LETTER FROM CARRION TO RUEDA

LETTER FROM CARRION TO RUEDAJesusPax Christi, etc.After our misfortunes which happened at the capture of Manila by the English, we are breathing a bit. Hardships have not been lacking here since then, but they have been accompanied by relief.Last year it was God’s will to bring us safely the ship “Santa Rosa” with peace signed and a new governorad interimfor these islands.1As no other boat was left, the said “Santa Rosa” was fitted up and now it has returned to us, bringing us the regularly-appointed governor Don Francisco Raon. This is the beginning of the recuperation of these islands.For the rest, one could have feared the total ruin of these domains, according to the unbridled manner in which the Moros were killing and capturing through the Bisayas. The governorad interimhas placed Manila in a state of the best defense against European powers, and has opened about it a very wide ditch and made some very high intrenchments. If eight thousand Europeans were necessary to capture it before now fourteen or sixteen thousand will be necessary.There is no doubt but that the present governor will perfect these works, and that he will more eagerly check the boldness of the Morillos.2That being done, the trade of Bisayas will again flourish, which is almost necessary for the conservation of this capital.God has placed a very heavy hand upon our friends the English in their retirement. It is enough to say that seven of their fourteen ships have been lost, and one-half the men whom they brought here, who numbered in all about eight thousand. Of a truth their hopes saw a sorry fulfilment.Cruel Micenas, fugitibo Eneas, etc.Concerning the unhappy condition of the missions of the empire of China, your Reverence will already have had accurate information through the Portuguese fathers who were ordered to be taken to Europa by their not king—“I am not king,” as he said at the time of the earthquakes, and as he has caused us to see afterward in our misfortunes.3What has become of Father Master Manuel Guevara, who was confused with the Portuguese? Has he died or has he been restored to our province of Toledo? If he is living, a thousand greetings [to him].We have had the latest news from two Portuguese fathers (who had come here previously from the provinces, and who on that account did not fall intothe clutches of the sparrow-hawk), which is reduced to saying that about thirty fathers are left in that empire—about ten or eleven in the court of Pequin, and the others scattered through its vast provinces. Those of the court are living openly with the license of the emperor and the rest are keeping hid. But all lack the aid which formerly was sent to them from Goa. May God aid them and give them strength to leave the shore after so fierce a storm,and withdraw us all from the other storm which is lashing all the vast body of the Society.4San Pedro Macati, July 8, 1765.Your Reverence’s humble servant,Eugenio Carrion(rubric)I beg your Reverence to communicate this letter to the reverend father Orea, as one of those small morsels which was supplied to him when he was our beadle in the school of Murcia.[Addressed: “My Father Joseph de Rueda.”]1Francisco Javier de la Torre.↑2The diminutive of Moros.↑3Evidently a reference to Sebastian Joseph Carvalho e Mello, Marquis Pombal, the Portuguese prime minister, who expelled the Jesuits from Portugal by the decree of September 1, 1759; and to the famous Lisbon earthquake of November 1, 1755. See Nicolini’sHistory of Jesuits(London, 1879); Cretineau-Joly’sHistoire de la Compagnie de Jésus(Paris, 1859), v; and Griesinger’sJesuits(London, 1903, 3d ed.).↑4The storm against the Jesuits, which ended with the expulsion of the order in 1770.↑LETTER FROM PAZUENGOS TO MESQUIDAJesusPax Christi.I am writing this letter, in doubt as to the arrival of your Reverence, and with hopes of the arrival here of the ship “Santa Rosa” and with desires of the coming of a governor to free us from the abominations in which we are. Don Francisco Xavier [de la] Torre is the most detestable robber ever seen in the East or West Indias, a man without shame or trace of Christianity. All this might be tolerated if he took any care of the defense of the Indians; but he has wholly abandoned the fields of Christendom, saying that a cornucopia of the islands is given to him, and that the king our sovereign will abandon them, or transfer them to the French. Thereupon, he has given himself over to a libertine life, so far as his morals are concerned. He looks after nothing else than selling the offices dear, and robbing king and vassals. He obtains it all with abun[dant]1stipends, but does not pay them, but feigns very well that he issues vouchers for them. But [what?] willyour Reverence say on learning that he has bondsmen who give him opinions, … testimonies contrary to all justice and truth? We have a bishop …; and for that reason I have already sent four [students] so that they may be ordained [at] Zebu. I am sure that it will be necessary to send all the others, who have finished and who are studying. He has hoisted the flag against the religious orders with all his might, and I am sure that all the orders will write this year, resigning their ministries into the hands of his Majesty.2The Society and the Dominicans are determined to do it, for the auditors and some of the city have resolved to censure and dishonor them. The Frenchman Solano, formerly a barber and wig-maker is alcalde-in-ordinary of Manila, and today a regidor of this city. Who would believe that such a … thing could be? This vile man, incited by the governor, by the auditor, … and by the fiscal of his Majesty, had the insolence to get out on the highway of Meyha with two thousand workmen and widen it by more than two varas. Although he knew that it was ecclesiastical property, he answered that the last thing that leaves the body is the soul. What can such governors, [such] auditors, and such alcaldes occasion, if not the ruin of the community?Not less ruined are the Bisayas, as they are without stipends, and cannot be helped from here, since they have no boats which can resist the Moros, for the governor has not made a grain of powder nor asingle boat, although it is a fact that he has cost the king almost a million pesos. The fathers are compelled to go almost naked, and they have had to make shoes out of the parchment of their books. They have been assisted as much as possible, and already those missions owe thirty thousand pesos to the province. Of the ten churches built of stone and mortar, and a like number of houses in the residence of Hilongos, only two are left, and all the rest are ruined and burned by the Moros. Your Reverence may conjecture almost the same thing of other less defensible villages. All [the inhabitants of] the two villages which were formed under the charge of Samboangan are dead or captives, and I am sure that the missions of the Recollects have suffered greater ruin,proportione servata; for I am told that the entire jurisdiction of Caraga is reduced to one thousand tributes. Since your Reverence left, one-half the Indians of Bisayas have been captured or killed. May God bring us a governor, may God bring us some auditors, who shall recognize and appreciate the defense of the Catholic religion and of the poor Indians!The estates of Calatagán and Looc, burned and sacked by the Moros; the estates of Meysilo and La Piedad, burned and sacked by the Christians; that of San Pedro Tunasan, sacked by the Indians, commanded by six Franciscan friars; Lian and Nasugbú delivered to the Joloan [?Jelacoin transcript] king by treaty; that of Naic abandoned to the robbers; San Pedro Macati burned by the English, with the exception of the house and church! Those which have suffered less are Marquina, Payatas, and Calamba, although they have suffered considerably.Don Manuel Fernandez Thoribio has been appointed governor of Samboangan, and has secret instructions to ascertain what estates and what manner of livelihood the Jesuits have. In general, all the alcaldes who have been sent out carry instructions against the regulars. The fact is that stipends are not to be paid to the ministers, and no alms or aid is to be given to carry on the missions.Since my arrival, neither from the royal treasury of Mexico, nor from these [in Manila], has the least stipend [been given] to the four subjects in Samboangan … treasury, by royal decree, that they be paid here, and from those of here, for … in order to pay from the treasury of Mexico. Consider, your Reverence, what must be the condition of this po[or] province.There is another war declared, in which Señor Galban has unfurled the banner against [the] pious [funds]. He declares that the pious funds are the ruin of [trade] and of the islands; as if the trade of the islands had any other foundation. I, … procurator, have come to the opinion that God is abandoning this His kingdom; … I doubt that on other occasions, there may have been greater or equal mi[sfortunes], but surely, the ministers of the king, our sovereign, must have had more application and better intentions. It might be that Señor Cegado has them, since he is … it. They pass no measure that is not intended for the ruin, and tell … the liberty in which they live, would be to paint a detesta[ble] and scandalous community.Against us in particular, is aroused a very perplexing storm, … the case, that in the college of Manila, a [mis]sion was held during Lent. On thenext to the last day, Father Puch explained the seventh command[ment] and named the kinds of robbers that existed. He named alcaldes-[mayor?] of provinces, adding what St. Xavier said of these at seeing … that they received the decreedeleantur de libro viventium.3On the … day, while I was resting, I received a bloodthirsty denunciation from Señor Galban, which I [sho]wed to Father Puch, who