EXTRACT

EXTRACTFrom Monsr.Sonnerat’sVoyage aux Indes et a la Chine.Vol. III. Chap. 10.OF THEPHILIPPINES AND MOLUCCAS.These Archipelagos have been already noticed in my Voyage to New Guinea; but I have, since that period, had occasion to make some further observations, equally new as necessary.I follow M. le Gentil in giving the position, latitude, and seasons of the principal of these islands. This judicious observer has made a particular study of the subject, and his work appears to me correct.The Philippines and Moluccas are commonly divided into two distinct Archipelagos; but, in my opinion, all these islands in reality form but one; and if they were all under one Sovereign, they would, doubtless, be comprehended under one designation.The Philippines are attached to the crown of Spain, and the Dutch possess the Moluccas. These last are more deserving of consideration, and richer than thefirst. They owe their fertility to the industry of a nation laborious, commercial, and addicted to cultivation. Every thing, on the contrary, in the Philippines, indicates the indolence of a people who direct all their efforts to religion, and whose sole object seems to be to acquire proselytes.OF THE PHILIPPINES.The Philippines extend from the 3d or 4th, to the 19th or 20th degree of north latitude. They comprehend a great number of islands, which, for the most part, are very little known. The principal, and those on which the Spaniards have establishments, are Luçon, Mindoro, Panay, and Mindanao. Next, in point of extent, are ranked Palawan, Buglas or Isle of Negroes, Zebu, Leyt or Leita, and Samar. To the east of Zebu is the little island of Mactan, where Magellan lost his life. Exclusive of these there is a multitude of small islands.Luçon lies to the north of all the others: it is likewise the largest, being not less than 450 miles in length, and about 85 at its least breadth. The Spaniards have upon this island established Manila, the capital of their settlements in the Archipelago. Its advantageous position for the commerce of China, and that of other parts of India, ought to render this city the richest in the world; but what Spaniard would occupy his time in the pursuit of transitory riches, which must be acquired by the assiduities of commercial industry, and at the expense of his national prejudices?Manila lies in 40° 30′ N. latitude. The climate is nearly the same as that of Pondicherry and Madras; the town is large and well built; the houses are handsome, and the streets in straight lines. There are several superb churches. It is fortified, and is situated upon the bank of a considerable river, which washes itswalls, and communicates through the island of Luçon in every direction. The country which surrounds it is fertile, and adapted to every species of cultivation; but in the hands of the Spaniards it lies an useless waste. They have neither availed themselves of the position of the town, or of the fertility of the surrounding soil; they allow it to exhaust itself, and bear of its own accord crops which they will not be at the trouble of getting in. Even the law, which ought to lend its aid in support of the cultivator of the soil, is at Manila inimical to his views, and the exportation of that abundance which nature holds out to man is prohibited. The treasures of the earth exceed the wants of the limited number of inhabitants in this island, and they are allowed to perish on the soil which gives them birth. The consequence is, that should it happen in any year that a variable atmosphere, hurricanes, or a wet or dry season, should substitute scarcity for abundance, the most dreadful famine would be the lot of a country which ought never to feel the effects of it.Such is the general ignorance, such their indolence, their blind and culpable confidence in Providence, that the extent of their cultivation, and the collection of their produce, is limited to their immediate wants. The most horrible misery is often the result of this perilous security, so much at variance with the benevolent views of nature. Common animal instinct teaches us to provide for the future, but the Spaniards cannot boast of even this foresight.It is computed that there are about 12,000 Christians in Manila. The population of this city was formerly much more extensive while it was resorted to by the Chinese. Many of that nation were settled there, and others were engaged in commercial intercourse; but a bigoted Governor, under the influence of a wretched policy, absolutely drove them out of the island. Commerce and the arts immediately declined, and havenever since recovered. Misery and depopulation have been the fatal consequences of this mal-administration.Vessels do not anchor abreast of Manila; the mouth of the river is interrupted by a bar, which is very dangerous in stormy weather. Small vessels, however, may enter, and their cargoes are discharged at Privateer harbour. Such vessels as are obliged to winter at Manila retire to the port of Cavite, situated in the bottom of the bay to the S. E. and three leagues distant from Manila.Cavite is provided with a fort, which is not in a state to resist the attack of an European enemy. It is constructed on a tongue of low land, which the sea threatens with submersion; its harbour is not sheltered from the north and N. N. W. winds; and it is infested with a species of worm which attacks vessels, and soon renders them unfit to keep the sea. Another great inconvenience is, that water is procured at a great distance; and for this purpose it is necessary to employ the flat-bottomed boats of the country, which are alone capable of penetrating sufficiently far up the river. Three parts of the town, little considerable in itself, are occupied, like all the Spanish possessions, by convents; the suburbs are called Fauxbourg Saint Roch. It consists of a collection of houses, built of bamboo, and covered with palm leaves; but there are in it, however, the ruins of a church which appears to have been sufficiently handsome. The Indians, who joined the English in 1762, destroyed it, and that which was formerly held in such respect is now become a shelter for cattle.The Spaniards have many religious establishments in the island of Luçon. It might be averred, that it never was their intention to plant colonies, for they have only sent monks, and appear to have had no other end in view than the propagation of the Catholic faith. The people, therefore, who have submitted to the Spanishyoke, scarcely exhibit any traits of a polished nation. Languishing in inactivity, they are without energy, and appear equally indifferent to virtue as to vice. Indolence, a dereliction of life and timidity, constitute their character, and misery is their habitual state; but there are districts to which the Spaniards have been unable to penetrate. In vain have they tried to subdue those who have retired thither; in vain applied force, severity, and punishment, to subjugate and convert them. These people have escaped from the yoke by removing themselves to defiles where the Spaniards cannot attack them: they have carried with them into the retreat they have chosen the recollection of the injuries they have suffered, and of those with which they have been threatened; they nourish, in the extremity of their asylum, an implacable hatred against the strangers, whom they consider as the oppressors of their native land; they incessantly meditate on, and prepare the means of revenge. Supported by their courage, animated by their hatred, they dare approach even the gates of the capital: their progress is marked with pillage, murder, devastation, and rape; they even live at the expense of such of their countrymen as have submitted; they carry off, they tear from them the support of a miserable existence, which these latter have neither the strength nor the courage to defend.There is, besides these, in the mountainous parts, a description of people absolutely in a savage state; they shun the face of man, they even shun each other; they are solitary wanderers; they stop when night overtakes them, and take their rest in the hollows of trees; they are strangers even to domestic life. The invincible propensities of nature are alone capable of bending their stubborn character, and impelling the men to satisfy themselves with such females as chance throws in their way, and towards whom desire is the only attraction.The inhabitants of the island of Luçon call themselvesTagals, as do likewise all the inhabitants of the Philippines—they appear to derive their origin from the Malays, and exhibit features of their character—their language, though different from that of the Malays, has its pronunciation and its sweetness. All these islands seem to be inhabited by the same people, among whom their customs alone have been subjected to change. In Manila, such has been the intercourse with the Chinese and other nations, that they have become a mixed race.The Manilians are of a swarthy complexion, large and well made; their dress is composed of a shirt of a kind of linen made of the filaments of theabaca, a species of palm; this shirt is very short, and is worn over a large and wide pair of drawers: but their greatest luxury consists in handkerchiefs, with red borders, of the finest quality; of these they usually wear three, one on the head, one on the neck, and the third is held in the hand. The English manufacture them at Madras expressly for their consumption.The women wear a kind of little shift, which scarcely reaches to the navel, with a handkerchief loosely covering the neck; a white linen cloth encircles the body, and is fastened by a button at the waist: they throw over this a coloured stuff, manufactured by the inhabitants of Panay. Over all is worn a mantle, for the most part black, which covers the body from head to foot. Their hair, which is black and highly beautiful, sometimes reaches to the ground: they bestow the greatest care on it, anoint it with cocoa-nut oil, plait it in the Chinese fashion, and, towards the crown of the head, form it into a knot, fastened with a gold or silver pin. They wear embroidered slippers, so very small that they only cover the toes.The houses of the Indians of Manila are constructed of bamboo, covered with palm leaves. They are erectedon pillars of wood, at the height of from eight to ten feet from the ground, and they ascend to them by a small ladder, which is drawn up every night. The custom of thus raising their houses to this elevation, has for its object their protection from the humidity of the soil; but that of drawing up the ladders, by which they mount to them, has in view their security against ferocious animals, and those of their neighbours who live in a savage state. Their bed is, for the most part, a simple mat, spread on the floor.Their food is rice, plain boiled, which they eat either with salted fish, or by putting into the water in which it is dressed a spice, which takes off its insipid taste.There are many lakes in the island of Luçon; the most considerable is that called by the SpaniardsLaguna de Bay. The river, which washes the walls of Manila, flows out of this lake, and thus a communication, by means of boats, is open to its surrounding shores. This lake is about 30 leagues in circumference, and about 120 fathoms in depth. In the middle of it is an island, which holds out a refuge to some Indian families. They live by fishing, and preserve their liberty by prohibiting the approach of strangers to their asylum. This lake is bounded on the west by high mountains; the level country is fertile, and is inhabited by a people of gentle manners: they employ themselves in manufacturing matting, cloth, and different fabrics, from theabaca. Perhaps the first monks who were sent to convert them were attracted there by the mildness of their character.The Spaniards, in supplying them with a religion, have left their laws unaltered; in fact, their ancient usages are retained, and they are governed by an Indian of their village, nominated, however, by the Spaniards, and whose authority they acknowledge.This people, though of a mild character, treat crimeswith severity; the greatest, in their opinion, is adultery, which is the only one punished with death.Eastward of the lake there are immense plains; large and deep rivers traverse them, and spread to a great distance a natural fertility. This country might be the residence of a numerous population, which might live happy in the cultivation of it. Only a few villages, however, are to be seen scattered here and there; miserable dwellings, inhabited by men devoid of honesty, without justice, who, in a constant state of warfare, entertain mutual fear of each other, and who, instead of laws, of the protection of which they are ignorant, place their security in their arms; these they never quit, they hold them in readiness in approaching each other, and the intercourse they have together less resembles a social act than a state of perpetual warfare. Even the rights of blood afford no security: parents, brothers, wife and husband, live in constant distrust of each other, and, consequently, in a state of reciprocal hatred. The origin of manners, so far removed from the mild character of their neighbours, may be found in the mode adopted for their subjection, and the recollection of those punishments they have been exposed to by the priests, in compelling them to adore the cross.There are many volcanos in the island of Luçon, which, it is most probable, is the cause of the frequent earthquakes to which it is subject; not a year passes without two, three, or four. The Spaniards of Manila construct their houses accordingly; the whole is of wood, and raised on wooden pillars; but to guard against such visitations they are provided with a small apartment made of bamboo, placed in the court or garden. There the whole family sleeps, when the state of the atmosphere seems to indicate an earthquake.It has been well observed by M. Gentil, that the earthquakes appear to occur more frequently at the endof the year, and most commonly in the night-time. I witnessed two in the month of December, 1770: the first was violent, and threw down many houses; it was announced at nine o’clock at night by a strong southerly wind, which considerably agitated the sea; the atmosphere became charged with a reddish vapour, and in two hours time I felt three successive shocks, which produced in me a kind of sea sickness. The vessels in the road were sensible of the motion, and thought they had struck. The Spaniards employed themselves in chaunting the rosary.From the volcanos proceed springs of warm water, which are in great abundance in the island of Luçon; to some are attributed even marvellous properties, particularly to those of Bailly, situated on the borders of the lake ofBay. The King has had an hospital and public baths constructed here.The trade of Manila might be very considerable, and this city become one of the richest and most commercial in all Asia. The Spaniards themselves might proceed to China, Cochin-china, India, Bengal, Surat, and even to the Isle of France, from whence might be drawn the commodities they stand in need of either for their own consumption, or for carrying on the commerce to Mexico; they might take with them, in exchange, the produce of the islands: but the Spaniard, naturally slothful, is more disposed to enjoy his indolence, which he denominates tranquillity, than export the productions of his country; a species of traffic necessarily accompanied with some degree of fatigue.The government has prohibited the admission of any foreign vessels into their harbours. All the French navigators, who have been desirous of establishing an intercourse, and who have touched at Manila for commercial purposes, have been always received very ungraciously; and privateers, from an ill-judged combination against them, have uniformly sustained greatlosses there on their prizes. The difficulties which have been thrown in the way of the unloading and loading of vessels, have thoroughly disgusted the merchants of the Isle of France; a commerce, nevertheless, which might be rendered equally advantageous to both nations.The only vessels admitted at Manila are those of the Chinese and Indians, on the pretence that these people may thug be made converts; these are the vessels which import into Manila the articles of absolute necessity and of luxury, and take in exchange the piastres brought by the galleon from Acapulco.The commodities which might be drawn from Manila are cordage, pitch and tar, linen cloth, rushes,rotin, indigo,rocon, achiote, and rice. The cotton is of the finest quality, and might be made an important article of exportation to China, where many cargoes of that commodity are sent from Surat, on which the gain is sometimes an hundred per cent.The sugar cane thrives well here, and yields a sugar superior to that produced at Batavia. There is likewise found here the bark of a tree, which answers as a substitute for cinnamon, but to the taste of cinnamon it adds a little tartness: its bark is thick and porous, and the tree deemed a bastard cinnamon. The Spaniards barter it with the Chinese, but they set very little value on it, as the same species is found in Hainam, in Tonquin, and in Cochin China, from whence they import it. Another production is the wild nutmeg, but having no flavour, it is on that account not merchantable. It is small, and the tree which bears it has leaves a foot long; the same species is found at Madagascar.Tobacco succeeds well here; the chiroutes of Manila are in high repute all over India for their agreeable flavour; even the ladies smoke them all day long.The cocoa of Manila is considered as superior to that of America; it is the only tree whose cultivation is attendedto in all the Philippines, because so much use is made of chocolate. It is the general beverage, and is presented as refreshment on visits: cocoa, as well as tobacco, are not indigenous in the Philippines; they were imported from New Spain.Wax might likewise be procured from Manila, the mountains swarming with bees which produce it.There is a great deal of gold found in all the rivers, a sufficient proof that there are mines of that metal; the Indians will earn fifteen pence a day by washing the sands for it.Iron is found in its native state, but mixed with some other metal, which renders it softer than ours. They work it exactly as it is found. There is likewise abundance of loadstone, and considerable quarries of marble from whence that is procured, with which the churches are decorated.The Spaniards have but a few insignificant establishments on Mindoro. All travellers have asserted that the inhabitants of this island have tails, but this idea rests on no other ground than that of theCoccixbeing a little elongated.The principal establishments of the Spaniards, in the island of Panay, are Ilo-Ilo and Antigue; there is no good anchorage on the island of Panay but in this latter place.Antigue is in 6° 42′ N. latitude; the anchorage is six fathom, at a good distance from the land. Vessels cannot take the benefit of this anchorage in November, December, and January, but with great risk, as, during that period, the south-west and west winds blow right on the coast, and render the sea tempestuous. Water for shipping is procured at a small rivulet, situated to the north; there is a much more considerable river, which serves as a ditch to the fort, and along which boats may proceed a great way; but its water is brackisheven at neap tides. The inhabitants of this island, more industrious than those of Luçon, manufacture handkerchiefs and cloths from cotton, and the fibres of a plant which the country supplies; the coarsest description is used for clothing, and with the finer they trade with the neighbouring islands.In other respects Antigue resembles the rest of the Philippines. Indulgent Nature is prodigal of her gifts, of which the inhabitants make no attempt to avail themselves, for the government uses no means of protection against the ravages and cupidity of the Moors, who incessantly harass and carry off even the fishing-boats from the bay: this is only protected by a wooden fort, garrisoned by about twenty Christian natives.This island produces a great deal of grain, but little fruit; cocoa and plantains, of a bad quality, are alone sought after by the inhabitants. There is a great number of stags, wild boars, and wild hogs; buffaloes, horned cattle, and horses, are so common, that no attention is paid either to their safety or to their propagation; the horses wander about at their pleasure; they are public property, having no particular owner: when a horse is wanted, the first that appears is seized, and he is turned loose again when he has performed the requisite service.The air of the whole island is unwholesome, from the want of cultivation, and the frequency of marshes. It is supposed to contain many very rich gold mines.The Spaniards have many factories on the coasts of Mindanao, which support a precarious existence only by a constant state of warfare with the innumerable Kings reigning in the island, not one of which will acknowledge the Spanish dominion.Sambouanga forms the chief establishment of the Spaniards on this island; it is situated on the southern coast of it. According to our observation, it lies in120° 13′ long. and 6° 54′ lat. differing considerably from the observation of Mr. Gentil, who places it in 7° 20′ lat. apparently after some bad Spanish charts.The Spaniards have constructed a considerable fort, with stone and brick, and capable of the defence of the bay. The inhabitants are placed within a palisade, abutting on one side to the fort, and on the other to a small wooden battery of 14 guns, which commands the environs of the town.Sambouanga costs the King of Spain a great deal, and makes no return. This post was established for the purpose of checking the incursions of the Moors of Jolo on the neighbouring islands; notwithstanding which these latter are not a whit less frequent in their visits to the bay of Antigue and that of Manila, carrying off not only the fishing-boats which fall in their way, but vessels richly laden. They are even daring enough to attack the inhabitants of Sambouanga; they land out of the range of the guns, and harass them close to the palisade; these unhappy beings are thus prevented from quitting their houses; they cultivate the land under the protection of cannon, of which they are compelled to avail themselves of several pieces in such fields as they are desirous of tilling.The soil is fertile, and requires little culture; it produces rice abundantly. The cattle are very numerous, and of little value. The King having turned some loose upon an immense plain which adjoins the settlement, they have multiplied to such a degree, that when I was there they were estimated at six thousand. A wooden fort, of eight guns, has been constructed in the middle of the plain to check the Moors. Upon another plain, separated from this by a chain of mountains, the Spaniards have turned horses and cattle, which have likewise increased prodigiously; both plains are bordered by a thin wood, full of stags and wild hogs. Therivers, as is the case in the island of Luçon, produce a great deal of gold.A particular species of cocoa is found at Sambouanga; the tree which produces it differs in no respect from that with which we are acquainted; its fruit has the same form, but is a little less in size; the husk is not of a fibrous consistence like that of common cocoa, the flesh of it is analogous to the artichoke; it has its flavour, and, perhaps, we assigned a greater degree of delicacy to it, because we had not the means of comparing them: if this fruit is allowed to grow old on the tree, it changes its nature, and becomes stringy; in this state its taste is tart, and the cocoa is no longer fit for eating. I carried six to the Isle of France, but they did not succeed.There is a volcano on the south side of Mindanao which burns incessantly, and serves as a landmark to vessels frequenting this navigation.The island of Jolo, or Sooloo, seems to be the point of demarkation between the Philippines and the Moluccas. The Dutch pretend that it is a dependency on the Moluccas; and the Spaniards are so much persuaded it is one of the Philippines, that they have repeatedly attempted an establishment there; and not having succeeded by mild measures, they have endeavoured to render themselves masters of it by force. Every attempt has failed: the Jolois have never been induced toacknowledgebut their own sovereign.The English have had a factory on a small island to the east of Jolo, but they have been obliged to abandon it.The French have attempted to form an establishment there. The King of the island, as a proof of his friendly intentions towards the nation, had even desired the French flag. I believe, however, there was good reason for not persevering in the attempt, as, sooner orlater, the adventurers would have been the victims of the inhabitants, who are naturally warlike and fierce, though under the government of a good prince.It was under the administration of M. Poivre, at the Isle of France, that a kind of alliance was formed between the French government and the Sultan of Jolo. M. Poivre had had some intercourse with this Prince, the most powerful of all the sovereigns in the Philippine Archipelago; and he had availed himself of it, to direct to that island the first expedition in search of the spice plants, under the command of M. de Tremigon. The Frenchmen attached to this expedition were hospitably received at Jolo. Alymudin, the Sultan, not only offered them his aid in the conquest, but a considerable territory in his dominions.Jolo is only a small island of 30 to 40 leagues in circumference: it notwithstanding merits the attention of the European powers, on account of its being so well adapted for the cultivation of spices, and generally for commerce.It produces a great many elephants; amber is found there, and there is a pearl fishery. Its harbour is a retreat for the Moors, who piratically infest these seas, distress the navigation of the Spaniards, and carry off in their incursions the colonists, of whom they make slaves; the coast is furnished with fish sufficient for the daily food of the inhabitants; here likewise are gathered the birds’ nests so highly esteemed by the Chinese.Statement of the Productions of the Philippines, transmitted to the French Minister in 1776.Gold is found every where, but more abundantly at Gapan, in the province of Pampanga. The provinces of Pangasinan and Cagayan produceLead.Copper.Iron.Sulphur.Excellent Sugar.Indigo.The Achiote, a tree, the seed of which is used for dying.Cotton, of the best quality.Oil of Cocoa, in abundance.Wood Oil, equally abundant.Oil of Louban, a species of fruit.Oil of Aonpoly, an agricultural production.Ginger.Camphor.Areka Nut, in abundance.Cocoa, in abundance; from this is made a beverage, the consumption of which is very great.La Nipe, in abundance, of