preparations was Advantageous to the Spaniards in Point of Reputation, so the Reality of the Power they had, added to the Opinion conceiv'd, prov'd the Defence and Security of them all. In Japan, only the News that Manila was full of Men, and Ships of War, allay'd, or quite banish'd the Disgust of that King, on Account of Don Pedro's refusing him Ship-Wrights. The People of Chincheo also forbore meditating Revenge against an Enemy, whose Victories were back'd with such Succours. Don Pedro consider'd all these Particulars, and each of them made him conclude, that he might with Safety be absent for some Time from Manila. However the King of Ternate overjoy'd that he had shaken off the Spanish Yoke, made little Account of all that was told him, concerning its Neighbouring Kingdoms, believing they would never recover their Ancient Possessions. The Dutch Commanders, who were rebuilding the burnt Fort at Tydore, sent him a considerable Number of Heavy Brass Cannon, of Drakes, and Muskets, and he hired some of the Ingeniers, that came in those Ships, to look to his Fortifications, and reside in them, and in his City. Some accepted of the Habitation, approving of that disorderly, and irreligious Liberty of Life allow'd in that Country; where considering the frequent Resort of Ships from the North, and the many Factories, they reckon'd themselves as good as at Home, since they could often meet with their Kindred or Friends, or at least with their Country-Men. Banish'd Spaniards and Portugueses arriv'd daily at the Port of Oton, in the Philippine Islands, and among them Paul de Lima, a Person of great Experience, and still General of the Artillery at Tydore, who, besides the News of the late Destruction, brought an Account of the Joy wherewith the Dutch dug up the Guns he endeavour'd to hide, and how much they were increased in Strength and Shipping. He was receiv'd with much Honour, in regard to his Quality, and because he was one of those who had lost Lands and Goods, taken from him by the King of Ternate, and his Information, and Counsel were of Use for what afterwards happen'd. All Men attended the Warlike Preparations, in their several Stations, but with equal Zeal; building Ships, and gathering Provisions, Arms, and Ammunitions; and Don Pedro himself was so diligent and vigilant, that he attended the meanest Employments, giving an Example, and encouraging; so that it may be said, he did every Thing, for he ply'd all Hands.

The End of the Ninth Book.

THE
HISTORY
OF THE
Discovery and Conquest
OF THE
Molucco and Philippine Islands, &c.