explained on Sunday afternoon in great-detail what I have mentioned, and what he ought to say. But on the third day, I received a royal provision passed by an extraordinary meeting of the assembly, in [which] they told [me] to censure Father Puch who was to be ordered to give sat[isfaction] to the royal assembly, and to the public for the excesses committed upon the alcaldes-mayor. The last two days of the mission, I formed their … assessorship at the university of Santo Thomas, and at four of the … all acquitted, and I with them, Father Puch. Thereupon, I presented myself before the royal assembly on the twenty-seventh [of] March, and they have been silent until now. They gave the matter for review to the fiscal, who presented himself in person on the seventeenth of May with a fiscal review, in which he censures and reproves my conduct, and reproves and censures that of Father Puch. He censures all the religious orders, for, he says, we are all united in incriminating the alcaldes-mayor; that there is no obedience to the king in the islands; that the religious are the masters of the islands, despotic, tyrannical, cruel. He requests the royal assembly to reproduce before the king our sovereign, the memorial of Palafox againstthe religious, and that secular priests be assigned to the ministries; and that although the provision taken in the royal assembly ought to be urged on me, and although another ought to be despatched against the Dominicans, already the conspiracy of all the religious is known, and that the royal assembly will obtain nothing more than disrespect, disobedience, and insults, and that it will be best to inform the king, our sovereign, of everything, passing by my petition of testimony made in triplicate in order that I might have recourse to his Majesty. I have seen nothing, and have been informed of nothing. Thereupon, I sought my remedy, and have recourse with three testimonies to the king, our sovereign. I greatly fear, however, that the matter will be neglected in Madrid, and the connivance of our procurators; but for this I also ask the remedy farther on.A boat was built in Pangasinan in order that it might be sent to Nueva España. It was launched in the middle of May in a river, but it could not get out because of the bar. Means are being discussed, hopes abound, but it is now considered impossible for a voyage to be made this year. The “Santa Rosa” was expected at the end of May, but we are sure that there will be no voyage unless one of the ships from the mainland is bought. If the “Santa Rosa” brings no money we must all go to live in Visayas and Tagalos. To this point have I come, today, June 17. If there is anything to add later, I will add it in a separate paragraph, or in another letter.The “Santa Rosa” arrived July 3, with the new governor. The “Santa Rosa” is being prepared for its return trip to México, for the ship of Azevedo has not arrived, and is not expected, although it left thebar on the third of this said month. The boat of Misamis is being equipped for México. I do not consider it necessary to give instructions to your Reverence, for I expect that without them, you will perform the duties of your post fully, and our friendship.Santa Cruz, July 20, 1765.Your Reverence’s most affectionate servant,Bernardo Pazuengos(rubric)[Addressed: “My Father Procurator-General, Joaquin Mesquida.”]1The original of this document is worn in many places. Matter in brackets is conjectural readings; otherwise the lacunas are indicated by periods.↑2This trouble with the Jesuits arose first from the sermon preached by Father Francisco Javier Puch,S.J., March 9, 1764, in which he accused the alcaldes-mayor of robbing both king and natives (Montero y Vidal, ii, pp. 116, 117; and Ferrando, v, pp. 9–16).↑3i.e., Let them be erased from the book of life.↑REFERENCESAccounts of the capture and occupancy of Manila, and contemporaneous events, will be found in the following:1. Vivar, Pedro del,O.S.A.—Relación de los alzamientos de la ciudad de Vigan, cabecera de la provincia de Ilocos, en los años de 1762 y 1763.Composed in 1764; published as part of vol. iv, ofBiblioteca Histórica Filipina. An account of the insurrections of Diego Silán and Nicolás Cariño.2. Castro, Agustin Maria de,O.S.A.—Reseña sobre la guerra de los ingleses ca. 1765.MS. in Augustinian archives, Manila; and a copy of which is owned by Eduardo Navarro,O.S.A., at Valladolid. Cited by Montero y Vidal, and by Pérez (Catálogo).3. Le Gentil de la Galaisière, Guillaume Joseph Hyacinthe Jean Baptiste.—Voyage dons les mers de l’Inde(Paris, 1779–1781), ii, chapter ii, articles xvii and xviii, pp. 230–275. This book contains the Journal of Archbishop Rojo concerning the siege. Le Gentil criticises the method of the British operations; and influenced by his friendship for Rojo’s nephew passes a severe criticism on Anda, which has caused him in turn to be criticised by the Spaniards.4. Malo de Luque, Eduardo (pseudonym of Duke of Almodovar).—Historia política de los establecimientosultramarinos de las naciones europeas(Madrid, 1784–1790), v, chaps. ix, and x, pp. 234–310. Contains many of the original documents and letters connected with the conquest period.5. Martinez de Zúñiga, Joaquin,O.S.A.—Historia de las Islas Philipinas(Sampaloc, 1803), chaps. xxxiii-xxxvii, pp. 601–687. Treats of siege, capture, insurrections, operations of Anda, and the peace.6. Mas, Sinibaldo de.—Informe sobre el estado de las islas Filipinas(Madrid, 1843), i, no. 2. Uses preceding authorities largely.7. Buzeta, Manuel,O.S.A., and Bravo, Felipe,O.S.A.—Diccionario(Madrid, 1850), ii, pp. 289–291. A very short and unsatisfactory account.8. Ferrando, Juan,O.P.—Historia de los PP. Dominicos en las islas Filipinas(Madrid, 1871), iv, chaps. viii–x, pp. 611–742; v, chap. i, pp. 1–25. Contains Dominican history and general account of the conquest, etc.9. Montero y Vidal, José.—Historia general de Filipinas, ii, chaps. i–iii, and part of iv, pp. 7–119; and portion of appendix, where he gives various documents of conquest period. Uses foregoing freely.10. Jordan de Urries, Pedro, marqués de Ayerbe.—Sitio y conquista de Manila por los Ingleses en 1762(Zaragoza, 1897). Based on ordinary authorities, and especially on an unpublished MS. written by Alfonso Rodríguez de Ovalle, to the marqués de Cruillas, ancestor of the marqués de Ayerbe, which is conserved in the library of the latter. Ovalle sailed on the “Santa Rosa” with royal despatches notifying the city of Manila of the treaty of peace between Spain and England. While in the Philippines,he wrote a minute journal, accompanying it with plans and statistics, of the late events in Manila and the provinces. The dates of this journal are September 13, 1762-March 13, 1764.11. Diez Aguado, Manuel,O.S.A.—Biografia del P. Agustín Ma. de Castro, Agustino(Barcelona, 1902). This contains a short account of the siege and capture of Manila. It is drawn in large part from Augustinian sources. The author has had the benefit also of manuscript material possessed by Augustinian friars in his convent at Valladolid, some of which manuscripts were written by Castro.112. War Department.—Annual Report, 1903(Washington, 1903), iii, appendix ix, pp. 435–454. Part i,Historical sketch of the walls of Manila, compiled and written under direction of various U. S. military officers. Part ii, translation of chapter ii, of no. 10, by Capt. A. C. Macomb, 5th U. S. Cavalry; rather free translation. Contains many half-tone reproductions of Manila walls and fortifications.13. MSS. in the Archivo general de España, at Simancas; estado 6958.—Concerning the capture, sack, capitulation, and surrender of Manila, the propositions of the English, its recovery, etc.; 1762–1765. This contains also the documents regarding the capture of the “Santissima Trinidad.” This legajo contains much correspondence from the Spanish minister in England; and a number of letters written in English. Legajo 6954 is dated “London, 23 de Sept. 1763;” and treats of the restitution of the Philippines.1One of these MSS., entitledBreve noticia de los Religiosos Agustinos Calzados de esta provincia de Filipinas…, and which belongs to Bernardino Hernando,O.S.A., reader in the Valladolid convent, has the following data in regard to the contributions made to the English: “From the royal coffers, 12,469 pesos; from the governor, 6,991; from the cathedral, 9,000 pesos in coined silver, and 33,973 in wrought silver; the church of Quiapo, 716 pesos in wrought silver; that of Ermita, 5,117, ditto; from [the Order] of St. Dominic and tertiary branch, 16,028 in coined silver, and 11,616 in wrought; from the tertiary branch of [the Order of] St. Francis, 58,000 pesos in coined silver, and 970 in wrought; from [the Order of] St. Augustine, 25,556 pesos in coined silver, and 11,025 pesos in wrought silver; from the Society, 40,434 pesos in coined silver, and 8,794 in wrought silver; from the Misericordia, 196,042 pesos, 2 reals, and 4 granos in coined silver; from the minor Ruiz, 1,472 pesos in wrought silver, and 836 of the deposit belonging to Varela: all of which items make a total of 459,420 pesos. The wealthy citizens and families, to wit: Infante, Reyes, Jugo, Villar, Suárez, Ocampo, Memije, Varela, Bogan, Piñón, Monteroso, Mazo, Neyra, Lizárraga, Ruano, Noriega, Castro, Solano, Otal, Casañas, Cachit, Mantilla, Barrio, León y Verdugo—48,777 pesos. The sack amounted to 418,442 pesos. The English seized 25,000 pesos from [the property of] the absent Blanco; from the marqués de Monte Castro, 8,000 pesos; from the marquesa de Salinas, 10,000 pesos; in the seizure of San Pablo, the convent of the Calced Augustinian fathers, 60,000 pesos, which were buried, in coined silver, and 40,000 in wrought silver. To all these items must be added 2,000,000 pesos which were charged against his Catholic Majesty’s treasury. The total sum is 3,069,639 pesos.”↑