which likewise a beverage is made.The Barro Oyesca, a species of the amadon, or tinder made of the large fungus which grows on trees.Pitch and Tar, in abundance.Cocoa Nuts, ditto.Pepper.Betel.The Cinnamon of Sambouanga, very good.Cowries.Tortoiseshell.Mother of Pearl and Pearls, often of a very fine quality.Deer Skins, Ox and Buffalo Hides.La Balate, both white and black, first, second, and third sorts, which forms a considerable branch of trade to China.Dried Prawns, likewise a considerable article of trade.Birds’ Nests.Wax, in abundance.Honey, in abundance.Musk, or Algalia.Deer and Ox Sinews, for the commerce with China.Fine Goimon, dried in the sun for ditto.Woods and Timber.The Cocoa Tree, which produces the St. Ignatius’ bean, or bean of Cathalonga.Red Campechy Wood, first and second sorts.Eagle Wood.Ebony.The Narra, or red veined ebony.The Tindato, entirely red.Sandal Wood, not much scented.Fir Trees, in the mountains of Pangasinan.The Molaven, not subject to decay.The Quijo,for building.The Banava,The Calantas, or Cedar.The Laguan, or red and white apple-tree.The Palo Maria, for small spars.The Mangue Chapuy, for lower masts.There is besides these an infinite variety of different kinds of woods, which we pass over in silence.Lompotes, a kind of gauze manufactured at Zebu, and which is in general use in the Philippines and in New Spain.Sail Cloth of cotton, manufactured in Ylocos.Testingues, a kind of checked dimity, much worn.The Abaca, a species of hemp, of which cordage is made.The Black Gamuty, used for the same purpose.The Banoté, or Coyar, applicable in the same way, and of which is likewise made oakum for caulking.The Tobacco is excellent.The Corn in the provinces of Ylocos and Bay excellent.Rice excellent, and in great abundance.There is likewise a trade carried on with the Chinesein the flesh of deer, oxen, buffaloes, and horses, dried in the sun (called jerk in South America), as likewise in the tallow of all these animals.OF THE MOLUCCAS.The Moluccas form a considerable archipelago, which extends in longitude from Java to New Guinea. On the coasts of Papua, and adjoining islands, are formed colonies of the inhabitants of New Guinea, and which are dependencies on the Moluccas. The Dutch have factories in all the islands of this archipelago, but at Amboyna and Banda they have forts, and considerable establishments1. In order to preserve the spice trade exclusively, they even went so far as to set fire to the adjacent islands which produced these shrubs; but such precautions are useless, for the whole of the Moluccas, with the coasts of Papua, and even all New Guinea, produce, and will continue to produce, them, while they exist. When the French were in the habit of procuring these productions, they did not go either to Banda or Amboyna in search of them, but to Guébi and Moar. Their vessels resorted to the port of Guébi, unquestionably the finest harbour in the Moluccas, and to which the Dutch were strangers, as the French found it uninhabited. They there established themselves during the time that the King of Maba and Patanie, and the Sultan of Tidor, went in search of the precious trees which furnished the spices: they took them to the Isle of France, where they succeeded remarkablywell (as we have seen in the Chapter on the Isle of France), as well as at Cayenne, to which they were transported soon afterwards.The inhabitants of the Moluccas are in general of a swarthy complexion, approaching to black, with a yellow stain: they partake much of the Malay character, and seem to derive their origin from that nation; they have their language, their manners, and, like them, with little personal strength, are nevertheless cruel and ferocious: perhaps the harshness of their manners may be traced to the wandering and solitary life they lead in the woods, to avoid becoming the slaves of the Dutch.The islands they inhabit are fertile, but they do not practise any cultivation, and live on sago, which grows wild in great quantities in this archipelago.The religion of the inhabitants of the Moluccas is a corruption of Mahometanism.The only persons who go clothed are the women and the priests; the men only cover the head with a hat, painted in different colours, made of the leaves of the latanier; the rest of the body is naked, with the exception of a bit of narrow cloth, for the sake of decency.The dress of the women consists of a long robe, without any folds, fastened in front: they wear hats of an enormous size, not less than seven or eight feet in circumference; these hats are flat on the upper surface, and loaded with ornaments of shell work and mother of pearl. On the under side, a circle of three inches in depth forms the crown, and retains it on the head. The women never go out; they are always confined to the house.The priests, like the women, are clothed in a long robe, but they are recognized by their caps, which are pointed.Both sexes wear on their arms rings of shell work,of a kind of porcelain, which they cut in this shape by rubbing on a stone.Their arms are the bow and arrow, quiver and shield; the bow is constructed of a very light, fibrous, and elastic wood, ornamented with rings made of the rotin, which likewise, when prepared for the purpose, answers for the string. The arrows are made of a light elastic reed, and the point of wood jagged and very hard; sometimes this point is formed of the longest dorsal fin bone of a large fish, and which is prickly or barbed. The quiver is made of the bark of a tree, the shield of a black wood, very hard: they are covered with sketches in relief, executed with small shell work of a very beautiful white. These shields are long, and narrower in the middle than at both ends.Their boats are of an ingenious and singular construction; they are not less than seventy to eighty feet in length; the two ends are extremely elevated, and rise even to twenty feet above the water; the rudder is nothing but a long oar, supported on a scaffold; the hull of the boat consists of planks, which are neither jointed or nailed, but simply put together, and retained by rope, made of the rotin. To the sides are fixed two horizonal wings, which serve to support it in stormy weather. Ten men, seated sideways on these wings, by means of paddles, give incredible velocity to it; the dexterity of the rowers consists in striking the water all at the same moment, and with perfect regularity. It is, doubtless, for this reason that during the time they row they excite each other by songs, or relieve their labour by the noise of a kind of tam tam, to the sound of which their movements keep time. The sails are made of several mats, of an oblong form, and are placed crossways on the masts.The Papuans who inhabit New Guinea, and the islands on its coasts, are the immediate neighbours of the inhabitants of the Moluccas, yet have neithertheir manners, or possess one trait of the character of the latter: they approach nearer, and bear a closer analogy to the natives of Guinea, on the coast of Africa, and which has been the cause of the country they inhabit acquiring the name of New Guinea. They are little known, and their coasts seldom visited. They are of a robust make, and great stature, and though of a shining black, their skin is nevertheless rough and hard; their eyes are large, the nose flattened, and the mouth excessively wide; the lips, particularly the upper, very thick; the hair crisped, and of a brilliant black. The character of these savages corresponds with their exterior; they are fond of war, and to bravery they join cruelty to their enemies.In the interior of the large island of Papua, or New Guinea, there exists a race of men calledHaraforas, who live in trees, to which they mount by means of a notched piece of wood, which they draw after them, by way of guarding against surprize.The principal commerce of the Papuans is with the Chinese, of whom they purchase their different instruments and utensils. They give in exchange ambergris, sea snails, tortoiseshell, small pearls, birds of Paradise, lories, and other birds, which they stuff with great dexterity. The women appear to be industrious; they fabricate mats and earthen pots, and handle the hatchet well.The shores of Papua are bold, and covered with cocoa trees; the mountains of the interior adorned with wood; the nutmeg and clove tree flourish there, and nature has made it one of the finest countries on thesurfaceof the globe. (Sonnini.)The Moluccas, like the Philippines, contain many volcanos, which are, probably, only different mouths of the same furnace. That of Siao is one of the most considerable; in its most active eruptions it covers all the neighbouring islands with cinders.1The English Admiral, Rainier, in 1796, took possession of the islands of Amboyna and Banda. The census made at that time of the first of these islands, and its dependencies, made the number of inhabitants 45,252, of whom 17,813 were Protestants, the rest Mahomedans, with the exception of an inconsiderable number of Chinese and Aborigines. (Sonnini.)NOTES TO VOLUME II.Note I.—Page 14.It is here stated, that in 1709 the Chinese were expelled the Philippines, and the reason assigned for that expulsion is their application to commerce in lieu of agriculture, with a view to which latter their residence was originally countenanced. Whatever employment, in any community, offers the most productive results with the least labour will naturally be resorted to by those whose residence, like that of the Chinese, is merely temporary. They are acknowledged to be a submissive and industrious people, and we must conclude that the profits of agriculture were so much less secure or less productive than those of commerce, that the latter was preferred; and their habits of industry being far superior to those of the indolent Spaniard, and the more indolent native, we cannot wonder at their retreat, with their acquisitions, from a country the government of which, so far from encouraging them with a permanency of establishment, drew from them, in the person of the Governor, a large revenue, as a tax on their temporary residence.Sonneratsays, that the expulsion of the Chinese was the cause of the decline of arts and commerce, and that they have never since recovered. “Misery and depopulation have been thefatal consequences of this mal-administration.” It is evident, however, that since that period, either the fallacy of the policy which dictated the measure has been discovered, and the prohibition been removed, or, which is more likely, the interest of the respective Governors has produced a relaxation in favour of these industrious foreigners; for Mr. Guise, who resided there several years, assures the translator, that when he quitted Manila, about fifteen years ago, there were on the island from fifteen to twenty thousand Chinese permitted to remain as residents, and engaged in agriculture and commerce.A Chinese Captain seems to be appointed by the Governor, who is responsible for their conduct, and through whom applications for residence are negociated with the government. The intercourse with the Chinese port of Amoy, and with the north-eastern ports of China, employs seven or eight junks, which bring with them annually from three hundred to five hundred new adventurers, who work their passage over, bringing each his packet of goods, with which, it may be presumed, he forms his capital for trade during his residence there, and for which residence, it may be equally presumed, he contributes annually to the Governor: these junks likewise furnish to those who have acquired a competency the means of revisiting their native country with their riches. It must be concluded, therefore, that the Chinese, by their residence in Luzon, contribute by their industry to the comforts of life, and hold out an example which neither the Spaniard or native seem disposed to follow; at the same time that the former characterizes the indulgence shown to them as highly impolitic, and a wanton waste of the riches and wealth of the colony.Note II.—Page 60.No stronger proof can be adduced of the unsettledstate of the maritime insurance law in the Spanish colonies than the instance in the text. Can we entertain the favourable supposition that in the mother-country this subject is equally well understood as by every other European nation, and that a concurrence of circumstances have conspired to introduce and perpetuate a vicious practice in this colony? We fear in the sequel the reader will not be justified in this conclusion.Note III.—Page 65.This is another instance of the disposition of the Spaniards to extend what they ridiculously enough term their conquests, rather than to consolidate their power, and establish their influence in the Philippines. The attempt seems to have met with the fate it merited; but although it proved abortive, we cannot help holding up to due praise the perseverance with which, in perfect contempt of all personal danger, the Catholic missionaries pursue their object of proselytism.Note IV.—Page 72.The value of this trade is here pretty clearly detailed and comprehensively stated; we are left to conclude that the profits are from one hundred to two hundred per cent. The translator is informed by Mr. Guise that this trade was thus carried on:The ship, having a Captain appointed by the Governor of Manila, was furnished by the King, by whom likewise all the expenses of the voyage were defrayed, and for whose reimbursement a duty of thirty-three per cent. was levied at Acapulco on the value of the cargo there. The persons who had the privilege of loading the ship were the Captain, to a certain extent; the pious establishments; the widows of officers, counsellors,&c. members of government, and merchants: the portions of each from a quarter of a ton upwards, the Captain having from forty to fifty tons. Exclusive of the right which the pious establishments thus enjoyed of occupying tonnage, they lent their money to the adventurers on a respondentia interest, as will be mentioned in a future note.This trade may most probably, at this period, be conducted upon a different principle, and partake of that relaxation which it has been found necessary to countenance through the whole of the Spanish settlements, in consequence of recent political events.Note V.—Page 78.It is not possible to produce a stronger proof of the inefficiency of the Spanish colonial system, than the treatment of this disinterested and honest servant of the crown exhibits.Note VI.—Page 83.The determination of this question by the Royal Audience in favour of the pious establishments, was unquestionably conformable to the admitted principle of respondentia; and the reversal of it by the council of the Indies is a sufficient proof of the unsettled state of mercantile law in Spain, on a point which seems elsewhere generally and definitively adjusted.The liability of the respondentia lenders seems to be so ill defined, that even in case of nearly total loss, their full demand is awarded them, the loss thus falling on the borrower, instead (on the received respondentia principle) of the lenders being entitled only to the proportion of what is saved; for the premium of twenty-five per cent. which they receive, may be presumed adequate to the interest and insurance on such a voyage.It ought not, under these circumstances, to create wonder that the merchant adventurers borrowing from these establishments should, with a view to their own protection, take due care that a partial shall, by one means or other, be converted into a total loss.There is one peculiarity in the principle of these loans which forms a feature in the transaction distinct from common respondentia, inasmuch as that the latter is limited to that bottom on which the adventure began, while in the former the lender follows the goods until they are sold and returned, though by some other bottom; but his liability and forbearance of his principal and premium is limited to three years. In respect to this limitation, it is even conformable to our terms of respondentia, which allow a monthly per centage in proportion to the first period of twenty months on which the premium is calculated, but which per centage can only be demanded to the extent in all of thirty-six months, including the original twenty, provided the voyage should be prolonged so much; the common interest of five per cent. only upon the aggregate amount afterwards attaching, and all marine risk ceasing.THE END.T. DAVISON, Lombard-street,Whitefriars, London.Table of ContentsANNO DOM. 1669.1ANNO DOM. 1678.3ANNO DOM. 1684.4ANNO DOM. 1690.7ANNO DOM. 1701.10ANNO DOM. 1709.12ANNO DOM. 1717.18ANNO DOM. 1721.46ANNO DOM. 1729.61ANNO DOM. 1739.74ANNO DOM. 1750.96ANNO DOM. 1754.115CHAPTER XIII.142CHAPTER XIV.162CHAPTER XV.180CHAPTER XVI.204CHAPTER XVII.230EXTRACT251OF THE PHILIPPINES.252OF THE MOLUCCAS.268NOTES TO VOLUME II.291ColophonAvailabilityThis eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of theProject Gutenberg Licenseincluded with this eBook or online atwww.gutenberg.org.This eBook is produced by the Online Distributed Proofreading Team atwww.pgdp.net.This is volume two of one of earliest histories of the Philippines in the English language, published in 1814 in London by J. Asperne, as a translation ofHistoria de las Islas Philipinaspublished near Manila at the Impreso en Sampaloc in 1803. The Spanish original is extremely rare.This book has been prepared from scans available from the Collection “The United States and its Territories” at the University of Michigan (1).Alternative scans are available from the Internet Archive (1,2,3).Volume Iof this work is also available at Project Gutenberg.Related Library of Congress catalog page:94944968.Related Open Library catalog page (for source):OL1261846M.Related Open Library catalog page (for work):OL3730780W.EncodingRevision History2011-06-09 Started.External ReferencesThis Project Gutenberg eBook contains external references. 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EXTRACTFrom Monsr.Sonnerat’sVoyage aux Indes et a la Chine.Vol. III. Chap. 10.OF THEPHILIPPINES AND MOLUCCAS.These Archipelagos have been already noticed in my Voyage to New Guinea; but I have, since that period, had occasion to make some further observations, equally new as necessary.I follow M. le Gentil in giving the position, latitude, and seasons of the principal of these islands. This judicious observer has made a particular study of the subject, and his work appears to me correct.The Philippines and Moluccas are commonly divided into two distinct Archipelagos; but, in my opinion, all these islands in reality form but one; and if they were all under one Sovereign, they would, doubtless, be comprehended under one designation.The Philippines are attached to the crown of Spain, and the Dutch possess the Moluccas. These last are more deserving of consideration, and richer than thefirst. They owe their fertility to the industry of a nation laborious, commercial, and addicted to cultivation. Every thing, on the contrary, in the Philippines, indicates the indolence of a people who direct all their efforts to religion, and whose sole object seems to be to acquire proselytes.OF THE PHILIPPINES.The Philippines extend from the 3d or 4th, to the 19th or 20th degree of north latitude. They comprehend a great number of islands, which, for the most part, are very little known. The principal, and those on which the Spaniards have establishments, are Luçon, Mindoro, Panay, and Mindanao. Next, in point of extent, are ranked Palawan, Buglas or Isle of Negroes, Zebu, Leyt or Leita, and Samar. To the east of Zebu is the little island of Mactan, where Magellan lost his life. Exclusive of these there is a multitude of small islands.Luçon lies to the north of all the others: it is likewise the largest, being not less than 450 miles in length, and about 85 at its least breadth. The Spaniards have upon this island established Manila, the capital of their settlements in the Archipelago. Its advantageous position for the commerce of China, and that of other parts of India, ought to render this city the richest in the world; but what Spaniard would occupy his time in the pursuit of transitory riches, which must be acquired by the assiduities of commercial industry, and at the expense of his national prejudices?Manila lies in 40° 30′ N. latitude. The climate is nearly the same as that of Pondicherry and Madras; the town is large and well built; the houses are handsome, and the streets in straight lines. There are several superb churches. It is fortified, and is situated upon the bank of a considerable river, which washes itswalls, and communicates through the island of Luçon in every direction. The country which surrounds it is fertile, and adapted to every species of cultivation; but in the hands of the Spaniards it lies an useless waste. They have neither availed themselves of the position of the town, or of the fertility of the surrounding soil; they allow it to exhaust itself, and bear of its own accord crops which they will not be at the trouble of getting in. Even the law, which ought to lend its aid in support of the cultivator of the soil, is at Manila inimical to his views, and the exportation of that abundance which nature holds out to man is prohibited. The treasures of the earth exceed the wants of the limited number of inhabitants in this island, and they are allowed to perish on the soil which gives them birth. The consequence is, that should it happen in any year that a variable atmosphere, hurricanes, or a wet or dry season, should substitute scarcity for abundance, the most dreadful famine would be the lot of a country which ought never to feel the effects of it.Such is the general ignorance, such their indolence, their blind and culpable confidence in Providence, that the extent of their cultivation, and the collection of their produce, is limited to their immediate wants. The most horrible misery is often the result of this perilous security, so much at variance with the benevolent views of nature. Common animal instinct teaches us to provide for the future, but the Spaniards cannot boast of even this foresight.It is computed that there are about 12,000 Christians in Manila. The population of this city was formerly much more extensive while it was resorted to by the Chinese. Many of that nation were settled there, and others were engaged in commercial intercourse; but a bigoted Governor, under the influence of a wretched policy, absolutely drove them out of the island. Commerce and the arts immediately declined, and havenever since recovered. Misery and depopulation have been the fatal consequences of this mal-administration.Vessels do not anchor abreast of Manila; the mouth of the river is interrupted by a bar, which is very dangerous in stormy weather. Small vessels, however, may enter, and their cargoes are discharged at Privateer harbour. Such vessels as are obliged to winter at Manila retire to the port of Cavite, situated in the bottom of the bay to the S. E. and three leagues distant from Manila.Cavite is provided with a fort, which is not in a state to resist the attack of an European enemy. It is constructed on a tongue of low land, which the sea threatens with submersion; its harbour is not sheltered from the north and N. N. W. winds; and it is infested with a species of worm which attacks vessels, and soon renders them unfit to keep the sea. Another great inconvenience is, that water is procured at a great distance; and for this purpose it is necessary to employ the flat-bottomed boats of the country, which are alone capable of penetrating sufficiently far up the river. Three parts of the town, little considerable in itself, are occupied, like all the Spanish possessions, by convents; the suburbs are called Fauxbourg Saint Roch. It consists of a collection of houses, built of bamboo, and covered with palm leaves; but there are in it, however, the ruins of a church which appears to have been sufficiently handsome. The Indians, who joined the English in 1762, destroyed it, and that which was formerly held in such respect is now become a shelter for cattle.The Spaniards have many religious establishments in the island of Luçon. It might be averred, that it never was their intention to plant colonies, for they have only sent monks, and appear to have had no other end in view than the propagation of the Catholic faith. The people, therefore, who have submitted to the Spanishyoke, scarcely exhibit any traits of a polished nation. Languishing in inactivity, they are without energy, and appear equally indifferent to virtue as to vice. Indolence, a dereliction of life and timidity, constitute their character, and misery is their habitual state; but there are districts to which the Spaniards have been unable to penetrate. In vain have they tried to subdue those who have retired thither; in vain applied force, severity, and punishment, to subjugate and convert them. These people have escaped from the yoke by removing themselves to defiles where the Spaniards cannot attack them: they have carried with them into the retreat they have chosen the recollection of the injuries they have suffered, and of those with which they have been threatened; they nourish, in the extremity of their asylum, an implacable hatred against the strangers, whom they consider as the oppressors of their native land; they incessantly meditate on, and prepare the means of revenge. Supported by their courage, animated by their hatred, they dare approach even the gates of the capital: their progress is marked with pillage, murder, devastation, and rape; they even live at the expense of such of their countrymen as have submitted; they carry off, they tear from them the support of a miserable existence, which these latter have neither the strength nor the courage to defend.There is, besides these, in the mountainous parts, a description of people absolutely in a savage state; they shun the face of man, they even shun each other; they are solitary wanderers; they stop when night overtakes them, and take their rest in the hollows of trees; they are strangers even to domestic life. The invincible propensities of nature are alone capable of bending their stubborn character, and impelling the men to satisfy themselves with such females as chance throws in their way, and towards whom desire is the only attraction.The inhabitants of the island of Luçon call themselvesTagals, as do likewise all the inhabitants of the Philippines—they appear to derive their origin from the Malays, and exhibit features of their character—their language, though different from that of the Malays, has its pronunciation and its sweetness. All these islands seem to be inhabited by the same people, among whom their customs alone have been subjected to change. In Manila, such has been the intercourse with the Chinese and other nations, that they have become a mixed race.The Manilians are of a swarthy complexion, large and well made; their dress is composed of a shirt of a kind of linen