Chapter XLIII: Continuation of the preceding (4)

The news from Japon has it that the emperor of that country is holding a large number of Dutch in prison, on account of difficulties which they have had with the Japanese, and even worse [were their dealings] with our people; for through friendship for the Dutch has arisen the great persecution and martyrdom of so many religious, of so many different orders, who have suffered martyrdom in those regions. Having ingratiated themselves with the emperor until they stood well with him, in order that there might be no increase in the faith of Jesus Christ they counseled him that it was altogether inexpedient to consent that any friar of any order should enter his kingdom, for that they were a vile people, driven out of España, to preach the faith of a God whom they adored, who had died crucified upon a cross; and that with that humble garb they were doing great harm, converting the people to their faith and straightway delivering over the country to the king of España, as they had done in other parts of the Yndias. But as God our Lord is ever mindful of his own, His Divine Majesty has permitted that these works of cunning and these heretical counsels, unfriendly to our holy Catholic faith, should have no success, and so at present they have not. For the emperor has commanded that in no way shall any Japanese be martyred for turning Christian; but that they should be exiled from the realms of Japon, and landed in a Christian country, so that, since they had accepted that faith, they might there be supported and given the necessaries of life. The reason which moved the emperor to order that they be not martyred is because he fears that through the martyrdom many heathen Japanese would be converted, if they were to see those who are martyred dying unwavering in their Christian faith. Accordingly, in the month of May in the past year of one thousand six hundred and thirty-two there arrived in this city of Manila a Japanese ship with more than a hundred Japanese, with their wives and children. They were exiled Christians who had been told in their own country that if they abandoned the faith not only would they not be exiled from their fatherland, but that they would be cared for at the expense of the emperor. They chose to set out as exiles, fathers parting from their sons, wives from their husbands, and children from their parents, to preserve the faith of Jesus Christ, trusting solely to the providence of God. They arrived at this city of Manila, having suffered ill-treatment and disease. As soon as they had landed and been received by the Christians of this city, they all began--men, women, and children--to sing _Laudate Dominum omnes gentes_, and other psalms, so that it would have moved stones to pity. They were taken immediately to a church, at their own request, in procession. And no sooner did they find themselves in the temple of the Lord for whom they had suffered so much, than they all commenced to sing aloud _Nunc dimittis_, from beginning to end, so that the Christians of the primitive church could have done no more. They were then taken to a hospital, where they are being cared for at present with liberal good cheer, for on every hand they are supplied with plentiful alms. The heathen Japanese went back astonished at this charitable reception which they received; and therefore they now make martyrs no more, because they realize that this affects the people, and that more are converted in the public martyrdoms which they were inflicting in order to strike the others with fear. What they now do with the ministers of the gospel whom they can capture is as follows--as has been done lately with six religious whom they hold prisoners among them, two of these belonging to our order of St. Dominic: Within the prison they strip the fathers, and throw boiling hot water on them over their whole bodies, until they are horribly burned and wounded, and their skin is quite flayed off. Then they are cared for; and when they are recovering they are again stripped, and the same thing done, and so they have been kept for a year.

Concerning missions in the kingdom of Camboxa, we learn that four years ago, when the king sent to ask for religious in order to make himself and his kingdom Christian, six belonging to our Dominican order only, went there, and carried to him a handsome present on behalf of the governor of Manila. The king received them with much kindness at first. Afterwards, when they instructed him in our faith and told him he must give up his idolatries to receive it, he began to hate them--until, after two years, he ordered them to return; and so that kingdom is without a Christian, as it was impossible to persuade a single person; for they are wild barbarians, who, like the negroes, go about attired in skins.

As for Great China, it is the chief object of our desire; for the people are intelligent, and the country great and populous. The King of España has taken an island which lies eighteen leguas from Great China, and is called Hermosa Island--a thing which was considered impossible, for it seemed that all the power in the world would not be enough to conquer it. In this island there is a great fort and a city, where many Spaniards are in garrison; and six of our religious, with none of any other order. A ship-load of provisions, and one company of soldiers, are sent to them every year from this city of Manila. Five of our friars went this year. In that island they are engaged in conquering it with soldiers, although most of it has made peace. Our friars are converting some whose conversion, through the goodness of God, is very effective. From this island two of our religious went to Great China; and eight days ago we received a letter from one of them which reads as follows:

"Your reverences may give thanks to our Lord, for the Order of St. Dominic is already within Great China. They killed my companion immediately after we landed. I am considering how the conversion of this land can be best accomplished, etc. In this city there are about six hundred Christians, natives of Great China, among eleven thousand heathen, largely merchants who come to trade. It should be a matter commended to God to be pleased to open the eyes of this people to a knowledge of Him, as there are so many souls there to be damned--for (so they say) there are more people in Great China than in half of all the rest of the world. It has been revealed to a holy nun, and to one of our friars of rare virtue, that those who are now living will see the conversion of this people. I can assure you that the labor is great, and the workers few; for there are missions in these islands where, on account of the lack of religious, we can have no more than one; and he has more than two thousand souls in his charge, and four villages where he says mass every feast-day, with the permission of the superior, though one village is two leguas or more from another. It is a matter for wonder that even one religious is left, after all this labor and service in so hot and enervating a country."

