



Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed
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                   The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898

   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,

                        Volume XLVIII, 1751-1765



 Edited and annotated by Emma Helen Blair and James Alexander Robertson
  with historical introduction and additional notes by Edward Gaylord
                                Bourne.



                      The Arthur H. Clark Company
                            Cleveland, Ohio
                                 MCMVII








CONTENTS OF VOLUME XLVIII


    Preface                                                         13

    Documents of 1751-1762:

        Usurpation of Indian lands by friars. Fernando VI;
        San Lorenzo, November 7, 1751                               27
        Moro raids repulsed by Visayans. [Unsigned];
        Manila, [1755]                                              37
        Augustinian parishes and missions, 1760. Pedro Velasco,
        O.S.A.; Tondo, April 16, 1760                               52
        Later Augustinian and Dominican missions. Antonio
        Mozo, O.S.A.; Madrid, 1763. Bernardo Ustáriz, O.P.;
        Manila, 1745                                                59
        Events in Filipinas, 1739-1762. [Compiled from Martinez
        de Zúñiga and other writers.]                              137

    Memorial of 1765. Francisco Leandro de Viana; Manila,
    February 10, 1765                                              197

    Bibliographical Data                                           339








ILLUSTRATIONS


    Map of the Philippine Islands; photographic facsimile from
    original map in Murillo Velarde's Historia de la provincia
    de Philipinas (Manila, 1749); from copy in possession of
    Edward E. Ayer, Chicago                               Frontispiece
    Map of Leyte, from original MS. of P. Pagteel, in
    collection of Charts by Alexander Dalrymple ([London],
    1788), ii, p. 76; photographic facsimile from copy in
    Library of Congress                                             39
    Plan of the new Alcaicería of San Fernando, 1756;
    photographic facsimile from original manuscript in
    Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla                             181
    View of Spanish city and fort of Gammalamma, Terrenate;
    photographic facsimile from Recueil des voiages Comp.
    Indes orientales (Amsterdam, 1725); iii, p. 348; from
    copy in library of Wisconsin Historical Society                213
    Plan of the citadel of Santiago at Manila; photographic
    facsimile from original manuscript in Archivo general de
    Indias, Sevilla                                                219
    Map of Mindanao, 1757; by Nicolás Norton Nicols;
    photographic facsimile from original manuscript in Archivo
    general de Indias, Sevilla                                     281








PREFACE


The contents of the present volume (dated 1751-65) include accounts
of the missionary efforts of the Augustinian and Dominican orders, and
events in Filipinas from 1739 to the beginning of the English invasion;
and the survey of the condition and needs of the islands which is
presented in the memorial by the royal fiscal Viana. A valuable
feature in the missionary reports is the ethnological information
furnished therein regarding the savage tribes of Central Luzón;
and the self-sacrifice and devotion of the missionaries themselves
appear in striking contrast with the unscrupulous greed displayed,
as one of the short documents shows, in the management of the friar
estates near Manila. The times are troublous for the colony: several
insurrections occur among the natives, the Acapulco galleon of 1743
is captured by the English, the Moro pirates ravage the archipelago
with enormous destruction of life and property, and the Spaniards
are defeated by them. Governor Arandia attempts to establish reforms,
and thus incurs much odium; he is engaged in numerous controversies,
and finally dies. Viana's memorial presents a vivid picture of the
distressed condition of the Philippine colony after the English
invasion, its urgent need of relief, and the ways in which this may
be accomplished.

A letter by Fernando VI to the Manila Audiencia (November 7, 1751)
expresses his approval of the proceedings of Auditor Enriquez in
pacifying the insurgent Indians of certain villages near Manila and
in Bulacan--a revolt caused by the usurpation of Indian lands by
the managers of the friar estates, and the fraudulent proceedings of
government officials who aided such usurpation. Enriquez had pacified
the natives, deprived the friars of such lands as they held illegally,
and distributed these among those natives who were aggrieved; he also
investigated the titles by which the orders held their estates, and
regulated the proper boundaries of their lands. The king also commands
the Manila government to exercise vigilant care for the welfare of
the Indians, and to notify them that in their difficulties they must
have recourse to the royal fiscal for redress or aid.

In a rare pamphlet published at Manila in 1755, apparently written
by one of the Jesuit missionaries in Leyte, are enumerated various
instances when the raids of Moro pirates against the Visayan villages
in 1754 are repulsed by the natives, under the direction of their
spiritual guides; and one of these, the defense of Palompong, is
related at length. An official report (in MS.) made by the Augustinian
provincial (1760) shows the parishes and missions then in charge of
his order in the Philippines, with the population (classified as to
sex, age, etc.) of each one.

