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.1 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