The original of this letter was addressed to the father master Fray Alonso Tamariz, formerly prior of this convent of Sevilla.

This information has been sent to the most reverend father-general of the Order of St. Dominic, that his most reverend Paternity may prepare those under his command to continue this great enterprise, and go to those regions, whence so great results are hoped and desired for the increase and propagation of the holy Catholic faith.

With the permission of the lord provisor and of the alcalde Don Pedro Pantoja de Ayala. In Sevilla: sold by Juan Gomez de Blas, close to the Correo Mayor, this year of 1633.

LETTERS FROM JUAN CEREZO DE SALAMANCA TO FELIPE IV

_Military affairs_

Sire:

By two letters of the same date as this, I have informed your Majesty of my arrival in these islands, in accordance with the orders to the incumbents of vacancies in these governments. Referring to them, I intend in this letter to give brief information of what concerns military matters.

The conservation and increase of the islands depends on the trade with China and Japon, providing that the other provinces shall steadily maintain a suitable population. This will be secured by maintaining the reputation of your Majesty's arms and true military discipline; and by taking heed to preserve what your Majesty holds today, without attempting new enterprises. For the one your Majesty has sufficient force, but for the other there would be needed other and fresh forces.

The army of these islands is composed of nineteen companies. Six of them are in garrison in this city, and one in the fort of Cavite; six others in Terrenate; three in the island of Hermosa; one in the island of Oton; another in that of Cibú; and another in that of Caraga. These companies will be frequently changed, so that they may all share alike in the work and the leisure, and so that all may become soldiers.

The castle of Manila has its usual garrison, and is in a state of defense. The forts of Cavite guard the port where the ships are anchored; while under its artillery the building and repair of the ships is carried on. That fort always has one company of the army. The fort of Zibu is important because of its distance, and because it has a port in which the reënforcements for Terrenate are made ready; while it confronts the insurgent Indians of Mindanao and Xolo. For that reason its garrison has one company of volunteers [_sobresaliente_], and one of the army. The other two forts of Oton and Caraga are kept up for the same purpose. As I have but recently arrived, I do not make so full a relation of them as I shall give next year.

In regard to the island of Hermosa, I shall not inform your Majesty, until I have sufficient knowledge to do so, of what I think; for I see that the expenses incurred by your Majesty are heavy, while the island is of no use. On the other hand, trustworthy persons give confident expectations of its population, growth, and utility.

The reënforcements for Terrenate are what cause most solicitude; they are made at great risk, and at a heavy cost to your Majesty. That of last year reached the fort with reputation, because it was carried by a powerful ship which could withstand the Dutch, defensively and offensively. The governor [of Terrenate], Pedro de Heredia, has advised us that it will be expedient for your Majesty's service that the first reënforcement be sent in such manner that it may not be endangered, inasmuch as the enemy is making preparations to await it with greater forces. Consequently, I am trying to have it conveyed by two war galleons, and to have them leave at the time considered advisable by men of experience. From now on, all the reënforcements will carry two entire infantry companies, so that two others may return in their place. In this way that garrison will be changed every three years, and all the companies of the army will share the work equally. It is advisable for your Majesty to order the governors to do this, absolutely; for in this there has been lack of system. Your Majesty should not allow portions of companies to be sent; but whole companies should go, so that the unprotected should not be wronged, or the privileged favored. [_In the margin_: "Let this be marked, and also let advice of this clause be given to the new governor. [101] Portions of companies shall not be sent to Terrenate, but whole companies shall go there, as is here said, so that those companies which are changed may return entire."]

Pedro de Heredia, who has been many years governor of Terrenate, is a good soldier; but he is old and rich, and it is advisable for your Majesty to send a successor to him. He should be one who will be content with the honor and dignity of the post of governor.

Your Majesty has sustained here a number of galleys at a great expense. They have been of very little or of no service. Some of them have fallen to pieces with the lapse of time; and others have been wrecked, not so much on account of disasters, as for the lack of experienced officers for that navigation, as it is very different from that of galleons. In this port there is now but one old galley; and as I have taken a trip in it, I can assure your Majesty that it serves for nothing else than vanity. To keep it up costs considerable, and therefore, and because this treasury is so deeply in debt, I have determined to prevent so excessive a cost to your Majesty. I shall only keep up the galley of Terrenate, which is necessary and cannot be spared; for your Majesty's revenues do not allow superfluities. And, so long as your Majesty does not resolve upon another course, I shall not venture upon more at present than to repair this galley, which is old and unmanageable, in order that there may be something in which to occupy the crew (who lie idle the whole year), until a new order comes from your Majesty. [_In the margin_: "Have the new governor notified, in accordance with what the last one has written, in how bad a condition is the galley of which mention is made, the great expense that would be required to repair it, of how little use it is; that it can be dispensed with; and that, if there are no other reasons that prevent, or any inconveniences, he shall do so, and, after doing it, he shall give information of what has occurred, and of his opinion."]