JesusPax Christi, etc.After our misfortunes which happened at the capture of Manila by the English, we are breathing a bit. Hardships have not been lacking here since then, but they have been accompanied by relief.Last year it was God’s will to bring us safely the ship “Santa Rosa” with peace signed and a new governorad interimfor these islands.1As no other boat was left, the said “Santa Rosa” was fitted up and now it has returned to us, bringing us the regularly-appointed governor Don Francisco Raon. This is the beginning of the recuperation of these islands.For the rest, one could have feared the total ruin of these domains, according to the unbridled manner in which the Moros were killing and capturing through the Bisayas. The governorad interimhas placed Manila in a state of the best defense against European powers, and has opened about it a very wide ditch and made some very high intrenchments. If eight thousand Europeans were necessary to capture it before now fourteen or sixteen thousand will be necessary.There is no doubt but that the present governor will perfect these works, and that he will more eagerly check the boldness of the Morillos.2That being done, the trade of Bisayas will again flourish, which is almost necessary for the conservation of this capital.God has placed a very heavy hand upon our friends the English in their retirement. It is enough to say that seven of their fourteen ships have been lost, and one-half the men whom they brought here, who numbered in all about eight thousand. Of a truth their hopes saw a sorry fulfilment.Cruel Micenas, fugitibo Eneas, etc.Concerning the unhappy condition of the missions of the empire of China, your Reverence will already have had accurate information through the Portuguese fathers who were ordered to be taken to Europa by their not king—“I am not king,” as he said at the time of the earthquakes, and as he has caused us to see afterward in our misfortunes.3What has become of Father Master Manuel Guevara, who was confused with the Portuguese? Has he died or has he been restored to our province of Toledo? If he is living, a thousand greetings [to him].We have had the latest news from two Portuguese fathers (who had come here previously from the provinces, and who on that account did not fall intothe clutches of the sparrow-hawk), which is reduced to saying that about thirty fathers are left in that empire—about ten or eleven in the court of Pequin, and the others scattered through its vast provinces. Those of the court are living openly with the license of the emperor and the rest are keeping hid. But all lack the aid which formerly was sent to them from Goa. May God aid them and give them strength to leave the shore after so fierce a storm,and withdraw us all from the other storm which is lashing all the vast body of the Society.4San Pedro Macati, July 8, 1765.Your Reverence’s humble servant,Eugenio Carrion(rubric)I beg your Reverence to communicate this letter to the reverend father Orea, as one of those small morsels which was supplied to him when he was our beadle in the school of Murcia.[Addressed: “My Father Joseph de Rueda.”]

Jesus

Pax Christi, etc.

After our misfortunes which happened at the capture of Manila by the English, we are breathing a bit. Hardships have not been lacking here since then, but they have been accompanied by relief.

Last year it was God’s will to bring us safely the ship “Santa Rosa” with peace signed and a new governorad interimfor these islands.1As no other boat was left, the said “Santa Rosa” was fitted up and now it has returned to us, bringing us the regularly-appointed governor Don Francisco Raon. This is the beginning of the recuperation of these islands.

For the rest, one could have feared the total ruin of these domains, according to the unbridled manner in which the Moros were killing and capturing through the Bisayas. The governorad interimhas placed Manila in a state of the best defense against European powers, and has opened about it a very wide ditch and made some very high intrenchments. If eight thousand Europeans were necessary to capture it before now fourteen or sixteen thousand will be necessary.

