The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 03 of 55: 1569-1576; Explorations by Early Navigators, Descriptions of the Islands and Their Peoples, Their History and Records of the Catholic Missions, as Related in Contemporaneous Books and Manuscripts, Showing the Political, Economic, Commercial and Religious Conditions of Those Islands from Their Earliest Relations with European Nations to the Beginning of the Nineteenth Century
History
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 03 of 55: 1569-1576; Explorations by Early Navigators, Descriptions of the Islands and Their Peoples, Their History and Records of the Catholic Missions, as Related in Contemporaneous Books and Manuscripts, Showing the Political, Economic, Commercial and Religious Conditions of Those Islands from Their Earliest Relations with European Nations to the Beginning of the Nineteenth Century
Demarcation line of Alexander VI; Missions -- Philippines; Philippines -- Discovery and exploration; Philippines -- History -- Sources
After establishing this town [82] he returned to Panae, where, after
his arrival, he remained until he prepared for the expedition to
Manila--a city in the island of Luzon, and at present the principal
settlement and camp of his Majesty. He set out on the sixteenth
of April of the year one thousand five hundred and seventy-one,
on Easter Monday. They embarked on the galley called "La Leona de
España," completed in that season. On the way, they were detained
thirty-two days before arriving at the said town of Manila. Before
arriving there, and at about four leagues' distance, there came a
spy sent by the chiefs to ascertain the purpose of the Spaniards in
going thither. He was told by the governor that his purpose was one
wholly of peace and friendship; and that, in order to confer about
this more conveniently, and further to please the chiefs and natives,
he was coming in person. The spy appeared greatly pleased at this, and
then it was explained how the governor happened to go there, as has
been said. He was well satisfied thereat, and, having received some
presents from his Lordship, he returned to his people. The governor
continued his voyage toward the port, with a mild and favoring wind. As
the spy had not yet returned, the people of the town, as soon as they
perceived us, commenced to set the houses on fire. As soon as the spy
came, he made them put out the fire, explaining that our purpose was
peaceful. They were thus reassured, and the chiefs--the aged Rraxa
[Raja], Aljandora, Maguno, Marlanavay, and Salelaxa, the principal men
of that land--prepared to come to receive us on the way. Raxa Soliman,
through fear on account of what he did last year, did not accompany
the others. When the governor learned that he did not come because of
fear, he sent him by these chiefs assurance of safety. On the following
day he came, but displayed continual fear. He excused himself for the
past with fluency and adroitness; and, according to the reasons which
he gave, there was no guilt in his actions. "As you already know,
there is no king and no sole authority in this land; but everyone
holds his own view and opinion, and does as he prefers. There were
some persons more powerful than I, for, without license from me, they
violated the peace and friendship, thus obliging me to be guilty of a
lapse of duty. But if it had not been done in this wise, and they had
done it with my approbation and advice, I would merit punishment. If
I were king of this land, instead of being only the master of my own
estate, the word I had given would not have been broken. But as this
depended on the many, I could not, nor can I henceforth, do more than
personally endeavor that my subjects and friends keep the peace and
friendship that was established." When the governor understood the
cause, he granted general pardon for the past, charging that now
and in the future the promises made must be fulfilled. Therefore,
in the name of his Majesty, he granted full grace.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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