Your Majesty has a captain-general of artillery here, which is a superfluous post, not only on account of the little that there is for him to do, but because there will never be a land campaign; and on all occasions the governor attends to this, as to other things. It is also proper to adjust the jurisdictions of all [the officers], for they are all at variance, as some are trying to meddle in the affairs of others. That results in confusion and disorder; for the master-of-camp, in accordance with his title, claims that he can try causes in the first instance of all the men who are paid, both in and out of the army. The governor of the artillery, the castellans, the military captains, the substitutes [_entretenidos_], and others who are not soldiers of the army claim that they are exempt from such jurisdiction. I have thought it best to inform your Majesty, so that you may please order the measures taken that are most to your pleasure. [_In the margin_: "When that post falls vacant, have this section brought."]

It is not advisable that it be known here that the governors should give so particular an account as I am giving, and as I shall always give, in accordance with the dictates of my conscience; for others, fearful of it, will not neglect to advise of many things of importance. Will your Majesty provide throughout, what is most to your pleasure. May God preserve your Majesty, etc. Manila, August 14, 1633.

_Don Juan Cerezo Salamanca_

_Government matters_

Sire:

I have informed your Majesty from Mexico that, in accordance with the regulations in regard to the vacancies in this government of Filipinas, the viceroy of Nueva España entrusted me _ad interim_ with it because of the death of Don Juan Niño de Tavora, the regularly-appointed incumbent. I left Acapulco April 5, and entered these islands with the flagship and almiranta July 8, after a prosperous voyage, although the great calms of this year have obliged the ships to make port in the island of Mindoro, at a distance of twenty-five leguas from this city, where they are awaiting suitable weather to enable them to get to this city of Cavite. Accordingly, I came in an oared vessel to take possession of this government, on the second of the present month.

I am obliged to inform your Majesty of the judicial, treasury, military, and government matters, and as a new arrival I shall be able to do it quite free from interest and passion, and with the sole desire of fulfilling my duty as a vassal. I shall endeavor with all truth to give a succinct relation of all that I have found, so that, after your Majesty has read them, you may have the most advisable measures taken.

This government and the preservation of its provinces consists in that the commerce of Great China and Japon be current, and especially that of Japon. In truth this is more considerable, both as it is a powerful neighbor, and because they are wont to bring from that kingdom many products which are needed [here]--namely, iron, copper, lead, saltpeter, flour, salt pork, vegetables, drugs, and silver--and which it costs your Majesty considerable to have to supply from Nueva España.

Our relations with Japon are broken up, because the Dutch with their accustomed scheming--that king having been irritated on account of the religious who have preached the holy gospel from these provinces, and fearful of new conquest--have converted into hate the old-time friendship. The Japanese employ extraordinary harshness toward the Catholics; and although your Majesty has ordered my predecessors in so prudent and Christian a manner, by your royal decrees, not to allow the religious to go to Japon until the times change, they have been unable to prevent it; for the religious have imprudently embarked in secret, thereby causing more trouble than good. They have thus left a deficiency in the missions of these provinces, where they have sufficient in which to busy themselves, since whole nations are heathens. The measure that I believe to be practical is for your Majesty to command the provincials of the orders not to allow any religious to go to Japon for the present; for they only serve to irritate one who, if placated, will some day, when undeceived in regard to the Dutch malice, grant the liberty which he now denies. Now and henceforth I shall endeavor to give Japon to understand your Majesty's desire of good friendship and relationship. In accordance with this I shall attempt the same with the provincials, and have them concern themselves in converting the Japanese and Sangleys who live among us, until your Majesty be pleased to order otherwise, [_In the margin_: "This was provided for by writing to the governor to pay attention to this matter, and to arrange matters as may be most advisable."]

The trade with Great China has also declined, because the Portuguese of Macan have become masters of it, as they are so near. Being admitted here, contrary to all good government, they come here to retail the products which the said Sangleys formerly brought directly, whereby these provinces are suffering a great scarcity. All of that results to our damage and to the advantage of China, because of the great advance in price over the [former] cheapness of their goods--[an excess] which, moreover, they carry to their own land. The relief that I believe can be had, although at its beginning some privation may be felt, is for your Majesty to prohibit the trade of Macan with Manila, and decree that no Portuguese be admitted in this government. Besides the attainment of the aforesaid object, your Majesty's duties will increase--which is a matter worth consideration; for until now all has been expense. [_In the margin_: "Collect the papers that we have upon this matter and those written upon it, and bring them here."]