made of the filaments of theabaca, a species of palm; this shirt is very short, and is worn over a large and wide pair of drawers: but their greatest luxury consists in handkerchiefs, with red borders, of the finest quality; of these they usually wear three, one on the head, one on the neck, and the third is held in the hand. The English manufacture them at Madras expressly for their consumption.The women wear a kind of little shift, which scarcely reaches to the navel, with a handkerchief loosely covering the neck; a white linen cloth encircles the body, and is fastened by a button at the waist: they throw over this a coloured stuff, manufactured by the inhabitants of Panay. Over all is worn a mantle, for the most part black, which covers the body from head to foot. Their hair, which is black and highly beautiful, sometimes reaches to the ground: they bestow the greatest care on it, anoint it with cocoa-nut oil, plait it in the Chinese fashion, and, towards the crown of the head, form it into a knot, fastened with a gold or silver pin. They wear embroidered slippers, so very small that they only cover the toes.The houses of the Indians of Manila are constructed of bamboo, covered with palm leaves. They are erectedon pillars of wood, at the height of from eight to ten feet from the ground, and they ascend to them by a small ladder, which is drawn up every night. The custom of thus raising their houses to this elevation, has for its object their protection from the humidity of the soil; but that of drawing up the ladders, by which they mount to them, has in view their security against ferocious animals, and those of their neighbours who live in a savage state. Their bed is, for the most part, a simple mat, spread on the floor.Their food is rice, plain boiled, which they eat either with salted fish, or by putting into the water in which it is dressed a spice, which takes off its insipid taste.There are many lakes in the island of Luçon; the most considerable is that called by the SpaniardsLaguna de Bay. The river, which washes the walls of Manila, flows out of this lake, and thus a communication, by means of boats, is open to its surrounding shores. This lake is about 30 leagues in circumference, and about 120 fathoms in depth. In the middle of it is an island, which holds out a refuge to some Indian families. They live by fishing, and preserve their liberty by prohibiting the approach of strangers to their asylum. This lake is bounded on the west by high mountains; the level country is fertile, and is inhabited by a people of gentle manners: they employ themselves in manufacturing matting, cloth, and different fabrics, from theabaca. Perhaps the first monks who were sent to convert them were attracted there by the mildness of their character.The Spaniards, in supplying them with a religion, have left their laws unaltered; in fact, their ancient usages are retained, and they are governed by an Indian of their village, nominated, however, by the Spaniards, and whose authority they acknowledge.This people, though of a mild character, treat crimeswith severity; the greatest, in their opinion, is adultery, which is the only one punished with death.Eastward of the lake there are immense plains; large and deep rivers traverse them, and spread to a great distance a natural fertility. This country might be the residence of a numerous population, which might live happy in the cultivation of it. Only a few villages, however, are to be seen scattered here and there; miserable dwellings, inhabited by men devoid of honesty, without justice, who, in a constant state of warfare, entertain mutual fear of each other, and who, instead of laws, of the protection of which they are ignorant, place their security in their arms; these they never quit, they hold them in readiness in approaching each other, and the intercourse they have together less resembles a social act than a state of perpetual warfare. Even the rights of blood afford no security: parents, brothers, wife and husband, live in constant distrust of each other, and, consequently, in a state of reciprocal hatred. The origin of manners, so far removed from the mild character of their neighbours, may be found in the mode adopted for their subjection, and the recollection of those punishments they have been exposed to by the priests, in compelling them to adore the cross.There are many volcanos in the island of Luçon, which, it is most probable, is the cause of the frequent earthquakes to which it is subject; not a year passes without two, three, or four. The Spaniards of Manila construct their houses accordingly; the whole is of wood, and raised on wooden pillars; but to guard against such visitations they are provided with a small apartment made of bamboo, placed in the court or garden. There the whole family sleeps, when the state of the atmosphere seems to indicate an earthquake.It has been well observed by M. Gentil, that the earthquakes appear to occur more frequently at the endof the year, and most commonly in the night-time. I witnessed two in the month of December, 1770: the first was violent, and threw down many houses; it was announced at nine o’clock at night by a strong southerly wind, which considerably agitated the sea; the atmosphere became charged with a reddish vapour, and in two hours time I felt three successive shocks, which produced in me a kind of sea sickness. The vessels in the road were sensible of the motion, and thought they had struck. The Spaniards employed themselves in chaunting the rosary.From the volcanos proceed springs of warm water, which are in great abundance in the island of Luçon; to some are attributed even marvellous properties, particularly to those of Bailly, situated on the borders of the lake ofBay. The King has had an hospital and public baths constructed here.The trade of Manila might be very considerable, and this city become one of the richest and most commercial in all Asia. The Spaniards themselves might proceed to China, Cochin-china, India, Bengal, Surat, and even to the Isle of France, from whence might be drawn the commodities they stand in need of either for their own consumption, or for carrying on the commerce to Mexico; they might take with them, in exchange, the produce of the islands: but the Spaniard, naturally slothful, is more disposed to enjoy his indolence, which he denominates tranquillity, than export the productions of his country; a species of traffic necessarily accompanied with some degree of fatigue.The government has prohibited the admission of any foreign vessels into their harbours. All the French navigators, who have been desirous of establishing an intercourse, and who have touched at Manila for commercial purposes, have been always received very ungraciously; and privateers, from an ill-judged combination against them, have uniformly sustained greatlosses there on their prizes. The difficulties which have been thrown in the way of the unloading and loading of vessels, have thoroughly disgusted the merchants of the Isle of France; a commerce, nevertheless, which might be rendered equally advantageous to both nations.The only vessels admitted at Manila are those of the Chinese and Indians, on the pretence that these people may thug be made converts; these are the vessels which import into Manila the articles of absolute necessity and of luxury, and take in exchange the piastres brought by the galleon from Acapulco.The commodities which might be drawn from Manila are cordage, pitch and tar, linen cloth, rushes,rotin, indigo,rocon, achiote, and rice. The cotton is of the finest quality, and might be made an important article of exportation to China, where many cargoes of that commodity are sent from Surat, on which the gain is sometimes an hundred per cent.The sugar cane thrives well here, and yields a sugar superior to that produced at Batavia. There is likewise found here the bark of a tree, which answers as a substitute for cinnamon, but to the taste of cinnamon it adds a little tartness: its bark is thick and porous, and the tree deemed a bastard cinnamon. The Spaniards barter it with the Chinese, but they set very little value on it, as the same species is found in Hainam, in Tonquin, and in Cochin China, from whence they import it. Another production is the wild nutmeg, but having no flavour, it is on that account not merchantable. It is small, and the tree which bears it has leaves a foot long; the same species is found at Madagascar.Tobacco succeeds well here; the chiroutes of Manila are in high repute all over India for their agreeable flavour; even the ladies smoke them all day long.The cocoa of Manila is considered as superior to that of America; it is the only tree whose cultivation is attendedto in all the Philippines, because so much use is made of chocolate. It is the general beverage, and is presented as refreshment on visits: cocoa, as well as tobacco, are not indigenous in the Philippines; they were imported from New Spain.Wax might likewise be procured from Manila, the mountains swarming with bees which produce it.There is a great deal of gold found in all the rivers, a sufficient proof that there are mines of that metal; the Indians will earn fifteen pence a day by washing the sands for it.Iron is found in its native state, but mixed with some other metal, which renders it softer than ours. They work it exactly as it is found. There is likewise abundance of loadstone, and considerable quarries of marble from whence that is procured, with which the churches are decorated.The Spaniards have but a few insignificant establishments on Mindoro. All travellers have asserted that the inhabitants of this island have tails, but this idea rests on no other ground than that of theCoccixbeing a little elongated.The principal establishments of the Spaniards, in the island of Panay, are Ilo-Ilo and Antigue; there is no good anchorage on the island of Panay but in this latter place.Antigue is in 6° 42′ N. latitude; the anchorage is six fathom, at a good distance from the land. Vessels cannot take the benefit of this anchorage in November, December, and January, but with great risk, as, during that period, the south-west and west winds blow right on the coast, and render the sea tempestuous. Water for shipping is procured at a small rivulet, situated to the north; there is a much more considerable river, which serves as a ditch to the fort, and along which boats may proceed a great way; but its water is brackisheven at neap tides. The inhabitants of this island, more industrious than those of Luçon, manufacture handkerchiefs and cloths from cotton, and the fibres of a plant which the country supplies; the coarsest description is used for clothing, and with the finer they trade with the neighbouring islands.In other respects Antigue resembles the rest of the Philippines. Indulgent Nature is prodigal of her gifts, of which the inhabitants make no attempt to avail themselves, for the government uses no means of protection against the ravages and cupidity of the Moors, who incessantly harass and carry off even the fishing-boats from the bay: this is only protected by a wooden fort, garrisoned by about twenty Christian natives.This island produces a great deal of grain, but little fruit; cocoa and plantains, of a bad quality, are alone sought after by the inhabitants. There is a great number of stags, wild boars, and wild hogs; buffaloes, horned cattle, and horses, are so common, that no attention is paid either to their safety or to their propagation; the horses wander about at their pleasure; they are public property, having no particular owner: when a horse is wanted, the first that appears is seized, and he is turned loose again when he has performed the requisite service.The air of the whole island is unwholesome, from the want of cultivation, and the frequency of marshes. It is supposed to contain many very rich gold mines.The Spaniards have many factories on the coasts of Mindanao, which support a precarious existence only by a constant state of warfare with the innumerable Kings reigning in the island, not one of which will acknowledge the Spanish dominion.Sambouanga forms the chief establishment of the Spaniards on this island; it is situated on the southern coast of it. According to our observation, it lies in120° 13′ long. and 6° 54′ lat. differing considerably from the observation of Mr. Gentil, who places it in 7° 20′ lat. apparently after some bad Spanish charts.The Spaniards have constructed a considerable fort, with stone and brick, and capable of the defence of the bay. The inhabitants are placed within a palisade, abutting on one side to the fort, and on the other to a small wooden battery of 14 guns, which commands the environs of the town.Sambouanga costs the King of Spain a great deal, and makes no return. This post was established for the purpose of checking the incursions of the Moors of Jolo on the neighbouring islands; notwithstanding which these latter are not a whit less frequent in their visits to the bay of Antigue and that of Manila, carrying off not only the fishing-boats which fall in their way, but vessels richly laden. They are even daring enough to attack the inhabitants of Sambouanga; they land out of the range of the guns, and harass them close to the palisade; these unhappy beings are thus prevented from quitting their houses; they cultivate the land under the protection of cannon, of which they are compelled to avail themselves of several pieces in such fields as they are desirous of tilling.The soil is fertile, and requires little culture; it produces rice abundantly. The cattle are very numerous, and of little value. The King having turned some loose upon an immense plain which adjoins the settlement, they have multiplied to such a degree, that when I was there they were estimated at six thousand. A wooden fort, of eight guns, has been constructed in the middle of the plain to check the Moors. Upon another plain, separated from this by a chain of mountains, the Spaniards have turned horses and cattle, which have likewise increased prodigiously; both plains are bordered by a thin wood, full of stags and wild hogs. Therivers, as is the case in the island of Luçon, produce a great deal of gold.A particular species of cocoa is found at Sambouanga; the tree which produces it differs in no respect from that with which we are acquainted; its fruit has the same form, but is a little less in size; the husk is not of a fibrous consistence like that of common cocoa, the flesh of it is analogous to the artichoke; it has its flavour, and, perhaps, we assigned a greater degree of delicacy to it, because we had not the means of comparing them: if this fruit is allowed to grow old on the tree, it changes its nature, and becomes stringy; in this state its taste is tart, and the cocoa is no longer fit for eating. I carried six to the Isle of France, but they did not succeed.There is a volcano on the south side of Mindanao which burns incessantly, and serves as a landmark to vessels frequenting this navigation.The island of Jolo, or Sooloo, seems to be the point of demarkation between the Philippines and the Moluccas. The Dutch pretend that it is a dependency on the Moluccas; and the Spaniards are so much persuaded it is one of the Philippines, that they have repeatedly attempted an establishment there; and not having succeeded by mild measures, they have endeavoured to render themselves masters of it by force. Every attempt has failed: the Jolois have never been induced toacknowledgebut their own sovereign.The English have had a factory on a small island to the east of Jolo, but they have been obliged to abandon it.The French have attempted to form an establishment there. The King of the island, as a proof of his friendly intentions towards the nation, had even desired the French flag. I believe, however, there was good reason for not persevering in the attempt, as, sooner orlater, the adventurers would have been the victims of the inhabitants, who are naturally warlike and fierce, though under the government of a good prince.It was under the administration of M. Poivre, at the Isle of France, that a kind of alliance was formed between the French government and the Sultan of Jolo. M. Poivre had had some intercourse with this Prince, the most powerful of all the sovereigns in the Philippine Archipelago; and he had availed himself of it, to direct to that island the first expedition in search of the spice plants, under the command of M. de Tremigon. The Frenchmen attached to this expedition were hospitably received at Jolo. Alymudin, the Sultan, not only offered them his aid in the conquest, but a considerable territory in his dominions.Jolo is only a small island of 30 to 40 leagues in circumference: it notwithstanding merits the attention of the European powers, on account of its being so well adapted for the cultivation of spices, and generally for commerce.It produces a great many elephants; amber is found there, and there is a pearl fishery. Its harbour is a retreat for the Moors, who piratically infest these seas, distress the navigation of the Spaniards, and carry off in their incursions the colonists, of whom they make slaves; the coast is furnished with fish sufficient for the daily food of the inhabitants; here likewise are gathered the birds’ nests so highly esteemed by the Chinese.Statement of the Productions of the Philippines, transmitted to the French Minister in 1776.Gold is found every where, but more abundantly at Gapan, in the province of Pampanga. The provinces of Pangasinan and Cagayan produceLead.Copper.Iron.Sulphur.Excellent Sugar.Indigo.The Achiote, a tree, the seed of which is used for dying.Cotton, of the best quality.Oil of Cocoa, in abundance.Wood Oil, equally abundant.Oil of Louban, a species of fruit.Oil of Aonpoly, an agricultural production.Ginger.Camphor.Areka Nut, in abundance.Cocoa, in abundance; from this is made a beverage, the consumption of which is very great.La Nipe, in abundance, of which likewise a beverage is made.The Barro Oyesca, a species of the amadon, or tinder made of the large fungus which grows on trees.Pitch and Tar, in abundance.Cocoa Nuts, ditto.Pepper.Betel.The Cinnamon of Sambouanga, very good.Cowries.Tortoiseshell.Mother of Pearl and Pearls, often of a very fine quality.Deer Skins, Ox and Buffalo Hides.La Balate, both white and black, first, second, and third sorts, which forms a considerable branch of trade to China.Dried Prawns, likewise a considerable article of trade.Birds’ Nests.Wax, in abundance.Honey, in abundance.Musk, or Algalia.Deer and Ox Sinews, for the commerce with China.Fine Goimon, dried in the sun for ditto.Woods and Timber.The Cocoa Tree, which produces the St. Ignatius’ bean, or bean of Cathalonga.Red Campechy Wood, first and second sorts.Eagle Wood.Ebony.The Narra, or red veined ebony.The Tindato, entirely red.Sandal Wood, not much scented.Fir Trees, in the mountains of Pangasinan.The Molaven, not subject to decay.The Quijo,for building.The Banava,The Calantas, or Cedar.The Laguan, or red and white apple-tree.The Palo Maria, for small spars.The Mangue Chapuy, for lower masts.There is besides these an infinite variety of different kinds of woods, which we pass over in silence.Lompotes, a kind of gauze manufactured at Zebu, and which is in general use in the Philippines and in New Spain.Sail Cloth of cotton, manufactured in Ylocos.Testingues, a kind of checked dimity, much worn.The Abaca, a species of hemp, of which cordage is made.The Black Gamuty, used for the same purpose.The Banoté, or Coyar, applicable in the same way, and of which is likewise made oakum for caulking.The Tobacco is excellent.The Corn in the provinces of Ylocos and Bay excellent.Rice excellent, and in great abundance.There is likewise a trade carried on with the Chinesein the flesh of deer, oxen, buffaloes, and horses, dried in the sun (called jerk in South America), as likewise in the tallow of all these animals.OF THE MOLUCCAS.The Moluccas form a considerable archipelago, which extends in longitude from Java to New Guinea. On the coasts of Papua, and adjoining islands, are formed colonies of the inhabitants of New Guinea, and which are dependencies on the Moluccas. The Dutch have factories in all the islands of this archipelago, but at Amboyna and Banda they have forts, and considerable establishments1. In order to preserve the spice trade exclusively, they even went so far as to set fire to the adjacent islands which produced these shrubs; but such precautions are useless, for the whole of the Moluccas, with the coasts of Papua, and even all New Guinea, produce, and will continue to produce, them, while they exist. When the French were in the habit of procuring these productions, they did not go either to Banda or Amboyna in search of them, but to Guébi and Moar. Their vessels resorted to the port of Guébi, unquestionably the finest harbour in the Moluccas, and to which the Dutch were strangers, as the French found it uninhabited. They there established themselves during the time that the King of Maba and Patanie, and the Sultan of Tidor, went in search of the precious trees which furnished the spices: they took them to the Isle of France, where they succeeded remarkablywell (as we have seen in the Chapter on the Isle of France), as well as at Cayenne, to which they were transported soon afterwards.The inhabitants of the Moluccas are in general of a swarthy complexion, approaching to black, with a yellow stain: they partake much of the Malay character, and seem to derive their origin from that nation; they have their language, their manners, and, like them, with little personal strength, are nevertheless cruel and ferocious: perhaps the harshness of their manners may be traced to the wandering and solitary life they lead in the woods, to avoid becoming the slaves of the Dutch.The islands they inhabit are fertile, but they do not practise any cultivation, and live on sago, which grows wild in great quantities in this archipelago.The religion of the inhabitants of the Moluccas is a corruption of Mahometanism.The only persons who go clothed are the women and the priests; the men only cover the head with a hat, painted in different colours, made of the leaves of the latanier; the rest of the body is naked, with the exception of a bit of narrow cloth, for the sake of decency.The dress of the women consists of a long robe, without any folds, fastened in front: they wear hats of an enormous size, not less than seven or eight feet in circumference; these hats are flat on the upper surface, and loaded with ornaments of shell work and mother of pearl. On the under side, a circle of three inches in depth forms the crown, and retains it on the head. The women never go out; they are always confined to the house.The priests, like the women, are clothed in a long robe, but they are recognized by their caps, which are pointed.Both sexes wear on their arms rings of shell work,of a kind of porcelain, which they cut in this shape by rubbing on a stone.Their arms are the bow and arrow, quiver and shield; the bow is constructed of a very light, fibrous, and elastic wood, ornamented with rings made of the rotin, which likewise, when prepared for the purpose, answers for the string. The arrows are made of a light elastic reed, and the point of wood jagged and very hard; sometimes this point is formed of the longest dorsal fin bone of a large fish, and which is prickly or barbed. The quiver is made of the bark of a tree, the shield of a black wood, very hard: they are covered with sketches in relief, executed with small shell work of a very beautiful white. These shields are long, and narrower in the middle than at both ends.Their boats are of an ingenious and singular construction; they are not less than seventy to eighty feet in length; the two ends are extremely elevated, and rise even to twenty feet above the water; the rudder is nothing but a long oar, supported on a scaffold; the hull of the boat consists of planks, which are neither jointed or nailed, but simply put together, and retained by rope, made of the rotin. To the sides are fixed two horizonal wings, which serve to support it in stormy weather. Ten men, seated sideways on these wings, by means of paddles, give incredible velocity to it; the dexterity of the rowers consists in striking the water all at the same moment, and with perfect regularity. It is, doubtless, for this reason that during the time they row they excite each other by songs, or relieve their labour by the noise of a kind of tam tam, to the sound of which their movements keep time. The sails are made of several mats, of an oblong form, and are placed crossways on the masts.The Papuans who inhabit New Guinea, and the islands on its coasts, are the immediate neighbours of the inhabitants of the Moluccas, yet have neithertheir manners, or possess one trait of the character of the latter: they approach nearer, and bear a closer analogy to the natives of Guinea, on the coast of Africa, and which has been the cause of the country they inhabit acquiring the name of New Guinea. They are little known, and their coasts seldom visited. They are of a robust make, and great stature, and though of a shining black, their skin is nevertheless rough and hard; their eyes are large, the nose flattened, and the mouth excessively wide; the lips, particularly the upper, very thick; the hair crisped, and of a brilliant black. The character of these savages corresponds with their exterior; they are fond of war, and to bravery they join cruelty to their enemies.In the interior of the large island of Papua, or New Guinea, there exists a race of men calledHaraforas, who live in trees, to which they mount by means of a notched piece of wood, which they draw after them, by way of guarding against surprize.The principal commerce of the Papuans is with the Chinese, of whom they purchase their different instruments and utensils. They give in exchange ambergris, sea snails, tortoiseshell, small pearls, birds of Paradise, lories, and other birds, which they stuff with great dexterity. The women appear to be industrious; they fabricate mats and earthen pots, and handle the hatchet well.The shores of Papua are bold, and covered with cocoa trees; the mountains of the interior adorned with wood; the nutmeg and clove tree flourish there, and nature has made it one of the finest countries on thesurfaceof the globe. (Sonnini.)The Moluccas, like the Philippines, contain many volcanos, which are, probably, only different mouths of the same furnace. That of Siao is one of the most considerable; in its most active eruptions it covers all the neighbouring islands with cinders.1The English Admiral, Rainier, in 1796, took possession of the islands of Amboyna and Banda. The census made at that time of the first of these islands, and its dependencies, made the number of inhabitants 45,252, of whom 17,813 were Protestants, the rest Mahomedans, with the exception of an inconsiderable number of Chinese and Aborigines. (Sonnini.)