There is no doubt but that the present governor will perfect these works, and that he will more eagerly check the boldness of the Morillos.2That being done, the trade of Bisayas will again flourish, which is almost necessary for the conservation of this capital.

God has placed a very heavy hand upon our friends the English in their retirement. It is enough to say that seven of their fourteen ships have been lost, and one-half the men whom they brought here, who numbered in all about eight thousand. Of a truth their hopes saw a sorry fulfilment.Cruel Micenas, fugitibo Eneas, etc.

Concerning the unhappy condition of the missions of the empire of China, your Reverence will already have had accurate information through the Portuguese fathers who were ordered to be taken to Europa by their not king—“I am not king,” as he said at the time of the earthquakes, and as he has caused us to see afterward in our misfortunes.3What has become of Father Master Manuel Guevara, who was confused with the Portuguese? Has he died or has he been restored to our province of Toledo? If he is living, a thousand greetings [to him].

We have had the latest news from two Portuguese fathers (who had come here previously from the provinces, and who on that account did not fall intothe clutches of the sparrow-hawk), which is reduced to saying that about thirty fathers are left in that empire—about ten or eleven in the court of Pequin, and the others scattered through its vast provinces. Those of the court are living openly with the license of the emperor and the rest are keeping hid. But all lack the aid which formerly was sent to them from Goa. May God aid them and give them strength to leave the shore after so fierce a storm,and withdraw us all from the other storm which is lashing all the vast body of the Society.4San Pedro Macati, July 8, 1765.

Your Reverence’s humble servant,

Eugenio Carrion(rubric)

I beg your Reverence to communicate this letter to the reverend father Orea, as one of those small morsels which was supplied to him when he was our beadle in the school of Murcia.

[Addressed: “My Father Joseph de Rueda.”]

1Francisco Javier de la Torre.↑2The diminutive of Moros.↑3Evidently a reference to Sebastian Joseph Carvalho e Mello, Marquis Pombal, the Portuguese prime minister, who expelled the Jesuits from Portugal by the decree of September 1, 1759; and to the famous Lisbon earthquake of November 1, 1755. See Nicolini’sHistory of Jesuits(London, 1879); Cretineau-Joly’sHistoire de la Compagnie de Jésus(Paris, 1859), v; and Griesinger’sJesuits(London, 1903, 3d ed.).↑4The storm against the Jesuits, which ended with the expulsion of the order in 1770.↑

1Francisco Javier de la Torre.↑

2The diminutive of Moros.↑

3Evidently a reference to Sebastian Joseph Carvalho e Mello, Marquis Pombal, the Portuguese prime minister, who expelled the Jesuits from Portugal by the decree of September 1, 1759; and to the famous Lisbon earthquake of November 1, 1755. See Nicolini’sHistory of Jesuits(London, 1879); Cretineau-Joly’sHistoire de la Compagnie de Jésus(Paris, 1859), v; and Griesinger’sJesuits(London, 1903, 3d ed.).↑

4The storm against the Jesuits, which ended with the expulsion of the order in 1770.↑

