The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XXIV, 1630-34 | Page 9

fleet, which consisted of
seven caracoas and four or five barangays, followed the enemy. They
reached the islets of Asur, where they heard that the enemy had passed
there, with the intention of burning the city of Arévalo and the village
of Octóng, with all their provisions. The captain and commander of our
fleet was Captain Salgado, then alcalde-mayor of Sugbú. The two fleets
met near Pan de Azúcar [i.e., "Sugar Loaf"]. The Spaniards were very
resolute. The enemy formed themselves in a crescent with sixty
caracoas. So senseless were they that they untied their captives, threw
them overboard, and came to attack our boats. I know not the captain's
design or purpose, that made him dally with the enemy, so that the
latter were shouting out spiritedly and imagining that they were feared.
The father provincial and his companion, Fray Hernando Guerrero, [5]
talked encouragingly to the petty leaders, and encouraged and even
shamed them so much that, already late, they gave the signal to attack.
Thereupon, the enemy sought shelter, and after steering their caracoas
to where they thought that they had more safety, they divided. The
captain did not pursue them nor do more than to go to Arévalo. On that
account he lost a good opportunity and much credit. He should have
continued to pursue them; for, when night fell, the caracoas of the
frightened enemy remained along those coasts. The commander could
easily have overhauled them with our caracoas, and could have given
the enemy a blow that would have done much to finish them; but he
failed to do so. The efforts that he finally put forth, and the attack, are

owing to the resolution and bravery of our father Fray Pedro de Arce,
in which one may consider his desire for the common good. For,
although he might have sent other religious, he went in person, and put
no value on his own life. [6] He returned to Manila, where he finished
his term, creating the desire in the fathers to see him provincial forever.
In the chapter that elected our father Montesdoza, procurators were sent
to España and to the Roman court. The papers and title of definitor of
the chapter were given to our father Fray Lorenzo de León, who has
just finished his provincialate. He embarked at the port of Cavite, made
the trip to Nueva España safely, and likewise to the court of King
Felipe III, of blessed memory. He did not go to Roma, but sent his
papers from España. He was very well received at court, for the papers
that he carried from the islands were excellent, and in his person he
merited everything. They were very desirous to appoint him archbishop
of Manila, and it is even said that they begged him to accept rewards,
and congratulated him. But that shadow was dissipated instantly, as
there was not wanting an evil-minded person to spoil it all by a
malicious tale. For father Fray Lorenzo de León had ever the name of a
most devout religious; and as such the province of Filipinas, which at
that time was most noted for its religious devotion, elected him as its
superior and provincial. But who can free himself from an evil tongue,
and an ill will? For the loyal man lives no longer than the traitor desires.
His hopes were frustrated, a matter that troubled him little, as he was a
humble religious. He undertook to return [to Filipinas], and our king
gave him commission to bring over a ship-load of religious. He
received letters as vicar-general of the islands from Roma, so that he
might always preside at the chapters held there. He had letters as master,
and his academic degree; and brought a dispensation from our most
reverend [general], so that, if elected as provincial the second time, he
might serve; for the rules prohibit him who presides from becoming
provincial. He reached Méjico, although without that so notable
ship-load, which he failed to bring, because of various casualties; with
him came, however, one who was sufficient to render that vessel
glorious, and even the entire province. This was the holy martyr, Fray
Hernando de San José. [7] Together with him came father Fray
Hernando de Morales, father Fray Felipe Gallada, father Fray Pedro del

Castillo, father Fray Martín de San Nicolás, [8] all from Méjico, and
brother Fray Andrés García. The heads of the Inquisition in Méjico
appointed him [i.e., Lorenzo de León] commissary for the islands. With
these honorable titles and honors he came to Manila, one year before
the chapter was held. He gladdened by his coming all the sons [of the
order], and all the others, for the order knows no distinction, but
embraces us all with the same love and charity. His prudence, his