I have found these islands in need of men, whose numbers are decreasing because of the poor climate. The need of them requires that your Majesty provide a remedy; for the reënforcements from Nueva España are costly. Although the governors have exceeded their authority by giving licenses [to leave the country], I can not avoid representing to your Majesty that the inhabitants of Manila are worthy of the favors that your Majesty may be pleased to show them, provided it does not result in disservice to your Majesty--as I warn you by a separate letter touching revenue matters, in order that I may not confuse those matters in this letter; and in another letter touching military matters, I advise your Majesty of certain points, which also depend on the same thing. [_In the margin_: "Write to the governor to avoid giving licenses; and to the viceroy [of Nueva España] that he send some men there, as is ordered."]

The governors whom your Majesty shall provide for these islands should be as experienced in nautical matters as in those of the land; and should at the same time understand judicial and legislative matters. [_In the margin_: "Seen."]

Licentiate Don Francisco de Rojas finished his visit, and has proceeded in it as an honest and good minister. He has done considerable in so brief a term, when one considers his poor health. He goes well informed on the affairs of these regions, in order to inform your Majesty of what he has seen. Although he has borne himself with discretion, he leaves these provinces afflicted, because he has taken away encomiendas from very poor persons who have served well, and who by virtue of these grants have become citizens. They have been condemned because they did not secure the confirmation of your Majesty within the time set. Their excuse is, not only that it is not more than two years since your Majesty's decree requiring that the confirmation be given was proclaimed, but that, besides their living in the most remote provinces in the world, the advice-ships from Nueva España were wrecked this year. The ships sailing hence have put back to port, and their despatches have not arrived; and as they are soldiers, with careless agents who employ but little effort in soliciting their causes, will your Majesty be pleased to show them the favor that is agreeable to you. [_In the margin_: "It was provided."]

Two auditors have remained in this royal Audiencia, because the visitor suspended the other two. There is a lack of officials, for I also found that the fiscal, Don Juan de Quesada, was dead. The government appointed in his place, before my arrival, Don Juan Fernandez de Ledo, until your Majesty order otherwise. I am informed that he is a capable person, and that he is very learned and of praiseworthy morals. Will your Majesty be pleased to show him the favor that you may deem advisable. [_In the margin_: "It was provided."]

Because of my having taken possession of this government so late, although your Majesty had ordered that the ships that sail annually to Nueva España should depart on the first of June I have found, on the second of August, their despatch so delayed that it has been impossible to make it before now, although I have not endeavored to accomplish any other thing since my arrival. I desire to have your Majesty informed that this despatch is not chargeable to me. [_In the margin_: "Seen."]

May God preserve your Majesty, etc. Manila, August 14, 1633.

_Don Juan Cerezo Salamanca_

_Revenue matters_

Sire:

Although I informed your Majesty in two other letters, of equal date with this, of my arrival in these islands, and that this temporary government is in my hands, I intend to tell briefly in this letter only the matters that I observe concerning the revenues.

I have found your Majesty's revenues very inadequate, and that the royal treasury owes eighty-eight thousand eight hundred pesos to the inhabitants of Manila, which have been borrowed in reals; and it is necessary to pay them from the aid that I bring.

I have found no lumber in the shipyards for the repair of the ships, and for the other needs that are wont to arise. There is a lack of rigging, of food, and of all the supplies necessary. I advise your Majesty of it, in case my ability should not be sufficient to supply so great needs as there have been; although my principal endeavor shall be to strive, in these beginnings, that all shall be restored to its former condition. [_In the margin_: "Examined January 25, 34. Write to the new governor that we have heard of the lack of wood and of the other things that are [_word illegible in MS._; necessary?] in the magazines, so that everything may be provided as is expected from his care and zeal."]

I am obliged in conscience to inform your Majesty (in case my own efforts should prove insufficient) of all that I shall esteem worthy of correction in your royal service; and of what I saw in the port of Acapulco, where I embarked, and in the ships up to the present. In order to be able to do so, it is necessary for me to repeat in brief the favors and privileges which your Majesty has conceded to these inhabitants of Manila, in order to show them favor, with the desire that they increase in numbers, and so that they alone may enjoy the fruits of the trade and traffic of these provinces, entirely excluding from it the inhabitants of Nueva España. Surely this is an important matter, but the custom and malice of men has had so much influence that experience shows us that neither that which your Majesty orders is sufficient, nor do the citizens of Manila realize the value of the favors which they receive. The worst of all is that, to judge from the condition of affairs, there is no one from whom to obtain the fitting remedy. The principal abuse is that, although your Majesty ordered that no money pass from Nueva España here, and although you granted permission to these inhabitants to receive only five hundred thousand ducados, a way has been found whereby they secretly send annually as much as they wish--and that without the said prohibition being any hindrance to any person of Nueva España, or those of any other region. The governors my predecessors have had knowledge of this abuse, but they have not dared to remedy it because of the annoyances that arise in so well-established a practice, and one in which nearly all the vassals of your Majesty are included. For this same reason, and because I have so recently arrived, I have considered it fitting to inform your Majesty, so that, in so grave a matter, you may determine what will be most fitting to your royal service. [_In the margin_: "Send this letter to Don Juan de Palafox, so that he may be informed of it." "Seen by the [_word illegible in MS._] J. Palafox."]