LETTER FROM PAZUENGOS TO MESQUIDAJesusPax Christi.I am writing this letter, in doubt as to the arrival of your Reverence, and with hopes of the arrival here of the ship “Santa Rosa” and with desires of the coming of a governor to free us from the abominations in which we are. Don Francisco Xavier [de la] Torre is the most detestable robber ever seen in the East or West Indias, a man without shame or trace of Christianity. All this might be tolerated if he took any care of the defense of the Indians; but he has wholly abandoned the fields of Christendom, saying that a cornucopia of the islands is given to him, and that the king our sovereign will abandon them, or transfer them to the French. Thereupon, he has given himself over to a libertine life, so far as his morals are concerned. He looks after nothing else than selling the offices dear, and robbing king and vassals. He obtains it all with abun[dant]1stipends, but does not pay them, but feigns very well that he issues vouchers for them. But [what?] willyour Reverence say on learning that he has bondsmen who give him opinions, … testimonies contrary to all justice and truth? We have a bishop …; and for that reason I have already sent four [students] so that they may be ordained [at] Zebu. I am sure that it will be necessary to send all the others, who have finished and who are studying. He has hoisted the flag against the religious orders with all his might, and I am sure that all the orders will write this year, resigning their ministries into the hands of his Majesty.2The Society and the Dominicans are determined to do it, for the auditors and some of the city have resolved to censure and dishonor them. The Frenchman Solano, formerly a barber and wig-maker is alcalde-in-ordinary of Manila, and today a regidor of this city. Who would believe that such a … thing could be? This vile man, incited by the governor, by the auditor, … and by the fiscal of his Majesty, had the insolence to get out on the highway of Meyha with two thousand workmen and widen it by more than two varas. Although he knew that it was ecclesiastical property, he answered that the last thing that leaves the body is the soul. What can such governors, [such] auditors, and such alcaldes occasion, if not the ruin of the community?Not less ruined are the Bisayas, as they are without stipends, and cannot be helped from here, since they have no boats which can resist the Moros, for the governor has not made a grain of powder nor asingle boat, although it is a fact that he has cost the king almost a million pesos. The fathers are compelled to go almost naked, and they have had to make shoes out of the parchment of their books. They have been assisted as much as possible, and already those missions owe thirty thousand pesos to the province. Of the ten churches built of stone and mortar, and a like number of houses in the residence of Hilongos, only two are left, and all the rest are ruined and burned by the Moros. Your Reverence may conjecture almost the same thing of other less defensible villages. All [the inhabitants of] the two villages which were formed under the charge of Samboangan are dead or captives, and I am sure that the missions of the Recollects have suffered greater ruin,proportione servata; for I am told that the entire jurisdiction of Caraga is reduced to one thousand tributes. Since your Reverence left, one-half the Indians of Bisayas have been captured or killed. May God bring us a governor, may God bring us some auditors, who shall recognize and appreciate the defense of the Catholic religion and of the poor Indians!The estates of Calatagán and Looc, burned and sacked by the Moros; the estates of Meysilo and La Piedad, burned and sacked by the Christians; that of San Pedro Tunasan, sacked by the Indians, commanded by six Franciscan friars; Lian and Nasugbú delivered to the Joloan [?Jelacoin transcript] king by treaty; that of Naic abandoned to the robbers; San Pedro Macati burned by the English, with the exception of the house and church! Those which have suffered less are Marquina, Payatas, and Calamba, although they have suffered considerably.Don Manuel Fernandez Thoribio has been appointed governor of Samboangan, and has secret instructions to ascertain what estates and what manner of livelihood the Jesuits have. In general, all the alcaldes who have been sent out carry instructions against the regulars. The fact is that stipends are not to be paid to the ministers, and no alms or aid is to be given to carry on the missions.Since my arrival, neither from the royal treasury of Mexico, nor from these [in Manila], has the least stipend [been given] to the four subjects in Samboangan … treasury, by royal decree, that they be paid here, and from those of here, for … in order to pay from the treasury of Mexico. Consider, your Reverence, what must be the condition of this po[or] province.There is another war declared, in which Señor Galban has unfurled the banner against [the] pious [funds]. He declares that the pious funds are the ruin of [trade] and of the islands; as if the trade of the islands had any other foundation. I, … procurator, have come to the opinion that God is abandoning this His kingdom; … I doubt that on other occasions, there may have been greater or equal mi[sfortunes], but surely, the ministers of the king, our sovereign, must have had more application and better intentions. It might be that Señor Cegado has them, since he is … it. They pass no measure that is not intended for the ruin, and tell … the liberty in which they live, would be to paint a detesta[ble] and scandalous community.Against us in particular, is aroused a very perplexing storm, … the case, that in the college of Manila, a [mis]sion was held during Lent. On thenext to the last day, Father Puch explained the seventh command[ment] and named the kinds of robbers that existed. He named alcaldes-[mayor?] of provinces, adding what St. Xavier said of these at seeing … that they received the decreedeleantur de libro viventium.3On the … day, while I was resting, I received a bloodthirsty denunciation from Señor Galban, which I [sho]wed to Father Puch, who explained on Sunday afternoon in great-detail what I have mentioned, and what he ought to say. But on the third day, I received a royal provision passed by an extraordinary meeting of the assembly, in [which] they told [me] to censure Father Puch who was to be ordered to give sat[isfaction] to the royal assembly, and to the public for the excesses committed upon the alcaldes-mayor. The last two days of the mission, I formed their … assessorship at the university of Santo Thomas, and at four of the … all acquitted, and I with them, Father Puch. Thereupon, I presented myself before the royal assembly on the twenty-seventh [of] March, and they have been silent until now. They gave the matter for review to the fiscal, who presented himself in person on the seventeenth of May with a fiscal review, in which he censures and reproves my conduct, and reproves and censures that of Father Puch. He censures all the religious orders, for, he says, we are all united in incriminating the alcaldes-mayor; that there is no obedience to the king in the islands; that the religious are the masters of the islands, despotic, tyrannical, cruel. He requests the royal assembly to reproduce before the king our sovereign, the memorial of Palafox againstthe religious, and that secular priests be assigned to the ministries; and that although the provision taken in the royal assembly ought to be urged on me, and although another ought to be despatched against the Dominicans, already the conspiracy of all the religious is known, and that the royal assembly will obtain nothing more than disrespect, disobedience, and insults, and that it will be best to inform the king, our sovereign, of everything, passing by my petition of testimony made in triplicate in order that I might have recourse to his Majesty. I have seen nothing, and have been informed of nothing. Thereupon, I sought my remedy, and have recourse with three testimonies to the king, our sovereign. I greatly fear, however, that the matter will be neglected in Madrid, and the connivance of our procurators; but for this I also ask the remedy farther on.A boat was built in Pangasinan in order that it might be sent to Nueva España. It was launched in the middle of May in a river, but it could not get out because of the bar. Means are being discussed, hopes abound, but it is now considered impossible for a voyage to be made this year. The “Santa Rosa” was expected at the end of May, but we are sure that there will be no voyage unless one of the ships from the mainland is bought. If the “Santa Rosa” brings no money we must all go to live in Visayas and Tagalos. To this point have I come, today, June 17. If there is anything to add later, I will add it in a separate paragraph, or in another letter.The “Santa Rosa” arrived July 3, with the new governor. The “Santa Rosa” is being prepared for its return trip to México, for the ship of Azevedo has not arrived, and is not expected, although it left thebar on the third of this said month. The boat of Misamis is being equipped for México. I do not consider it necessary to give instructions to your Reverence, for I expect that without them, you will perform the duties of your post fully, and our friendship.Santa Cruz, July 20, 1765.Your Reverence’s most affectionate servant,Bernardo Pazuengos(rubric)[Addressed: “My Father Procurator-General, Joaquin Mesquida.”]1The original of this document is worn in many places. Matter in brackets is conjectural readings; otherwise the lacunas are indicated by periods.↑2This trouble with the Jesuits arose first from the sermon preached by Father Francisco Javier Puch,S.J., March 9, 1764, in which he accused the alcaldes-mayor of robbing both king and natives (Montero y Vidal, ii, pp. 116, 117; and Ferrando, v, pp. 9–16).↑3i.e., Let them be erased from the book of life.↑