EXTRACT

From Monsr.Sonnerat’sVoyage aux Indes et a la Chine.Vol. III. Chap. 10.OF THEPHILIPPINES AND MOLUCCAS.These Archipelagos have been already noticed in my Voyage to New Guinea; but I have, since that period, had occasion to make some further observations, equally new as necessary.I follow M. le Gentil in giving the position, latitude, and seasons of the principal of these islands. This judicious observer has made a particular study of the subject, and his work appears to me correct.The Philippines and Moluccas are commonly divided into two distinct Archipelagos; but, in my opinion, all these islands in reality form but one; and if they were all under one Sovereign, they would, doubtless, be comprehended under one designation.The Philippines are attached to the crown of Spain, and the Dutch possess the Moluccas. These last are more deserving of consideration, and richer than thefirst. They owe their fertility to the industry of a nation laborious, commercial, and addicted to cultivation. Every thing, on the contrary, in the Philippines, indicates the indolence of a people who direct all their efforts to religion, and whose sole object seems to be to acquire proselytes.OF THE PHILIPPINES.The Philippines extend from the 3d or 4th, to the 19th or 20th degree of north latitude. They comprehend a great number of islands, which, for the most part, are very little known. The principal, and those on which the Spaniards have establishments, are Luçon, Mindoro, Panay, and Mindanao. Next, in point of extent, are ranked Palawan, Buglas or Isle of Negroes, Zebu, Leyt or Leita, and Samar. To the east of Zebu is the little island of Mactan, where Magellan lost his life. Exclusive of these there is a multitude of small islands.Luçon lies to the north of all the others: it is likewise the largest, being not less than 450 miles in length, and about 85 at its least breadth. The Spaniards have upon this island established Manila, the capital of their settlements in the Archipelago. Its advantageous position for the commerce of China, and that of other parts of India, ought to render this city the richest in the world; but what Spaniard would occupy his time in the pursuit of transitory riches, which must be acquired by the assiduities of commercial industry, and at the expense of his national prejudices?Manila lies in 40° 30′ N. latitude. The climate is nearly the same as that of Pondicherry and Madras; the town is large and well built; the houses are handsome, and the streets in straight lines. There are several superb churches. It is fortified, and is situated upon the bank of a considerable river, which washes itswalls, and communicates through the island of Luçon in every direction. The country which surrounds it is fertile, and adapted to every species of cultivation; but in the hands of the Spaniards it lies an useless waste. They have neither availed themselves of the position of the town, or of the fertility of the surrounding soil; they allow it to exhaust itself, and bear of its own accord crops which they will not be at the trouble of getting in. Even the law, which ought to lend its aid in support of the cultivator of the soil, is at Manila inimical to his views, and the exportation of that abundance which nature holds out to man is prohibited. The treasures of the earth exceed the wants of the limited number of inhabitants in this island, and they are allowed to perish on the soil which gives them birth. The consequence is, that should it happen in any year that a variable atmosphere, hurricanes, or a wet or dry season, should substitute scarcity for abundance, the most dreadful famine would be the lot of a country which ought never to feel the effects of it.Such is the general ignorance, such their indolence, their blind and culpable confidence in Providence, that the extent of their cultivation, and the collection of their produce, is limited to their immediate wants. The most horrible misery is often the result of this perilous security, so much at variance with the benevolent views of nature. Common animal instinct teaches us to provide for the future, but the Spaniards cannot boast of even this foresight.It is computed that there are about 12,000 Christians in Manila. The population of this city was formerly much more extensive while it was resorted to by the Chinese. Many of that nation were settled there, and others were engaged in commercial intercourse; but a bigoted Governor, under the influence of a wretched policy, absolutely drove them out of the island. Commerce and the arts immediately declined, and havenever since recovered. Misery and depopulation have been the fatal consequences of this mal-administration.Vessels do not anchor abreast of Manila; the mouth of the river is interrupted by a bar, which is very dangerous in stormy weather. Small vessels, however, may enter, and their cargoes are discharged at Privateer harbour. Such vessels as are obliged to winter at Manila retire to the port of Cavite, situated in the bottom of the bay to the S. E. and three leagues distant from Manila.Cavite is provided with a fort, which is not in a state to resist the attack of an European enemy. It is constructed on a tongue of low land, which the sea threatens with submersion; its harbour is not sheltered from the north and N. N. W. winds; and it is infested with a species of worm which attacks vessels, and soon renders them unfit to keep the sea. Another great inconvenience is, that water is procured at a great distance; and for this purpose it is necessary to employ the flat-bottomed boats of the country, which are alone capable of penetrating sufficiently far up the river. Three parts of the town, little considerable in itself, are occupied, like all the Spanish possessions, by convents; the suburbs are called Fauxbourg Saint Roch. It consists of a collection of houses, built of bamboo, and covered with palm leaves; but there are in it, however, the ruins of a church which appears to have been sufficiently handsome. The Indians, who joined the English in 1762, destroyed it, and that which was formerly held in such respect is now become a shelter for cattle.The Spaniards have many religious establishments in the island of Luçon. It might be averred, that it never was their intention to plant colonies, for they have only sent monks, and appear to have had no other end in view than the propagation of the Catholic faith. The people, therefore, who have submitted to the Spanishyoke, scarcely exhibit any traits of a polished nation. Languishing in inactivity, they are without energy, and appear equally indifferent to virtue as to vice. Indolence, a dereliction of life and timidity, constitute their character, and misery is their habitual state; but there are districts to which the Spaniards have been unable to penetrate. In vain have they tried to subdue those who have retired thither; in vain applied force, severity, and punishment, to subjugate and convert them. These people have escaped from the yoke by removing themselves to defiles where the Spaniards cannot attack them: they have carried with them into the retreat they have chosen the recollection of the injuries they have suffered, and of those with which they have been threatened; they nourish, in the extremity of their asylum, an implacable hatred against the strangers, whom they consider as the oppressors of their native land; they incessantly meditate on, and prepare the means of revenge. Supported by their courage, animated by their hatred, they dare approach even the gates of the capital: their progress is marked with pillage, murder, devastation, and rape; they even live at the expense of such of their countrymen as have submitted; they carry off, they tear from them the support of a miserable existence, which these latter have neither the strength nor the courage to defend.There is, besides these, in the mountainous parts, a description of people absolutely in a savage state; they shun the face of man, they even shun each other; they are solitary wanderers; they stop when night overtakes them, and take their rest in the hollows of trees; they are strangers even to domestic life. The invincible propensities of nature are alone capable of bending their stubborn character, and impelling the men to satisfy themselves with such females as chance throws in their way, and towards whom desire is the only attraction.The inhabitants of the island of Luçon call themselvesTagals, as do likewise all the inhabitants of the Philippines—they appear to derive their origin from the Malays, and exhibit features of their character—their language, though different from that of the Malays, has its pronunciation and its sweetness. All these islands seem to be inhabited by the same people, among whom their customs alone have been subjected to change. In Manila, such has been the intercourse with the Chinese and other nations, that they have become a mixed race.The Manilians are of a swarthy complexion, large and well made; their dress is composed of a shirt of a kind of linen made of the filaments of theabaca, a species of palm; this shirt is very short, and is worn over a large and wide pair of drawers: but their greatest luxury consists in handkerchiefs, with red borders, of the finest quality; of these they usually wear three, one on the head, one on the neck, and the third is held in the hand. The English manufacture them at Madras expressly for their consumption.The women wear a kind of little shift, which scarcely reaches to the navel, with a handkerchief loosely covering the neck; a white linen cloth encircles the body, and is fastened by a button at the waist: they throw over this a coloured stuff, manufactured by the inhabitants of Panay. Over all is worn a mantle, for the most part black, which covers the body from head to foot. Their hair, which is black and highly beautiful, sometimes reaches to the ground: they bestow the greatest care on it, anoint it with cocoa-nut oil, plait it in the Chinese fashion, and, towards the crown of the head, form it into a knot, fastened with a gold or silver pin. They wear embroidered slippers, so very small that they only cover the toes.The houses of the Indians of Manila are constructed of bamboo, covered with palm leaves. They are erectedon pillars of wood, at the height of from eight to ten feet from the ground, and they ascend to them by a small ladder, which is drawn up every night. The custom of thus raising their houses to this elevation, has for its object their protection from the humidity of the soil; but that of drawing up the ladders, by which they mount to them, has in view their security against ferocious animals, and those of their neighbours who live in a savage state. Their bed is, for the most part, a simple mat, spread on the floor.Their food is rice, plain boiled, which they eat either with salted fish, or by putting into the water in which it is dressed a spice, which takes off its insipid taste.There are many lakes in the island of Luçon; the most considerable is that called by the SpaniardsLaguna de Bay. The river, which washes the walls of Manila, flows out of this lake, and thus a communication, by means of boats, is open to its surrounding shores. This lake is about 30 leagues in circumference, and about 120 fathoms in depth. In the middle of it is an island, which holds out a refuge to some Indian families. They live by fishing, and preserve their liberty by prohibiting the approach of strangers to their asylum. This lake is bounded on the west by high mountains; the level country is fertile, and is inhabited by a people of gentle manners: they employ themselves in manufacturing matting, cloth, and different fabrics, from theabaca. Perhaps the first monks who were sent to convert them were attracted there by the mildness of their character.The Spaniards, in supplying them with a religion, have left their laws unaltered; in fact, their ancient usages are retained, and they are governed by an Indian of their village, nominated, however, by the Spaniards, and whose authority they acknowledge.This people, though of a mild character, treat crimeswith severity; the greatest, in their opinion, is adultery, which is the only one punished with death.Eastward of the lake there are immense plains; large and deep rivers traverse them, and spread to a great distance a natural fertility. This country might be the residence of a numerous population, which might live happy in the cultivation of it. Only a few villages, however, are to be seen scattered here and there; miserable dwellings, inhabited by men devoid of honesty, without justice, who, in a constant state of warfare, entertain mutual fear of each other, and who, instead of laws, of the protection of which they are ignorant, place their security in their arms; these they never quit, they hold them in readiness in approaching each other, and the intercourse they have together less resembles a social act than a state of perpetual warfare. Even the rights of blood afford no security: parents, brothers, wife and husband, live in constant distrust of each other, and, consequently, in a state of reciprocal hatred. The origin of manners, so far removed from the mild character of their neighbours, may be found in the mode adopted for their subjection, and the recollection of those punishments they have been exposed to by the priests, in compelling them to adore the cross.There are many volcanos in the island of Luçon, which, it is most probable, is the cause of the frequent earthquakes to which it is subject; not a year passes without two, three, or four. The Spaniards of Manila construct their houses accordingly; the whole is of wood, and raised on wooden pillars; but to guard against such visitations they are provided with a small apartment made of bamboo, placed in the court or garden. There the whole family sleeps, when the state of the atmosphere seems to indicate an earthquake.It has been well observed by M. Gentil, that the earthquakes appear to occur more frequently at the endof the year, and most commonly in the night-time. I witnessed two in the month of December, 1770: the first was violent, and threw down many houses; it was announced at nine o’clock at night by a strong southerly wind, which considerably agitated the sea; the atmosphere became charged with a reddish vapour, and in two hours time I felt three successive shocks, which produced in me a kind of sea sickness. The vessels in the road were sensible of the motion, and thought they had struck. The Spaniards employed themselves in chaunting the rosary.From the volcanos proceed springs of warm water, which are in great abundance in the island of Luçon; to some are attributed even marvellous properties, particularly to those of Bailly, situated on the borders of the lake ofBay. The King has had an hospital and public baths constructed here.The trade of Manila might be very considerable, and this city become one of the richest and most commercial in all Asia. The Spaniards themselves might proceed to China, Cochin-china, India, Bengal, Surat, and even to the Isle of France, from whence might be drawn the commodities they stand in need of either for their own consumption, or for carrying on the commerce to Mexico; they might take with them, in exchange, the produce of the islands: but the Spaniard, naturally slothful, is more disposed to enjoy his indolence, which he denominates tranquillity, than export the productions of his country; a species of traffic necessarily accompanied with some degree of fatigue.The government has prohibited the admission of any foreign vessels into their harbours. All the French navigators, who have been desirous of establishing an intercourse, and who have touched at Manila for commercial purposes, have been always received very ungraciously; and privateers, from an ill-judged combination against them, have uniformly sustained greatlosses there on their prizes. The difficulties which have been thrown in the way of the unloading and loading of vessels, have thoroughly disgusted the merchants of the Isle of France; a commerce, nevertheless, which might be rendered equally advantageous to both nations.The only vessels admitted at Manila are those of the Chinese and Indians, on the pretence that these people may thug be made converts; these are the vessels which import into Manila the articles of absolute necessity and of luxury, and take in exchange the piastres brought by the galleon from Acapulco.The commodities which might be drawn from Manila are cordage, pitch and tar, linen cloth, rushes,rotin, indigo,rocon, achiote, and rice. The cotton is of the finest quality, and might be made an important article of exportation to China, where many cargoes of that commodity are sent from Surat, on which the gain is sometimes an hundred per cent.The sugar cane thrives well here, and yields a sugar superior to that produced at Batavia. There is likewise found here the bark of a tree, which answers as a substitute for cinnamon, but to the taste of cinnamon it adds a little tartness: its bark is thick and porous, and the tree deemed a bastard cinnamon. The Spaniards barter it with the Chinese, but they set very little value on it, as the same species is found in Hainam, in Tonquin, and in Cochin China, from whence they import it. Another production is the wild nutmeg, but having no flavour, it is on that account not merchantable. It is small, and the tree which bears it has leaves a foot long; the same species is found at Madagascar.Tobacco succeeds well here; the chiroutes of Manila are in high repute all over India for their agreeable flavour; even the ladies smoke them all day long.The cocoa of Manila is considered as superior to that of America; it is the only tree whose cultivation is attendedto in all the Philippines, because so much use is made of chocolate. It is the general beverage, and is presented as refreshment on visits: cocoa, as well as tobacco, are not indigenous in the Philippines; they were imported from New Spain.Wax might likewise be procured from Manila, the mountains swarming with bees which produce it.There is a great deal of gold found in all the rivers, a sufficient proof that there are mines of that metal; the Indians will earn fifteen pence a day by washing the sands for it.Iron is found in its native state, but mixed with some other metal, which renders it softer than ours. They work it exactly as it is found. There is likewise abundance of loadstone, and considerable quarries of marble from whence that is procured, with which the churches are decorated.The Spaniards have but a few insignificant establishments on Mindoro. All travellers have asserted that the inhabitants of this island have tails, but this idea rests on no other ground than that of theCoccixbeing a little elongated.The principal establishments of the Spaniards, in the island of Panay, are Ilo-Ilo and Antigue; there is no good anchorage on the island of Panay but in this latter place.Antigue is in 6° 42′ N. latitude; the anchorage is six fathom, at a good distance from the land. Vessels cannot take the benefit of this anchorage in November, December, and January, but with great risk, as, during that period, the south-west and west winds blow right on the coast, and render the sea tempestuous. Water for shipping is procured at a small rivulet, situated to the north; there is a much more considerable river, which serves as a ditch to the fort, and along which boats may proceed a great way; but its water is brackisheven at neap tides. The inhabitants of this island, more industrious than those of Luçon, manufacture handkerchiefs and cloths from cotton, and the fibres of a plant which the country supplies; the coarsest description is used for clothing, and with the finer they trade with the neighbouring islands.In other respects Antigue resembles the rest of the Philippines. Indulgent Nature is prodigal of her gifts, of which the inhabitants make no attempt to avail themselves, for the government uses no means of protection against the ravages and cupidity of the Moors, who incessantly harass and carry off even the fishing-boats from the bay: this is only protected by a wooden fort, garrisoned by about twenty Christian natives.This island produces a great deal of grain, but little fruit; cocoa and plantains, of a bad quality, are alone sought after by the inhabitants. There is a great number of stags, wild boars, and wild hogs; buffaloes, horned cattle, and horses, are so common, that no attention is paid either to their safety or to their propagation; the horses wander about at their pleasure; they are public property, having no particular owner: when a horse is wanted, the first that appears is seized, and he is turned loose again when he has performed the requisite service.The air of the whole island is unwholesome, from the want of cultivation, and the frequency of marshes. It is supposed to contain many very rich gold mines.The Spaniards have many factories on the coasts of Mindanao, which support a precarious existence only by a constant state of warfare with the innumerable Kings reigning in the island, not one of which will acknowledge the Spanish dominion.Sambouanga forms the chief establishment of the Spaniards on this island; it is situated on the southern coast of it. According to our observation, it lies in120° 13′ long. and 6° 54′ lat. differing considerably from the observation of Mr. Gentil, who places it in 7° 20′ lat. apparently after some bad Spanish charts.The Spaniards have constructed a considerable fort, with stone and brick, and capable of the defence of the bay. The inhabitants are placed within a palisade, abutting on one side to the fort, and on the other to a small wooden battery of 14 guns, which commands the environs of the town.Sambouanga costs the King of Spain a great deal, and makes no return. This post was established for the purpose of checking the incursions of the Moors of Jolo on the neighbouring islands; notwithstanding which these latter are not a whit less frequent in their visits to the bay of Antigue and that of Manila, carrying off not only the fishing-boats which fall in their way, but vessels richly laden. They are even daring enough to attack the inhabitants of Sambouanga; they land out of the range of the guns, and harass them close to the palisade; these unhappy beings are thus prevented from quitting their houses; they cultivate the land under the protection of cannon, of which they are compelled to avail themselves of several pieces in such fields as they are desirous of tilling.The soil is fertile, and requires little culture; it produces rice abundantly. The cattle are very numerous, and of little value. The King having turned some loose upon an immense plain which adjoins the settlement, they have multiplied to such a degree, that when I was there they were estimated at six thousand. A wooden fort, of eight guns, has been constructed in the middle of the plain to check the Moors. Upon another plain, separated from this by a chain of mountains, the Spaniards have turned horses and cattle, which have likewise increased prodigiously; both plains are bordered by a thin wood, full of stags and wild hogs. Therivers, as is the case in the island of Luçon, produce a great deal of gold.A particular species of cocoa is found at Sambouanga; the tree which produces it differs in no respect from that with which we are acquainted; its fruit has the same form, but is a little less in size; the husk is not of a fibrous consistence like that of common cocoa, the flesh of it is analogous to the artichoke; it has its flavour, and, perhaps, we assigned a greater degree of delicacy to it, because we had not the means of comparing them: if this fruit is allowed to grow old on the tree, it changes its nature, and becomes stringy; in this state its taste is tart, and the cocoa is no longer fit for eating. I carried six to the Isle of France, but they did not succeed.There is a volcano on the south side of Mindanao which burns incessantly, and serves as a landmark to vessels frequenting this navigation.The island of Jolo, or Sooloo, seems to be the point of demarkation between the Philippines and the Moluccas. The Dutch pretend that it is a dependency on the Moluccas; and the Spaniards are so much persuaded it is one of the Philippines, that they have repeatedly attempted an establishment there; and not having succeeded by mild measures, they have endeavoured to render themselves masters of it by force. Every attempt has failed: the Jolois have never been induced toacknowledgebut their own sovereign.The English have had a factory on a small island to the east of Jolo, but they have been obliged to abandon it.The French have attempted to form an establishment there. The King of the island, as a proof of his friendly intentions towards the nation, had even desired the French flag. I believe, however, there was good reason for not persevering in the attempt, as, sooner orlater, the adventurers would have been the victims of the inhabitants, who are naturally warlike and fierce, though under the government of a good prince.It was under the administration of M. Poivre, at the Isle of France, that a kind of alliance was formed between the French government and the Sultan of Jolo. M. Poivre had had some intercourse with this Prince, the most powerful of all the sovereigns in the Philippine Archipelago; and he had availed himself of it, to direct to that island the first expedition in search of the spice plants, under the command of M. de Tremigon. The Frenchmen attached to this expedition were hospitably received at Jolo. Alymudin, the Sultan, not only offered them his aid in the conquest, but a considerable territory in his dominions.Jolo is only a small island of 30 to 40 leagues in circumference: it notwithstanding merits the attention of the European powers, on account of its being so well adapted for the cultivation of spices, and generally for commerce.It produces a great many elephants; amber is found there, and there is a pearl fishery. Its harbour is a retreat for the Moors, who piratically infest these seas, distress the navigation of the Spaniards, and carry off in their incursions the colonists, of whom they make slaves; the coast is furnished with fish sufficient for the daily food of the inhabitants; here likewise are gathered the birds’ nests so highly esteemed by the Chinese.Statement of the Productions of the Philippines, transmitted to the French Minister in 1776.Gold is found every where, but more abundantly at Gapan, in the province of Pampanga. The provinces of Pangasinan and Cagayan produceLead.Copper.Iron.Sulphur.Excellent Sugar.Indigo.The Achiote, a tree, the seed of which is used for dying.Cotton, of the best quality.Oil of Cocoa, in abundance.Wood Oil, equally abundant.Oil of Louban, a species of fruit.Oil of Aonpoly, an agricultural production.Ginger.Camphor.Areka Nut, in abundance.Cocoa, in abundance; from this is made a beverage, the consumption of which is very great.La Nipe, in abundance, of which likewise a beverage is made.The Barro Oyesca, a species of the amadon, or tinder made of the large fungus which grows on trees.Pitch and Tar, in abundance.Cocoa Nuts, ditto.Pepper.Betel.The Cinnamon of Sambouanga, very good.Cowries.Tortoiseshell.Mother of Pearl and Pearls, often of a very fine quality.Deer Skins, Ox and Buffalo Hides.La Balate, both white and black, first, second, and third sorts, which forms a considerable branch of trade to China.Dried Prawns, likewise a considerable article of trade.Birds’ Nests.Wax, in abundance.Honey, in abundance.Musk, or Algalia.Deer and Ox Sinews, for the commerce with China.Fine Goimon, dried in the sun for ditto.Woods and Timber.The Cocoa Tree, which produces the St. Ignatius’ bean, or bean of Cathalonga.Red Campechy Wood, first and second sorts.Eagle Wood.Ebony.The Narra, or red veined ebony.The Tindato, entirely red.Sandal Wood, not much scented.Fir Trees, in the mountains of Pangasinan.The Molaven, not subject to decay.The Quijo,for building.The Banava,The Calantas, or Cedar.The Laguan, or red and white apple-tree.The Palo Maria, for small spars.The Mangue Chapuy, for lower masts.There is besides these an infinite variety of different kinds of woods, which we pass over in silence.Lompotes, a kind of gauze manufactured at Zebu, and which is in general use in the Philippines and in New Spain.Sail Cloth of cotton, manufactured in Ylocos.Testingues, a kind of checked dimity, much worn.The Abaca, a species of hemp, of which cordage is made.The Black Gamuty, used for the same purpose.The Banoté, or Coyar, applicable in the same way, and of which is likewise made oakum for caulking.The Tobacco is excellent.The Corn in the provinces of Ylocos and Bay excellent.Rice excellent, and in great abundance.There is likewise a trade carried on with the Chinesein the flesh of deer, oxen, buffaloes, and horses, dried in the sun (called jerk in South America), as likewise in the tallow of all these animals.OF THE MOLUCCAS.The Moluccas form a considerable archipelago, which extends in longitude from Java to New Guinea. On the coasts of Papua, and adjoining islands, are formed colonies of the inhabitants of New Guinea, and which are dependencies on the Moluccas. The Dutch have factories in all the islands of this archipelago, but at Amboyna and Banda they have forts, and considerable establishments1. In order to preserve the spice trade exclusively, they even went so far as to set fire to the adjacent islands which produced these shrubs; but such precautions are useless, for the whole of the Moluccas, with the coasts of Papua, and even all New Guinea, produce, and will continue to produce, them, while they exist. When the French were in the habit of procuring these productions, they did not go either to Banda or Amboyna in search of them, but to Guébi and Moar. Their vessels resorted to the port of Guébi, unquestionably the finest harbour in the Moluccas, and to which the Dutch were strangers, as the French found it uninhabited. They there established themselves during the time that the King of Maba and Patanie, and the Sultan of Tidor, went in search of the precious trees which furnished the spices: they took them to the Isle of France, where they succeeded remarkablywell (as we have seen in the Chapter on the Isle of France), as well as at Cayenne, to which they were transported soon afterwards.The inhabitants of the Moluccas are in general of a swarthy complexion, approaching to black, with a yellow stain: they partake much of the Malay character, and seem to derive their origin from that nation; they have their language, their manners, and, like them, with little personal strength, are nevertheless cruel and ferocious: perhaps the harshness of their manners may be traced to the wandering and solitary life they lead in the woods, to avoid becoming the slaves of the Dutch.The islands they inhabit are fertile, but they do not practise any cultivation, and live on sago, which grows wild in great quantities in this archipelago.The religion of the inhabitants of the Moluccas is a corruption of Mahometanism.The only persons who go clothed are the women and the priests; the men only cover the head with a hat, painted in different colours, made of the leaves of the latanier; the rest of the body is naked, with the exception of a bit of narrow cloth, for the sake of decency.The dress of the women consists of a long robe, without any folds, fastened in front: they wear hats of an enormous size, not less than seven or eight feet in circumference; these hats are flat on the upper surface, and loaded with ornaments of shell work and mother of pearl. On the under side, a circle of three inches in depth forms the crown, and retains it on the head. The women never go out; they are always confined to the house.The priests, like the women, are clothed in a long robe, but they are recognized by their caps, which are pointed.Both sexes wear on their arms rings of shell work,of a kind of porcelain, which they cut in this shape by rubbing on a stone.Their arms are the bow and arrow, quiver and shield; the bow is constructed of a very light, fibrous, and elastic wood, ornamented with rings made of the rotin, which likewise, when prepared for the purpose, answers for the string. The arrows are made of a light elastic reed, and the point of wood jagged and very hard; sometimes this point is formed of the longest dorsal fin bone of a large fish, and which is prickly or barbed. The quiver is made of the bark of a tree, the shield of a black wood, very hard: they are covered with sketches in relief, executed with small shell work of a very beautiful white. These shields are long, and narrower in the middle than at both ends.Their boats are of an ingenious and singular construction; they are not less than seventy to eighty feet in length; the two ends are extremely elevated, and rise even to twenty feet above the water; the rudder is nothing but a long oar, supported on a scaffold; the hull of the boat consists of planks, which are neither jointed or nailed, but simply put together, and retained by rope, made of the rotin. To the sides are fixed two horizonal wings, which serve to support it in stormy weather. Ten men, seated sideways on these wings, by means of paddles, give incredible velocity to it; the dexterity of the rowers consists in striking the water all at the same moment, and with perfect regularity. It is, doubtless, for this reason that during the time they row they excite each other by songs, or relieve their labour by the noise of a kind of tam tam, to the sound of which their movements keep time. The sails are made of several mats, of an oblong form, and are placed crossways on the masts.The Papuans who inhabit New Guinea, and the islands on its coasts, are the immediate neighbours of the inhabitants of the Moluccas, yet have neithertheir manners, or possess one trait of the character of the latter: they approach nearer, and bear a closer analogy to the natives of Guinea, on the coast of Africa, and which has been the cause of the country they inhabit acquiring the name of New Guinea. They are little known, and their coasts seldom visited. They are of a robust make, and great stature, and though of a shining black, their skin is nevertheless rough and hard; their eyes are large, the nose flattened, and the mouth excessively wide; the lips, particularly the upper, very thick; the hair crisped, and of a brilliant black. The character of these savages corresponds with their exterior; they are fond of war, and to bravery they join cruelty to their enemies.In the interior of the large island of Papua, or New Guinea, there exists a race of men calledHaraforas, who live in trees, to which they mount by means of a notched piece of wood, which they draw after them, by way of guarding against surprize.The principal commerce of the Papuans is with the Chinese, of whom they purchase their different instruments and utensils. They give in exchange ambergris, sea snails, tortoiseshell, small pearls, birds of Paradise, lories, and other birds, which they stuff with great dexterity. The women appear to be industrious; they fabricate mats and earthen pots, and handle the hatchet well.The shores of Papua are bold, and covered with cocoa trees; the mountains of the interior adorned with wood; the nutmeg and clove tree flourish there, and nature has made it one of the finest countries on thesurfaceof the globe. (Sonnini.)The Moluccas, like the Philippines, contain many volcanos, which are, probably, only different mouths of the same furnace. That of Siao is one of the most considerable; in its most active eruptions it covers all the neighbouring islands with cinders.

From Monsr.Sonnerat’sVoyage aux Indes et a la Chine.

Vol. III. Chap. 10.

OF THE

PHILIPPINES AND MOLUCCAS.

These Archipelagos have been already noticed in my Voyage to New Guinea; but I have, since that period, had occasion to make some further observations, equally new as necessary.

I follow M. le Gentil in giving the position, latitude, and seasons of the principal of these islands. This judicious observer has made a particular study of the subject, and his work appears to me correct.

The Philippines and Moluccas are commonly divided into two distinct Archipelagos; but, in my opinion, all these islands in reality form but one; and if they were all under one Sovereign, they would, doubtless, be comprehended under one designation.

The Philippines are attached to the crown of Spain, and the Dutch possess the Moluccas. These last are more deserving of consideration, and richer than thefirst. They owe their fertility to the industry of a nation laborious, commercial, and addicted to cultivation. Every thing, on the contrary, in the Philippines, indicates the indolence of a people who direct all their efforts to religion, and whose sole object seems to be to acquire proselytes.

