Gomez Perez builds four Galleys, and makes Slaves wrongfully. In the mean while Gomez Perez, still carrying on his Preparations, conceal’d the Design, without sparing any charge for Shipping, Provisions, or Men. Among other Necessaries, he built four choice Galleys and for the manning of them, took a Method which was look’d upon as severe. He Order’d, That as many Indians who were Slaves to other Indians of Quality, as would serve to Man the Galleys, should be bought up, and Paid for by the Spaniards, who were Proprietors, out of their own Money; setting the Price of each Slave at two Taes in Gold, each Taes of Gold their Value. Tae being little above an Ounce, which was the Price Slaves had in former Times been valu’d at among them. He promis’d, that the Proprietors should afterwards be Refunded what they laid out, from the Kings Revenue. Yet this did not seem to mollify the Rigour of the Order; because he improperly call’d those Indians Slaves, for their Lords use and love them like Children, set them at their own Tables, and Marry them to their Daughters; besides that, Slaves then were worth more Money. The Concern of those that were to be Sold, was attended by that of the Proprietors, who were to Discontent in the Philippines. contribute out of their Estates, to defray Charges they look’d upon as not very Necessary, and to Disgust their Vassals, by taking them away forcibly, being never likely to recover the Money they laid down, which they The Governors excuses. were well assur’d of. The Governour gave out, That those Galleys were to secure the Country, and defend it from the Danger that threatned; because he knew the Emperor of Japan was coming to Invade it, with a numerous Fleet; and that it could not be Defended without Galleys, and therefore it was absolutely Necessary to Man them with Slaves, since they had no others to Row. That these were not to be Fetter’d in the Galleys, nor Treated like Slaves, but so kindly used, that they themselves should prefer their Entertainment, before that of their Lords, whom they look’d upon as Parents, or Fathers-in-Law.

These Allegations, and the absolute Necessity of defending themselves, The Design against the Moluccos takes Air. silenc’d both Parties; but could not stop the Mouth of Fame, for it was already known, what Engagements he made before he came from Spain, to the King, the Ministers, the Kindred, and Fomenters of the Expedition of Ternate, so that whatsoever he conceal’d, was divulg’d by uncertain Authors. However some advis’d him not to rely on the Chineses, or Sangleyes for the Defence of the Philippines; because no natural or civil Tye had ever gain’d, or attracted their Affection towards them. That he ought to remember the fresh Instance of what they did, when his Predecessor employ’d them, and consequently should be watchful over them. That he sending a Supply of Men, Ammunitions and Provisions to the Fort and Town of Cagayan, which is on the Coast of that Island of Luzon, 80 leagues from the City Manila, and there being then no Ship to send it in, Necessity pressing, he thought he might relieve that Want, by making use of one of the Chinese Ships that were then at Anchor in the Harbour, and clear’d in Order to return to China. He commanded the Falshood of the Chineses. Supply to be put aboard her, and the Chineses to carry, and in the Way, to land it where he directed, since it was no let to their Voyage; promising to requite and gratify them for that Service. They undertook it with extraordinary Tokens of good Will; but their Artifice appear’d by the Event, and show’d how Men that are upon the Watch, improve Opportunities. The Chineses set sail, and the second Day after, when the Spaniards were asleep, as believing themselves safe among trusty Friends, they fell upon them so unexpectedly, that they had not Time to stand upon their Guard, but were all murder’d and cast into the Sea. They plunder’d all they carry’d, and dividing the Spoil, sail’d for their own Country. They Spanish Woman abandon’d in China. only sav’d one unhappy Spanish Woman, that went with our Men, and took her along with them. They spar’d her Life, but after having insolently abus’d her, they set her ashore, in a Sea-Port Town of the first Part of China they made. She presently had Recourse to the Magistrates, whom she acquainted with the Villany those Men had committed, and the Wrongs they had done her; but tho’ favourably heard by those Judges, she had no Satisfaction for her Wrongs, nor could she obtain Justice. However they appointed Officers to carry her up the Country, remitting her to other Supream Magistrates. In this Journey, which was many Leagues, she endur’d more than she had done before, till some of the Governors taking Compassion on her and her Tears, carry’d her to the City of Macao, where the Portugueses reside, and set her at Liberty. Thus the whole Matter came to be known, and it was at Manila in the Mouths of all Men, who now magnify’d it, upon Occasion of the New Enterprize.

Chineses put into the Galleys. In short, all the Slaves demanded by the Governour Gomez Perez, were raised with much Trouble and Oppression, and in the same Manner they were put into the Galleys, where they continu’d some Time before they departed, and many of them dy’d, as not being us’d to that sort of Life. All those Slaves were not sufficient to Man the Galleys, and the Admiral Galley remain’d without Rowers. This, and the Necessity of finishing the Work produc’d a more rigorous Practice than the former. The Governour order’d that 250 of the Chineses, who resort to the Philippines to Trade, should be taken to Man the Admiral Galley, and each of them to be allow’d two Pieces of Eight a Month, out of the King’s Revenue. He assur’d them, they should not be chain’d, but at Liberty, and with their Arms, to serve as Soldiers; and that they should only row in the Galleys when there was any Calm, and to weather some Capes. The Chineses being acquainted by their Chinese Governour with this Resolution, positively refus’d it, as an intolerable Burden. But our Governour pressing to bring about his Design, the Chinese assembled his People, to treat about the Affair, and contrive how 250 might be chosen out from among them all, threatning that he would take every Tenth Man out of their Houses. These Words provok’d them to such a Degree, that the next Day they shut up the very Windows of their Houses, and the Traders their Shops, and stopp’d the Provisions which run through their Hands. Our Governour seeing this Proceeding, and alledging that they mutiny’d, caus’d about 50 of those that came next to hand, to be seiz’d, and put to the Oar in the Galley. The others terrify’d by this Action, met, and drew from among them all, the 250, and because no Man would be of that Number, they divided 20000 Pieces of Eight among those that would comply, and gave every Chinese that would go in the Galley 80 Pieces of Eight, besides the King’s Pay. By Means of this good Encouragement, there was no Want of Chineses that listed themselves to row, but the 20000 Pieces of Eight were consum’d among them, or rather among the Officers. These 250 Chineses were form’d into five Companies, under five Chinese Christian Captains, who pass’d Musters and Reviews, with Pikes and Catanes, which differ little from Cymiters, and express’d Joy and Satisfaction.

Whilst these Things were in Agitation, Brother Gaspar Gomez came B. Gaspar Gomez brings Intelligence. to Manila, full of Intelligence, whereof he gave the Governour an Account, at several private Conferences. He said, the King of Ternate’s Affairs were in no ill Posture; tho’ somewhat weak’ned, by not agreeing with the Prime Men of his Kingdom; and that many of them threatned, they would Rebel, on Account of his Tyranny, and because he rais’d intolerable Taxes. That then, neither the Javaneses, nor the Lascarines, nor the Moors of Mecca frequented Ternate, as they had done at the Time when Captain Morones arriv’d there, under the Government of Santiago de Vera. He gave very particular Information concerning the two Forts of Talangame. That the King of Ternate had then about 3000 common Strength of Ternate. Soldiers, 1000 Musquetiers, and a great Number from his other Kingdoms. That they fought with Darts, Campilanes, or Cymiters, and Shields; and others had Coats of Mail, and Head-Pieces they got from the Portugueses, in exchange for Spice. That they had Abundance of Ammunition, all of their own making, of the Materials the Javaneses brought to barter for Clove. That the Principal Place was the City Ternate, where the King and all his Court reside, and therefore it is best secur’d, and from thence all others are supply’d, supported, and encourag’d. How to be attack’d. He advis’d that our Men should assault it before Break of Day; because all Attacks made upon those People in the Morning Watch had been successful. That, if our Fleet came unexpected, it would certainly succeed; but that the said King had his Spies spread abroad in almost all those Islands, as far as those of Canela, Sarvangan and Mindanao. That a good Number of Brass Sakers, and other great Guns might be brought in the Carcoas, from the Fort of Amboyna, and the Kings of Sian, and Tydore. That the People of Amboyna would send them upon Command, those of Sian and Tydore, upon very small Intreaty; because besides their owning the Crown of Spain, they are Enemies to Ternate. That the necessary Preparation for finishing the War, even in case the King of Tydore should fail, and it might be suspected he would not willingly see his Enemy utterly destroy’d, consisted in Artillery and Shipping, which was ready, and above 1200 Soldiers well arm’d, with their Coats of Mail and Head-Pieces, till they went over to the Island of Banda, to put in the necessary Garrison there. Light Vessels of good Use. That there should be a Number of Light Vessels to take the Enemy flying; for by that Means the War would be quite concluded in a short Time, and without Bloodshed. That even the Malecontent Ternates declar’d, and publish’d as much, and own’d, that if a considerable Number of Fighting Men should come into their Country, they would all come in and submit without striking Stroke. Hence he inferr’d, that there were conceal’d Christians in the Molucco Islands. That the Conquest of the whole Island of Banda, was very advantageous and profitable, and not hazardous, and that the Neighbourhood of Amboyna, which was ours, would be of great Consequence for maintaining it. He further affirm’d, That the Portugueses very much facilitated the Enterprize, and magnify’d the great Benefit it would be to his Majesty; and that F. Antony Marta, of whom the Governour had so great a Conceit, was of the same Opinion. Brother Gaspar Gomez added so many Circumstances to these particular Accounts, that he wholly inflam’d the Governour’s Heart.