It is my opinion that since it has been impossible to check the practice of sending every year money for these parts from Nueva España (and I suspect that two millions are sent, and that the dearness occasioned by this abundance of silver results only to the benefit of Great China, where the money stops without your Majesty having collected your duties), it will be considered as an aid to the great expenses of the galleons of this line that your Majesty allow the money that shall have to pass to be openly registered in Acapulco, at the rate of five per cent. By so doing your Majesty will enjoy what has hitherto been usurped by the officers (both the higher and the lower) of the said ships; and at a reasonable price, and with permission, no one would conceal the money that he was sending. And now since no other remedy is found, it will be right for your Majesty to do this, so that you may not lose your duties. In regard to the difficulties on account of which they might at Acapulco refuse to accept this tax, which will reach so great an amount of income, I answer that the trade of these islands is not injured nor will the exchanges of the money that comes annually from Nueva España increase. Only that which has hitherto been done surreptitiously will be done openly in the future, to the benefit of the royal treasury. The higher and lower officers of the galleons will content themselves with the emoluments of their offices, which are those that they are enjoying for this. Will your Majesty have this matter considered very closely; for here, to one who has the matter before him, it is a clear case.

In the port of Acapulco, your Majesty has three royal officials, who are present from the time of the arrival of these ships until they have once more set sail. In the despatching of the vessels they look as much to their own comforts as to the service of your Majesty. They make friends among the registrars, and shut their eyes to the money that is wont to be sent on commission. The governors are powerless to remedy this from here. I think that your Majesty can dispense with all these three positions; and that, besides saving their salaries, your Majesty will be much better served if, at the arrival of the ships, your Majesty order that the castellan and the alcalde-mayor of Acapulco do not permit them to discharge their cargoes, and that an accountant-in-chief of the bureau of accounts be always sent from Mexico on the first of December to attend to the unlading; and that he be accompanied by the alcalde-mayor of Acapulco, or by the castellan of that fort.

In the letters that I write pertaining to government and military affairs, I touch on some points which also touch this matter of the revenue; and I do not repeat them, in order not to become prolix. I only go back in this to represent the difficulties occasioned here by its being known that the governors give account of everything--as I am giving it and shall continue to give it as my conscience dictates to me; for others will not neglect to advise you of many things pertaining to your royal service. Will your Majesty provide in this what will be most suitable. May God preserve your Majesty. Manila, August 14, 1633.

_Don Juan Cerezo Salamanca_

REPORT OF ARCHBISHOP ON THE BAKERY OF MANILA

Sire:

On behalf of this city a royal decree has been presented to me in which your Majesty commands me to inform you in regard to the favor which Governor Don Fernando de Silva extended to the said city and to Captain Andres Fernandez de Puebla, giving them the income from the bakery of this city, which was established on the site and lot belonging to the said Andres Fernandez de Puebla, he enjoying half the rent and the said city the other half. The said Andres Fernandez de Puebla is an old citizen, who has served your Majesty with approval. Complying with the said instruction, and in order to investigate the matter with fairness and accuracy, as it should be, I personally went to the said bakery and inspected it. I found it walled entirely about with cut stone, and with doors and stout locks, so that when it is locked up at night no one can go in or come out. The site is ramparted and habitable where the ovens stand. Although there are some filling timbers lacking in the middle, it is nothing of importance, and may be easily repaired. I found in the said bakery a Spanish overseer, who serves as a faithful manager and who lives there continually, as I have been informed. He does not allow the Chinese bakers to adulterate the flour, and is always present to see that they make clean bread. It seems to me that it is very useful and advantageous for this city that all the ovens be placed together in the said bakery, and in no other place. It is fitting that your Majesty should order this; for there are very great difficulties in the maintenance of ovens in private houses, as they are haunts where are committed thefts and offenses against God, which are commonly known. This is my opinion and is based on my forty years' experience since I have been in these islands. May God protect the Catholic and royal person of your Majesty, according to the needs of Christianity.

Dated at Manila, on the third of August, 1634.

_Fray Hernando_, archbishop of Manila.