OF THE PHILIPPINES.The Philippines extend from the 3d or 4th, to the 19th or 20th degree of north latitude. They comprehend a great number of islands, which, for the most part, are very little known. The principal, and those on which the Spaniards have establishments, are Luçon, Mindoro, Panay, and Mindanao. Next, in point of extent, are ranked Palawan, Buglas or Isle of Negroes, Zebu, Leyt or Leita, and Samar. To the east of Zebu is the little island of Mactan, where Magellan lost his life. Exclusive of these there is a multitude of small islands.Luçon lies to the north of all the others: it is likewise the largest, being not less than 450 miles in length, and about 85 at its least breadth. The Spaniards have upon this island established Manila, the capital of their settlements in the Archipelago. Its advantageous position for the commerce of China, and that of other parts of India, ought to render this city the richest in the world; but what Spaniard would occupy his time in the pursuit of transitory riches, which must be acquired by the assiduities of commercial industry, and at the expense of his national prejudices?Manila lies in 40° 30′ N. latitude. The climate is nearly the same as that of Pondicherry and Madras; the town is large and well built; the houses are handsome, and the streets in straight lines. There are several superb churches. It is fortified, and is situated upon the bank of a considerable river, which washes itswalls, and communicates through the island of Luçon in every direction. The country which surrounds it is fertile, and adapted to every species of cultivation; but in the hands of the Spaniards it lies an useless waste. They have neither availed themselves of the position of the town, or of the fertility of the surrounding soil; they allow it to exhaust itself, and bear of its own accord crops which they will not be at the trouble of getting in. Even the law, which ought to lend its aid in support of the cultivator of the soil, is at Manila inimical to his views, and the exportation of that abundance which nature holds out to man is prohibited. The treasures of the earth exceed the wants of the limited number of inhabitants in this island, and they are allowed to perish on the soil which gives them birth. The consequence is, that should it happen in any year that a variable atmosphere, hurricanes, or a wet or dry season, should substitute scarcity for abundance, the most dreadful famine would be the lot of a country which ought never to feel the effects of it.Such is the general ignorance, such their indolence, their blind and culpable confidence in Providence, that the extent of their cultivation, and the collection of their produce, is limited to their immediate wants. The most horrible misery is often the result of this perilous security, so much at variance with the benevolent views of nature. Common animal instinct teaches us to provide for the future, but the Spaniards cannot boast of even this foresight.It is computed that there are about 12,000 Christians in Manila. The population of this city was formerly much more extensive while it was resorted to by the Chinese. Many of that nation were settled there, and others were engaged in commercial intercourse; but a bigoted Governor, under the influence of a wretched policy, absolutely drove them out of the island. Commerce and the arts immediately declined, and havenever since recovered. Misery and depopulation have been the fatal consequences of this mal-administration.Vessels do not anchor abreast of Manila; the mouth of the river is interrupted by a bar, which is very dangerous in stormy weather. Small vessels, however, may enter, and their cargoes are discharged at Privateer harbour. Such vessels as are obliged to winter at Manila retire to the port of Cavite, situated in the bottom of the bay to the S. E. and three leagues distant from Manila.Cavite is provided with a fort, which is not in a state to resist the attack of an European enemy. It is constructed on a tongue of low land, which the sea threatens with submersion; its harbour is not sheltered from the north and N. N. W. winds; and it is infested with a species of worm which attacks vessels, and soon renders them unfit to keep the sea. Another great inconvenience is, that water is procured at a great distance; and for this purpose it is necessary to employ the flat-bottomed boats of the country, which are alone capable of penetrating sufficiently far up the river. Three parts of the town, little considerable in itself, are occupied, like all the Spanish possessions, by convents; the suburbs are called Fauxbourg Saint Roch. It consists of a collection of houses, built of bamboo, and covered with palm leaves; but there are in it, however, the ruins of a church which appears to have been sufficiently handsome. The Indians, who joined the English in 1762, destroyed it, and that which was formerly held in such respect is now become a shelter for cattle.The Spaniards have many religious establishments in the island of Luçon. It might be averred, that it never was their intention to plant colonies, for they have only sent monks, and appear to have had no other end in view than the propagation of the Catholic faith. The people, therefore, who have submitted to the Spanishyoke, scarcely exhibit any traits of a polished nation. Languishing in inactivity, they are without energy, and appear equally indifferent to virtue as to vice. Indolence, a dereliction of life and timidity, constitute their character, and misery is their habitual state; but there are districts to which the Spaniards have been unable to penetrate. In vain have they tried to subdue those who have retired thither; in vain applied force, severity, and punishment, to subjugate and convert them. These people have escaped from the yoke by removing themselves to defiles where the Spaniards cannot attack them: they have carried with them into the retreat they have chosen the recollection of the injuries they have suffered, and of those with which they have been threatened; they nourish, in the extremity of their asylum, an implacable hatred against the strangers, whom they consider as the oppressors of their native land; they incessantly meditate on, and prepare the means of revenge. Supported by their courage, animated by their hatred, they dare approach even the gates of the capital: their progress is marked with pillage, murder, devastation, and rape; they even live at the expense of such of their countrymen as have submitted; they carry off, they tear from them the support of a miserable existence, which these latter have neither the strength nor the courage to defend.There is, besides these, in the mountainous parts, a description of people absolutely in a savage state; they shun the face of man, they even shun each other; they are solitary wanderers; they stop when night overtakes them, and take their rest in the hollows of trees; they are strangers even to domestic life. The invincible propensities of nature are alone capable of bending their stubborn character, and impelling the men to satisfy themselves with such females as chance throws in their way, and towards whom desire is the only attraction.The inhabitants of the island of Luçon call themselvesTagals, as do likewise all the inhabitants of the Philippines—they appear to derive their origin from the Malays, and exhibit features of their character—their language, though different from that of the Malays, has its pronunciation and its sweetness. All these islands seem to be inhabited by the same people, among whom their customs alone have been subjected to change. In Manila, such has been the intercourse with the Chinese and other nations, that they have become a mixed race.The Manilians are of a swarthy complexion, large and well made; their dress is composed of a shirt of a kind of linen made of the filaments of theabaca, a species of palm; this shirt is very short, and is worn over a large and wide pair of drawers: but their greatest luxury consists in handkerchiefs, with red borders, of the finest quality; of these they usually wear three, one on the head, one on the neck, and the third is held in the hand. The English manufacture them at Madras expressly for their consumption.The women wear a kind of little shift, which scarcely reaches to the navel, with a handkerchief loosely covering the neck; a white linen cloth encircles the body, and is fastened by a button at the waist: they throw over this a coloured stuff, manufactured by the inhabitants of Panay. Over all is worn a mantle, for the most part black, which covers the body from head to foot. Their hair, which is black and highly beautiful, sometimes reaches to the ground: they bestow the greatest care on it, anoint it with cocoa-nut oil, plait it in the Chinese fashion, and, towards the crown of the head, form it into a knot, fastened with a gold or silver pin. They wear embroidered slippers, so very small that they only cover the toes.The houses of the Indians of Manila are constructed of bamboo, covered with palm leaves. They are erectedon pillars of wood, at the height of from eight to ten feet from the ground, and they ascend to them by a small ladder, which is drawn up every night. The custom of thus raising their houses to this elevation, has for its object their protection from the humidity of the soil; but that of drawing up the ladders, by which they mount to them, has in view their security against ferocious animals, and those of their neighbours who live in a savage state. Their bed is, for the most part, a simple mat, spread on the floor.Their food is rice, plain boiled, which they eat either with salted fish, or by putting into the water in which it is dressed a spice, which takes off its insipid taste.There are many lakes in the island of Luçon; the most considerable is that called by the SpaniardsLaguna de Bay. The river, which washes the walls of Manila, flows out of this lake, and thus a communication, by means of boats, is open to its surrounding shores. This lake is about 30 leagues in circumference, and about 120 fathoms in depth. In the middle of it is an island, which holds out a refuge to some Indian families. They live by fishing, and preserve their liberty by prohibiting the approach of strangers to their asylum. This lake is bounded on the west by high mountains; the level country is fertile, and is inhabited by a people of gentle manners: they employ themselves in manufacturing matting, cloth, and different fabrics, from theabaca. Perhaps the first monks who were sent to convert them were attracted there by the mildness of their character.The Spaniards, in supplying them with a religion, have left their laws unaltered; in fact, their ancient usages are retained, and they are governed by an Indian of their village, nominated, however, by the Spaniards, and whose authority they acknowledge.This people, though of a mild character, treat crimeswith severity; the greatest, in their opinion, is adultery, which is the only one punished with death.Eastward of the lake there are immense plains; large and deep rivers traverse them, and spread to a great distance a natural fertility. This country might be the residence of a numerous population, which might live happy in the cultivation of it. Only a few villages, however, are to be seen scattered here and there; miserable dwellings, inhabited by men devoid of honesty, without justice, who, in a constant state of warfare, entertain mutual fear of each other, and who, instead of laws, of the protection of which they are ignorant, place their security in their arms; these they never quit, they hold them in readiness in approaching each other, and the intercourse they have together less resembles a social act than a state of perpetual warfare. Even the rights of blood afford no security: parents, brothers, wife and husband, live in constant distrust of each other, and, consequently, in a state of reciprocal hatred. The origin of manners, so far removed from the mild character of their neighbours, may be found in the mode adopted for their subjection, and the recollection of those punishments they have been exposed to by the priests, in compelling them to adore the cross.There are many volcanos in the island of Luçon, which, it is most probable, is the cause of the frequent earthquakes to which it is subject; not a year passes without two, three, or four. The Spaniards of Manila construct their houses accordingly; the whole is of wood, and raised on wooden pillars; but to guard against such visitations they are provided with a small apartment made of bamboo, placed in the court or garden. There the whole family sleeps, when the state of the atmosphere seems to indicate an earthquake.It has been well observed by M. Gentil, that the earthquakes appear to occur more frequently at the endof the year, and most commonly in the night-time. I witnessed two in the month of December, 1770: the first was violent, and threw down many houses; it was announced at nine o’clock at night by a strong southerly wind, which considerably agitated the sea; the atmosphere became charged with a reddish vapour, and in two hours time I felt three successive shocks, which produced in me a kind of sea sickness. The vessels in the road were sensible of the motion, and thought they had struck. The Spaniards employed themselves in chaunting the rosary.From the volcanos proceed springs of warm water, which are in great abundance in the island of Luçon; to some are attributed even marvellous properties, particularly to those of Bailly, situated on the borders of the lake ofBay. The King has had an hospital and public baths constructed here.The trade of Manila might be very considerable, and this city become one of the richest and most commercial in all Asia. The Spaniards themselves might proceed to China, Cochin-china, India, Bengal, Surat, and even to the Isle of France, from whence might be drawn the commodities they stand in need of either for their own consumption, or for carrying on the commerce to Mexico; they might take with them, in exchange, the produce of the islands: but the Spaniard, naturally slothful, is more disposed to enjoy his indolence, which he denominates tranquillity, than export the productions of his country; a species of traffic necessarily accompanied with some degree of fatigue.The government has prohibited the admission of any foreign vessels into their harbours. All the French navigators, who have been desirous of establishing an intercourse, and who have touched at Manila for commercial purposes, have been always received very ungraciously; and privateers, from an ill-judged combination against them, have uniformly sustained greatlosses there on their prizes. The difficulties which have been thrown in the way of the unloading and loading of vessels, have thoroughly disgusted the merchants of the Isle of France; a commerce, nevertheless, which might be rendered equally advantageous to both nations.The only vessels admitted at Manila are those of the Chinese and Indians, on the pretence that these people may thug be made converts; these are the vessels which import into Manila the articles of absolute necessity and of luxury, and take in exchange the piastres brought by the galleon from Acapulco.The commodities which might be drawn from Manila are cordage, pitch and tar, linen cloth, rushes,rotin, indigo,rocon, achiote, and rice. The cotton is of the finest quality, and might be made an important article of exportation to China, where many cargoes of that commodity are sent from Surat, on which the gain is sometimes an hundred per cent.The sugar cane thrives well here, and yields a sugar superior to that produced at Batavia. There is likewise found here the bark of a tree, which answers as a substitute for cinnamon, but to the taste of cinnamon it adds a little tartness: its bark is thick and porous, and the tree deemed a bastard cinnamon. The Spaniards barter it with the Chinese, but they set very little value on it, as the same species is found in Hainam, in Tonquin, and in Cochin China, from whence they import it. Another production is the wild nutmeg, but having no flavour, it is on that account not merchantable. It is small, and the tree which bears it has leaves a foot long; the same species is found at Madagascar.Tobacco succeeds well here; the chiroutes of Manila are in high repute all over India for their agreeable flavour; even the ladies smoke them all day long.The cocoa of Manila is considered as superior to that of America; it is the only tree whose cultivation is attendedto in all the Philippines, because so much use is made of chocolate. It is the general beverage, and is presented as refreshment on visits: cocoa, as well as tobacco, are not indigenous in the Philippines; they were imported from New Spain.Wax might likewise be procured from Manila, the mountains swarming with bees which produce it.There is a great deal of gold found in all the rivers, a sufficient proof that there are mines of that metal; the Indians will earn fifteen pence a day by washing the sands for it.Iron is found in its native state, but mixed with some other metal, which renders it softer than ours. They work it exactly as it is found. There is likewise abundance of loadstone, and considerable quarries of marble from whence that is procured, with which the churches are decorated.The Spaniards have but a few insignificant establishments on Mindoro. All travellers have asserted that the inhabitants of this island have tails, but this idea rests on no other ground than that of theCoccixbeing a little elongated.The principal establishments of the Spaniards, in the island of Panay, are Ilo-Ilo and Antigue; there is no good anchorage on the island of Panay but in this latter place.Antigue is in 6° 42′ N. latitude; the anchorage is six fathom, at a good distance from the land. Vessels cannot take the benefit of this anchorage in November, December, and January, but with great risk, as, during that period, the south-west and west winds blow right on the coast, and render the sea tempestuous. Water for shipping is procured at a small rivulet, situated to the north; there is a much more considerable river, which serves as a ditch to the fort, and along which boats may proceed a great way; but its water is brackisheven at neap tides. The inhabitants of this island, more industrious than those of Luçon, manufacture handkerchiefs and cloths from cotton, and the fibres of a plant which the country supplies; the coarsest description is used for clothing, and with the finer they trade with the neighbouring islands.In other respects Antigue resembles the rest of the Philippines. Indulgent Nature is prodigal of her gifts, of which the inhabitants make no attempt to avail themselves, for the government uses no means of protection against the ravages and cupidity of the Moors, who incessantly harass and carry off even the fishing-boats from the bay: this is only protected by a wooden fort, garrisoned by about twenty Christian natives.This island produces a great deal of grain, but little fruit; cocoa and plantains, of a bad quality, are alone sought after by the inhabitants. There is a great number of stags, wild boars, and wild hogs; buffaloes, horned cattle, and horses, are so common, that no attention is paid either to their safety or to their propagation; the horses wander about at their pleasure; they are public property, having no particular owner: when a horse is wanted, the first that appears is seized, and he is turned loose again when he has performed the requisite service.The air of the whole island is unwholesome, from the want of cultivation, and the frequency of marshes. It is supposed to contain many very rich gold mines.The Spaniards have many factories on the coasts of Mindanao, which support a precarious existence only by a constant state of warfare with the innumerable Kings reigning in the island, not one of which will acknowledge the Spanish dominion.Sambouanga forms the chief establishment of the Spaniards on this island; it is situated on the southern coast of it. According to our observation, it lies in120° 13′ long. and 6° 54′ lat. differing considerably from the observation of Mr. Gentil, who places it in 7° 20′ lat. apparently after some bad Spanish charts.The Spaniards have constructed a considerable fort, with stone and brick, and capable of the defence of the bay. The inhabitants are placed within a palisade, abutting on one side to the fort, and on the other to a small wooden battery of 14 guns, which commands the environs of the town.Sambouanga costs the King of Spain a great deal, and makes no return. This post was established for the purpose of checking the incursions of the Moors of Jolo on the neighbouring islands; notwithstanding which these latter are not a whit less frequent in their visits to the bay of Antigue and that of Manila, carrying off not only the fishing-boats which fall in their way, but vessels richly laden. They are even daring enough to attack the inhabitants of Sambouanga; they land out of the range of the guns, and harass them close to the palisade; these unhappy beings are thus prevented from quitting their houses; they cultivate the land under the protection of cannon, of which they are compelled to avail themselves of several pieces in such fields as they are desirous of tilling.The soil is fertile, and requires little culture; it produces rice abundantly. The cattle are very numerous, and of little value. The King having turned some loose upon an immense plain which adjoins the settlement, they have multiplied to such a degree, that when I was there they were estimated at six thousand. A wooden fort, of eight guns, has been constructed in the middle of the plain to check the Moors. Upon another plain, separated from this by a chain of mountains, the Spaniards have turned horses and cattle, which have likewise increased prodigiously; both plains are bordered by a thin wood, full of stags and wild hogs. Therivers, as is the case in the island of Luçon, produce a great deal of gold.A particular species of cocoa is found at Sambouanga; the tree which produces it differs in no respect from that with which we are acquainted; its fruit has the same form, but is a little less in size; the husk is not of a fibrous consistence like that of common cocoa, the flesh of it is analogous to the artichoke; it has its flavour, and, perhaps, we assigned a greater degree of delicacy to it, because we had not the means of comparing them: if this fruit is allowed to grow old on the tree, it changes its nature, and becomes stringy; in this state its taste is tart, and the cocoa is no longer fit for eating. I carried six to the Isle of France, but they did not succeed.There is a volcano on the south side of Mindanao which burns incessantly, and serves as a landmark to vessels frequenting this navigation.The island of Jolo, or Sooloo, seems to be the point of demarkation between the Philippines and the Moluccas. The Dutch pretend that it is a dependency on the Moluccas; and the Spaniards are so much persuaded it is one of the Philippines, that they have repeatedly attempted an establishment there; and not having succeeded by mild measures, they have endeavoured to render themselves masters of it by force. Every attempt has failed: the Jolois have never been induced toacknowledgebut their own sovereign.The English have had a factory on a small island to the east of Jolo, but they have been obliged to abandon it.The French have attempted to form an establishment there. The King of the island, as a proof of his friendly intentions towards the nation, had even desired the French flag. I believe, however, there was good reason for not persevering in the attempt, as, sooner orlater, the adventurers would have been the victims of the inhabitants, who are naturally warlike and fierce, though under the government of a good prince.It was under the administration of M. Poivre, at the Isle of France, that a kind of alliance was formed between the French government and the Sultan of Jolo. M. Poivre had had some intercourse with this Prince, the most powerful of all the sovereigns in the Philippine Archipelago; and he had availed himself of it, to direct to that island the first expedition in search of the spice plants, under the command of M. de Tremigon. The Frenchmen attached to this expedition were hospitably received at Jolo. Alymudin, the Sultan, not only offered them his aid in the conquest, but a considerable territory in his dominions.Jolo is only a small island of 30 to 40 leagues in circumference: it notwithstanding merits the attention of the European powers, on account of its being so well adapted for the cultivation of spices, and generally for commerce.It produces a great many elephants; amber is found there, and there is a pearl fishery. Its harbour is a retreat for the Moors, who piratically infest these seas, distress the navigation of the Spaniards, and carry off in their incursions the colonists, of whom they make slaves; the coast is furnished with fish sufficient for the daily food of the inhabitants; here likewise are gathered the birds’ nests so highly esteemed by the Chinese.Statement of the Productions of the Philippines, transmitted to the French Minister in 1776.Gold is found every where, but more abundantly at Gapan, in the province of Pampanga. The provinces of Pangasinan and Cagayan produceLead.Copper.Iron.Sulphur.Excellent Sugar.Indigo.The Achiote, a tree, the seed of which is used for dying.Cotton, of the best quality.Oil of Cocoa, in abundance.Wood Oil, equally abundant.Oil of Louban, a species of fruit.Oil of Aonpoly, an agricultural production.Ginger.Camphor.Areka Nut, in abundance.Cocoa, in abundance; from this is made a beverage, the consumption of which is very great.La Nipe, in abundance, of which likewise a beverage is made.The Barro Oyesca, a species of the amadon, or tinder made of the large fungus which grows on trees.Pitch and Tar, in abundance.Cocoa Nuts, ditto.Pepper.Betel.The Cinnamon of Sambouanga, very good.Cowries.Tortoiseshell.Mother of Pearl and Pearls, often of a very fine quality.Deer Skins, Ox and Buffalo Hides.La Balate, both white and black, first, second, and third sorts, which forms a considerable branch of trade to China.Dried Prawns, likewise a considerable article of trade.Birds’ Nests.Wax, in abundance.Honey, in abundance.Musk, or Algalia.Deer and Ox Sinews, for the commerce with China.Fine Goimon, dried in the sun for ditto.Woods and Timber.The Cocoa Tree, which produces the St. Ignatius’ bean, or bean of Cathalonga.Red Campechy Wood, first and second sorts.Eagle Wood.Ebony.The Narra, or red veined ebony.The Tindato, entirely red.Sandal Wood, not much scented.Fir Trees, in the mountains of Pangasinan.The Molaven, not subject to decay.The Quijo,for building.The Banava,The Calantas, or Cedar.The Laguan, or red and white apple-tree.The Palo Maria, for small spars.The Mangue Chapuy, for lower masts.There is besides these an infinite variety of different kinds of woods, which we pass over in silence.Lompotes, a kind of gauze manufactured at Zebu, and which is in general use in the Philippines and in New Spain.Sail Cloth of cotton, manufactured in Ylocos.Testingues, a kind of checked dimity, much worn.The Abaca, a species of hemp, of which cordage is made.The Black Gamuty, used for the same purpose.The Banoté, or Coyar, applicable in the same way, and of which is likewise made oakum for caulking.The Tobacco is excellent.The Corn in the provinces of Ylocos and Bay excellent.Rice excellent, and in great abundance.There is likewise a trade carried on with the Chinesein the flesh of deer, oxen, buffaloes, and horses, dried in the sun (called jerk in South America), as likewise in the tallow of all these animals.

OF THE PHILIPPINES.