King of Camboxa sends Spaniards Embassadors to the Governour. At this Time, Landara, King of Camboxa, sent the Governour an Embassy by two Spanish Commanders, attended by many of his Subjects, with such Splendor as the Occasion of it requir’d. That barbarous King thought fit his Embassadors should not be natural born Subjects, because of the Occasion his People had given him to suspect their Fidelity. He chose them of Different Conditions, to the End that such Variety, the Diversity of Inclinations, and Opposition, might produce the better Effect. The one of them was a Portuguese, his Name James Veloso, the other a Spaniard, Blas Ruyz de Fernan Gonzalez. They brought Gomez Perez a Magnificent Their Present. Present, a great Quantity of Ivory, Benjamin, China Ware, Pieces of Silk and Cotton, and an Elephant of a generous Temper, as afterwards appear’d by Experience. They deliver’d their Embassy, the Purport Subject of their Embassy. whereof was, to desire Succour against the King of Sian, who was marching against him of Camboxa, with a numerous Army; offering in Return for his Assistance to become subject to Spain, and embrace Christianity. That the King concluded, that so brave and gallant a Gentleman as Gomez Perez, would not on Account of any other Diversion refuse to perform an Action, which must redound so much to the Glory of God, and the Advantage of the Crown of Spain. The Governour receiv’d the Present, making a Return with another of some European Curiosities; and by way The Answer. of Answer, thank’d that King for the Confidence he had seem’d to place in him; but that, for the Present, he could not possibly afford the Succours, nor divert those Forces, which he was getting ready, to punish the King of Ternate, and recover that Kingdom, and the rest of the Moluccos, which had Rebell’d, so much to the Dishonour of the Spanish Nation. That his Highness should place his Confidence in the Goodness of God, and persevere in the Design of serving him in his Holy and True Religion, and as soon as the Expedition of Ternate was over, he would convert his Forces to the Relief of Camboxa. The Embassadors were dismiss’d with these Hopes, which the Governours Son, Don Lewis de las Marinas, afterwards made good; and to give them entire Satisfaction, and justify the Delay, it was found necessary to make Publick the true Design of that Fleet, which till then had been kept secret.

Mighty Preparations against Ternate. The Governour, in fine, resolv’d to set forward, and endeavour’d to take along with him all the Men he could get. All were listed that could be prevail’d upon either by Force or Intreaties. The Proprietors and Soldiers were extravagantly expensive, upon the Ships, Provisions, and Gallantry; and the Philipines being well furnish’d with all Things, they did more than had been imagin’d, or could be in the Governour’s Power. He sent his Son Don Lewis, with all the Soldiers that were in Pay, to the Island of Zebu, where the Fleet was to rendevous, and there he continued six Months, waiting for new Orders. Gomez Perez stay’d at Manila, ordering Matters of great Moment. Two Days before his Departure, being invited by, and supping in the House of Peter de Rojas, his Lieutenant, where diverting himself with Gaming, and much Pleasure, he grew Prediction of ill Success. so merry, contrary to his Custom, and the Harshness of his Temper, that many interpreted it as a good Omen of his Success. He said in Discourse, that F. Vincent, of the Order of St. Francis, had told him, the Enterprize could not succeed, because the Army was made up of Men that were carry’d away by Force, and particularly the marry’d Men were so. He departed Manila on the 17th of October, with six Royal Galleys, one Galleon, one small Vessel call’d a Foist, one little Frigot, and several other Frigots, Carcoas, and Bireyes, which are another Sort of The Fleet sets out. Vessels of the Natives; all which, being part the Kings, and part belonging to Subjects, who offer’d to serve him with their Lives and Fortunes, amounted to an hundred. There were a Thousand Spaniards well arm’d; above four hundred Musquetiers of the Territory of Manila; a thousand more of those they call Visaias, Men arm’d with Lances, Shields, Its Force. Bows and Arrows, and above four hundred Chineses, of those that dwelt in the Island, besides a good Number of those that came to Trade taken into Pay; but many more Compell’d than Voluntiers. The Galleys carry’d Abundance of Provisions for the Army, over which he appointed his Son Don Lewis Perez, his Lieutenant, and sent him before, as has been said, with Orders to make for the Island of Zebu. He embark’d himself aboard the Admiral-Galley, which had twenty eight Benches for the Men to row, and was mann’d with the 250 Chineses for the Oar. Eighty Spaniards were put aboard it; they touch’d at Cabite, sail’d thence on the 19th, and with them some Vessels, in which there were private Persons, who follow’d at their own Expence, coasting the Island of Manila as far as Balajan. They parted, because the Vessels kept in Sight of Land, and the Governour put out to Sea. On the 25th he came alone to pass the Night, at the Point call’d de Azufre, or of Brimstone, in the Island of Manila, opposite to that of Caza, where the Current, and the Drift of the Water from the Land run strong, and the Breezes then blowing, the Galley could not weather it. He anchor’d under the Shelter of it, and yet dragg’d a little with the Force of the Current. They made the Chineses row excessive Chineses at the Oars ill us’d. hard, to bring her up again under the Land. In short, they row’d very faintly, either because they were not us’d to that Labour, and forc’d to the Oar, or because they were then tir’d, and incens’d with the Command. Other contrary Winds darted up, which again obstructed their Voyage, and to weather some Points of Land, it was necessary to ply the Oars, and to vex the Crew, with the usual Severity and Punishment commonly inflicted aboard the Galleys. They thought this hard, and contrary to what the Governour had assur’d them, which was, that they should be kindly treated; but neither the Lash, nor the Threats, nor the stemming of the Currents, with the Vigour and Sweat of their Bodies, seem’d so The Governour threatens them. intollerable, and injurious to them, as to hear the angry and stern Governour himself bid them row manfully, for if they did not, he would put them in Chains, and cut off their Hair. This to the Chineses is an Affront that deserves Death, for they place their Honour in their Hair, which they cherish and preserve very fair, and value themselves upon it, as the Ladies in Europe us’d to do, all their Delight and Reputation being The Chineses rebel and kill the Spaniards. in keeping it curiously comb’d. Hereupon they resolv’d to mutiny, to prevent such an Affront and Contempt. The next Night, which was the 25th of October, being appointed for the Execution, when the tir’d Spaniards laid themselves down upon the Benches, and other convenient Places in the Vessel, the Chineses did so too, but cunningly dividing themselves, every one lay down by a Spaniard, pretending to be asleep. In the dead of the last Watch, which they thought the properest and safest Time, seeing the Spaniards sound asleep, the Chineses, upon hearing of a shrill Whistle, which was the Signal agreed upon between them, started up all together, and every Man with wonderful Celerity put on a white Vest, or Shirt, that they might know one another in the Height of their Fury, and the Darkness of the Night, and so distinguish where to make the Slaughter, tho’ for the more Security, they also lighted abundance of Wax-Candles, which they had conceal’d wrap’d up in those white Vests. Then they drew their Catanas, which are keener, and more crooked than our Cymiters, and began without any Noise every Man to hew his next Spaniard; so proceeding in their Fury, and killing all those that slept. Above 60 Persons had imbark’d in the Admiral-Galley, some of them being the Governour’s Servants, and other old Soldiers, who suffer’d Inconveniencies to oblige and divert him. They had play’d all the Night, and being tir’d, and the Heat very violent, they lay naked, some on the Gang-Way in the middle of the Galley, others on the Benches, and the greatest Favourites, who had more Room allow’d them, in the Poop, and to that Purpose the Governour retired into the Cabin. The Chineses continu’d the Execution, on those who slept, without any Mistrust, which was done so expeditiously, that when some of those who slept in the Poop awak’d, the other Spaniards were all kill’d. The Watch heard nothing of it, tho’ there could be no Excuse for that Neglect, because there had been Instances and Warnings enough before. Others awak’d, and feeling themselves wounded, in the Confusion leap’d into the Sea, where most of them Many of them drowned. Only 12 escape. were drown’d; some few cast themselves into the Sea before they were hurt, and were also swallow’d up by it, tho’ they were near Land, because the Current being strong, they could not stem it; twelve escap’d, and many Bodies were found along the Shores.

