In the province of Cagayan the disturbances had commenced as soon as the capture of Manila was known, and in the town of Yligan, the Indians, whom we call Timavas, had flogged the commandant of the place. They presented themselves to the chiefs, who were appointed receivers of the royal revenue, declaring themselves no longer tributary to the Spanish government: other towns followed their example, and the rebellion thus gained ground. The chiefs called in the aid of the infidel Indians, and some skirmishes took place; but not being able to succeed in reducing the insurgents to submission, they applied to the fountain head, imploring the assistance of the Spaniards. Don Manuel de Arza had just arrived in the province with the title of Captain-general of the three provinces of Cagayan, Ylocos, and Pangasinan (the two latter being likewise in a state of insurrection); and collecting a number of loyal Indians and some Spaniards, he overpowered the rebels, hanged the ringleaders, and restored tranquillity in the province. His presence being no longer necessary in Cagayan, he went to Ylocos, where sedition had taken a still deeper root. Diego de Silang, an Indian, very quick and artful, and who being a native of Manila, spoke the Spanish language well, began to revolutionize this province, by telling his countrymen, that in order to maintain the Catholic faith, and to preserve the country in obedience to the King, it was requisite to join together and arm against the Spaniards, and deliver them up to the English, against whom they had no means of resistance. These specious arguments made an impression on the minds of the chiefs, and many plebeians, particularly those of Bigan, which is the capital of the province, and residence of the Bishop. The seduced Indians presented themselves armed, and demanded that the Alcalde should give up the staff of government, and deposit it in the hands of the Vicar-general. The majority advised the Alcalde to defend himself against this attack; but instigated by his fears, or swayed by the opinion of injudicious friends, he resigned the command to the Vicar-general, and with no inconsiderable share of hazard of his life, effected his escape from the province. Emboldened by their success in this instance, the rebels demanded of the Bishop elect, Señor Ustariz, a Dominican, an exemption from the tribute, declaring that they acted justifiable in deposing the Alcalde. The Bishop pledged himself to lay before Señor Anda a favourable representation of their claims; but Silang being determined on acquiring the command, and little satisfied with what he had done, began to collect troops for more extensive operations.