The Philippines extend from the 3d or 4th, to the 19th or 20th degree of north latitude. They comprehend a great number of islands, which, for the most part, are very little known. The principal, and those on which the Spaniards have establishments, are Luçon, Mindoro, Panay, and Mindanao. Next, in point of extent, are ranked Palawan, Buglas or Isle of Negroes, Zebu, Leyt or Leita, and Samar. To the east of Zebu is the little island of Mactan, where Magellan lost his life. Exclusive of these there is a multitude of small islands.Luçon lies to the north of all the others: it is likewise the largest, being not less than 450 miles in length, and about 85 at its least breadth. The Spaniards have upon this island established Manila, the capital of their settlements in the Archipelago. Its advantageous position for the commerce of China, and that of other parts of India, ought to render this city the richest in the world; but what Spaniard would occupy his time in the pursuit of transitory riches, which must be acquired by the assiduities of commercial industry, and at the expense of his national prejudices?Manila lies in 40° 30′ N. latitude. The climate is nearly the same as that of Pondicherry and Madras; the town is large and well built; the houses are handsome, and the streets in straight lines. There are several superb churches. It is fortified, and is situated upon the bank of a considerable river, which washes itswalls, and communicates through the island of Luçon in every direction. The country which surrounds it is fertile, and adapted to every species of cultivation; but in the hands of the Spaniards it lies an useless waste. They have neither availed themselves of the position of the town, or of the fertility of the surrounding soil; they allow it to exhaust itself, and bear of its own accord crops which they will not be at the trouble of getting in. Even the law, which ought to lend its aid in support of the cultivator of the soil, is at Manila inimical to his views, and the exportation of that abundance which nature holds out to man is prohibited. The treasures of the earth exceed the wants of the limited number of inhabitants in this island, and they are allowed to perish on the soil which gives them birth. The consequence is, that should it happen in any year that a variable atmosphere, hurricanes, or a wet or dry season, should substitute scarcity for abundance, the most dreadful famine would be the lot of a country which ought never to feel the effects of it.Such is the general ignorance, such their indolence, their blind and culpable confidence in Providence, that the extent of their cultivation, and the collection of their produce, is limited to their immediate wants. The most horrible misery is often the result of this perilous security, so much at variance with the benevolent views of nature. Common animal instinct teaches us to provide for the future, but the Spaniards cannot boast of even this foresight.It is computed that there are about 12,000 Christians in Manila. The population of this city was formerly much more extensive while it was resorted to by the Chinese. Many of that nation were settled there, and others were engaged in commercial intercourse; but a bigoted Governor, under the influence of a wretched policy, absolutely drove them out of the island. Commerce and the arts immediately declined, and havenever since recovered. Misery and depopulation have been the fatal consequences of this mal-administration.Vessels do not anchor abreast of Manila; the mouth of the river is interrupted by a bar, which is very dangerous in stormy weather. Small vessels, however, may enter, and their cargoes are discharged at Privateer harbour. Such vessels as are obliged to winter at Manila retire to the port of Cavite, situated in the bottom of the bay to the S. E. and three leagues distant from Manila.Cavite is provided with a fort, which is not in a state to resist the attack of an European enemy. It is constructed on a tongue of low land, which the sea threatens with submersion; its harbour is not sheltered from the north and N. N. W. winds; and it is infested with a species of worm which attacks vessels, and soon renders them unfit to keep the sea. Another great inconvenience is, that water is procured at a great distance; and for this purpose it is necessary to employ the flat-bottomed boats of the country, which are alone capable of penetrating sufficiently far up the river. Three parts of the town, little considerable in itself, are occupied, like all the Spanish possessions, by convents; the suburbs are called Fauxbourg Saint Roch. It consists of a collection of houses, built of bamboo, and covered with palm leaves; but there are in it, however, the ruins of a church which appears to have been sufficiently handsome. The Indians, who joined the English in 1762, destroyed it, and that which was formerly held in such respect is now become a shelter for cattle.The Spaniards have many religious establishments in the island of Luçon. It might be averred, that it never was their intention to plant colonies, for they have only sent monks, and appear to have had no other end in view than the propagation of the Catholic faith. The people, therefore, who have submitted to the Spanishyoke, scarcely exhibit any traits of a polished nation. Languishing in inactivity, they are without energy, and appear equally indifferent to virtue as to vice. Indolence, a dereliction of life and timidity, constitute their character, and misery is their habitual state; but there are districts to which the Spaniards have been unable to penetrate. In vain have they tried to subdue those who have retired thither; in vain applied force, severity, and punishment, to subjugate and convert them. These people have escaped from the yoke by removing themselves to defiles where the Spaniards cannot attack them: they have carried with them into the retreat they have chosen the recollection of the injuries they have suffered, and of those with which they have been threatened; they nourish, in the extremity of their asylum, an implacable hatred against the strangers, whom they consider as the oppressors of their native land; they incessantly meditate on, and prepare the means of revenge. Supported by their courage, animated by their hatred, they dare approach even the gates of the capital: their progress is marked with pillage, murder, devastation, and rape; they even live at the expense of such of their countrymen as have submitted; they carry off, they tear from them the support of a miserable existence, which these latter have neither the strength nor the courage to defend.There is, besides these, in the mountainous parts, a description of people absolutely in a savage state; they shun the face of man, they even shun each other; they are solitary wanderers; they stop when night overtakes them, and take their rest in the hollows of trees; they are strangers even to domestic life. The invincible propensities of nature are alone capable of bending their stubborn character, and impelling the men to satisfy themselves with such females as chance throws in their way, and towards whom desire is the only attraction.The inhabitants of the island of Luçon call themselvesTagals, as do likewise all the inhabitants of the Philippines—they appear to derive their origin from the Malays, and exhibit features of their character—their language, though different from that of the Malays, has its pronunciation and its sweetness. All these islands seem to be inhabited by the same people, among whom their customs alone have been subjected to change. In Manila, such has been the intercourse with the Chinese and other nations, that they have become a mixed race.The Manilians are of a swarthy complexion, large and well made; their dress is composed of a shirt of a kind of linen made of the filaments of theabaca, a species of palm; this shirt is very short, and is worn over a large and wide pair of drawers: but their greatest luxury consists in handkerchiefs, with red borders, of the finest quality; of these they usually wear three, one on the head, one on the neck, and the third is held in the hand. The English manufacture them at Madras expressly for their consumption.The women wear a kind of little shift, which scarcely reaches to the navel, with a handkerchief loosely covering the neck; a white linen cloth encircles the body, and is fastened by a button at the waist: they throw over this a coloured stuff, manufactured by the inhabitants of Panay. Over all is worn a mantle, for the most part black, which covers the body from head to foot. Their hair, which is black and highly beautiful, sometimes reaches to the ground: they bestow the greatest care on it, anoint it with cocoa-nut oil, plait it in the Chinese fashion, and, towards the crown of the head, form it into a knot, fastened with a gold or silver pin. They wear embroidered slippers, so very small that they only cover the toes.The houses of the Indians of Manila are constructed of bamboo, covered with palm leaves. They are erectedon pillars of wood, at the height of from eight to ten feet from the ground, and they ascend to them by a small ladder, which is drawn up every night. The custom of thus raising their houses to this elevation, has for its object their protection from the humidity of the soil; but that of drawing up the ladders, by which they mount to them, has in view their security against ferocious animals, and those of their neighbours who live in a savage state. Their bed is, for the most part, a simple mat, spread on the floor.Their food is rice, plain boiled, which they eat either with salted fish, or by putting into the water in which it is dressed a spice, which takes off its insipid taste.There are many lakes in the island of Luçon; the most considerable is that called by the SpaniardsLaguna de Bay. The river, which washes the walls of Manila, flows out of this lake, and thus a communication, by means of boats, is open to its surrounding shores. This lake is about 30 leagues in circumference, and about 120 fathoms in depth. In the middle of it is an island, which holds out a refuge to some Indian families. They live by fishing, and preserve their liberty by prohibiting the approach of strangers to their asylum. This lake is bounded on the west by high mountains; the level country is fertile, and is inhabited by a people of gentle manners: they employ themselves in manufacturing matting, cloth, and different fabrics, from theabaca. Perhaps the first monks who were sent to convert them were attracted there by the mildness of their character.The Spaniards, in supplying them with a religion, have left their laws unaltered; in fact, their ancient usages are retained, and they are governed by an Indian of their village, nominated, however, by the Spaniards, and whose authority they acknowledge.This people, though of a mild character, treat crimeswith severity; the greatest, in their opinion, is adultery, which is the only one punished with death.Eastward of the lake there are immense plains; large and deep rivers traverse them, and spread to a great distance a natural fertility. This country might be the residence of a numerous population, which might live happy in the cultivation of it. Only a few villages, however, are to be seen scattered here and there; miserable dwellings, inhabited by men devoid of honesty, without justice, who, in a constant state of warfare, entertain mutual fear of each other, and who, instead of laws, of the protection of which they are ignorant, place their security in their arms; these they never quit, they hold them in readiness in approaching each other, and the intercourse they have together less resembles a social act than a state of perpetual warfare. Even the rights of blood afford no security: parents, brothers, wife and husband, live in constant distrust of each other, and, consequently, in a state of reciprocal hatred. The origin of manners, so far removed from the mild character of their neighbours, may be found in the mode adopted for their subjection, and the recollection of those punishments they have been exposed to by the priests, in compelling them to adore the cross.There are many volcanos in the island of Luçon, which, it is most probable, is the cause of the frequent earthquakes to which it is subject; not a year passes without two, three, or four. The Spaniards of Manila construct their houses accordingly; the whole is of wood, and raised on wooden pillars; but to guard against such visitations they are provided with a small apartment made of bamboo, placed in the court or garden. There the whole family sleeps, when the state of the atmosphere seems to indicate an earthquake.It has been well observed by M. Gentil, that the earthquakes appear to occur more frequently at the endof the year, and most commonly in the night-time. I witnessed two in the month of December, 1770: the first was violent, and threw down many houses; it was announced at nine o’clock at night by a strong southerly wind, which considerably agitated the sea; the atmosphere became charged with a reddish vapour, and in two hours time I felt three successive shocks, which produced in me a kind of sea sickness. The vessels in the road were sensible of the motion, and thought they had struck. The Spaniards employed themselves in chaunting the rosary.From the volcanos proceed springs of warm water, which are in great abundance in the island of Luçon; to some are attributed even marvellous properties, particularly to those of Bailly, situated on the borders of the lake ofBay. The King has had an hospital and public baths constructed here.The trade of Manila might be very considerable, and this city become one of the richest and most commercial in all Asia. The Spaniards themselves might proceed to China, Cochin-china, India, Bengal, Surat, and even to the Isle of France, from whence might be drawn the commodities they stand in need of either for their own consumption, or for carrying on the commerce to Mexico; they might take with them, in exchange, the produce of the islands: but the Spaniard, naturally slothful, is more disposed to enjoy his indolence, which he denominates tranquillity, than export the productions of his country; a species of traffic necessarily accompanied with some degree of fatigue.The government has prohibited the admission of any foreign vessels into their harbours. All the French navigators, who have been desirous of establishing an intercourse, and who have touched at Manila for commercial purposes, have been always received very ungraciously; and privateers, from an ill-judged combination against them, have uniformly sustained greatlosses there on their prizes. The difficulties which have been thrown in the way of the unloading and loading of vessels, have thoroughly disgusted the merchants of the Isle of France; a commerce, nevertheless, which might be rendered equally advantageous to both nations.The only vessels admitted at Manila are those of the Chinese and Indians, on the pretence that these people may thug be made converts; these are the vessels which import into Manila the articles of absolute necessity and of luxury, and take in exchange the piastres brought by the galleon from Acapulco.The commodities which might be drawn from Manila are cordage, pitch and tar, linen cloth, rushes,rotin, indigo,rocon, achiote, and rice. The cotton is of the finest quality, and might be made an important article of exportation to China, where many cargoes of that commodity are sent from Surat, on which the gain is sometimes an hundred per cent.The sugar cane thrives well here, and yields a sugar superior to that produced at Batavia. There is likewise found here the bark of a tree, which answers as a substitute for cinnamon, but to the taste of cinnamon it adds a little tartness: its bark is thick and porous, and the tree deemed a bastard cinnamon. The Spaniards barter it with the Chinese, but they set very little value on it, as the same species is found in Hainam, in Tonquin, and in Cochin China, from whence they import it. Another production is the wild nutmeg, but having no flavour, it is on that account not merchantable. It is small, and the tree which bears it has leaves a foot long; the same species is found at Madagascar.Tobacco succeeds well here; the chiroutes of Manila are in high repute all over India for their agreeable flavour; even the ladies smoke them all day long.The cocoa of Manila is considered as superior to that of America; it is the only tree whose cultivation is attendedto in all the Philippines, because so much use is made of chocolate. It is the general beverage, and is presented as refreshment on visits: cocoa, as well as tobacco, are not indigenous in the Philippines; they were imported from New Spain.Wax might likewise be procured from Manila, the mountains swarming with bees which produce it.There is a great deal of gold found in all the rivers, a sufficient proof that there are mines of that metal; the Indians will earn fifteen pence a day by washing the sands for it.Iron is found in its native state, but mixed with some other metal, which renders it softer than ours. They work it exactly as it is found. There is likewise abundance of loadstone, and considerable quarries of marble from whence that is procured, with which the churches are decorated.The Spaniards have but a few insignificant establishments on Mindoro. All travellers have asserted that the inhabitants of this island have tails, but this idea rests on no other ground than that of theCoccixbeing a little elongated.The principal establishments of the Spaniards, in the island of Panay, are Ilo-Ilo and Antigue; there is no good anchorage on the island of Panay but in this latter place.Antigue is in 6° 42′ N. latitude; the anchorage is six fathom, at a good distance from the land. Vessels cannot take the benefit of this anchorage in November, December, and January, but with great risk, as, during that period, the south-west and west winds blow right on the coast, and render the sea tempestuous. Water for shipping is procured at a small rivulet, situated to the north; there is a much more considerable river, which serves as a ditch to the fort, and along which boats may proceed a great way; but its water is brackisheven at neap tides. The inhabitants of this island, more industrious than those of Luçon, manufacture handkerchiefs and cloths from cotton, and the fibres of a plant which the country supplies; the coarsest description is used for clothing, and with the finer they trade with the neighbouring islands.In other respects Antigue resembles the rest of the Philippines. Indulgent Nature is prodigal of her gifts, of which the inhabitants make no attempt to avail themselves, for the government uses no means of protection against the ravages and cupidity of the Moors, who incessantly harass and carry off even the fishing-boats from the bay: this is only protected by a wooden fort, garrisoned by about twenty Christian natives.This island produces a great deal of grain, but little fruit; cocoa and plantains, of a bad quality, are alone sought after by the inhabitants. There is a great number of stags, wild boars, and wild hogs; buffaloes, horned cattle, and horses, are so common, that no attention is paid either to their safety or to their propagation; the horses wander about at their pleasure; they are public property, having no particular owner: when a horse is wanted, the first that appears is seized, and he is turned loose again when he has performed the requisite service.The air of the whole island is unwholesome, from the want of cultivation, and the frequency of marshes. It is supposed to contain many very rich gold mines.The Spaniards have many factories on the coasts of Mindanao, which support a precarious existence only by a constant state of warfare with the innumerable Kings reigning in the island, not one of which will acknowledge the Spanish dominion.Sambouanga forms the chief establishment of the Spaniards on this island; it is situated on the southern coast of it. According to our observation, it lies in120° 13′ long. and 6° 54′ lat. differing considerably from the observation of Mr. Gentil, who places it in 7° 20′ lat. apparently after some bad Spanish charts.The Spaniards have constructed a considerable fort, with stone and brick, and capable of the defence of the bay. The inhabitants are placed within a palisade, abutting on one side to the fort, and on the other to a small wooden battery of 14 guns, which commands the environs of the town.Sambouanga costs the King of Spain a great deal, and makes no return. This post was established for the purpose of checking the incursions of the Moors of Jolo on the neighbouring islands; notwithstanding which these latter are not a whit less frequent in their visits to the bay of Antigue and that of Manila, carrying off not only the fishing-boats which fall in their way, but vessels richly laden. They are even daring enough to attack the inhabitants of Sambouanga; they land out of the range of the guns, and harass them close to the palisade; these unhappy beings are thus prevented from quitting their houses; they cultivate the land under the protection of cannon, of which they are compelled to avail themselves of several pieces in such fields as they are desirous of tilling.The soil is fertile, and requires little culture; it produces rice abundantly. The cattle are very numerous, and of little value. The King having turned some loose upon an immense plain which adjoins the settlement, they have multiplied to such a degree, that when I was there they were estimated at six thousand. A wooden fort, of eight guns, has been constructed in the middle of the plain to check the Moors. Upon another plain, separated from this by a chain of mountains, the Spaniards have turned horses and cattle, which have likewise increased prodigiously; both plains are bordered by a thin wood, full of stags and wild hogs. Therivers, as is the case in the island of Luçon, produce a great deal of gold.A particular species of cocoa is found at Sambouanga; the tree which produces it differs in no respect from that with which we are acquainted; its fruit has the same form, but is a little less in size; the husk is not of a fibrous consistence like that of common cocoa, the flesh of it is analogous to the artichoke; it has its flavour, and, perhaps, we assigned a greater degree of delicacy to it, because we had not the means of comparing them: if this fruit is allowed to grow old on the tree, it changes its nature, and becomes stringy; in this state its taste is tart, and the cocoa is no longer fit for eating. I carried six to the Isle of France, but they did not succeed.There is a volcano on the south side of Mindanao which burns incessantly, and serves as a landmark to vessels frequenting this navigation.The island of Jolo, or Sooloo, seems to be the point of demarkation between the Philippines and the Moluccas. The Dutch pretend that it is a dependency on the Moluccas; and the Spaniards are so much persuaded it is one of the Philippines, that they have repeatedly attempted an establishment there; and not having succeeded by mild measures, they have endeavoured to render themselves masters of it by force. Every attempt has failed: the Jolois have never been induced toacknowledgebut their own sovereign.The English have had a factory on a small island to the east of Jolo, but they have been obliged to abandon it.The French have attempted to form an establishment there. The King of the island, as a proof of his friendly intentions towards the nation, had even desired the French flag. I believe, however, there was good reason for not persevering in the attempt, as, sooner orlater, the adventurers would have been the victims of the inhabitants, who are naturally warlike and fierce, though under the government of a good prince.It was under the administration of M. Poivre, at the Isle of France, that a kind of alliance was formed between the French government and the Sultan of Jolo. M. Poivre had had some intercourse with this Prince, the most powerful of all the sovereigns in the Philippine Archipelago; and he had availed himself of it, to direct to that island the first expedition in search of the spice plants, under the command of M. de Tremigon. The Frenchmen attached to this expedition were hospitably received at Jolo. Alymudin, the Sultan, not only offered them his aid in the conquest, but a considerable territory in his dominions.Jolo is only a small island of 30 to 40 leagues in circumference: it notwithstanding merits the attention of the European powers, on account of its being so well adapted for the cultivation of spices, and generally for commerce.It produces a great many elephants; amber is found there, and there is a pearl fishery. Its harbour is a retreat for the Moors, who piratically infest these seas, distress the navigation of the Spaniards, and carry off in their incursions the colonists, of whom they make slaves; the coast is furnished with fish sufficient for the daily food of the inhabitants; here likewise are gathered the birds’ nests so highly esteemed by the Chinese.Statement of the Productions of the Philippines, transmitted to the French Minister in 1776.Gold is found every where, but more abundantly at Gapan, in the province of Pampanga. The provinces of Pangasinan and Cagayan produceLead.Copper.Iron.Sulphur.Excellent Sugar.Indigo.The Achiote, a tree, the seed of which is used for dying.Cotton, of the best quality.Oil of Cocoa, in abundance.Wood Oil, equally abundant.Oil of Louban, a species of fruit.Oil of Aonpoly, an agricultural production.Ginger.Camphor.Areka Nut, in abundance.Cocoa, in abundance; from this is made a beverage, the consumption of which is very great.La Nipe, in abundance, of which likewise a beverage is made.The Barro Oyesca, a species of the amadon, or tinder made of the large fungus which grows on trees.Pitch and Tar, in abundance.Cocoa Nuts, ditto.Pepper.Betel.The Cinnamon of Sambouanga, very good.Cowries.Tortoiseshell.Mother of Pearl and Pearls, often of a very fine quality.Deer Skins, Ox and Buffalo Hides.La Balate, both white and black, first, second, and third sorts, which forms a considerable branch of trade to China.Dried Prawns, likewise a considerable article of trade.Birds’ Nests.Wax, in abundance.Honey, in abundance.Musk, or Algalia.Deer and Ox Sinews, for the commerce with China.Fine Goimon, dried in the sun for ditto.Woods and Timber.The Cocoa Tree, which produces the St. Ignatius’ bean, or bean of Cathalonga.Red Campechy Wood, first and second sorts.Eagle Wood.Ebony.The Narra, or red veined ebony.The Tindato, entirely red.Sandal Wood, not much scented.Fir Trees, in the mountains of Pangasinan.The Molaven, not subject to decay.The Quijo,for building.The Banava,The Calantas, or Cedar.The Laguan, or red and white apple-tree.The Palo Maria, for small spars.The Mangue Chapuy, for lower masts.There is besides these an infinite variety of different kinds of woods, which we pass over in silence.Lompotes, a kind of gauze manufactured at Zebu, and which is in general use in the Philippines and in New Spain.Sail Cloth of cotton, manufactured in Ylocos.Testingues, a kind of checked dimity, much worn.The Abaca, a species of hemp, of which cordage is made.The Black Gamuty, used for the same purpose.The Banoté, or Coyar, applicable in the same way, and of which is likewise made oakum for caulking.The Tobacco is excellent.The Corn in the provinces of Ylocos and Bay excellent.Rice excellent, and in great abundance.There is likewise a trade carried on with the Chinesein the flesh of deer, oxen, buffaloes, and horses, dried in the sun (called jerk in South America), as likewise in the tallow of all these animals.

The Philippines extend from the 3d or 4th, to the 19th or 20th degree of north latitude. They comprehend a great number of islands, which, for the most part, are very little known. The principal, and those on which the Spaniards have establishments, are Luçon, Mindoro, Panay, and Mindanao. Next, in point of extent, are ranked Palawan, Buglas or Isle of Negroes, Zebu, Leyt or Leita, and Samar. To the east of Zebu is the little island of Mactan, where Magellan lost his life. Exclusive of these there is a multitude of small islands.

Luçon lies to the north of all the others: it is likewise the largest, being not less than 450 miles in length, and about 85 at its least breadth. The Spaniards have upon this island established Manila, the capital of their settlements in the Archipelago. Its advantageous position for the commerce of China, and that of other parts of India, ought to render this city the richest in the world; but what Spaniard would occupy his time in the pursuit of transitory riches, which must be acquired by the assiduities of commercial industry, and at the expense of his national prejudices?

Manila lies in 40° 30′ N. latitude. The climate is nearly the same as that of Pondicherry and Madras; the town is large and well built; the houses are handsome, and the streets in straight lines. There are several superb churches. It is fortified, and is situated upon the bank of a considerable river, which washes itswalls, and communicates through the island of Luçon in every direction. The country which surrounds it is fertile, and adapted to every species of cultivation; but in the hands of the Spaniards it lies an useless waste. They have neither availed themselves of the position of the town, or of the fertility of the surrounding soil; they allow it to exhaust itself, and bear of its own accord crops which they will not be at the trouble of getting in. Even the law, which ought to lend its aid in support of the cultivator of the soil, is at Manila inimical to his views, and the exportation of that abundance which nature holds out to man is prohibited. The treasures of the earth exceed the wants of the limited number of inhabitants in this island, and they are allowed to perish on the soil which gives them birth. The consequence is, that should it happen in any year that a variable atmosphere, hurricanes, or a wet or dry season, should substitute scarcity for abundance, the most dreadful famine would be the lot of a country which ought never to feel the effects of it.

Such is the general ignorance, such their indolence, their blind and culpable confidence in Providence, that the extent of their cultivation, and the collection of their produce, is limited to their immediate wants. The most horrible misery is often the result of this perilous security, so much at variance with the benevolent views of nature. Common animal instinct teaches us to provide for the future, but the Spaniards cannot boast of even this foresight.

It is computed that there are about 12,000 Christians in Manila. The population of this city was formerly much more extensive while it was resorted to by the Chinese. Many of that nation were settled there, and others were engaged in commercial intercourse; but a bigoted Governor, under the influence of a wretched policy, absolutely drove them out of the island. Commerce and the arts immediately declined, and havenever since recovered. Misery and depopulation have been the fatal consequences of this mal-administration.

Vessels do not anchor abreast of Manila; the mouth of the river is interrupted by a bar, which is very dangerous in stormy weather. Small vessels, however, may enter, and their cargoes are discharged at Privateer harbour. Such vessels as are obliged to winter at Manila retire to the port of Cavite, situated in the bottom of the bay to the S. E. and three leagues distant from Manila.

Cavite is provided with a fort, which is not in a state to resist the attack of an European enemy. It is constructed on a tongue of low land, which the sea threatens with submersion; its harbour is not sheltered from the north and N. N. W. winds; and it is infested with a species of worm which attacks vessels, and soon renders them unfit to keep the sea. Another great inconvenience is, that water is procured at a great distance; and for this purpose it is necessary to employ the flat-bottomed boats of the country, which are alone capable of penetrating sufficiently far up the river. Three parts of the town, little considerable in itself, are occupied, like all the Spanish possessions, by convents; the suburbs are called Fauxbourg Saint Roch. It consists of a collection of houses, built of bamboo, and covered with palm leaves; but there are in it, however, the ruins of a church which appears to have been sufficiently handsome. The Indians, who joined the English in 1762, destroyed it, and that which was formerly held in such respect is now become a shelter for cattle.

The Spaniards have many religious establishments in the island of Luçon. It might be averred, that it never was their intention to plant colonies, for they have only sent monks, and appear to have had no other end in view than the propagation of the Catholic faith. The people, therefore, who have submitted to the Spanishyoke, scarcely exhibit any traits of a polished nation. Languishing in inactivity, they are without energy, and appear equally indifferent to virtue as to vice. Indolence, a dereliction of life and timidity, constitute their character, and misery is their habitual state; but there are districts to which the Spaniards have been unable to penetrate. In vain have they tried to subdue those who have retired thither; in vain applied force, severity, and punishment, to subjugate and convert them. These people have escaped from the yoke by removing themselves to defiles where the Spaniards cannot attack them: they have carried with them into the retreat they have chosen the recollection of the injuries they have suffered, and of those with which they have been threatened; they nourish, in the extremity of their asylum, an implacable hatred against the strangers, whom they consider as the oppressors of their native land; they incessantly meditate on, and prepare the means of revenge. Supported by their courage, animated by their hatred, they dare approach even the gates of the capital: their progress is marked with pillage, murder, devastation, and rape; they even live at the expense of such of their countrymen as have submitted; they carry off, they tear from them the support of a miserable existence, which these latter have neither the strength nor the courage to defend.

There is, besides these, in the mountainous parts, a description of people absolutely in a savage state; they shun the face of man, they even shun each other; they are solitary wanderers; they stop when night overtakes them, and take their rest in the hollows of trees; they are strangers even to domestic life. The invincible propensities of nature are alone capable of bending their stubborn character, and impelling the men to satisfy themselves with such females as chance throws in their way, and towards whom desire is the only attraction.The inhabitants of the island of Luçon call themselvesTagals, as do likewise all the inhabitants of the Philippines—they appear to derive their origin from the Malays, and exhibit features of their character—their language, though different from that of the Malays, has its pronunciation and its sweetness. All these islands seem to be inhabited by the same people, among whom their customs alone have been subjected to change. In Manila, such has been the intercourse with the Chinese and other nations, that they have become a mixed race.

The Manilians are of a swarthy complexion, large and well made; their dress is composed of a shirt of a kind of linen made of the filaments of theabaca, a species of palm; this shirt is very short, and is worn over a large and wide pair of drawers: but their greatest luxury consists in handkerchiefs, with red borders, of the finest quality; of these they usually wear three, one on the head, one on the neck, and the third is held in the hand. The English manufacture them at Madras expressly for their consumption.

The women wear a kind of little shift, which scarcely reaches to the navel, with a handkerchief loosely covering the neck; a white linen cloth encircles the body, and is fastened by a button at the waist: they throw over this a coloured stuff, manufactured by the inhabitants of Panay. Over all is worn a mantle, for the most part black, which covers the body from head to foot. Their hair, which is black and highly beautiful, sometimes reaches to the ground: they bestow the greatest care on it, anoint it with cocoa-nut oil, plait it in the Chinese fashion, and, towards the crown of the head, form it into a knot, fastened with a gold or silver pin. They wear embroidered slippers, so very small that they only cover the toes.

The houses of the Indians of Manila are constructed of bamboo, covered with palm leaves. They are erectedon pillars of wood, at the height of from eight to ten feet from the ground, and they ascend to them by a small ladder, which is drawn up every night. The custom of thus raising their houses to this elevation, has for its object their protection from the humidity of the soil; but that of drawing up the ladders, by which they mount to them, has in view their security against ferocious animals, and those of their neighbours who live in a savage state. Their bed is, for the most part, a simple mat, spread on the floor.

Their food is rice, plain boiled, which they eat either with salted fish, or by putting into the water in which it is dressed a spice, which takes off its insipid taste.