The Chineses now grown bold, drew out the Pikes they had hid under the Benches, and finish’d their Treacherous Work with Noise. The Governor, The Governor kill’d. who was under Deck, Sleeping, with a Candle and Lanthorn by him, Awak’d; and that he might do so, they made the greater Noise; and the Chineses themselves cry’d out to him, desiring he would come up to pacify a Quarrel there was among the Castillas, so they call the Spaniards. He, for this Reason, or believing the Galley dragg’d, as it had done at other times, getting up in his Shirt, and opening the Scuttle, look’d out, lifting half his Body above it: At the same time the Chineses fell upon him with their Cymiters, and wounded him Mortally, clutting his Head, and running him through with their Pikes in more than barbarous manner. Seeing his Death near he drew back, and took up the Prayer Book of his Order, which he always carry’d about him, and an Image of our Blessed Lady, and ended his life between those two Advocates, which were afterwards seen bathed in his Blood: Yet he dy’d not presently, for they afterwards found him in his Bed, imbracing the Image, where he Bled to Death, and about him the Bodies of Daniel Gomez de Leon, his Valet de Chamber, Pantaleon de Brito, Sucro Diaz, John de Chavez, Peter Maseda, John de S. Juan, Carrion Ponce, and Francis Castillo, all of them his Servants, and four brave Slaves, who had the same End. This was not known till it was Day; because none of the Chineses durst go down where the Governor was that Night, fearing least some of the 80 Spaniards that were in the Galley, had retir’d thither; such was the Dread of their own Guilt. None were left Two sav’d alive. alive in the Galley, but F. Francis Montilla, of the Barefoot Order of S. Francis, and John de Cuellar, the Governors Secretary, who lay under Deck, whether the fainthearted Chineses durst not go down in three Days, when their first Fury was over. Then they afterwards set Ashore, on the Coast of Ilocos, in the same Island of Luzon, that the Natives might suffer them to Water; and because the Frier and the Secretary had Capitulated, having their promise that they would do them no hurt, before they surrendered. The Chineses being satisfy’d that there were no more ancient Christians left, began to Shout and Roar for Joy that they had gone through with their Work, and had no Man more to stand in Awe of.

The Spaniards, who were in the other Vessels, near the Shore, tho’ they saw the Lights, and heard a confus’d Noise aboard the Admiral, thought it might be on account of some Work belonging to the Galley, or the like. The Chineses sail for China. When, a long time after, they understood how matters went, from those who sav’d themselves by Swimming, they lay still, not being able to redress it. They were but few; had not Strength enough; and the Mischief was done. They stay’d till Morning, and when Day appear’d, perceiv’d that the Galley had set her Shoulder-of-Mutton-Sail, and was standing for China, but they could not follow her; The Wind favouring, she sail’d all along the Coast of the Island, till they got clear of it, the Chineses all the way Celebrating their Victory.

The two Prisoners beg an easy Death, and are promis’d their Lives. The Frier and the Secretary, who were among them, being fully perswaded they would soon kill them, and fearing it would be after some of their cruel Methods, holding up their Hands, begg’d they would allow them some Time to make their Peace with God; and in case they would put them to Death, that it might be by Beheading, and not any other Inhuman Way. One of the Chineses bid them not Fear, for they should not Dye. They all lay’d down their bloody Weapons, and prostrating themselves, return’d Thanks to Heaven in most humble manner, beating Drums, and ringing Bells they carry’d, according to their Custom. The two Christians being then bolted to a Bench in the Galley, during 15 Days their Captivity lasted, were fed with a small Proportion of Rice, boil’d in Water, without Salt, continually looking upon the Blood of their Companions that had been spilt, wherewith all the Deck was Stain’d. They shed Abundance of Tears on it, besides those they hourly let fall with the Apprehension of Death, those Chineses, like faithless false Men, designing to take away their Lives, in some strange manner. They weigh’d, and sailed between the Islands of Mindanao and Luban, towards China, and Coasting along Manila towards Cagayan, some contrary Winds happening to blow, and Calms succeeding, they were much concern’d, fearing, that if the News of The Chineses invoke their Gods. their Treachery reach’d the Philippines, they would send after and overtake them. This Dread made them have recourse to their Gods, and call upon them, offering several sorts of Sacrifices, Perfumes, and Prayers, which the Devil often answer’d in formal Words, by the Mouths of such as were Possessed, whom he Enter’d to that Purpose, for there never wanted two or three such, all the time those Christians were in the Galley. What they saw was, that when least they thought of it, and on a sudden, the Person possessed began to quake, from Head to Foot. The others seeing him in that Condition, said, Some God was coming to Speak to them. Then coming up Some of them possess’d. to him, with Tokens of Respect, they unty’d, and spread abroad his Hair; and stripping him quite naked set him on his Feet, and he presently fell a Dancing to the Noise of some Drum, or Bell, they beat or rung. They put a Cymiter, or Spear into his Hand, and as he danc’d he brandish’d it over all their Heads, with no small danger of hurting them, which they were not the least apprehensive of; alledging, that their God, tho’ he did so, would never hurt them, without they were guilty of some Sin against him.

Before the Devil had possess’d any in the Galley, the Chineses were concerting Christians preserv’d by Means of the Devil. to murder the Christians, believing they were the Occasion, why God did not give them a fair Wind for their Voyage; but that watchful sovereign Providence, without whose Direction the least Accident does not happen, making Use of the Devil himself as an Instrument, prevented it by Means of those very Persons who offended it. The Person possess’d ask’d for Ink and Paper, which being presently brought him, he made certain Characters and confus’d Scrawls, which being expounded by the others in the Galley, they found signify’d, that those two Men were harmless, therefore they should not kill them, which was no small Incouragement to the Prisoners. However this lasted not long, for some others who were possess’d after the first, tormented them cruelly, especially one of them, who was the maddest. He told the Chineses, that if he should happen to hurt those Men, as he brandish’d the Weapon he had in his Hand over them, making Essays, as if he cut and slash’d, then they must kill them immediately; because it would be a certain Sign, that their Gods requir’d it, and that their being in the Ship was the Occasion, why they gave them not a fair Gale. All the Men in the Galley assembled, to behold that Spectacle, and the Person possess’d having for a considerable Space walk’d about the Gang-Way, with extravagant Gestures, went then to the Place where the Religious Man and his Companion were; there growing hellishly inrag’d, he commanded all the rest to stand aside, and being left with only the two Prisoners, began to make hideous Faces and Grimaces at them, Horred practices upon the Prisoners. when getting upon the Table in the mid Part of the Galley, he thence threw his Cymiter at them, with such Fury, that it stuck in the Deck, between their Feet. Seeing he had not hurt nor touch’d them, he ask’d for it again to make a second and third Tryal, sticking it every Time so deep, that the others could scarce draw it out from the Planks. This done, he bid them give him a Partesan, with which he hack’d, hew’d, and thurst, in such frightful and dangerous Manner, that the Chineses themselves were astonish’d. He kept them above an hour in that Dread and Affliction, without daring to stir, or beg for Mercy; believing it would not avail them, but that on the contrary, whatsoever they could say might be prejudicial. Thus having plac’d all their Hopes, and Confidence on that sovereign Lord, who even when he delays does not fail to give Assistance, they call’d upon him, and offer’d themselves up to him in fervent Prayers; particularly the Religious Man, repeating some Psalms and Verses, which his former Devotion, excited by the present Danger, brought into his Mind, and were suitable to that Occasion, and such like Exigencies; by which, as he afterwards said, he receiv’d great Comfort, and Addition of Courage. This sort of miserable Life, and these Torments lasted all or most Days during therein Captivity.