In the eighteenth century several important missions were conducted
by the Augustinians and Dominicans among the savage and untamed
head-hunting tribes of Central Luzón. Those of the former order are
recorded by Fray Antonio Mozo in his Noticia histórico natural (Madrid,
1763); he presents  much valuable information regarding those people,
whose first contact with European civilization was mainly found in
their intercourse with those missionaries. This begins, for the Italons
(now called Ibilao) and Abacas in 1702, when the Augustinians attempt
to christianize them--with fair success, considering the wildness and
ferocity of those people. They also carry the gospel among the Isinay,
a work which the Dominicans had been compelled to abandon as hopeless;
and within a quarter of a century the entire tribe have been baptized
and civilized by Fray Alejandro Cacho. In 1740 these Isinay missions
are ceded to the Dominican order. Among all these wild peoples, the
missionaries have introduced not only the gospel, but instruction
in farming and irrigation, and supplies of cattle and plows; and,
wherever possible, they have formed "reductions" or settlements of
their converts, usually in localities best adapted to the cultivation
of the soil.

The Augustinians carry on their missions among the Ilocans, the
Tinguians, the Igorots, the Zambals, and the Negritos--this last
having stations throughout the islands; also in Cebú and Panay,
and in China. Mozo narrates the progress of these missions, but
devotes much of his space to accounts of the wild tribes and their
peculiar customs and beliefs; this is especially fortunate for our
purpose in regard to the Negritos, about whom less has been known than
about the other Philippine peoples, Mozo's residence of three years
among them rendering his observations extremely valuable. He also
gave particular attention to the practices and medicines used by the
natives in sickness, and to the plants which are useful therein. Among
these missions the most arduous, according to our writer, was that
to the "apostates" and infidels who had taken refuge in a certain
mountainous and densely-wooded district; these renegades and heathen
dwelt together, each making the other worse. Among these people were
preserved many of the ancient pagan customs which the missionaries
had in most places been able to extirpate; and these are described by
Mozo. Even in this hard field, "multitudes of infidels were baptized
and hundreds of apostates reclaimed." The Augustinians also conduct
missions in the interior of Cebú and Panay, where not only are the
mountains rugged and the forests dense, but there are wizards among
the natives who "by conversing with the demon do things which cause
terror;" some account of their practices is given, as also of the
converts gained by missionaries among those people. He then describes
some of the medicines that are used by the natives. Among these are the
gall and fat of the python; a stone which, when applied to a woman's
thigh, would facilitate childbirth; and a plant which intoxicates
and infuriates those who go into battle. Another plant temporarily
paralyzes the muscular system. Mozo concludes with an account of the
Augustinian missions in China, which does not concern our work.

Some account of the Dominican missions in Central Luzón is
given by Bernardo Ustáriz (Manila, 1745) and Manuel del Río
(Mexico? ca. 1740). In Paniqui the missionaries have formed within
six years seven native churches, with nearly a thousand converts;
they are erecting substantial wooden buildings for religious purposes,
and have opened new roads and repaired old ones in order to facilitate
intercourse between the provinces. A neighboring tribe of head-hunters
have harassed the Christian districts, but a government expedition is
sent against them and checks their insolence; this success greatly
increases that of the missions, to which hundreds of natives flock
for instruction and baptism. Río gives a more detailed account of
the Paniqui mission, and of its early beginnings. Some of the first
missionaries were poisoned by heathen savages. The most interesting
feature of the Dominicans' labor in this region is their opening a
high-road from Asingan, Pangasinan, to Buhay in Ituy.

