The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 11 of 55: 1599-1602; 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 Close of the Nineteenth Century
History
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 11 of 55: 1599-1602; 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 Close of the Nineteenth Century
Demarcation line of Alexander VI; Missions -- Philippines; Philippines -- Discovery and exploration; Philippines -- History -- Sources
Our men thought that if but once the
enemy were grappled, they could overcome ten vessels. However, in a
little while they were made to see the difference between fighting
in imagination and actually using their hands in real earnest. In
short, as above stated, our flagship was leading the advance; and
when the enemy saw it, he ordered his almiranta to weigh anchor and
reconnoiter. The order was obeyed, and although the almiranta put out
to sea but a little distance, it recognized them as armed vessels,
which was reported to the general. The latter ordered the almiranta to
keep a sharp lookout and to run close-hauled; and, if it was apparent
that the two vessels were approaching to attack them, to return to
his assistance. But his intent was to see if he could not in any way
separate their force, because he said that, ship for ship, his force
was the abler. Since our flagship was drawing nearer and outstripping
the almiranta, it was overtaking the enemy, who put to sea with his
flagship and waited close-hauled. He fired a shot, which carried
away part of the tops and the main halyard on our flagship. Ours
returned the fire, but struck the water. When they almost touched
our ship, the enemy fired another shot, which destroyed a pump and
killed two or three Indians. Thereupon our men crowded on all sail,
and attacked with the greatest determination that was ever seen--for,
as they say, they were going with all sails set. Our ship grappled with
its opponent, so that our men could board easily. With the vessels in
this condition, shots were fired on both sides. About twelve of our
men leaped aboard the enemy's ship. The enemy retreated to the bow,
where they intrenched themselves, and made loopholes, through which
they fired their muskets--although, being fearful lest our almiranta
should come up to grapple with them, they did but little damage,
before they were compelled to strike their own colors and hoist
ours in their place. At this moment our almiranta came up with the
intention of boarding on the other side. Thereupon our men who were
aboard the enemy's ship cried out: "Victory! victory! for the king
of España! Pass on ahead! Do not fire and kill us, for the ship has
surrendered already." However, the admiral, Joan de Alezega, caused two
pieces to be fired and a discharge of his musketry and arquebuses upon
the enemy. It is understood that with one piece of this broadside,
he did the enemy considerable injury, as was proved. As soon as
the admiral understood that our men were advising him to pass on,
and that the enemy's almiranta was fleeing under a press of canvas,
he bore away in pursuit of it.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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