The Chineses land, 820 of them are kill’d. At length, the Chineses perceiving they could not possibly perform the Voyage they desir’d, by Reason the Wind was contrary; they resolv’d to land on the Island of Ilocos, not far from Luzon, at the Port they call Sinay. They being there ashore to Water, the Natives knowing they had murder’d the Governour, laid an Ambush and kill’d twenty of them, and might have destroyed above eighty that had landed, if they had not wanted Courage; because at the very Shout the Men gave, when falling on, they were so daunted, that they all fled several Ways in Confusion, throwing down their Arms, endeavouring to save their Lives, by leaping into the Sea, so to get off in the Boat. The Chineses meeting with this Disaster, and thinking one of their own Men had been the Occasion of it, because he advised them to put into that Port, they resolv’d to seize and put him They drown one of their own Men. to Death. They did as had been resolv’d, and at Night, by unanimous Consent, threw him into the Sea, then weighing their Anchors, they got out of that Harbour, and put into another, three Leagues off, on the same Coast. There the Devil entering into one of them, as he us’d to do, commanded them immediately to return to the Port, where they had sustain’d that Loss of their Friends and Companions, and that they should not depart thence, till they had sacrific’d a Man to him, without appointing which he would have. They immediately obey’d the Command, one of the Chief Chineses making Choice of one of the Christian Indians of the Philippines they had Prisoners, to be Sacrifiz’d, and ty’d his Hands and Feet, stretching them on a Cross, which they rais’d up, and the Christian being bound against the fore-Mast, one of those possess’d by the Devil came up An Indian cruelly Sacrifiz’d. to him in Sight of them all, and playing the part of an Executioner, ripp’d up his Breast, with one of those Daggers they use, making a wound so large, that he thrust in his Hand with ease, and pluck’d out part of his Entrals, whereof, with horrid Fury, he bit a Mouthful, and casting the rest up into the Air, eat what he had in his Mouth, and lick’d his Hands, pleasing himself with the Blood that stuck to them.

They cast him into the Sea. Having committed the Murder, they took the Cross, and him that was on it, and cast it and the Martyr into the Sea, which receiv’d that Body, offer’d in Sacrifize to the Devil, then to be cloath’d in Glory, by him that has provided it for those who suffer for the Confession of the Faith. This dreadful Spectacle struck Horror, and rais’d Emulation in the two Christians, who beheld it with Zeal, and had expected as much before. The Inhuman Sacrifice being over, they put out of the Harbour, and having for some days Coasted the Island with Difficulty; one of them, by command of the Possess’d Person, who had order’d the Sacrifice, with the consent The Secretary and Frier set at Liberty. of them all, set at liberty the Religious Man, the Secretary, and all the Indians they had Prisoners, putting them ashore in the Boat, and then the Chineses stood out to Sea. They endeavour’d to make over to China, but not being able, put into Cochinchina, where the King of Tunquin took all they had, and among the rest two heavy Pieces of Cannon, that had been put aboard for the Expedition of the Moluccos, the King’s Standard, and all the Jewels, Goods, and Money. He suffer’d the Galley to perish on the Coast, and the Chineses dispers’d, flying into several Provinces. Others affirm, that King seiz’d and punish’d them.

Spaniards that escapd came to Manila. The Spaniards that escap’d, went to carry the News to Manila, where some griev’d, and others, who hated the Governour for his Severity, rejoyced; but that ill Will soon vanish’d, and all generally lamented him; more especially when some of the Bodies were found and brought in. Among them were those of the Ensign, John Diaz Guerrero, an old Soldier, and Governour of Cebu; of the Ensign Penalosa, Proprietor of Pila; the great Soldier Sahagun, whose Wife ran roaring about the City; Bodies found. of Captain Castano, newly come over from Spain; of Francis Rodriguez Perulero; of Captain Peter Neyla; of John de Sotomayer; of Simon Fernandez; that of his Sergeant; of Guzman; of the Ensign and Sergeant of the Company brought by Don Philip de Samano, who being sick transferr’d it to Captain John Xuarez Gallinato; and those of Sebastian Ruis and Lewis Velez, these two Merchants, all the rest old Soldiers; whose Funerals renew’d the Sorrow for that dismall Accident.

Rojas chose Governour by the City. This News being brought to Manila, and no Papers of the Governour’s appearing, wherein he nam’d, who was to succeed him, tho’ it was known he had the King’s Order so to do, believing it might be lost in the Galley, among much of the Kings, his own, and private Persons Goods, the City therefore chose the Licentiate Rojas for their Governour, and he was so forty Days. But the Secretary John de Cuellar returning to Manila, in a miserable Condition, with F. Francis de Montilla, gave Notice, that Gomez Perez, before his Departure had appointed his Son Don Lewis to succeed, and that this would be found at the Monastery of S. Augustin, in a Box, Don Lewis das Marinnas Governor. among other Papers, in the Custody of F. James Munnoz. Rojas had already sent Orders to Cebu, for all the People employ’d in the Expedition, to return, as was accordingly done. So that Don Lewis coming, not withstanding some Protestations, he, by Virtue of his Father’s Authority, succeeded him in the Government, till Don Francis Tello came.

Character of Gomez Perez. Such was the End of that Gentleman, whose Actions were valuable in themselves, and the more for the Zeal he did them with. He wanted not for political and martial Virtues, nor for Prudence in both Sorts; but he would not regard Examples; and contrary to what those taught him, durst promise himself to succeed, so that he became confident, if not rash. But his Christian Piety makes Amends for all.

Don Lewis, his Kindred and Friends, would fain have prosecuted the Expedition The Fleet dismiss’d. to the Moluccos, and to this End F. Antony Fernandez came from Tydore; but he succeeded not. The Fleet was dismiss’d, and it was a singular Providence for the Security of the Philippine Islands; for presently after, at the Beginning of the Year 1594, there came thither a great Number of Ships from China, loaded only with Men and Arms, and bringing no Merchandize, as they are wont to do. Those Ships brought seven Mandarines, being some of the chief Viceroys and Governours of the Provinces. It was believ’d, and Arm’d Chineses in the Philippines. prov’d certainly true, that they knowing Gomez Perez went upon that Expedition, to which he took with him all the Spaniards, concluded the Country was left defenceless, and therefore came with a Design to Conquer, or plunder it, which would have been very easy, had they found it as they expected. They went out of their Ships but twice to visit Don Lewis, with great State, and much Attendance. He receiv’d them affectionately, and presented every Mandarine with a gold Chain. They told him, they came by their King’s Order, to pick up the Chineses, who wander’d about those Islands without his Leave; but this was look’d upon as a meer Pretence; because there was no Need, for that Effect, of so many Mandarines, nor such a Number Mandarines visit Don Lewis. of Vessels arm’d and furnish’d for War. The Chineses who murder’d Gomez Perez, were of Chincheo, and therefore Don Lewis, as knowing the certain Criminals, sent his Kinsman Don Ferdinand de Castro, in a Ship, to give the King of China an Account of that Treachery; but his Voyage miscarry’d, and all was left in Suspence.

King of Camboxa demands the promis’d Succour. At this Time Langara, King of Camboxa made Instance for the Succours, and requir’d Don Lewis to perform his Fathers Promise made to him not long before. He therefore, in Pursuance to it, and to the End that those Forces, or some Part of them, might continue in the Church’s Service, since they were provided for that End, in the Design of Ternate, resolv’d to support that King with them.