LETTER FROM PAZUENGOS TO MESQUIDA

JesusPax Christi.I am writing this letter, in doubt as to the arrival of your Reverence, and with hopes of the arrival here of the ship “Santa Rosa” and with desires of the coming of a governor to free us from the abominations in which we are. Don Francisco Xavier [de la] Torre is the most detestable robber ever seen in the East or West Indias, a man without shame or trace of Christianity. All this might be tolerated if he took any care of the defense of the Indians; but he has wholly abandoned the fields of Christendom, saying that a cornucopia of the islands is given to him, and that the king our sovereign will abandon them, or transfer them to the French. Thereupon, he has given himself over to a libertine life, so far as his morals are concerned. He looks after nothing else than selling the offices dear, and robbing king and vassals. He obtains it all with abun[dant]1stipends, but does not pay them, but feigns very well that he issues vouchers for them. But [what?] willyour Reverence say on learning that he has bondsmen who give him opinions, … testimonies contrary to all justice and truth? We have a bishop …; and for that reason I have already sent four [students] so that they may be ordained [at] Zebu. I am sure that it will be necessary to send all the others, who have finished and who are studying. He has hoisted the flag against the religious orders with all his might, and I am sure that all the orders will write this year, resigning their ministries into the hands of his Majesty.2The Society and the Dominicans are determined to do it, for the auditors and some of the city have resolved to censure and dishonor them. The Frenchman Solano, formerly a barber and wig-maker is alcalde-in-ordinary of Manila, and today a regidor of this city. Who would believe that such a … thing could be? This vile man, incited by the governor, by the auditor, … and by the fiscal of his Majesty, had the insolence to get out on the highway of Meyha with two thousand workmen and widen it by more than two varas. Although he knew that it was ecclesiastical property, he answered that the last thing that leaves the body is the soul. What can such governors, [such] auditors, and such alcaldes occasion, if not the ruin of the community?Not less ruined are the Bisayas, as they are without stipends, and cannot be helped from here, since they have no boats which can resist the Moros, for the governor has not made a grain of powder nor asingle boat, although it is a fact that he has cost the king almost a million pesos. The fathers are compelled to go almost naked, and they have had to make shoes out of the parchment of their books. They have been assisted as much as possible, and already those missions owe thirty thousand pesos to the province. Of the ten churches built of stone and mortar, and a like number of houses in the residence of Hilongos, only two are left, and all the rest are ruined and burned by the Moros. Your Reverence may conjecture almost the same thing of other less defensible villages. All [the inhabitants of] the two villages which were formed under the charge of Samboangan are dead or captives, and I am sure that the missions of the Recollects have suffered greater ruin,proportione servata; for I am told that the entire jurisdiction of Caraga is reduced to one thousand tributes. Since your Reverence left, one-half the Indians of Bisayas have been captured or killed. May God bring us a governor, may God bring us some auditors, who shall recognize and appreciate the defense of the Catholic religion and of the poor Indians!The estates of Calatagán and Looc, burned and sacked by the Moros; the estates of Meysilo and La Piedad, burned and sacked by the Christians; that of San Pedro Tunasan, sacked by the Indians, commanded by six Franciscan friars; Lian and Nasugbú delivered to the Joloan [?Jelacoin transcript] king by treaty; that of Naic abandoned to the robbers; San Pedro Macati burned by the English, with the exception of the house and church! Those which have suffered less are Marquina, Payatas, and Calamba, although they have suffered considerably.Don Manuel Fernandez Thoribio has been appointed governor of Samboangan, and has secret instructions to ascertain what estates and what manner of livelihood the Jesuits have. In general, all the alcaldes who have been sent out carry instructions against the regulars. The fact is that stipends are not to be paid to the ministers, and no alms or aid is to be given to carry on the missions.Since my arrival, neither from the royal treasury of Mexico, nor from these [in Manila], has the least stipend [been given] to the four subjects in Samboangan … treasury, by royal decree, that they be paid here, and from those of here, for … in order to pay from the treasury of Mexico. Consider, your Reverence, what must be the condition of this po[or] province.There is another war declared, in which Señor Galban has unfurled the banner against [the] pious [funds]. He declares that the pious funds are the ruin of [trade] and of the islands; as if the trade of the islands had any other foundation. I, … procurator, have come to the opinion that God is abandoning this His kingdom; … I doubt that on other occasions, there may have been greater or equal mi[sfortunes], but surely, the ministers of the king, our sovereign, must have had more application and better intentions. It might be that Señor Cegado has them, since he is … it. They pass no measure that is not intended for the ruin, and tell … the liberty in which they live, would be to paint a detesta[ble] and scandalous community.Against us in particular, is aroused a very perplexing storm, … the case, that in the college of Manila, a [mis]sion was held during Lent. On thenext to the last day, Father Puch explained the seventh command[ment] and named the kinds of robbers that existed. He named alcaldes-[mayor?] of provinces, adding what St. Xavier said of these at seeing … that they received the decreedeleantur de libro viventium.3On the … day, while I was resting, I received a bloodthirsty denunciation from Señor Galban, which I [sho]wed to Father Puch, who explained on Sunday afternoon in great-detail what I have mentioned, and what he ought to say. But on the third day, I received a royal provision passed by an extraordinary meeting of the assembly, in [which] they told [me] to censure Father Puch who was to be ordered to give sat[isfaction] to the royal assembly, and to the public for the excesses committed upon the alcaldes-mayor. The last two days of the mission, I formed their … assessorship at the university of Santo Thomas, and at four of the … all acquitted, and I with them, Father Puch. Thereupon, I presented myself before the royal assembly on the twenty-seventh [of] March, and they have been silent until now. They gave the matter for review to the fiscal, who presented himself in person on the seventeenth of May with a fiscal review, in which he censures and reproves my conduct, and reproves and censures that of Father Puch. He censures all the religious orders, for, he says, we are all united in incriminating the alcaldes-mayor; that there is no obedience to the king in the islands; that the religious are the masters of the islands, despotic, tyrannical, cruel. He requests the royal assembly to reproduce before the king our sovereign, the memorial of Palafox againstthe religious, and that secular priests be assigned to the ministries; and that although the provision taken in the royal assembly ought to be urged on me, and although another ought to be despatched against the Dominicans, already the conspiracy of all the religious is known, and that the royal assembly will obtain nothing more than disrespect, disobedience, and insults, and that it will be best to inform the king, our sovereign, of everything, passing by my petition of testimony made in triplicate in order that I might have recourse to his Majesty. I have seen nothing, and have been informed of nothing. Thereupon, I sought my remedy, and have recourse with three testimonies to the king, our sovereign. I greatly fear, however, that the matter will be neglected in Madrid, and the connivance of our procurators; but for this I also ask the remedy farther on.A boat was built in Pangasinan in order that it might be sent to Nueva España. It was launched in the middle of May in a river, but it could not get out because of the bar. Means are being discussed, hopes abound, but it is now considered impossible for a voyage to be made this year. The “Santa Rosa” was expected at the end of May, but we are sure that there will be no voyage unless one of the ships from the mainland is bought. If the “Santa Rosa” brings no money we must all go to live in Visayas and Tagalos. To this point have I come, today, June 17. If there is anything to add later, I will add it in a separate paragraph, or in another letter.The “Santa Rosa” arrived July 3, with the new governor. The “Santa Rosa” is being prepared for its return trip to México, for the ship of Azevedo has not arrived, and is not expected, although it left thebar on the third of this said month. The boat of Misamis is being equipped for México. I do not consider it necessary to give instructions to your Reverence, for I expect that without them, you will perform the duties of your post fully, and our friendship.Santa Cruz, July 20, 1765.Your Reverence’s most affectionate servant,Bernardo Pazuengos(rubric)[Addressed: “My Father Procurator-General, Joaquin Mesquida.”]

Jesus

Pax Christi.

I am writing this letter, in doubt as to the arrival of your Reverence, and with hopes of the arrival here of the ship “Santa Rosa” and with desires of the coming of a governor to free us from the abominations in which we are. Don Francisco Xavier [de la] Torre is the most detestable robber ever seen in the East or West Indias, a man without shame or trace of Christianity. All this might be tolerated if he took any care of the defense of the Indians; but he has wholly abandoned the fields of Christendom, saying that a cornucopia of the islands is given to him, and that the king our sovereign will abandon them, or transfer them to the French. Thereupon, he has given himself over to a libertine life, so far as his morals are concerned. He looks after nothing else than selling the offices dear, and robbing king and vassals. He obtains it all with abun[dant]1stipends, but does not pay them, but feigns very well that he issues vouchers for them. But [what?] willyour Reverence say on learning that he has bondsmen who give him opinions, … testimonies contrary to all justice and truth? We have a bishop …; and for that reason I have already sent four [students] so that they may be ordained [at] Zebu. I am sure that it will be necessary to send all the others, who have finished and who are studying. He has hoisted the flag against the religious orders with all his might, and I am sure that all the orders will write this year, resigning their ministries into the hands of his Majesty.2The Society and the Dominicans are determined to do it, for the auditors and some of the city have resolved to censure and dishonor them. The Frenchman Solano, formerly a barber and wig-maker is alcalde-in-ordinary of Manila, and today a regidor of this city. Who would believe that such a … thing could be? This vile man, incited by the governor, by the auditor, … and by the fiscal of his Majesty, had the insolence to get out on the highway of Meyha with two thousand workmen and widen it by more than two varas. Although he knew that it was ecclesiastical property, he answered that the last thing that leaves the body is the soul. What can such governors, [such] auditors, and such alcaldes occasion, if not the ruin of the community?