There are many lakes in the island of Luçon; the most considerable is that called by the SpaniardsLaguna de Bay. The river, which washes the walls of Manila, flows out of this lake, and thus a communication, by means of boats, is open to its surrounding shores. This lake is about 30 leagues in circumference, and about 120 fathoms in depth. In the middle of it is an island, which holds out a refuge to some Indian families. They live by fishing, and preserve their liberty by prohibiting the approach of strangers to their asylum. This lake is bounded on the west by high mountains; the level country is fertile, and is inhabited by a people of gentle manners: they employ themselves in manufacturing matting, cloth, and different fabrics, from theabaca. Perhaps the first monks who were sent to convert them were attracted there by the mildness of their character.

The Spaniards, in supplying them with a religion, have left their laws unaltered; in fact, their ancient usages are retained, and they are governed by an Indian of their village, nominated, however, by the Spaniards, and whose authority they acknowledge.

This people, though of a mild character, treat crimeswith severity; the greatest, in their opinion, is adultery, which is the only one punished with death.

Eastward of the lake there are immense plains; large and deep rivers traverse them, and spread to a great distance a natural fertility. This country might be the residence of a numerous population, which might live happy in the cultivation of it. Only a few villages, however, are to be seen scattered here and there; miserable dwellings, inhabited by men devoid of honesty, without justice, who, in a constant state of warfare, entertain mutual fear of each other, and who, instead of laws, of the protection of which they are ignorant, place their security in their arms; these they never quit, they hold them in readiness in approaching each other, and the intercourse they have together less resembles a social act than a state of perpetual warfare. Even the rights of blood afford no security: parents, brothers, wife and husband, live in constant distrust of each other, and, consequently, in a state of reciprocal hatred. The origin of manners, so far removed from the mild character of their neighbours, may be found in the mode adopted for their subjection, and the recollection of those punishments they have been exposed to by the priests, in compelling them to adore the cross.

There are many volcanos in the island of Luçon, which, it is most probable, is the cause of the frequent earthquakes to which it is subject; not a year passes without two, three, or four. The Spaniards of Manila construct their houses accordingly; the whole is of wood, and raised on wooden pillars; but to guard against such visitations they are provided with a small apartment made of bamboo, placed in the court or garden. There the whole family sleeps, when the state of the atmosphere seems to indicate an earthquake.

It has been well observed by M. Gentil, that the earthquakes appear to occur more frequently at the endof the year, and most commonly in the night-time. I witnessed two in the month of December, 1770: the first was violent, and threw down many houses; it was announced at nine o’clock at night by a strong southerly wind, which considerably agitated the sea; the atmosphere became charged with a reddish vapour, and in two hours time I felt three successive shocks, which produced in me a kind of sea sickness. The vessels in the road were sensible of the motion, and thought they had struck. The Spaniards employed themselves in chaunting the rosary.

From the volcanos proceed springs of warm water, which are in great abundance in the island of Luçon; to some are attributed even marvellous properties, particularly to those of Bailly, situated on the borders of the lake ofBay. The King has had an hospital and public baths constructed here.

The trade of Manila might be very considerable, and this city become one of the richest and most commercial in all Asia. The Spaniards themselves might proceed to China, Cochin-china, India, Bengal, Surat, and even to the Isle of France, from whence might be drawn the commodities they stand in need of either for their own consumption, or for carrying on the commerce to Mexico; they might take with them, in exchange, the produce of the islands: but the Spaniard, naturally slothful, is more disposed to enjoy his indolence, which he denominates tranquillity, than export the productions of his country; a species of traffic necessarily accompanied with some degree of fatigue.

The government has prohibited the admission of any foreign vessels into their harbours. All the French navigators, who have been desirous of establishing an intercourse, and who have touched at Manila for commercial purposes, have been always received very ungraciously; and privateers, from an ill-judged combination against them, have uniformly sustained greatlosses there on their prizes. The difficulties which have been thrown in the way of the unloading and loading of vessels, have thoroughly disgusted the merchants of the Isle of France; a commerce, nevertheless, which might be rendered equally advantageous to both nations.

The only vessels admitted at Manila are those of the Chinese and Indians, on the pretence that these people may thug be made converts; these are the vessels which import into Manila the articles of absolute necessity and of luxury, and take in exchange the piastres brought by the galleon from Acapulco.

The commodities which might be drawn from Manila are cordage, pitch and tar, linen cloth, rushes,rotin, indigo,rocon, achiote, and rice. The cotton is of the finest quality, and might be made an important article of exportation to China, where many cargoes of that commodity are sent from Surat, on which the gain is sometimes an hundred per cent.

The sugar cane thrives well here, and yields a sugar superior to that produced at Batavia. There is likewise found here the bark of a tree, which answers as a substitute for cinnamon, but to the taste of cinnamon it adds a little tartness: its bark is thick and porous, and the tree deemed a bastard cinnamon. The Spaniards barter it with the Chinese, but they set very little value on it, as the same species is found in Hainam, in Tonquin, and in Cochin China, from whence they import it. Another production is the wild nutmeg, but having no flavour, it is on that account not merchantable. It is small, and the tree which bears it has leaves a foot long; the same species is found at Madagascar.

Tobacco succeeds well here; the chiroutes of Manila are in high repute all over India for their agreeable flavour; even the ladies smoke them all day long.

The cocoa of Manila is considered as superior to that of America; it is the only tree whose cultivation is attendedto in all the Philippines, because so much use is made of chocolate. It is the general beverage, and is presented as refreshment on visits: cocoa, as well as tobacco, are not indigenous in the Philippines; they were imported from New Spain.

Wax might likewise be procured from Manila, the mountains swarming with bees which produce it.

There is a great deal of gold found in all the rivers, a sufficient proof that there are mines of that metal; the Indians will earn fifteen pence a day by washing the sands for it.

Iron is found in its native state, but mixed with some other metal, which renders it softer than ours. They work it exactly as it is found. There is likewise abundance of loadstone, and considerable quarries of marble from whence that is procured, with which the churches are decorated.

The Spaniards have but a few insignificant establishments on Mindoro. All travellers have asserted that the inhabitants of this island have tails, but this idea rests on no other ground than that of theCoccixbeing a little elongated.

The principal establishments of the Spaniards, in the island of Panay, are Ilo-Ilo and Antigue; there is no good anchorage on the island of Panay but in this latter place.

Antigue is in 6° 42′ N. latitude; the anchorage is six fathom, at a good distance from the land. Vessels cannot take the benefit of this anchorage in November, December, and January, but with great risk, as, during that period, the south-west and west winds blow right on the coast, and render the sea tempestuous. Water for shipping is procured at a small rivulet, situated to the north; there is a much more considerable river, which serves as a ditch to the fort, and along which boats may proceed a great way; but its water is brackisheven at neap tides. The inhabitants of this island, more industrious than those of Luçon, manufacture handkerchiefs and cloths from cotton, and the fibres of a plant which the country supplies; the coarsest description is used for clothing, and with the finer they trade with the neighbouring islands.

In other respects Antigue resembles the rest of the Philippines. Indulgent Nature is prodigal of her gifts, of which the inhabitants make no attempt to avail themselves, for the government uses no means of protection against the ravages and cupidity of the Moors, who incessantly harass and carry off even the fishing-boats from the bay: this is only protected by a wooden fort, garrisoned by about twenty Christian natives.

This island produces a great deal of grain, but little fruit; cocoa and plantains, of a bad quality, are alone sought after by the inhabitants. There is a great number of stags, wild boars, and wild hogs; buffaloes, horned cattle, and horses, are so common, that no attention is paid either to their safety or to their propagation; the horses wander about at their pleasure; they are public property, having no particular owner: when a horse is wanted, the first that appears is seized, and he is turned loose again when he has performed the requisite service.

The air of the whole island is unwholesome, from the want of cultivation, and the frequency of marshes. It is supposed to contain many very rich gold mines.

The Spaniards have many factories on the coasts of Mindanao, which support a precarious existence only by a constant state of warfare with the innumerable Kings reigning in the island, not one of which will acknowledge the Spanish dominion.

Sambouanga forms the chief establishment of the Spaniards on this island; it is situated on the southern coast of it. According to our observation, it lies in120° 13′ long. and 6° 54′ lat. differing considerably from the observation of Mr. Gentil, who places it in 7° 20′ lat. apparently after some bad Spanish charts.

The Spaniards have constructed a considerable fort, with stone and brick, and capable of the defence of the bay. The inhabitants are placed within a palisade, abutting on one side to the fort, and on the other to a small wooden battery of 14 guns, which commands the environs of the town.

Sambouanga costs the King of Spain a great deal, and makes no return. This post was established for the purpose of checking the incursions of the Moors of Jolo on the neighbouring islands; notwithstanding which these latter are not a whit less frequent in their visits to the bay of Antigue and that of Manila, carrying off not only the fishing-boats which fall in their way, but vessels richly laden. They are even daring enough to attack the inhabitants of Sambouanga; they land out of the range of the guns, and harass them close to the palisade; these unhappy beings are thus prevented from quitting their houses; they cultivate the land under the protection of cannon, of which they are compelled to avail themselves of several pieces in such fields as they are desirous of tilling.

The soil is fertile, and requires little culture; it produces rice abundantly. The cattle are very numerous, and of little value. The King having turned some loose upon an immense plain which adjoins the settlement, they have multiplied to such a degree, that when I was there they were estimated at six thousand. A wooden fort, of eight guns, has been constructed in the middle of the plain to check the Moors. Upon another plain, separated from this by a chain of mountains, the Spaniards have turned horses and cattle, which have likewise increased prodigiously; both plains are bordered by a thin wood, full of stags and wild hogs. Therivers, as is the case in the island of Luçon, produce a great deal of gold.

A particular species of cocoa is found at Sambouanga; the tree which produces it differs in no respect from that with which we are acquainted; its fruit has the same form, but is a little less in size; the husk is not of a fibrous consistence like that of common cocoa, the flesh of it is analogous to the artichoke; it has its flavour, and, perhaps, we assigned a greater degree of delicacy to it, because we had not the means of comparing them: if this fruit is allowed to grow old on the tree, it changes its nature, and becomes stringy; in this state its taste is tart, and the cocoa is no longer fit for eating. I carried six to the Isle of France, but they did not succeed.

There is a volcano on the south side of Mindanao which burns incessantly, and serves as a landmark to vessels frequenting this navigation.

The island of Jolo, or Sooloo, seems to be the point of demarkation between the Philippines and the Moluccas. The Dutch pretend that it is a dependency on the Moluccas; and the Spaniards are so much persuaded it is one of the Philippines, that they have repeatedly attempted an establishment there; and not having succeeded by mild measures, they have endeavoured to render themselves masters of it by force. Every attempt has failed: the Jolois have never been induced toacknowledgebut their own sovereign.

The English have had a factory on a small island to the east of Jolo, but they have been obliged to abandon it.

The French have attempted to form an establishment there. The King of the island, as a proof of his friendly intentions towards the nation, had even desired the French flag. I believe, however, there was good reason for not persevering in the attempt, as, sooner orlater, the adventurers would have been the victims of the inhabitants, who are naturally warlike and fierce, though under the government of a good prince.

It was under the administration of M. Poivre, at the Isle of France, that a kind of alliance was formed between the French government and the Sultan of Jolo. M. Poivre had had some intercourse with this Prince, the most powerful of all the sovereigns in the Philippine Archipelago; and he had availed himself of it, to direct to that island the first expedition in search of the spice plants, under the command of M. de Tremigon. The Frenchmen attached to this expedition were hospitably received at Jolo. Alymudin, the Sultan, not only offered them his aid in the conquest, but a considerable territory in his dominions.

Jolo is only a small island of 30 to 40 leagues in circumference: it notwithstanding merits the attention of the European powers, on account of its being so well adapted for the cultivation of spices, and generally for commerce.

It produces a great many elephants; amber is found there, and there is a pearl fishery. Its harbour is a retreat for the Moors, who piratically infest these seas, distress the navigation of the Spaniards, and carry off in their incursions the colonists, of whom they make slaves; the coast is furnished with fish sufficient for the daily food of the inhabitants; here likewise are gathered the birds’ nests so highly esteemed by the Chinese.

Statement of the Productions of the Philippines, transmitted to the French Minister in 1776.

Gold is found every where, but more abundantly at Gapan, in the province of Pampanga. The provinces of Pangasinan and Cagayan produce

The Quijo,for building.The Banava,

There is likewise a trade carried on with the Chinesein the flesh of deer, oxen, buffaloes, and horses, dried in the sun (called jerk in South America), as likewise in the tallow of all these animals.

OF THE MOLUCCAS.The Moluccas form a considerable archipelago, which extends in longitude from Java to New Guinea. On the coasts of Papua, and adjoining islands, are formed colonies of the inhabitants of New Guinea, and which are dependencies on the Moluccas. The Dutch have factories in all the islands of this archipelago, but at Amboyna and Banda they have forts, and considerable establishments1. In order to preserve the spice trade exclusively, they even went so far as to set fire to the adjacent islands which produced these shrubs; but such precautions are useless, for the whole of the Moluccas, with the coasts of Papua, and even all New Guinea, produce, and will continue to produce, them, while they exist. When the French were in the habit of procuring these productions, they did not go either to Banda or Amboyna in search of them, but to Guébi and Moar. Their vessels resorted to the port of Guébi, unquestionably the finest harbour in the Moluccas, and to which the Dutch were strangers, as the French found it uninhabited. They there established themselves during the time that the King of Maba and Patanie, and the Sultan of Tidor, went in search of the precious trees which furnished the spices: they took them to the Isle of France, where they succeeded remarkablywell (as we have seen in the Chapter on the Isle of France), as well as at Cayenne, to which they were transported soon afterwards.The inhabitants of the Moluccas are in general of a swarthy complexion, approaching to black, with a yellow stain: they partake much of the Malay character, and seem to derive their origin from that nation; they have their language, their manners, and, like them, with little personal strength, are nevertheless cruel and ferocious: perhaps the harshness of their manners may be traced to the wandering and solitary life they lead in the woods, to avoid becoming the slaves of the Dutch.The islands they inhabit are fertile, but they do not practise any cultivation, and live on sago, which grows wild in great quantities in this archipelago.The religion of the inhabitants of the Moluccas is a corruption of Mahometanism.The only persons who go clothed are the women and the priests; the men only cover the head with a hat, painted in different colours, made of the leaves of the latanier; the rest of the body is naked, with the exception of a bit of narrow cloth, for the sake of decency.The dress of the women consists of a long robe, without any folds, fastened in front: they wear hats of an enormous size, not less than seven or eight feet in circumference; these hats are flat on the upper surface, and loaded with ornaments of shell work and mother of pearl. On the under side, a circle of three inches in depth forms the crown, and retains it on the head. The women never go out; they are always confined to the house.The priests, like the women, are clothed in a long robe, but they are recognized by their caps, which are pointed.Both sexes wear on their arms rings of shell work,of a kind of porcelain, which they cut in this shape by rubbing on a stone.Their arms are the bow and arrow, quiver and shield; the bow is constructed of a very light, fibrous, and elastic wood, ornamented with rings made of the rotin, which likewise, when prepared for the purpose, answers for the string. The arrows are made of a light elastic reed, and the point of wood jagged and very hard; sometimes this point is formed of the longest dorsal fin bone of a large fish, and which is prickly or barbed. The quiver is made of the bark of a tree, the shield of a black wood, very hard: they are covered with sketches in relief, executed with small shell work of a very beautiful white. These shields are long, and narrower in the middle than at both ends.Their boats are of an ingenious and singular construction; they are not less than seventy to eighty feet in length; the two ends are extremely elevated, and rise even to twenty feet above the water; the rudder is nothing but a long oar, supported on a scaffold; the hull of the boat consists of planks, which are neither jointed or nailed, but simply put together, and retained by rope, made of the rotin. To the sides are fixed two horizonal wings, which serve to support it in stormy weather. Ten men, seated sideways on these wings, by means of paddles, give incredible velocity to it; the dexterity of the rowers consists in striking the water all at the same moment, and with perfect regularity. It is, doubtless, for this reason that during the time they row they excite each other by songs, or relieve their labour by the noise of a kind of tam tam, to the sound of which their movements keep time. The sails are made of several mats, of an oblong form, and are placed crossways on the masts.The Papuans who inhabit New Guinea, and the islands on its coasts, are the immediate neighbours of the inhabitants of the Moluccas, yet have neithertheir manners, or possess one trait of the character of the latter: they approach nearer, and bear a closer analogy to the natives of Guinea, on the coast of Africa, and which has been the cause of the country they inhabit acquiring the name of New Guinea. They are little known, and their coasts seldom visited. They are of a robust make, and great stature, and though of a shining black, their skin is nevertheless rough and hard; their eyes are large, the nose flattened, and the mouth excessively wide; the lips, particularly the upper, very thick; the hair crisped, and of a brilliant black. The character of these savages corresponds with their exterior; they are fond of war, and to bravery they join cruelty to their enemies.In the interior of the large island of Papua, or New Guinea, there exists a race of men calledHaraforas, who live in trees, to which they mount by means of a notched piece of wood, which they draw after them, by way of guarding against surprize.The principal commerce of the Papuans is with the Chinese, of whom they purchase their different instruments and utensils. They give in exchange ambergris, sea snails, tortoiseshell, small pearls, birds of Paradise, lories, and other birds, which they stuff with great dexterity. The women appear to be industrious; they fabricate mats and earthen pots, and handle the hatchet well.The shores of Papua are bold, and covered with cocoa trees; the mountains of the interior adorned with wood; the nutmeg and clove tree flourish there, and nature has made it one of the finest countries on thesurfaceof the globe. (Sonnini.)The Moluccas, like the Philippines, contain many volcanos, which are, probably, only different mouths of the same furnace. That of Siao is one of the most considerable; in its most active eruptions it covers all the neighbouring islands with cinders.

OF THE MOLUCCAS.

The Moluccas form a considerable archipelago, which extends in longitude from Java to New Guinea. On the coasts of Papua, and adjoining islands, are formed colonies of the inhabitants of New Guinea, and which are dependencies on the Moluccas. The Dutch have factories in all the islands of this archipelago, but at Amboyna and Banda they have forts, and considerable establishments1. In order to preserve the spice trade exclusively, they even went so far as to set fire to the adjacent islands which produced these shrubs; but such precautions are useless, for the whole of the Moluccas, with the coasts of Papua, and even all New Guinea, produce, and will continue to produce, them, while they exist. When the French were in the habit of procuring these productions, they did not go either to Banda or Amboyna in search of them, but to Guébi and Moar. Their vessels resorted to the port of Guébi, unquestionably the finest harbour in the Moluccas, and to which the Dutch were strangers, as the French found it uninhabited. They there established themselves during the time that the King of Maba and Patanie, and the Sultan of Tidor, went in search of the precious trees which furnished the spices: they took them to the Isle of France, where they succeeded remarkablywell (as we have seen in the Chapter on the Isle of France), as well as at Cayenne, to which they were transported soon afterwards.The inhabitants of the Moluccas are in general of a swarthy complexion, approaching to black, with a yellow stain: they partake much of the Malay character, and seem to derive their origin from that nation; they have their language, their manners, and, like them, with little personal strength, are nevertheless cruel and ferocious: perhaps the harshness of their manners may be traced to the wandering and solitary life they lead in the woods, to avoid becoming the slaves of the Dutch.The islands they inhabit are fertile, but they do not practise any cultivation, and live on sago, which grows wild in great quantities in this archipelago.The religion of the inhabitants of the Moluccas is a corruption of Mahometanism.The only persons who go clothed are the women and the priests; the men only cover the head with a hat, painted in different colours, made of the leaves of the latanier; the rest of the body is naked, with the exception of a bit of narrow cloth, for the sake of decency.The dress of the women consists of a long robe, without any folds, fastened in front: they wear hats of an enormous size, not less than seven or eight feet in circumference; these hats are flat on the upper surface, and loaded with ornaments of shell work and mother of pearl. On the under side, a circle of three inches in depth forms the crown, and retains it on the head. The women never go out; they are always confined to the house.The priests, like the women, are clothed in a long robe, but they are recognized by their caps, which are pointed.Both sexes wear on their arms rings of shell work,of a kind of porcelain, which they cut in this shape by rubbing on a stone.Their arms are the bow and arrow, quiver and shield; the bow is constructed of a very light, fibrous, and elastic wood, ornamented with rings made of the rotin, which likewise, when prepared for the purpose, answers for the string. The arrows are made of a light elastic reed, and the point of wood jagged and very hard; sometimes this point is formed of the longest dorsal fin bone of a large fish, and which is prickly or barbed. The quiver is made of the bark of a tree, the shield of a black wood, very hard: they are covered with sketches in relief, executed with small shell work of a very beautiful white. These shields are long, and narrower in the middle than at both ends.Their boats are of an ingenious and singular construction; they are not less than seventy to eighty feet in length; the two ends are extremely elevated, and rise even to twenty feet above the water; the rudder is nothing but a long oar, supported on a scaffold; the hull of the boat consists of planks, which are neither jointed or nailed, but simply put together, and retained by rope, made of the rotin. To the sides are fixed two horizonal wings, which serve to support it in stormy weather. Ten men, seated sideways on these wings, by means of paddles, give incredible velocity to it; the dexterity of the rowers consists in striking the water all at the same moment, and with perfect regularity. It is, doubtless, for this reason that during the time they row they excite each other by songs, or relieve their labour by the noise of a kind of tam tam, to the sound of which their movements keep time. The sails are made of several mats, of an oblong form, and are placed crossways on the masts.The Papuans who inhabit New Guinea, and the islands on its coasts, are the immediate neighbours of the inhabitants of the Moluccas, yet have neithertheir manners, or possess one trait of the character of the latter: they approach nearer, and bear a closer analogy to the natives of Guinea, on the coast of Africa, and which has been the cause of the country they inhabit acquiring the name of New Guinea. They are little known, and their coasts seldom visited. They are of a robust make, and great stature, and though of a shining black, their skin is nevertheless rough and hard; their eyes are large, the nose flattened, and the mouth excessively wide; the lips, particularly the upper, very thick; the hair crisped, and of a brilliant black. The character of these savages corresponds with their exterior; they are fond of war, and to bravery they join cruelty to their enemies.In the interior of the large island of Papua, or New Guinea, there exists a race of men calledHaraforas, who live in trees, to which they mount by means of a notched piece of wood, which they draw after them, by way of guarding against surprize.The principal commerce of the Papuans is with the Chinese, of whom they purchase their different instruments and utensils. They give in exchange ambergris, sea snails, tortoiseshell, small pearls, birds of Paradise, lories, and other birds, which they stuff with great dexterity. The women appear to be industrious; they fabricate mats and earthen pots, and handle the hatchet well.The shores of Papua are bold, and covered with cocoa trees; the mountains of the interior adorned with wood; the nutmeg and clove tree flourish there, and nature has made it one of the finest countries on thesurfaceof the globe. (Sonnini.)The Moluccas, like the Philippines, contain many volcanos, which are, probably, only different mouths of the same furnace. That of Siao is one of the most considerable; in its most active eruptions it covers all the neighbouring islands with cinders.

The Moluccas form a considerable archipelago, which extends in longitude from Java to New Guinea. On the coasts of Papua, and adjoining islands, are formed colonies of the inhabitants of New Guinea, and which are dependencies on the Moluccas. The Dutch have factories in all the islands of this archipelago, but at Amboyna and Banda they have forts, and considerable establishments1. In order to preserve the spice trade exclusively, they even went so far as to set fire to the adjacent islands which produced these shrubs; but such precautions are useless, for the whole of the Moluccas, with the coasts of Papua, and even all New Guinea, produce, and will continue to produce, them, while they exist. When the French were in the habit of procuring these productions, they did not go either to Banda or Amboyna in search of them, but to Guébi and Moar. Their vessels resorted to the port of Guébi, unquestionably the finest harbour in the Moluccas, and to which the Dutch were strangers, as the French found it uninhabited. They there established themselves during the time that the King of Maba and Patanie, and the Sultan of Tidor, went in search of the precious trees which furnished the spices: they took them to the Isle of France, where they succeeded remarkablywell (as we have seen in the Chapter on the Isle of France), as well as at Cayenne, to which they were transported soon afterwards.