Camboxa is one of the most fertile of the Indian Regions. It sends Camboxa described. Abundance of Provisions to other Parts, for which Reason it is frequented by Spaniards, Persians, Arabs, and Armenians. The King is a Mahometan; but his Subjects the Gusarats and Banians, follow the Precepts of Pythagoras, perhaps without any Knowledge of him. They are all sharp witted, Opinions of the Natives. and reputed the cunningest Merchants in India. However they are of Opinion, that after Death, Men, Brute Beasts, and all Creatures, receive either Punishment, or Reward; so confus’d a Notion have they of Immortality. The City Camboxa, which gives its Name to all the Country, is also call’d Champa, abounding in the Odoriferous Calambuco Wood, whose Tree call’d Calamba, grows in unknown Regions, and therefore has not been seen standing. The Floods upon those great Rivers bring down Trunks of it, and Lignum Aloes. this is the precious Lignum Aloes. Camboxa produces Corn, Rice, Pease, Butter, and Oyl. There are made in it various Sorts of Cotton Webs, Muslins, Buckrams, Calicoes, white and painted, Dimities, and other curious Manufactures. Pieces exceeding the finest in Holland. They also adorn their Rooms with Carpets; tho’ they are not like those brought out of Persia to Ormuz. They weave others for the common Sort, which they call Bancales, not unlike the Scotch Plads. Nor do they want the Art of Silk-Weaving, for they both weave, and work with the Needle, rich Hangings, Coverings for the low Chairs us’d by the Women of Quality, and for the Indian Litters, or Palanquines, which are made of Ivory, and Tortoise-Shell, and of the same they make Chess-Boards, and Tables to Play, Seal-Rings, and other portable Things. In the Mountains there is found a sort of Christal, extraordinary Product. transparent, whereof they make Beads, little Idols, Bracelets, Necklaces, and other Toys. It abounds in Amethists, Garnets, the Sort of Saphirs call’d Hyacinths, Spinets, Cornelians, Chrysolites, Cats Eyes, properly call’d Acates, all of them precious Stones; There are also those they call Milk, and Blood Stones, pleasant, and medicinal Fruits, Opium, Bangue, Sanders, Alom and Sugar. Indigo is incomparably prepar’d in Camboxa, and thence sent to several Provinces. The living Creatures are the same Asia affords in those Parts, Elephants, Lions, Horses, wild Boars, Beasts. and other fierce Beasts. It is in Ten Degrees of North Latitude. The River Mecon waters all the Kingdom, and in it falls into the Sea; being look’d upon as the greatest in India, carrying so much water in Summer, that it Mecon River. floods, and covers the Fields, like the Nile in Egypt. It joyns another of less Stock, at the Place call’d Chordemuco. This River, for six Months runs backward. The Reason of it is the Extent and Plainness of the Country it runs along. The Southern Breezes choak up the Bar with Sand. The Currents thus damm’d up, swell and rise together, after much Struggling one against the other. The Bar looks to the South-ward, both Waters at first Form a deep Bay, and finding no free Passage out, but being drove by the mighty Violence of the Winds, are forc’d to submit and bend their Course the wrong Way, till a more favourable Season restores them to their natural Course. We see some such like Effects in Spain, where the Tagus falls into the Sea of Portugal, and the Guadalquivir into that of Andaluzia, oppos’d by the superior Force of the Sea Waves, and of the Winds.

About this Time, in the remotest Part of this Country, beyond impenetrable Angon City Discover’d. Woods, not far from the Kingdom of the Laos, was discover’d a City, of above six thousand Houses, now call’d Angon. The Structures, and Streets, all of massy Marble Stones, artificially wrought, and as entire, as if they had been modern Works. The Wall strong, with a Scarp, or Slope within, in such Manner, that they can go up to the Battlements Its Magnificence. every where. Those Battlements all differ one from another, representing sundry Creatures, one represents the Head of an Elephant, another of a Lion, a third of a Tiger, and so proceed in continual Variety. The Ditch, which is also of hew’d Stones, is capable of receiving Ships. Over it is a magnificent Bridge, the Arches of it being supported by stone Giants of a prodigious Height. The Aqueducts, tho’ dry, show no less Grandeur. There are Remains of Gardens, and delightful Places, where the Aqueducts terminate. On one Side of the Town is a Lake above thirty Leagues in Compass. There are Epitaphs, Inscriptions, and Characters not understood. Many Buildings are more sumptuous than the rest, most of them of Alabaster, and Jasper Stone. In all this City, when first discoverred by the Natives, they found no People, nor Beasts, nor any living Creatures, except such as Nature produces out of the Breaches of Ruins. I own I was unwilling to write this, and that I have look’d upon it as an imaginary City of Plato’s Atlantis, and of that his Common-Wealth; but there is no wonderful Thing, or Accident, that is not subject to much Doubt. It is now Inhabited, and our Religious Men, of the Order of St. Augustin and St. Dominick, who have Preach’d in those Parts, do testify the Truth of it. A Person of Reputation for his Learning, conjectures it was the Work of the Emperor Traian; but tho’ he extended the Empire more than his Predecessors, I have not ever Read that he reach’d as far as Camboxa. Were the Histories of the Chineses as well known as ours, they would inform us, why they abandon’d so great a Part of the World; they would explain the Inscriptions on the Buildings, and all the rest that is unknown to the Natives themselves. I know not what to say of so Beautiful a City’s being buried in Oblivion, or not known. It is rather a Subject of Admiration than Reflection.

Three Spanish Ships sent to the Relief of Camboxa. Don Lewis being zealous to bring those Nations into the Bosom of the Church, and their Wealth, and Kings under the Subjection of the Crown of Spain, fitted out three Ships, under the Command of John Xuarez Gallinato, born at Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, with 120 Spaniards, and some Philippines. They Sail’d from Cebu, but there rose a Storm immediately, which dispers’d the Ships. Gallinato drove on by the Fury of the Winds, arriv’d at Malaca, and the other two at Camboxa. Going up the River, King of Camboxa routed by him of Siam. they were Inform’d, That the King of Sian had defeated him of Camboxa, his Neighbour; who, with the wretched Remains of his Army, fled into the Kingdom of the Laos, a Neighbouring but Inhumane Nation; and that, whilst he was begging Compassion among those obdurate Hearts, the King of Sian had set up Prauncar, Nick-nam’d, Wry Mouth the Traytor, Brother to the vanqush’d Monarch, for King of Camboxa. This Accident did not obstruct the Succours which the Spaniards carry’d under Colour of an Embassy. They came to the City Chordumulo, 80 Leagues distant from the Bar, and leaving 40 Spaniards in the Ships, 40 others went to the Country where the new King was. They made Application to visit him presently, but he would not be seen that Day, tho’ he order’d they should have good Quarters, and be told, he would give them Audience three Days after. But James Veloso and Blase Ruyz, either that they were formerly acquainted Design to murder the Spaniards. with the Country, or some new Subtilty occurring, looking on that delay as suspicious, visiting a beautiful Indian Woman, of the King’s Family, she told them in private, That being admitted into that Tyrants Secrets, he being fond of her, she knew he intended to Murder them all; and that during those three Days he had assign’d them, as it were to Rest, after their Journey, the Men and Means for Executing that Design were to be provided. The Spaniards return’d Thanks for the Intelligence, not without promise of Reward.

Desperat Bravery of the Spaniards. They were not dismay’d at the Danger; but repeating their Thanks to the Indian Woman, for her Intelligence, came to this magnanimous, if it may not be term’d a rash Resolution. They agreed to attack the King’s Palace that same Night, and to withstand the whole Army, if Need were. They prepar’d themselves for that Enterprize, which was above human Strength, set fire to the House where the Powder lay, and the People running to help, or to see the Mischief, the Spaniards, during the Confusion, enter’d the Palace, and being acquainted with the royal Apartments, made through them, till they came to the King’s Person, whom they run thro’, and kill’d They kill the King of Camboxa. after cutting his Guards in Pieces. He defended himself, calling out for Help, but those who came to his Assistance found him bloodless. The Report of this Action alarm’d the other Guards, and then all the City, which contains above thirty thousand Inhabitants, who where all running to Arms; above 14000 Men took up such as Occasion offer’d, and came upon the Spaniards with many war-like Elephants. Our two Commanders drew up Retire before 14000 Indians. their little Body, and retir’d in great Order, always fighting and killing great numbers of their Enemies. The Fight lasted all the Night, with wonderful Bravery, the next Day they got to their Ships, and imbark’d, leaving that Kingdom full of new Divisions.