A brief résumé of events during the period 1739-62 is compiled from the
histories of the time; we have used for most of it Zúñiga's narrative,
copiously annotated from Concepción's and others. The royal fiscal
Arroyo is imprisoned by Governor Torre, in accordance with an order
issued by his predecessor; finally, the king orders restitution of
the fiscal's office, salary, and confiscated goods, but this finds
the unfortunate prisoner dead (1743). In the same year the English
commander Anson captures the Acapulco galleon "Covadonga," which causes
heavy loss to Manila. Two years later, Governor Torre dies, after a
troublous administration in which he incurs general odium. A revolt of
the natives in Balayan and Taal is promptly quelled. Torre is succeeded
by the bishop of Nueva Caceres, Juan de Arrechedera, a Dominican; his
administration is vigorous, and he does much for the defense of Manila
against possible enemies. In 1747 the new archbishop of Manila arrives
in the islands, but Arrechedera retains the office of governor. An
insurrection of the natives in Bohol is easily quelled. The king of
Spain writes conciliatory letters to the sultans of Mindanao and Joló,
who profess friendship, but prove to be scheming and unreliable;
they permit Jesuit missionaries to enter their countries, but these
are soon obliged to take refuge in Zamboanga. A rebellion in Joló
obliges its ruler to flee to Manila. In 1750 a new governor arrives
there, Francisco de Ovando; he finds much to do in making the little
navy of the islands effective and in equipping a squadron against
the Moros. He sends Alimudin back to his kingdom; but at Zamboanga
the sultan's actions are so indicative of treachery that he and all
his household are arrested and sent to Manila. War is then declared
against the Joloans, and another expedition is sent to attack them, but
the Spaniards are obliged to fall back on Zamboanga. This is followed
by piratical ravages throughout Filipinas, causing enormous losses of
property, and of persons taken captive by the Moros. Ovando sends the
captive Alimudin with a fleet to restore him to the throne of Joló; but
at Zamboanga he is suspected of disloyalty and treachery, and is sent
back to Manila as a prisoner. The Spaniards attack the town of Joló,
but are repulsed; this encourages the pirates to renew their raids,
and the Visayan Islands (and even Luzón) are cruelly harried. Ovando
is succeeded (1754) by Arandia as governor; he institutes reforms
in all directions, thus drawing upon himself much animosity, in both
secular and ecclesiastical quarters; and he makes treaties with the
Joloans. The Dominican missions are reestablished in the Batanes
Islands; and that order takes charge of the Isinay missions in Luzón,
which are conferred on it by the Augustinians. Zúñiga records his
opinions regarding the character of the Filipino natives and the
proper methods of conducting missions among them. In 1757 certain
ecclesiastical controversies in Tungquin are ended by decrees issued
at Rome. Arandia expels the heathen Chinese from the islands, and
builds for their trade the market of San Fernando. He becomes involved
in numerous controversies with the religious orders, and draws upon
himself much popular hatred--largely due to the acts of his favorite
Orendain. He makes the utmost exertions for the service of his king
and the islands, and finally, worn out by these fatigues, dies (May
31, 1759), an event probably hastened by poison. The government is
assumed by Bishop Espeleta, who even usurps it from Archbishop Rojo
for a time; but the latter becomes governor (1761) by royal decree. He
releases Orendain, who had been imprisoned for his official acts,
and provides comfortable quarters for the captive sultan of Joló. In
the following year occurs the siege and capture of Manila, which will
be related in VOL. XLIX.

Nearly half of this volume is occupied by the valuable memorial written
in 1765 by Francisco Leandro de Viana, then royal fiscal at Manila,
"Demonstration of the deplorably wretched state of the Philipinas
Islands." We are told that the Council of Indias refused to print this
document, a fact which indicates both the apathy and the corruption
existing in the Spanish court. Viana was a man of keen and logical
mind, clear and far vision, and great enthusiasm and energy; and he
evidently felt a deep sense of official responsibility and ardent zeal
as a Spanish patriot. In this memorial he describes the weakness,
danger, and almost destitution of the Philippine colony, and shows
the necessity of either abandoning it entirely or providing for it
suitable means of support; demonstrates that the latter course should
be adopted, and that it can be pursued if the natural resources of the
islands are developed. Viana sets forth the advantageous location of
the islands from both the commercial and strategic points of view,
and asserts that the English covet the islands as a vantage-point
for themselves, especially as a basis for their explorations on the
western coast of North America--of which, and of certain Spanish
explorations made in 1640, he gives some account--and for attacks on
the Spanish possessions in America. If Spain keeps the Philippines,
they must be put into a condition of defense, for which Viana makes
various suggestions, some as less costly alternatives for others. The
military forces of the islands should be enlarged, and the pay of
both officers and men increased, so that they may have the means to
support themselves decently. After this is accomplished, "the reduction
of all the Indian villages ought to be resolutely undertaken, as a
matter that is absolutely essential." This would result in a great
increase of the tribute-money, and in many benefits to both the
government and the Indian natives. Viana proposes an increase in the
rate of the tribute exacted from the natives, and various economies
in the administration of the islands; and urges that the Moros be
thoroughly punished. He devotes a long chapter to "arguments which
justify the increase of tributes." The expenses of administration in
the islands have steadily increased since their conquest, as also
have the needs of the Spanish crown; yet the Indians have not been
further taxed to meet these demands, as have the people of Spain;
they should now pay their share of the burden, and, moreover, they are
taxed very moderately. They are idle, improvident, and extravagant;
they might be rich, if they would labor even moderately; and an
increase in their tributes would require but little additional work
from them, which would also help to correct their slothfulness. This
vice, however, is also the bane of their Spanish masters, whom Viana
bitterly rebukes; but he urges that the Indians be compelled to do a
certain amount of work, especially in agricultural production. The
various rebellions of the natives of Filipinas constitute another
valid reason for increasing their tributes. Viana declares that, in
proposing this measure, he must at the same time protest against the
misuse or theft of its proceeds; and he rebukes, in scathing terms, the
recklessness, extravagance, and dishonesty of the Spanish officials,
and the unpunished corruption and misgovernment that prevail in Spain's
colonial administration. The increase of tributes can be secured only
by maintaining in the islands a military force sufficient to punish
and prevent the Moro raids, and to keep the Indians in wholesome awe;
and the alcaldes-mayor of the provinces should be more carefully chosen
and better paid. All military supplies should be kept at Cavite instead
of (as now) Manila. As an alternative for increasing the tributes,
Viana suggests the establishment of church tithes