The inhabitants of the Moluccas are in general of a swarthy complexion, approaching to black, with a yellow stain: they partake much of the Malay character, and seem to derive their origin from that nation; they have their language, their manners, and, like them, with little personal strength, are nevertheless cruel and ferocious: perhaps the harshness of their manners may be traced to the wandering and solitary life they lead in the woods, to avoid becoming the slaves of the Dutch.

The islands they inhabit are fertile, but they do not practise any cultivation, and live on sago, which grows wild in great quantities in this archipelago.

The religion of the inhabitants of the Moluccas is a corruption of Mahometanism.

The only persons who go clothed are the women and the priests; the men only cover the head with a hat, painted in different colours, made of the leaves of the latanier; the rest of the body is naked, with the exception of a bit of narrow cloth, for the sake of decency.

The dress of the women consists of a long robe, without any folds, fastened in front: they wear hats of an enormous size, not less than seven or eight feet in circumference; these hats are flat on the upper surface, and loaded with ornaments of shell work and mother of pearl. On the under side, a circle of three inches in depth forms the crown, and retains it on the head. The women never go out; they are always confined to the house.

The priests, like the women, are clothed in a long robe, but they are recognized by their caps, which are pointed.

Both sexes wear on their arms rings of shell work,of a kind of porcelain, which they cut in this shape by rubbing on a stone.

Their arms are the bow and arrow, quiver and shield; the bow is constructed of a very light, fibrous, and elastic wood, ornamented with rings made of the rotin, which likewise, when prepared for the purpose, answers for the string. The arrows are made of a light elastic reed, and the point of wood jagged and very hard; sometimes this point is formed of the longest dorsal fin bone of a large fish, and which is prickly or barbed. The quiver is made of the bark of a tree, the shield of a black wood, very hard: they are covered with sketches in relief, executed with small shell work of a very beautiful white. These shields are long, and narrower in the middle than at both ends.

Their boats are of an ingenious and singular construction; they are not less than seventy to eighty feet in length; the two ends are extremely elevated, and rise even to twenty feet above the water; the rudder is nothing but a long oar, supported on a scaffold; the hull of the boat consists of planks, which are neither jointed or nailed, but simply put together, and retained by rope, made of the rotin. To the sides are fixed two horizonal wings, which serve to support it in stormy weather. Ten men, seated sideways on these wings, by means of paddles, give incredible velocity to it; the dexterity of the rowers consists in striking the water all at the same moment, and with perfect regularity. It is, doubtless, for this reason that during the time they row they excite each other by songs, or relieve their labour by the noise of a kind of tam tam, to the sound of which their movements keep time. The sails are made of several mats, of an oblong form, and are placed crossways on the masts.

The Papuans who inhabit New Guinea, and the islands on its coasts, are the immediate neighbours of the inhabitants of the Moluccas, yet have neithertheir manners, or possess one trait of the character of the latter: they approach nearer, and bear a closer analogy to the natives of Guinea, on the coast of Africa, and which has been the cause of the country they inhabit acquiring the name of New Guinea. They are little known, and their coasts seldom visited. They are of a robust make, and great stature, and though of a shining black, their skin is nevertheless rough and hard; their eyes are large, the nose flattened, and the mouth excessively wide; the lips, particularly the upper, very thick; the hair crisped, and of a brilliant black. The character of these savages corresponds with their exterior; they are fond of war, and to bravery they join cruelty to their enemies.

In the interior of the large island of Papua, or New Guinea, there exists a race of men calledHaraforas, who live in trees, to which they mount by means of a notched piece of wood, which they draw after them, by way of guarding against surprize.

The principal commerce of the Papuans is with the Chinese, of whom they purchase their different instruments and utensils. They give in exchange ambergris, sea snails, tortoiseshell, small pearls, birds of Paradise, lories, and other birds, which they stuff with great dexterity. The women appear to be industrious; they fabricate mats and earthen pots, and handle the hatchet well.

The shores of Papua are bold, and covered with cocoa trees; the mountains of the interior adorned with wood; the nutmeg and clove tree flourish there, and nature has made it one of the finest countries on thesurfaceof the globe. (Sonnini.)

The Moluccas, like the Philippines, contain many volcanos, which are, probably, only different mouths of the same furnace. That of Siao is one of the most considerable; in its most active eruptions it covers all the neighbouring islands with cinders.

1The English Admiral, Rainier, in 1796, took possession of the islands of Amboyna and Banda. The census made at that time of the first of these islands, and its dependencies, made the number of inhabitants 45,252, of whom 17,813 were Protestants, the rest Mahomedans, with the exception of an inconsiderable number of Chinese and Aborigines. (Sonnini.)

1The English Admiral, Rainier, in 1796, took possession of the islands of Amboyna and Banda. The census made at that time of the first of these islands, and its dependencies, made the number of inhabitants 45,252, of whom 17,813 were Protestants, the rest Mahomedans, with the exception of an inconsiderable number of Chinese and Aborigines. (Sonnini.)

NOTES TO VOLUME II.Note I.—Page 14.It is here stated, that in 1709 the Chinese were expelled the Philippines, and the reason assigned for that expulsion is their application to commerce in lieu of agriculture, with a view to which latter their residence was originally countenanced. Whatever employment, in any community, offers the most productive results with the least labour will naturally be resorted to by those whose residence, like that of the Chinese, is merely temporary. They are acknowledged to be a submissive and industrious people, and we must conclude that the profits of agriculture were so much less secure or less productive than those of commerce, that the latter was preferred; and their habits of industry being far superior to those of the indolent Spaniard, and the more indolent native, we cannot wonder at their retreat, with their acquisitions, from a country the government of which, so far from encouraging them with a permanency of establishment, drew from them, in the person of the Governor, a large revenue, as a tax on their temporary residence.Sonneratsays, that the expulsion of the Chinese was the cause of the decline of arts and commerce, and that they have never since recovered. “Misery and depopulation have been thefatal consequences of this mal-administration.” It is evident, however, that since that period, either the fallacy of the policy which dictated the measure has been discovered, and the prohibition been removed, or, which is more likely, the interest of the respective Governors has produced a relaxation in favour of these industrious foreigners; for Mr. Guise, who resided there several years, assures the translator, that when he quitted Manila, about fifteen years ago, there were on the island from fifteen to twenty thousand Chinese permitted to remain as residents, and engaged in agriculture and commerce.A Chinese Captain seems to be appointed by the Governor, who is responsible for their conduct, and through whom applications for residence are negociated with the government. The intercourse with the Chinese port of Amoy, and with the north-eastern ports of China, employs seven or eight junks, which bring with them annually from three hundred to five hundred new adventurers, who work their passage over, bringing each his packet of goods, with which, it may be presumed, he forms his capital for trade during his residence there, and for which residence, it may be equally presumed, he contributes annually to the Governor: these junks likewise furnish to those who have acquired a competency the means of revisiting their native country with their riches. It must be concluded, therefore, that the Chinese, by their residence in Luzon, contribute by their industry to the comforts of life, and hold out an example which neither the Spaniard or native seem disposed to follow; at the same time that the former characterizes the indulgence shown to them as highly impolitic, and a wanton waste of the riches and wealth of the colony.Note II.—Page 60.No stronger proof can be adduced of the unsettledstate of the maritime insurance law in the Spanish colonies than the instance in the text. Can we entertain the favourable supposition that in the mother-country this subject is equally well understood as by every other European nation, and that a concurrence of circumstances have conspired to introduce and perpetuate a vicious practice in this colony? We fear in the sequel the reader will not be justified in this conclusion.Note III.—Page 65.This is another instance of the disposition of the Spaniards to extend what they ridiculously enough term their conquests, rather than to consolidate their power, and establish their influence in the Philippines. The attempt seems to have met with the fate it merited; but although it proved abortive, we cannot help holding up to due praise the perseverance with which, in perfect contempt of all personal danger, the Catholic missionaries pursue their object of proselytism.Note IV.—Page 72.The value of this trade is here pretty clearly detailed and comprehensively stated; we are left to conclude that the profits are from one hundred to two hundred per cent. The translator is informed by Mr. Guise that this trade was thus carried on:The ship, having a Captain appointed by the Governor of Manila, was furnished by the King, by whom likewise all the expenses of the voyage were defrayed, and for whose reimbursement a duty of thirty-three per cent. was levied at Acapulco on the value of the cargo there. The persons who had the privilege of loading the ship were the Captain, to a certain extent; the pious establishments; the widows of officers, counsellors,&c. members of government, and merchants: the portions of each from a quarter of a ton upwards, the Captain having from forty to fifty tons. Exclusive of the right which the pious establishments thus enjoyed of occupying tonnage, they lent their money to the adventurers on a respondentia interest, as will be mentioned in a future note.This trade may most probably, at this period, be conducted upon a different principle, and partake of that relaxation which it has been found necessary to countenance through the whole of the Spanish settlements, in consequence of recent political events.Note V.—Page 78.It is not possible to produce a stronger proof of the inefficiency of the Spanish colonial system, than the treatment of this disinterested and honest servant of the crown exhibits.Note VI.—Page 83.The determination of this question by the Royal Audience in favour of the pious establishments, was unquestionably conformable to the admitted principle of respondentia; and the reversal of it by the council of the Indies is a sufficient proof of the unsettled state of mercantile law in Spain, on a point which seems elsewhere generally and definitively adjusted.The liability of the respondentia lenders seems to be so ill defined, that even in case of nearly total loss, their full demand is awarded them, the loss thus falling on the borrower, instead (on the received respondentia principle) of the lenders being entitled only to the proportion of what is saved; for the premium of twenty-five per cent. which they receive, may be presumed adequate to the interest and insurance on such a voyage.It ought not, under these circumstances, to create wonder that the merchant adventurers borrowing from these establishments should, with a view to their own protection, take due care that a partial shall, by one means or other, be converted into a total loss.There is one peculiarity in the principle of these loans which forms a feature in the transaction distinct from common respondentia, inasmuch as that the latter is limited to that bottom on which the adventure began, while in the former the lender follows the goods until they are sold and returned, though by some other bottom; but his liability and forbearance of his principal and premium is limited to three years. In respect to this limitation, it is even conformable to our terms of respondentia, which allow a monthly per centage in proportion to the first period of twenty months on which the premium is calculated, but which per centage can only be demanded to the extent in all of thirty-six months, including the original twenty, provided the voyage should be prolonged so much; the common interest of five per cent. only upon the aggregate amount afterwards attaching, and all marine risk ceasing.THE END.

NOTES TO VOLUME II.

Note I.—Page 14.It is here stated, that in 1709 the Chinese were expelled the Philippines, and the reason assigned for that expulsion is their application to commerce in lieu of agriculture, with a view to which latter their residence was originally countenanced. Whatever employment, in any community, offers the most productive results with the least labour will naturally be resorted to by those whose residence, like that of the Chinese, is merely temporary. They are acknowledged to be a submissive and industrious people, and we must conclude that the profits of agriculture were so much less secure or less productive than those of commerce, that the latter was preferred; and their habits of industry being far superior to those of the indolent Spaniard, and the more indolent native, we cannot wonder at their retreat, with their acquisitions, from a country the government of which, so far from encouraging them with a permanency of establishment, drew from them, in the person of the Governor, a large revenue, as a tax on their temporary residence.Sonneratsays, that the expulsion of the Chinese was the cause of the decline of arts and commerce, and that they have never since recovered. “Misery and depopulation have been thefatal consequences of this mal-administration.” It is evident, however, that since that period, either the fallacy of the policy which dictated the measure has been discovered, and the prohibition been removed, or, which is more likely, the interest of the respective Governors has produced a relaxation in favour of these industrious foreigners; for Mr. Guise, who resided there several years, assures the translator, that when he quitted Manila, about fifteen years ago, there were on the island from fifteen to twenty thousand Chinese permitted to remain as residents, and engaged in agriculture and commerce.A Chinese Captain seems to be appointed by the Governor, who is responsible for their conduct, and through whom applications for residence are negociated with the government. The intercourse with the Chinese port of Amoy, and with the north-eastern ports of China, employs seven or eight junks, which bring with them annually from three hundred to five hundred new adventurers, who work their passage over, bringing each his packet of goods, with which, it may be presumed, he forms his capital for trade during his residence there, and for which residence, it may be equally presumed, he contributes annually to the Governor: these junks likewise furnish to those who have acquired a competency the means of revisiting their native country with their riches. It must be concluded, therefore, that the Chinese, by their residence in Luzon, contribute by their industry to the comforts of life, and hold out an example which neither the Spaniard or native seem disposed to follow; at the same time that the former characterizes the indulgence shown to them as highly impolitic, and a wanton waste of the riches and wealth of the colony.Note II.—Page 60.No stronger proof can be adduced of the unsettledstate of the maritime insurance law in the Spanish colonies than the instance in the text. Can we entertain the favourable supposition that in the mother-country this subject is equally well understood as by every other European nation, and that a concurrence of circumstances have conspired to introduce and perpetuate a vicious practice in this colony? We fear in the sequel the reader will not be justified in this conclusion.Note III.—Page 65.This is another instance of the disposition of the Spaniards to extend what they ridiculously enough term their conquests, rather than to consolidate their power, and establish their influence in the Philippines. The attempt seems to have met with the fate it merited; but although it proved abortive, we cannot help holding up to due praise the perseverance with which, in perfect contempt of all personal danger, the Catholic missionaries pursue their object of proselytism.Note IV.—Page 72.The value of this trade is here pretty clearly detailed and comprehensively stated; we are left to conclude that the profits are from one hundred to two hundred per cent. The translator is informed by Mr. Guise that this trade was thus carried on:The ship, having a Captain appointed by the Governor of Manila, was furnished by the King, by whom likewise all the expenses of the voyage were defrayed, and for whose reimbursement a duty of thirty-three per cent. was levied at Acapulco on the value of the cargo there. The persons who had the privilege of loading the ship were the Captain, to a certain extent; the pious establishments; the widows of officers, counsellors,&c. members of government, and merchants: the portions of each from a quarter of a ton upwards, the Captain having from forty to fifty tons. Exclusive of the right which the pious establishments thus enjoyed of occupying tonnage, they lent their money to the adventurers on a respondentia interest, as will be mentioned in a future note.This trade may most probably, at this period, be conducted upon a different principle, and partake of that relaxation which it has been found necessary to countenance through the whole of the Spanish settlements, in consequence of recent political events.Note V.—Page 78.It is not possible to produce a stronger proof of the inefficiency of the Spanish colonial system, than the treatment of this disinterested and honest servant of the crown exhibits.Note VI.—Page 83.The determination of this question by the Royal Audience in favour of the pious establishments, was unquestionably conformable to the admitted principle of respondentia; and the reversal of it by the council of the Indies is a sufficient proof of the unsettled state of mercantile law in Spain, on a point which seems elsewhere generally and definitively adjusted.The liability of the respondentia lenders seems to be so ill defined, that even in case of nearly total loss, their full demand is awarded them, the loss thus falling on the borrower, instead (on the received respondentia principle) of the lenders being entitled only to the proportion of what is saved; for the premium of twenty-five per cent. which they receive, may be presumed adequate to the interest and insurance on such a voyage.It ought not, under these circumstances, to create wonder that the merchant adventurers borrowing from these establishments should, with a view to their own protection, take due care that a partial shall, by one means or other, be converted into a total loss.There is one peculiarity in the principle of these loans which forms a feature in the transaction distinct from common respondentia, inasmuch as that the latter is limited to that bottom on which the adventure began, while in the former the lender follows the goods until they are sold and returned, though by some other bottom; but his liability and forbearance of his principal and premium is limited to three years. In respect to this limitation, it is even conformable to our terms of respondentia, which allow a monthly per centage in proportion to the first period of twenty months on which the premium is calculated, but which per centage can only be demanded to the extent in all of thirty-six months, including the original twenty, provided the voyage should be prolonged so much; the common interest of five per cent. only upon the aggregate amount afterwards attaching, and all marine risk ceasing.THE END.

Note I.—Page 14.

It is here stated, that in 1709 the Chinese were expelled the Philippines, and the reason assigned for that expulsion is their application to commerce in lieu of agriculture, with a view to which latter their residence was originally countenanced. Whatever employment, in any community, offers the most productive results with the least labour will naturally be resorted to by those whose residence, like that of the Chinese, is merely temporary. They are acknowledged to be a submissive and industrious people, and we must conclude that the profits of agriculture were so much less secure or less productive than those of commerce, that the latter was preferred; and their habits of industry being far superior to those of the indolent Spaniard, and the more indolent native, we cannot wonder at their retreat, with their acquisitions, from a country the government of which, so far from encouraging them with a permanency of establishment, drew from them, in the person of the Governor, a large revenue, as a tax on their temporary residence.Sonneratsays, that the expulsion of the Chinese was the cause of the decline of arts and commerce, and that they have never since recovered. “Misery and depopulation have been thefatal consequences of this mal-administration.” It is evident, however, that since that period, either the fallacy of the policy which dictated the measure has been discovered, and the prohibition been removed, or, which is more likely, the interest of the respective Governors has produced a relaxation in favour of these industrious foreigners; for Mr. Guise, who resided there several years, assures the translator, that when he quitted Manila, about fifteen years ago, there were on the island from fifteen to twenty thousand Chinese permitted to remain as residents, and engaged in agriculture and commerce.

A Chinese Captain seems to be appointed by the Governor, who is responsible for their conduct, and through whom applications for residence are negociated with the government. The intercourse with the Chinese port of Amoy, and with the north-eastern ports of China, employs seven or eight junks, which bring with them annually from three hundred to five hundred new adventurers, who work their passage over, bringing each his packet of goods, with which, it may be presumed, he forms his capital for trade during his residence there, and for which residence, it may be equally presumed, he contributes annually to the Governor: these junks likewise furnish to those who have acquired a competency the means of revisiting their native country with their riches. It must be concluded, therefore, that the Chinese, by their residence in Luzon, contribute by their industry to the comforts of life, and hold out an example which neither the Spaniard or native seem disposed to follow; at the same time that the former characterizes the indulgence shown to them as highly impolitic, and a wanton waste of the riches and wealth of the colony.

Note II.—Page 60.

No stronger proof can be adduced of the unsettledstate of the maritime insurance law in the Spanish colonies than the instance in the text. Can we entertain the favourable supposition that in the mother-country this subject is equally well understood as by every other European nation, and that a concurrence of circumstances have conspired to introduce and perpetuate a vicious practice in this colony? We fear in the sequel the reader will not be justified in this conclusion.

Note III.—Page 65.

This is another instance of the disposition of the Spaniards to extend what they ridiculously enough term their conquests, rather than to consolidate their power, and establish their influence in the Philippines. The attempt seems to have met with the fate it merited; but although it proved abortive, we cannot help holding up to due praise the perseverance with which, in perfect contempt of all personal danger, the Catholic missionaries pursue their object of proselytism.

Note IV.—Page 72.

The value of this trade is here pretty clearly detailed and comprehensively stated; we are left to conclude that the profits are from one hundred to two hundred per cent. The translator is informed by Mr. Guise that this trade was thus carried on:

The ship, having a Captain appointed by the Governor of Manila, was furnished by the King, by whom likewise all the expenses of the voyage were defrayed, and for whose reimbursement a duty of thirty-three per cent. was levied at Acapulco on the value of the cargo there. The persons who had the privilege of loading the ship were the Captain, to a certain extent; the pious establishments; the widows of officers, counsellors,&c. members of government, and merchants: the portions of each from a quarter of a ton upwards, the Captain having from forty to fifty tons. Exclusive of the right which the pious establishments thus enjoyed of occupying tonnage, they lent their money to the adventurers on a respondentia interest, as will be mentioned in a future note.

This trade may most probably, at this period, be conducted upon a different principle, and partake of that relaxation which it has been found necessary to countenance through the whole of the Spanish settlements, in consequence of recent political events.

Note V.—Page 78.

It is not possible to produce a stronger proof of the inefficiency of the Spanish colonial system, than the treatment of this disinterested and honest servant of the crown exhibits.

Note VI.—Page 83.

The determination of this question by the Royal Audience in favour of the pious establishments, was unquestionably conformable to the admitted principle of respondentia; and the reversal of it by the council of the Indies is a sufficient proof of the unsettled state of mercantile law in Spain, on a point which seems elsewhere generally and definitively adjusted.

The liability of the respondentia lenders seems to be so ill defined, that even in case of nearly total loss, their full demand is awarded them, the loss thus falling on the borrower, instead (on the received respondentia principle) of the lenders being entitled only to the proportion of what is saved; for the premium of twenty-five per cent. which they receive, may be presumed adequate to the interest and insurance on such a voyage.

It ought not, under these circumstances, to create wonder that the merchant adventurers borrowing from these establishments should, with a view to their own protection, take due care that a partial shall, by one means or other, be converted into a total loss.

There is one peculiarity in the principle of these loans which forms a feature in the transaction distinct from common respondentia, inasmuch as that the latter is limited to that bottom on which the adventure began, while in the former the lender follows the goods until they are sold and returned, though by some other bottom; but his liability and forbearance of his principal and premium is limited to three years. In respect to this limitation, it is even conformable to our terms of respondentia, which allow a monthly per centage in proportion to the first period of twenty months on which the premium is calculated, but which per centage can only be demanded to the extent in all of thirty-six months, including the original twenty, provided the voyage should be prolonged so much; the common interest of five per cent. only upon the aggregate amount afterwards attaching, and all marine risk ceasing.

THE END.

T. DAVISON, Lombard-street,Whitefriars, London.

T. DAVISON, Lombard-street,Whitefriars, London.

T. DAVISON, Lombard-street,Whitefriars, London.

Table of ContentsANNO DOM. 1669.1ANNO DOM. 1678.3ANNO DOM. 1684.4ANNO DOM. 1690.7ANNO DOM. 1701.10ANNO DOM. 1709.12ANNO DOM. 1717.18ANNO DOM. 1721.46ANNO DOM. 1729.61ANNO DOM. 1739.74ANNO DOM. 1750.96ANNO DOM. 1754.115CHAPTER XIII.142CHAPTER XIV.162CHAPTER XV.180CHAPTER XVI.204CHAPTER XVII.230EXTRACT251OF THE PHILIPPINES.252OF THE MOLUCCAS.268NOTES TO VOLUME II.291

ColophonAvailabilityThis eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of theProject Gutenberg Licenseincluded with this eBook or online atwww.gutenberg.org.This eBook is produced by the Online Distributed Proofreading Team atwww.pgdp.net.This is volume two of one of earliest histories of the Philippines in the English language, published in 1814 in London by J. Asperne, as a translation ofHistoria de las Islas Philipinaspublished near Manila at the Impreso en Sampaloc in 1803. The Spanish original is extremely rare.This book has been prepared from scans available from the Collection “The United States and its Territories” at the University of Michigan (1).Alternative scans are available from the Internet Archive (1,2,3).Volume Iof this work is also available at Project Gutenberg.Related Library of Congress catalog page:94944968.Related Open Library catalog page (for source):OL1261846M.Related Open Library catalog page (for work):OL3730780W.EncodingRevision History2011-06-09 Started.External ReferencesThis Project Gutenberg eBook contains external references. These links may not work for you.CorrectionsThe following corrections have been applied to the text:PageSourceCorrection44reli vingrelieving56reinbursementreimbursement88FrancisoFrancisco118,183SantSaint133represenstationsrepresentations137SenoresSeñores153seapoyssepoys153shotshots171ber estoredbe restored189finalyfinally209peopepeople214inconsiderablyinconsiderable219admininisteradminister250SenorSeñor264acknowlegeacknowledge271furfacesurface

This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of theProject Gutenberg Licenseincluded with this eBook or online atwww.gutenberg.org.

This eBook is produced by the Online Distributed Proofreading Team atwww.pgdp.net.

This is volume two of one of earliest histories of the Philippines in the English language, published in 1814 in London by J. Asperne, as a translation ofHistoria de las Islas Philipinaspublished near Manila at the Impreso en Sampaloc in 1803. The Spanish original is extremely rare.

This book has been prepared from scans available from the Collection “The United States and its Territories” at the University of Michigan (1).

Alternative scans are available from the Internet Archive (1,2,3).

Volume Iof this work is also available at Project Gutenberg.

Related Library of Congress catalog page:94944968.

Related Open Library catalog page (for source):OL1261846M.

Related Open Library catalog page (for work):OL3730780W.

This Project Gutenberg eBook contains external references. These links may not work for you.

The following corrections have been applied to the text:

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