The second Day after, Gallinato came in, with his Ship. He landed, having Gallinato at Camboxa.been before inform’d of what had happen’d, and thinking he did not perform his Duty, unless he succour’d the Spaniards, when he heard the Drums and Bells, and saw the Streets and Port full of trading People, now in Arms. He gave strict Orders to those that attended him, to behave themselves very modestly, so as to conceal their own Concern, and deceive the People of Camboxa, both by their Looks, and the Sedateness of their Words. The principal Men of Camboxa visited him, in peaceable Manner; whom he treated very courteously. He might have perform’d some great Exploit, but finding his Strength too small for such an Enterprize, and that now Affairs had taken another Turn, and were in a different Posture, he thought fit to be gone. Most of those great Men oppos’d it, promising him the Crown, as being well affected to the Spaniards, and a foreign Government. The great Men offer him the Crown. Hence came the idle Report, that Gallinato was King of Camboxa, which was believ’d by many in Spain, and acted on the Stage with Applause, and good Liking. And it was the Opinion of Persons well acquainted with those Countries, that had Gallinato laid hold of the Opportunity offer’d him, he might then have possess’d himself of Camboxa, and united it to the Crown of Castile.

I have seen Letters of Velloso, and Blase Ruiz, to the Council at Manila, after this Action, wherein they speak to this Effect, and complain that Gallinato should blame what they did. But Gallinato, whose Judgment, and Valour, had been try’d in the greatest Dangers of those Eastern Parts, and many Years before in Flanders, would not suffer himself to be easily The depos’d King’s Son restor’d. led away by popular Affection, and honourably rejecting that Opportunity, sail’d towards Manila. He took in some Refreshment in Cochinchina. Blase Ruiz and James Velloso had landed there before, and went alone by Land to the Kingdom of the Laos, which lies West of Cochinchina, to seek out the depos’d King Langara, and restore him to his Throne. They found he was dead, but had a Son living, who being told how they had kill’d the Usurper, his Uncle and Enemy; he set forward immediately for his Kingdom with Velloso and Ruiz, and 10000 Men, the King of the Laos, contrary to all Expectation furnish’d him. He attack’d Camboxa, where Ruiz and Velloso faithfully stuck to him during the War, and afterwards in his Government. Then he sent another Embassy to the Philippine Island, asking Supplies of Men to quell the Troubles in his Country, and that he and his Subjects might receive the Faith of JESUS CHRIST; promising a considerable Part of his Dominions to the Spaniards, to subsist them. This Embassy came to Manila, when Don Lewis had quitted the Government, and resign’d it up to Don Francis Tello, which gave Occasion to Ternate to grow more settled in its Tyranny.

D. Pedro de Acunna fortifies Carthagena. Don Pedro de Acunna, who govern’d Carthagena in the West-Indies, in this Year 1595, either because it was his natural Inclination, or the Necessity of the Times requiring it, fortify’d the Place with Fascines, Planks, Piles, and Ditches, working at it himself in Person. Thus he oblig’d the Bishop, Clergy and Religious Men, to put their Hands to the Work; the very Ladies of Quality, their Daughters and Maids, did not refuse to follow such an Example. It was wonderful to see with what Expedition and Zeal the Work was brought to Perfection, of such Force is a good Example. Soon after came to Puerto Rico, the Ship call’d Pandorga, or Borgonna, that was Admiral of Tierra Firme, and New Spain, with three Millions in her. The whole under the Care of the General Sancho Pardo.

56 English Sail sent to rob the West-Indies. At this Time there came into the West-Indies a Fleet of 56 Sail, sent by the Queen of England to plunder them, under the Command of John Hawkins and Francis Drake. Captain Peter Tello defended the three Millions so bravely with the Spanish Frigots, that he sav’d the Prize. Hawkins was wounded in the Fight, and dy’d of it before he could come to the Firm Land. Drake, with that Fleet, enter’d Rio de la Hacha and Santa Maria; and being one Night in Sight of Carthagena, took a Frigate belonging to that Coast, by which he was inform’d, how well the Governour had fortifi’d it; therefore making a Compliment of Necessity, he sent Don Pedro a Message by the Men of his Frigot, whom he therefore set at Liberty, saying, He did not attack his Works and City out of Respect to him, and because he honour’d his Valour. The Truth of the Matter was, That Drake call’d together his Captains to consult what was to be done, and they all advis’d him to attack the City, promising to do their utmost, and be answerable for the Success; alledging it ought to be attempted, for being a Place of vast Wealth and Consequence. Only Drake oppos’d it, Drake’s Actions there. strength’ning his Opinion by saying, His Mind did not give him, that the Enterprize could have the Success they would assure him, because they were to have to do with a Knight of Malta, a Batchelor, nothing weakned with Womanish Affection, or the Care of Children; but watchful, and intent upon defending the Place, and so Resolute, that he would dye on the Spot before he would lose it. This Opinion prevail’d, and the English standing in Awe of Don Pedro’s Reputation, went away to the Town of Nombre de Dios, and took it. Drake afterwards designing to do the same at Panama, was disappointed, meeting Opposition by the Way, which had been provided upon the Advice sent by Don Pedro, that the English were moving against that City.

But let us return into Asia. Still the People of Camboxa persisted to ask Succours at the Philipine Islands, upon the usual Promise of Conversion and Vassalage. Don Lewis de las Marinhas undertook the Enterprize in Person, D. Lewis de las Marinhas goes to relieve Camboxa. and at his own Cost. He set out from Manila with Don James Jordan, an Italian, Don Pedro de Figueroa, Peter Villestil, and Ferdinand de los Rios Coronel, Spanish Commanders, the last of them then a Priest, who had also been in the first War of Camboxa. A Storm took them out at Sea, which lasted three Days, with the usual Fury. The Shipwrack was miserable, two Ships were stav’d in Pieces, and the Sea swallow’d up all the Men, Provisions and Ammunition. Of all the Soldiers and Seamen on Board the Vice-Admiral, only five swam ashore on the Coast of China. Some Soldiers were also sav’d out of the Admiral, and among them Captain Ferdinand de los Rios, the Vessel remaining founder’d under the Waves. The other Ship got to Camboxa almost shatter’d to Pieces after Is cast away. many Dangers. She found in the River of Camboxa, eight Juncks of Malayes, and the Spaniards seeing they design’d to carry away some Slaves of the King of Camboxa, to whose Assistance they came, inconsiderately boarded the Malayes, who being well furnish’d with more than ordinary Fire-works, soon burnt our Ship, and most of the Spaniards perish’d in the Spanish Ships burnt. Flames or Smoke. Blaze Ruiz, nor Velloso were not there at that Time, but soon after in the Country, where they were attending the King, being beset in the House where they lodg’d, were barbarously murder’d. Those few Spaniards that escap’d, got into the Kingdom of Sian, and thence to Manila. Heaven was pleas’d this should be the End of all those mighty Preparations made for the Recovery of Ternate, and the other Molucco Islands, whose Tyrant triumph’d at the News, concluding it was the Effect of his good Fortune, and looking on it as a Testimony of the Justice of his Cause, and accordingly he confederated a new with our Enemies.

Don Francisco Tello, a Gentleman of Andaluzia, succeeded Gomez Perez D. Fran. Tello Governor of the Phil. in the Government of the Philippine Islands, and came to Manila in the Year 1596. His first Care was to inform himself of the Condition his Predecessor had left them in, and to supply the Garrisons; because the Emperor of Japan, having in the Year 1595, executed those glorious Martyrdoms, the Memory whereof is still fresh, on the Religious Men of the Order of S. Francis, it gave him Jealousy, that he might have a Design against the Philippine Islands.