Not less ruined are the Bisayas, as they are without stipends, and cannot be helped from here, since they have no boats which can resist the Moros, for the governor has not made a grain of powder nor asingle boat, although it is a fact that he has cost the king almost a million pesos. The fathers are compelled to go almost naked, and they have had to make shoes out of the parchment of their books. They have been assisted as much as possible, and already those missions owe thirty thousand pesos to the province. Of the ten churches built of stone and mortar, and a like number of houses in the residence of Hilongos, only two are left, and all the rest are ruined and burned by the Moros. Your Reverence may conjecture almost the same thing of other less defensible villages. All [the inhabitants of] the two villages which were formed under the charge of Samboangan are dead or captives, and I am sure that the missions of the Recollects have suffered greater ruin,proportione servata; for I am told that the entire jurisdiction of Caraga is reduced to one thousand tributes. Since your Reverence left, one-half the Indians of Bisayas have been captured or killed. May God bring us a governor, may God bring us some auditors, who shall recognize and appreciate the defense of the Catholic religion and of the poor Indians!

The estates of Calatagán and Looc, burned and sacked by the Moros; the estates of Meysilo and La Piedad, burned and sacked by the Christians; that of San Pedro Tunasan, sacked by the Indians, commanded by six Franciscan friars; Lian and Nasugbú delivered to the Joloan [?Jelacoin transcript] king by treaty; that of Naic abandoned to the robbers; San Pedro Macati burned by the English, with the exception of the house and church! Those which have suffered less are Marquina, Payatas, and Calamba, although they have suffered considerably.

Don Manuel Fernandez Thoribio has been appointed governor of Samboangan, and has secret instructions to ascertain what estates and what manner of livelihood the Jesuits have. In general, all the alcaldes who have been sent out carry instructions against the regulars. The fact is that stipends are not to be paid to the ministers, and no alms or aid is to be given to carry on the missions.

Since my arrival, neither from the royal treasury of Mexico, nor from these [in Manila], has the least stipend [been given] to the four subjects in Samboangan … treasury, by royal decree, that they be paid here, and from those of here, for … in order to pay from the treasury of Mexico. Consider, your Reverence, what must be the condition of this po[or] province.

There is another war declared, in which Señor Galban has unfurled the banner against [the] pious [funds]. He declares that the pious funds are the ruin of [trade] and of the islands; as if the trade of the islands had any other foundation. I, … procurator, have come to the opinion that God is abandoning this His kingdom; … I doubt that on other occasions, there may have been greater or equal mi[sfortunes], but surely, the ministers of the king, our sovereign, must have had more application and better intentions. It might be that Señor Cegado has them, since he is … it. They pass no measure that is not intended for the ruin, and tell … the liberty in which they live, would be to paint a detesta[ble] and scandalous community.

Against us in particular, is aroused a very perplexing storm, … the case, that in the college of Manila, a [mis]sion was held during Lent. On thenext to the last day, Father Puch explained the seventh command[ment] and named the kinds of robbers that existed. He named alcaldes-[mayor?] of provinces, adding what St. Xavier said of these at seeing … that they received the decreedeleantur de libro viventium.3On the … day, while I was resting, I received a bloodthirsty denunciation from Señor Galban, which I [sho]wed to Father Puch, who explained on Sunday afternoon in great-detail what I have mentioned, and what he ought to say. But on the third day, I received a royal provision passed by an extraordinary meeting of the assembly, in [which] they told [me] to censure Father Puch who was to be ordered to give sat[isfaction] to the royal assembly, and to the public for the excesses committed upon the alcaldes-mayor. The last two days of the mission, I formed their … assessorship at the university of Santo Thomas, and at four of the … all acquitted, and I with them, Father Puch. Thereupon, I presented myself before the royal assembly on the twenty-seventh [of] March, and they have been silent until now. They gave the matter for review to the fiscal, who presented himself in person on the seventeenth of May with a fiscal review, in which he censures and reproves my conduct, and reproves and censures that of Father Puch. He censures all the religious orders, for, he says, we are all united in incriminating the alcaldes-mayor; that there is no obedience to the king in the islands; that the religious are the masters of the islands, despotic, tyrannical, cruel. He requests the royal assembly to reproduce before the king our sovereign, the memorial of Palafox againstthe religious, and that secular priests be assigned to the ministries; and that although the provision taken in the royal assembly ought to be urged on me, and although another ought to be despatched against the Dominicans, already the conspiracy of all the religious is known, and that the royal assembly will obtain nothing more than disrespect, disobedience, and insults, and that it will be best to inform the king, our sovereign, of everything, passing by my petition of testimony made in triplicate in order that I might have recourse to his Majesty. I have seen nothing, and have been informed of nothing. Thereupon, I sought my remedy, and have recourse with three testimonies to the king, our sovereign. I greatly fear, however, that the matter will be neglected in Madrid, and the connivance of our procurators; but for this I also ask the remedy farther on.

A boat was built in Pangasinan in order that it might be sent to Nueva España. It was launched in the middle of May in a river, but it could not get out because of the bar. Means are being discussed, hopes abound, but it is now considered impossible for a voyage to be made this year. The “Santa Rosa” was expected at the end of May, but we are sure that there will be no voyage unless one of the ships from the mainland is bought. If the “Santa Rosa” brings no money we must all go to live in Visayas and Tagalos. To this point have I come, today, June 17. If there is anything to add later, I will add it in a separate paragraph, or in another letter.

The “Santa Rosa” arrived July 3, with the new governor. The “Santa Rosa” is being prepared for its return trip to México, for the ship of Azevedo has not arrived, and is not expected, although it left thebar on the third of this said month. The boat of Misamis is being equipped for México. I do not consider it necessary to give instructions to your Reverence, for I expect that without them, you will perform the duties of your post fully, and our friendship.

Santa Cruz, July 20, 1765.

Your Reverence’s most affectionate servant,

Bernardo Pazuengos(rubric)

[Addressed: “My Father Procurator-General, Joaquin Mesquida.”]

1The original of this document is worn in many places. Matter in brackets is conjectural readings; otherwise the lacunas are indicated by periods.↑2This trouble with the Jesuits arose first from the sermon preached by Father Francisco Javier Puch,S.J., March 9, 1764, in which he accused the alcaldes-mayor of robbing both king and natives (Montero y Vidal, ii, pp. 116, 117; and Ferrando, v, pp. 9–16).↑3i.e., Let them be erased from the book of life.↑

1The original of this document is worn in many places. Matter in brackets is conjectural readings; otherwise the lacunas are indicated by periods.↑

2This trouble with the Jesuits arose first from the sermon preached by Father Francisco Javier Puch,S.J., March 9, 1764, in which he accused the alcaldes-mayor of robbing both king and natives (Montero y Vidal, ii, pp. 116, 117; and Ferrando, v, pp. 9–16).↑

