The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 | Page 3

of profit must not
be bestowed on those dependents, but on the citizens; and the officers
of the ships that carry goods to Nueva España should not be appointed
there, but in the islands. The ships should be more strictly inspected.
The ruler of Borneo sends (June. 1599) to Governor Tello a gift,
accompanied by a letter in which he expresses firm friendship for the

Spaniards. In a letter dated July 14, Tello complains that Morga is
hostile to him, and even writes anonymous letters against the governor;
the latter defends himself against these attacks. On August 7 he reports
to the king the arrival of English ships at Maluco, and his intention of
sending reenforcements to the Spanish fort there, and to that in Cebu.
He is asking aid from the viceroy of Nueva España, and is trying to
manufacture more artillery at Manila. Two letters from Felipe III to
Tello are dated August 16, 1599. The king commends his proceedings
in certain matters, and orders the viceroy of Nueva España to send
hereafter only useful colonists to the Philippines. He also desires Tello
to advise him whether the duties on Chinese goods can be increased.
A brief account of the pacification of Mindanao (1600?) furnishes some
additional information as to events there, up to 1600. The troops have
been withdrawn from this island, owing to an alarm of danger from
English pirates; but these prove to be peaceable Dutch merchants. In
October of that year, certain foreign vessels (thought to be English)
enter the bay of Albay, and Antonio de Morga is ordered by the
Audiencia to fortify the port of Cavite and pursue the enemy.
Instructions for this latter proceeding are furnished to him by the
governor (December 10). He in turn gives instructions to his admiral,
Joan de Alcega. Then follows an account not only of the battle between
the Spanish and the Dutch fleets, but also of Van Noordt's entire
voyage to the Philippines. The battle ends, on the whole, disastrously
for Van Noordt. Among the plunder found on the Dutch ships is a
commission granted to Esaias de Lende as a privateer against the
Spaniards in the Indias. Suit being brought against the admiral Alcega
for deserting the flagship in the battle with Van Noordt, Morga presents
therein his version of the affair (January 5, 1601)--throwing the blame
for the loss of the flagship on Alcega's disobedience to the orders
previously given him by Morga.
Francisco Vaez reports (June 10, 1601) to the general of the Jesuit
order the status of Jesuit missions in the islands. He relates the deaths
of certain priests and brethren while engaged in the performance of
their duties, and proceeds to a detailed report of each mission station.
The Jesuit church at Manila has been ruined by earthquakes. The
fathers of the college there are accomplishing much good by their
labors, especially among those in prison, the soldiers, and the children.

Several instances of the devotion and piety of converts are related. The
losses and calamities which have befallen the people have made them
more inclined to religion. The sodalities introduced among the natives
arouse their devotion and enthusiasm. At Antipolo a hospital has been
begun, as well as a school for boys. At Cebú also a school has been
opened; and the labors of the Jesuits are highly acceptable to the people,
and commended by the bishop. Many Indians are being converted by
them. Connected with the residence at Cebú is that of Bohol. Here
Father Valerio Ledesma has persuaded the savages to leave the
mountains and settle near the river, under the care of the missionaries;
they have built a church, and are fast becoming converted. Other
missionaries in Bohol report many hundreds of baptisms. Various
miraculous cures of illness are related. Good news comes from Samar
also; nearly four thousand have been baptized, nearly all adults. In
Dulac a boys' school has been established, and many conversions have
occurred. At Alangala there are three Indian chapels. Vaez asks for
more missionaries in this so promising field. A few days later (July 8)
the official visitor of the Jesuit missions, Diego Garcia, writes to Felipe
III. He recommends that seminaries for the instruction of heathen boys
be stablished as a means for hastening the conversion of the natives;
and that the Indians be gathered into settlements. Garcia asks that the
Jesuit college at Manila be authorized to graduate students from its
classes; and closes by recommending to the king's favor Morga and
other officials.
The fiscal, Salazar y Salcedo, declares (July 16, 1601) that Tello is
shielding Morga, and despatches to the king a full report of the
investigation which he has made of the conflict with the Dutch. A
memorial to the king is sent (July 20, 1601)