The Natives of the Islands of Mindanao, hate our Nation as much as People of Mindanao hate the Spaniards. those of Ternate, and upon any Occasion take Arms against it, as they did in the last, at the said Island of Ternate. For this Reason, Stephen Rodriguez de Figueroa enter’d into Articles with the new Governour. Don Francisco Tello, by Virtue whereof he made War on the People of Mindanao and Ternate, at his own Expence. Stephen Rodriguez was so rich, Stephen Rodriguez makes War on Mindanao, at his own Expence. that he might safely undertake this Affair. He liv’d at Arevalo, a Town on the Island Panaz, one of the Philippines, and set out with some Galleys, Frigots, Champanes, and one Ship, in which there were some Spaniards, and above 1500 of the Painted Natives, call’d Pintados, who were to serve as Pioneers. He arriv’d at the River of Mindanao, on the 20th of April, 1596, and as soon as the Inhabitants of the Town, peculiarly call’d Mindanao, saw such a sightly Company, they fled up the Side of the River, abandoning the Place, to the Fury of the Soldiers. Most of them resorted to the Town of Buyahen, then the Residence of Raxamura, King of Mindanao, who being under Age, had yet no Charge of the Government, which was wholly in the Hands of Silonga, a Soldier, and Commander of Reputation. Our Men following up the River, came to Tampacan, five Leagues from the first. That Place was govern’d by Dinguilibot, Uncle to Monao, the true Proprietor, who was then also young.

These two were naturally well affected to the Spaniards, and therefore, as soon as they discover’d their Arms, came out, in peaceable Manner, to meet, The Natives fly, and he pursues. and offer them their Assistance. They inform’d them, that the Enemies, for they were so to those of Buyahen, had retir’d into the Fort they had there. Stephen Rodriguez hearing the News, and having made much of those Princes, order’d the Fleet to weigh Anchor, and continue the Pursuit, four Leagues farther, still along the River, to Buyahen. Being come thither, he landed his Men on S. Mark’s Day; which was done by the Col. John de Xara, but without any Order, because having had no Engagement at Mindanao, they thought they should have little to do there; as if this, or any other Pretence ought to be an Excuse for not observing Martial Discipline, Stephen Rodriguez would land to rectify that Disorder by his Presence. He went out in such Armour of Proof, that a Shot of a small Drake would scarce pierce it. Only his Head unarm’d, but cover’d with a Cap and Feather, a black carrying his Helmet, and five Soldiers well arm’d attending him. He had scarce march’d fifty Paces, before an Indian, whose Name was Ubal, suddenly rush’d out of a close and topping Thicket, and running Is kill’d. at him, with his Campilan, or Cymiter, clove his Head. Ubal was Brother to Silonga, and Owner of one only Cow there was in all that Country. He kill’d her three Days before this Accident, and inviting his Friends to her, promis’d in that War to kill the most noted Man among the Spaniards. He was as good as his Word, for Stephen Rodriguez dropt down of the Wound, and dy’d three Days after, without answering one Word to the Questions that were made him, tho’ he did it by Signs. The five Spaniards, seeing their Commander so suddenly wounded, that the Slayer, appeared, and the Stroke was heard the same Moment, fell upon Ubal and cut him in Pieces. They acquainted Colonel Xara with their General’s Death; A Fort erected in Mindanao and call’d New Murcia. and he suppressing his Concern, drew back the Men, and threw up a Fortification in the most convenient Place, near the River, where he orderly founded his Colony, to be inhabited by our Men. He appointed Aldermen, and Magistrates, calling it New Murcia, in Honour of the old one in Spain, where he was born. Afterwards, designing to marry Donna Ana de Oseguera, Widow to Stephen Rodriguez, he left Things unsettled, and arriv’d at the Island Luzon about the Beginning of June.

The Governor Don Francis Tello, who was then at the Place call’d El Embocadero, an hundred Leagues from Manila, being inform’d of what had happen’d, and told upon what design the Colonel Xara came, seiz’d him immediately, Cap. Miranda sent to Mindanao. sending Captain Toribio de Miranda, to the War in Mindanao. He found his Men were retire’d to the Port de la Caldera, in the same Island but 36 Leagues from the Mouth of the River. There he maintain’d himself, till about August Don Francis Tello appointed Don John Ronquillo, who was Commander of the Galleys, to succeed in that Post. He also commission’d Peter Arceo Covarrubias, and others, as Captains, to go with him; James Chaves Cannizares, Collonel; Garcia Guerrero, Major; and Christopher Villagra and Cervan Gutierrez, Captains of Foot. Don John Ronquillo came with his Recruit to press upon the Enemy, and did it so effectually, that being distress’d, they crav’d Aid of the King of Ternate, to whom the People of Mindanao pay an Acknowledgement, which is little less, or the same as Tribute. Buizan, Brother to Silonga, went on this Embassy; Ternates Succour Mindanao. and succeeded so well, that the King of Ternate sent with him seven Carcoas, x heavy Pieces of Cannon, two smaller, some Falconets, and six hundred Men. They sailing up the River of Mindanao, design’d to pass on as far as Buyahen; but met with great Difficulties at the Reaches; because at one of them they were threatned by the Spaniards chief Fort, the Galleys, and other Vessels; and the other was a narrow Channel, with a Point running out into it, on which was erected a Bastion, defended by forty Men. From thence our Men had artificially laid a strong wooden Bridge over to the other Side of the River, close to which a Galliot ply’d up and down.

The Ternates seeing both Sides so well Guarded, resolv’d to fortify themselves at the Mouth of the River. They accordingly erected a small They build a Fort on the River. Fort, and put themselves into it, with an equal Number of Mindanao Soldiers. The News hereof mov’d the General Ronquillo to dislodge them; and in Order to it, came down with the Galleys and other Vessels, and 140 Men well appointed. He landed with 116, and the Captains Ruy Gomez Arellano, Garcia Guerrero, Christopher Villagra, and Alonso de Palma, facing the Enemy, at about eighty Paces Distance, on the Bank of the River. The Ternates and Mindanaos had levell’d all the Front of their Fort, and designedly left a Spot of Bushes and Brambles on one Side, where 300 Ternates lay in Ambush, the rest being in the Fort. Both their Parties perceiving how few of our Men came to attack them, were asham’d to be shut up within Fortifications, and lye in Ambush, and accordingly making Show of haughty Threats, came out and met the Spaniards. They found such Opposition, that without the Help of any Stratagem, or other Cause but their natural Valour, at the very first onset, almost all the Ternates were kill’d, Slaughter of Ternates. and the rest fled. Our Men follow’d the Chace, till they made an End of them. The people of Tampaca, who till then had been Neuters, to see which Side Fortune would favour, perceiving she declar’d for us, took up Arms for our Part. Only seventy seven escap’d dangerously wounded, whereof fifty were drown’d in the River leaping, into it in Despair: Of the other twenty seven, only three surviv’d, who carry’d the News to their Only three escape. King. The Spaniards possess’d themselves of the Shipping, Cannon, and Plunder of the vanquish’d, and were encourag’d to prosecute the War.

Don Francis Tello did not neglect other Affairs of this Nature. He understood by his Spyes, and it was bruited abroad, that the Emperor of Japan Warlike preparations in Japan. was gathering a mighty Army, and fitted out a Fleet for it, with Arms and Provisions. It was also known, that he was in Treaty to secure himself against the Chineses, of whom the Japoneses are naturally Jealous. Hence it was inferr’d, that he arm’d to carry the War out of his own Dominions. He had already enter’d into Allyance with the King of Ternate, and other Neighbours, who were Enemies to the Crown of Spain. All these Particulars gave vehement Cause to conjecture, that the Storm threatned the Philippine Islands, and more especially Manila, the Head of them. The Governour strengthned himself, and sent Captain Alderete to discover the whole Truth, under Colour of complimenting that Emperour, and carrying A Spanish Embassy thither. him a Present. The Embassador set out for Japan in July, and at the same Time Don Francisco dispatch’d the Galeon S. Philip for New Spain, with Advice of those Reports. These two Ships, viz. that Alderete went in, and the S. Philip, were together in Japan, which the Natives were jealous of. Alderete got full Information of the Strength and Designs of the Japoneses, and his Industry was of Use, for the taking of right Measures in Manila, and to prevent their fearing without Cause. He brought back another noble Present to the Governour; and both Sides stood upon their Guard, to be ready upon all Occasions.