NEWS FROM FELIPINAS, JAPON, AND OTHER PARTS

By the last express the following news arrived in a letter which came from Manila, dated August 20, 634: "Father Manuel Cuello writes that he is in Camboja in disguise, in order to pass on to Japon, where the persecution is so bloody that it is publicly cried that five hundred pesos will be given to any person who makes known the whereabouts of any priest. In this way during four months sixteen of our fathers have been arrested, besides the brothers and dogicos who are being seized every day. While they were awaiting death, it happened that the emperor was bedridden, suffering with the leprosy for a long time; and he could find no remedy in his medicines, nor in the sacrifices to his idols. He heard many loud cries and wails in the garden, and commanded his people to learn what it was. When they came back, they said that the sounds proceeded from a large bamboo, a plant which is very plentiful in that country. They opened it and found within a cross, red as if dipped in blood, which caused them great wonder. They took it to the emperor, who was much more astounded because the day before he had seen a very brilliant cross in the air, although he had told no one of it; but, when this portent was found in his garden, he had his soothsayers called in to tell him what it meant. Some of them said one thing and some another; but the chief of them said that these crosses were from the fathers who, although blameless, had been put to death for teaching the veneration of the cross. This explanation was confirmed by a bonze, one of his favorites, who added that he believed that the leprosy which he suffered was owing to his having slain so many innocent people. When the emperor asked him [what he meant], he added: 'The fathers and Christians whom your Majesty ordered to be killed at Nangasaqui. I believe that your Majesty has already seen that with all our efforts we cannot cure you; and you should call upon the bonzes of Nanbamcas (as they call our fathers) and perhaps they may be able to grant and perform this miracle, as they do others.'

"It is a great deal that soothsayers and bonzes, who are so much opposed to us, should speak so in our favor; but the Lord can do much greater things, and as it seems that the portent is His work, [_words illegible_] the interpretation. The result was that the emperor immediately sent messengers to Nangasaqui and other places to bring to him the fathers who were in prison. They brought from Nangasaqui father Fray Luis, of the Franciscan order; and the father-provincial Christobal Ferreira, and Father Sevastian de Viera, of the Society--the latter having been for a long time a laborer in that church whence he was sent to Rome as procurator. When our father invited him to remain here, as he was so old and had labored so long, he preferred to end his life with the children whom he had begotten in Christ, since they were engaged in such wars, rather than enjoy the peace of Europa. Two years ago he arrived at Manila from Rome; and a little more than a half a year ago he left Manila for Japon, in the garb of a Sangley. But as he was so well known, as soon as he secured an entrance to that country, and the search for the Christians began, more than a thousand agents were sent over the whole kingdom in search of him, so great a desire had they to get hold of him. As they were so numerous, and the reward great, he was unable to escape. He finally was made a prisoner with the other Christians at Nangasaqui, who were awaiting death (it was this that made him go back to Japon); and, although they believed it to be certain when the order came to convey them to court, all were greatly encouraged to suffer it. But, in place of that, the ambassador of Macao who is at that court writes that the kindly treatment which the emperor extended to them was remarkable. He ordered them to be taken from the prisons and spoke to them with much gentleness. He told the fathers that if their faith was such truth as they said, they should obtain from their God the cure of his leprosy, so that he might recognize its truth; and see that he had done wrong in taking the lives of those who followed it. The fathers offered to ask this from our Lord, if his Majesty wished, for the cause was His; and He heard their petitions and our desires. This emperor may be the Constantine of that church, in whom the blood that he shed of so many noble laborers wrought the health which was restored to him; and this made him unwilling to shed the blood of the humble innocents. We hope that this omen has assuaged the persecution, and his health goes far to confirm this. We have the same hope for China, where our Lord has made us so acceptable to the emperor that he has given us one of the study-halls at his court at Paquin. Our fathers are giving lectures to large audiences, and are highly esteemed by all the court, whence springs our hope of founding many colleges in that kingdom. [102] May it please his Majesty to further this."

LETTERS FROM JUAN CEREZO DE SALAMANCA TO FELIPE IV

_Revenue affairs_

Sire:

I informed your Majesty by way of Yndia, on the twenty-second of October of last year, of the treasury matters, and of the resistance which these royal officials were making about accepting the new ordinances that were left them by the visitor, Don Francisco de Roxas, by having appealed from them, and having represented in the royal Council of the Yndias the impossibility of being able to comply with these in the service of your Majesty. Notwithstanding their allegations, and the resignation of their offices which they made in writing, I continued, by what methods I could avail myself of, to urge them to accept the said ordinances of the visitor. As they persevered in their disobedience, I arrested all three royal officials, and kept them together in the treasury, so that the despatch [of business] might not cease; thereupon they obeyed, and from that time on we have been following the new ordinances. Although I blamed the too great resistance which they made, ever since I have excused them somewhat, through having experienced the great inconvenience and embarrassments which some of the ordinances contained; and I confess how prudent they were in the exercise of their authority before they experienced the present damage. Matters are in such condition that while I am trying to adjust myself to the new ordinances and not to depart one jot from them, I find myself more embarrassed, and the despatches that demand the greatest haste delayed--as happened to me in the stress of sending the reënforcements in a fleet which I sent to Terrenate this year, in which consisted the security of those forts, which were in danger. It was necessary for me to facilitate it by making use of the precedents of other times. Now, in order to fulfil my obligation, I assure you that what most is needed in Philipinas is the facilitation of the course of business, and the choice of [government] ministers who are entirely trustworthy; for in so remote provinces where all is invasion from the enemy, it will be most difficult to succeed in performing your Majesty's service, if the jurisdiction and authority are so limited. In order to be able to await what your Majesty may be pleased [to order], I have adopted, in certain doubts, the expedient which has seemed most advisable, after holding meetings and consulting with persons in whom I have confidence.