Sovereign Court at Manila. In the Year 1598, the sovereign Court was again erected at Manila, King Philip prudently conferring Dignity on that Province. It was compos’d of the Iudges Zambrano, Mezcoa, Tellez de Almazan, and the Kings Attorney Jerome Salazar, y Salcedo. That great King never allow’d of any Intermission in his weighty Cares, which extended to all the known Parts of the World; having a watchful Eye upon the Designs of other Princes, whether well, or ill affected to the Propagation of the Gospel, which was his main Design. Therefore, about this Time, he made Haste to rid himself of his neighbouring Enemies, that he might have Leasure to attend the remotest Rebels against the Church and his Monarchy. And in Respect that as Peace between France & Spain. Age came on, its Distempers grew heavier, he concluded a Peace with France, which was proclaim’d at Madrid, with Martial Solemnity, after he had withdrawn himself to the Monastery of S. Laurence, at the Escurial, K. Philip the 2d dies. a Work of his Piety and Magnificence, where he dy’d on the thirteenth of September 1598, with singular Tokens of Sanctity. He frequented the Sacrament of Confession, receiv’d the divine Viaticum, and extreme Unction, the last Remedy for temporal, and eternal Health. His Death was in all Respects answerable to the wonderful Course of his Life.

K. Philip the 3d. King Philip the Third, our sovereign Lord, succeeded him, having been before sworn in all his Kingdoms, who, amidst the Tears and Funeral Solemnities, Commanded the Will to be open’d, and what his Father had order’d to be fulfill’d. His Instructions, and the Mysteries of State, whereof he was so great a Master, and which he communicated to his Son till the last Gasp, produc’d the Peace which attended his most happy Succession, which was his Due by Natural Right, the Law of Nations, and his own innate Virtues; the general Submission of his Subjects, and the Fidelity of the Armies that serv’d in the Northern Provinces in Italy, Africk, Asia, the Indies, and in Garrisons, were a Curb to other Nations. Many of them presented the new King with Protestations of Loyalty, before they had receiv’d Letters and Advice of his being upon the Throne. The same Unanimity was found in the Fleet, and Naval Power, wherein the Treasures and Commodities are transported; a rare Tranquility upon the Change of Princes. The Roman Legions in Germany, and Illyricum, did not show such Respect to Tyberius, after the Death of Augustus. Greatness of the Spanish Monarchy. And tho’ the Spanish Monarchy is of so great an Extent, that it borders on the unknown World, and it is never Night in all Parts of it, because the Sun encompasses and continually displays his Light over it, yet it obey’d without any Commotion, or rather with Pride, as if it knew and were sensible of the new Hand that took up the Reins of Government. Excellent Princes have seldom fail’d to employ extraordinary Ministers about their Persons, to manage and sustain the Burden their Fortune lays upon their Shoulders; so Alexander the Great had Hephestion; the two Scipios, the two Lelij; Augustus CÆsar, Marcus Agrippa; the Princes of the August House of Austria, other Persons of singular Virtue; for all moral Wisdom, and Experience it self teaches us, that the Difficulties of weighty Affairs are not to be duly manag’d, and surmounted, by any but Persons of a more than ordinary Capacity; because Nature has not left any of its Works destitute of a proportionable Ministry. And considering, that it is of great Importance to the publick Welfare, to contrive, that what is necessary for the Use and Commerce of Mankind may appear eminent in Dignity, for the strengthning of the common Advantage with Authority: The King, I say, following those ancient Examples, made Choice of Don Francisco de Rojas y Sandoval, then Marques of Denia, and since first Duke of Lerma, a most Duke of Lerma Prime Minister. able Minister, privately to consult with him about fundamental Matters and Concerns, for which he had been prepar’d with singular Affection in those Times: Besides the great Antiquity of his Family, which has ally’d him to all the noblest of the Grandees of Spain, all Men own him endow’d with the necessary Virtues, that belong to a Person in so great a Post; which shine through that pleasing Gravity of his Countenance, with a stay’d Gayity that testifies his Capacity, and provokes Respect at the same Time that it gains Affections. He constituted him the first of his Council of State, and all the Orders for Peace and War began to run through his Hands. All the Opinions of Councels, which he found seal’d, for King Philip the 2d to give his Decision thereupon, he restor’d, without opening them, to the Presidents of the said Councels they came from, being, perhaps, calculated out of Respect, that they might again debate upon them with more Liberty, and send them back enlarg’d or reform’d.

Heaven was now hastening the Reduction of the Molucco Islands, and the Neglect of the Moluccos in Spain. punishing the Persecution of the faithfull, tho the Tyrants appear’d never so haughty; however the Talk of it was discontinu’d for some Time; because the Enterprize was to be concerted, and carry’d on in the Philippine Islands, and to be resolv’d on, and encourag’d in the supreme Council of the Indies, and it was requisite that the President and Councellors should be well affected to the Cause, which had then no Body to support it, as being despair’d of by Reason of so many unfortunate Attempts: and therefore the Papers of Reflections, and Informations relating to it, lay by, forgotten, in Heaps. This was the Posture of those Affairs till Providence dispos’d the Means for bringing it about, that a Matter which was difficult on so many several Accounts, might fall into the Hands of a Sovereign, who being well affected, might with special Zeal bring it to Perfection.

No Body now disturb’d the King of Ternate. The English settled on his Lands, and Trade enrich’d the Sovereign and the Subjects. He, tho’ he had many Sons, and the Prince his Successor was of Age to bear Arms, did not cease equally to increase his Wives and Concubines. Lust was never circumscrib’d by any Laws among those People. The Relations of curious Persons inform us, That among the rest of this Kings Wives, there was Queen of Ternate in Love with the Kings Son. one very young, and singular for Beauty, with whom the Prince her Son-in-Law, whose Name was Gariolano fell in Love, and she rejected not his Courtship tho’ she was Wife to his Father: But that Nearness of Blood secur’d their Familiarity, and under the Shelter, and Cover of it, she admitted both Father and Son.

Sangiack of Sabubu Father to her. This Queen was Daughter to the Sangiack of Sabubu, a potent Prince in the great Island Batochina, who came to Ternate, upon some slight Occasion. He being lodged in the Palace, and entertain’d as a Father, and Father-in-Law, easily saw into the Incestuous Life of his Daughter. He resolv’d to be thoroughly convinc’d, yet concealing his Jealousy from both the Lovers, he was satisfy’d of the Truth, learnt who were the Parties privy to it, abhorr’d the Baseness, and condemn’d his own Blood. He pretended one day he would Dine in private, and sent only for his Daughter; who being free He Poisons her. from all Jealousy or Suspition, swallow’d a Poison, which soon took away her Life, in that Food which she us’d most to delight in. Endeavours were us’d to help the unhappy Queen, and compose the Father; but he angrily obstructing that last act of Compassion, put away the Physitians, and Women, and being left alone with the King, who, upon hearing the News, was come to give his Assistance, said, This Woman, whom Nature gave to me for a Daughter, and I to you for a Wife, has, with her Life, satisfy’d a Debt she had contracted by her inordinate Passions. Do not Lament her, or believe she dy’d of any Natural Distemper. I killd her, taking the Revenge off your Hands. The Prince, your Son, had a Love Intrigue with her? Being in your House I had full Proof of it, and not being able to endure, that my Blood should wrong you, I could lay aside all Fatherly Affection, and take away the Stain that on my Side is laid upon the Law of Nature, and your Honour. I have honourably finish’d the first Part of this Example. Now, if you think your self wrong’d by your Son, he is in your Power, and I have no Right to deliver him up to you, as I do this false Body. It lies upon you to finish this Work upon the Offender, for I have perform’d all that was my Duty in giving you this Information, and depriving my self of the Daughter I lov’d best.

The King was astonish’d, without knowing how to return Thanks, or perform any other Act becoming a King; and having lamented the Misfortune for some time, order’d Prince Gariolano to be secur’d; but he, who was no less belov’d by the Guards than his Father, Guessing at the Consequences, The Prince Flies. which might certainly be deduc’d from the Queens violent Death, sparing no Horse-flesh, made to the Sea-Port, where he withdrew, with some of his Relations, from his Fathers Presence and Anger, till it naturally cool’d. It happen’d as he expected, for he was appeased before a Year expir’d, and the Is Restor’d to Favour. Prince was restor’d to his Favour; the King then making a Jest of the Stains of his Honour, and saying, He well knew his ill Luck in Wives and Concubines. But what Laws does he observe, who is guided by his Appetite? And how can he weigh the Duties of Honour, who Thinks that only the common Actions of the Sense have any solid being?

The End of the Sixth Book.