One of these new ordinances directs that the governor shall deliver, whether in large or small quantity, all the goods and wares of these magazines which are used for various purposes. Those which are in danger of spoiling shall be distributed by his order; and what shall not be thus disposed of shall not be passed over, at the time, to the royal officials. That ordinance is impractical, for, besides the continual occupations of the governor in affairs of greater importance and his inability to personally supervise things so minute, your Majesty had issued the necessary ordinance before the visit, and I have followed it in the preparation of fleets and reëenforcements; and I do not pay any attention to the delivery in small quantities when that is necessary. But I am endeavoring to make it understood that it is impossible to do so always, without obstructing the despatches which usually demand attention suddenly. What is of importance to the service of your Majesty is that we, the governor, royal officials, and other ministers, are attending to the best administration of the royal revenues.

In accordance with these new ordinances, the alcaldes-mayor, the assistants of the royal officials, and shipmasters must annually settle their accounts exactly. Because of the difficulty of navigation between some of the islands, it is impossible to obey this ordinance to the letter, or to cease receiving from such men at the time of [settling] the account, what their salaries allow, as the emoluments which they receive are small or nothing. Thus do we continue to proceed, according to the weather-conditions of the season, and the distance [from Manila] of the places where they live.

Whenever ships or fleets have been despatched, some advance pay has been given to the regular sailors and soldiers. It is a harsh measure that because we do not have, for all the greater and less matters that arise, a distinct decree from your Majesty which is in accord with one of the new ordinances, the royal officials should continually impugn and oppose the orders that exist in some of the same matters; and although there should be nothing else to do than to obey the ordinances, the greater part of the time is passed in summons and replies. I have received in these ships a royal decree from your Majesty, under date of August 26 of the past year, in which your Majesty is pleased to order me to collect two per cent on the merchandise exported to Nueva España, in addition to the other three per cent that has been paid hitherto, in accordance with what the visitor agreed with this city by way of a gracious gift; and that on the first occasion _[word illegible in MS._; I make?] decision of what must be observed, and give information whether this duty is collected here, or whether the benefit of it is obtained along with the situado of these islands. I caused it to be obeyed and executed according to its contents. And in order that these citizens might appraise their goods in accordance with this order I had the said royal decree published in the usual places, and it was communicated to the cabildo, judiciary, and magistracy of this city. Seeing that the citizens were exceedingly remiss in lading, and the time far advanced for the ships to make their voyage, I proceeded to stimulate them by edicts and orders, and finally by placing them under the penalty of losing the favors which your Majesty has granted them in allowing the five hundred thousand pesos that are brought every year from Nueva España. The city replied to that by appealing from my act and from the said royal decree to your Majesty, as the relation given by the visitor was not in harmony with the acts, and as their citizens had not made any [such] agreement. The four thousand pesos which they gave as a donation was for that time, provided that no further action should be taken regarding this duty until the matter had been discussed in the royal Council of the Yndias. In proof of it, the visitor embarked without having made a beginning in this collection. After many discussions, the citizens had resolved not to lade any goods at present for Nueva España. I gave a copy of all this to the fiscal and the royal officials. I resolved [not] to despatch the ships without cargoes, and even to take the boxes and bales from where they should be found and actually put them on board the ships; but the auditors and officials believed that it would be contrary to law to force the citizens. Therefore I determined to call a meeting of the Audiencia, archbishop, fiscal, and royal officials, in order to determine what ought to be done in this matter. All were of the opinion that the ships should be laded, even though we should postpone the fulfilment of what your Majesty lately ordered, for the damage that would ensue from the ships going empty would be beyond comparison far greater than the gain of the two per cent; and that the appeal interposed by the citizens ought to be granted, as it was apparent that the report which the visitor had made was different from what had actually and truly taken place. In accordance with this, the city has given bonds for all the sum to which this duty can amount, now and henceforth, until your Majesty be pleased to provide what is most advisable. In order that this may be apparent from the investigations, I enclose herewith a testimony of the acts.

In respect to my report, Sire, I declare that the three per cent which has been collected hitherto, has entered into this royal treasury, and has never been reckoned with the situado. The same will have to be done with this two per cent, for it is all needed for the ordinary support, unless that your Majesty should be better served [by ordering otherwise].

The visitor at his departure gave me an account of all that he had done during the two years while he has been occupied in his visit. According to the report which he gave me of accounts which had been settled, I learned that this treasury was clear of debt, and had much money besides. But I have found by experience since then that, although in appearance he stirred up affairs, in fact the expense was greater than the gain. For most of the settlements of which he made a parade are in litigation, and are being nullified by the acquittal of the parties [in the suit], while others in the Audiencia are even abandoned; and few reach the point of collecting [the amounts due]. Some of the new ordinances that he left suffered the same misfortune, because he did not dictate them or draw them up, but entrusted them to two clerks before his visit--for his poor health did not permit him to do more. It is not to be believed that a well-informed lawyer would try to obstruct the service of your Majesty, for nearly all his ordinances are directed to and reflect distrust of the fidelity of the royal officials, to whom your Majesty has hitherto entrusted your revenues. From the good disposition that I observe in them and the work that they do, I judge them to be your very good and faithful servants.

It is advisable that your Majesty be pleased to send an accountant for settling accounts, and that he be a person of authority, with adequate pay. He who serves in that office in the meanwhile was formerly the servant of one of these auditors; and he is more concerned in occupying his time in sustaining friendships than in attending to what is necessary. On that account if some of the new ordinances were to be remade, this would be bettered.

I received some decrees in these last ships, which were despatched in the year thirty-two, and others of the year thirty-three, concerning the treasury, which are obeyed and will be carried out as is therein contained. When these ships set sail--and that has not been done before as the decrees were received late, and by way of India--I shall give an account of the condition of these matters.

The viceroy of Nueva España has sent me four companies as a reënforcement, and this camp has six others. I have reorganized five, so that there are now six companies in this city, each with more than one hundred soldiers, which is the least number that a company generally has.

Since the month of August of last year, when I began to govern these islands, the half-annats [103] have been collected with the care ordered by your Majesty, in which I coöperated with the commissary for that tax. The royal officials and the auditor who was appointed commissary are doing as they should.

In the ships of last year, and by way of Yndia, I informed your Majesty how expedient it was to charge five per cent duty on the silver and reals that are sent annually from Nueva España, as no remedy has been found whereby that commerce can be adjusted to the permission of only five hundred thousand pesos, which your Majesty has conceded to these islands. Past times can ill be compared with the present; and granting the accidents which oblige the viceroys of Nueva España not to practice the rigor which they themselves make the governors of Philipinas overlook, and considering the present thing, and watching out for the greater service of your Majesty, I am grieved because the royal officials of the ships enjoy this advantage--which as I have seen, amounts to more than one hundred thousand pesos per year--and, notwithstanding this new tax, the inconvenience of the quantities of money passing from those regions will increase; for it is most certain that those to whom belongs the trade of Philipinas always find a way by which to attain their objects; and because the viceroy of Mexico undertook to check it this year, by only threats, the inhabitants of these islands are ruined and left without their capital, which remained in Nueva España. May our Lord preserve and prosper the royal person of your Majesty, as we your vassals desire and need. Manila, August 10, 1634.

_Don Juan Cerezo Salamanca_

_Government affairs_

Sire:

I have given your Majesty an account on all occasions of my coming to these islands, and of the condition of affairs in them, although with limitations, and with the caution of a new arrival. But now, after having governed them a year, I shall be able to discuss their affairs with experience and more freedom, so that your Majesty, having been informed, may enact what is most advisable for your royal service.

The disputes which generally arise between the governor and the auditors of this royal Audiencia are usually more prejudicial in these islands than in the rest of your Majesty's monarchy, as these are the most remote; for their preservation lies in the governor being obeyed and respected, and in his orders being executed and entirely observed, without the auditors hindering him, or casting any doubt on his supremacy, as they are often wont to do.

The jurisdiction of this Audiencia is set at rest from the ecclesiastical fuerzas and the litigations of these inhabitants--who, as is seen from the chart which I am sending under other covers, amount in all to 151 married men, 81 single men, 45 widows, and 160 children, besides fifty other men who live in other places. All the rest are paid sailors and soldiers, with whom the Audiencia has nothing to do; and from that one can infer how few affairs of justice arise. That is the cause of the disputes, and of the auditors actually deciding the affairs of government under pretext of appeals, without waiting until the governors grant or deny them, in accordance with law--to the considerable discredit, of the authority that your Majesty has conceded to the government. That results in nothing that is ordered being executed. And although your Majesty has provided a remedy for these accidents with decrees, so that, in case of doubt, the governor may declare what occurs to him, and that the auditors may pass for this purpose into Philipinas, still that has not sufficed; for they take care to give the decrees a different meaning, and will not be subdued by any means that I have used. In proof of this I cite the following examples.