3i.e., Let them be erased from the book of life.↑

REFERENCESAccounts of the capture and occupancy of Manila, and contemporaneous events, will be found in the following:1. Vivar, Pedro del,O.S.A.—Relación de los alzamientos de la ciudad de Vigan, cabecera de la provincia de Ilocos, en los años de 1762 y 1763.Composed in 1764; published as part of vol. iv, ofBiblioteca Histórica Filipina. An account of the insurrections of Diego Silán and Nicolás Cariño.2. Castro, Agustin Maria de,O.S.A.—Reseña sobre la guerra de los ingleses ca. 1765.MS. in Augustinian archives, Manila; and a copy of which is owned by Eduardo Navarro,O.S.A., at Valladolid. Cited by Montero y Vidal, and by Pérez (Catálogo).3. Le Gentil de la Galaisière, Guillaume Joseph Hyacinthe Jean Baptiste.—Voyage dons les mers de l’Inde(Paris, 1779–1781), ii, chapter ii, articles xvii and xviii, pp. 230–275. This book contains the Journal of Archbishop Rojo concerning the siege. Le Gentil criticises the method of the British operations; and influenced by his friendship for Rojo’s nephew passes a severe criticism on Anda, which has caused him in turn to be criticised by the Spaniards.4. Malo de Luque, Eduardo (pseudonym of Duke of Almodovar).—Historia política de los establecimientosultramarinos de las naciones europeas(Madrid, 1784–1790), v, chaps. ix, and x, pp. 234–310. Contains many of the original documents and letters connected with the conquest period.5. Martinez de Zúñiga, Joaquin,O.S.A.—Historia de las Islas Philipinas(Sampaloc, 1803), chaps. xxxiii-xxxvii, pp. 601–687. Treats of siege, capture, insurrections, operations of Anda, and the peace.6. Mas, Sinibaldo de.—Informe sobre el estado de las islas Filipinas(Madrid, 1843), i, no. 2. Uses preceding authorities largely.7. Buzeta, Manuel,O.S.A., and Bravo, Felipe,O.S.A.—Diccionario(Madrid, 1850), ii, pp. 289–291. A very short and unsatisfactory account.8. Ferrando, Juan,O.P.—Historia de los PP. Dominicos en las islas Filipinas(Madrid, 1871), iv, chaps. viii–x, pp. 611–742; v, chap. i, pp. 1–25. Contains Dominican history and general account of the conquest, etc.9. Montero y Vidal, José.—Historia general de Filipinas, ii, chaps. i–iii, and part of iv, pp. 7–119; and portion of appendix, where he gives various documents of conquest period. Uses foregoing freely.10. Jordan de Urries, Pedro, marqués de Ayerbe.—Sitio y conquista de Manila por los Ingleses en 1762(Zaragoza, 1897). Based on ordinary authorities, and especially on an unpublished MS. written by Alfonso Rodríguez de Ovalle, to the marqués de Cruillas, ancestor of the marqués de Ayerbe, which is conserved in the library of the latter. Ovalle sailed on the “Santa Rosa” with royal despatches notifying the city of Manila of the treaty of peace between Spain and England. While in the Philippines,he wrote a minute journal, accompanying it with plans and statistics, of the late events in Manila and the provinces. The dates of this journal are September 13, 1762-March 13, 1764.11. Diez Aguado, Manuel,O.S.A.—Biografia del P. Agustín Ma. de Castro, Agustino(Barcelona, 1902). This contains a short account of the siege and capture of Manila. It is drawn in large part from Augustinian sources. The author has had the benefit also of manuscript material possessed by Augustinian friars in his convent at Valladolid, some of which manuscripts were written by Castro.112. War Department.—Annual Report, 1903(Washington, 1903), iii, appendix ix, pp. 435–454. Part i,Historical sketch of the walls of Manila, compiled and written under direction of various U. S. military officers. Part ii, translation of chapter ii, of no. 10, by Capt. A. C. Macomb, 5th U. S. Cavalry; rather free translation. Contains many half-tone reproductions of Manila walls and fortifications.13. MSS. in the Archivo general de España, at Simancas; estado 6958.—Concerning the capture, sack, capitulation, and surrender of Manila, the propositions of the English, its recovery, etc.; 1762–1765. This contains also the documents regarding the capture of the “Santissima Trinidad.” This legajo contains much correspondence from the Spanish minister in England; and a number of letters written in English. Legajo 6954 is dated “London, 23 de Sept. 1763;” and treats of the restitution of the Philippines.1One of these MSS., entitledBreve noticia de los Religiosos Agustinos Calzados de esta provincia de Filipinas…, and which belongs to Bernardino Hernando,O.S.A., reader in the Valladolid convent, has the following data in regard to the contributions made to the English: “From the royal coffers, 12,469 pesos; from the governor, 6,991; from the cathedral, 9,000 pesos in coined silver, and 33,973 in wrought silver; the church of Quiapo, 716 pesos in wrought silver; that of Ermita, 5,117, ditto; from [the Order] of St. Dominic and tertiary branch, 16,028 in coined silver, and 11,616 in wrought; from the tertiary branch of [the Order of] St. Francis, 58,000 pesos in coined silver, and 970 in wrought; from [the Order of] St. Augustine, 25,556 pesos in coined silver, and 11,025 pesos in wrought silver; from the Society, 40,434 pesos in coined silver, and 8,794 in wrought silver; from the Misericordia, 196,042 pesos, 2 reals, and 4 granos in coined silver; from the minor Ruiz, 1,472 pesos in wrought silver, and 836 of the deposit belonging to Varela: all of which items make a total of 459,420 pesos. The wealthy citizens and families, to wit: Infante, Reyes, Jugo, Villar, Suárez, Ocampo, Memije, Varela, Bogan, Piñón, Monteroso, Mazo, Neyra, Lizárraga, Ruano, Noriega, Castro, Solano, Otal, Casañas, Cachit, Mantilla, Barrio, León y Verdugo—48,777 pesos. The sack amounted to 418,442 pesos. The English seized 25,000 pesos from [the property of] the absent Blanco; from the marqués de Monte Castro, 8,000 pesos; from the marquesa de Salinas, 10,000 pesos; in the seizure of San Pablo, the convent of the Calced Augustinian fathers, 60,000 pesos, which were buried, in coined silver, and 40,000 in wrought silver. To all these items must be added 2,000,000 pesos which were charged against his Catholic Majesty’s treasury. The total sum is 3,069,639 pesos.”↑

REFERENCES

Accounts of the capture and occupancy of Manila, and contemporaneous events, will be found in the following:1. Vivar, Pedro del,O.S.A.—Relación de los alzamientos de la ciudad de Vigan, cabecera de la provincia de Ilocos, en los años de 1762 y 1763.Composed in 1764; published as part of vol. iv, ofBiblioteca Histórica Filipina. An account of the insurrections of Diego Silán and Nicolás Cariño.2. Castro, Agustin Maria de,O.S.A.—Reseña sobre la guerra de los ingleses ca. 1765.MS. in Augustinian archives, Manila; and a copy of which is owned by Eduardo Navarro,O.S.A., at Valladolid. Cited by Montero y Vidal, and by Pérez (Catálogo).3. Le Gentil de la Galaisière, Guillaume Joseph Hyacinthe Jean Baptiste.—Voyage dons les mers de l’Inde(Paris, 1779–1781), ii, chapter ii, articles xvii and xviii, pp. 230–275. This book contains the Journal of Archbishop Rojo concerning the siege. Le Gentil criticises the method of the British operations; and influenced by his friendship for Rojo’s nephew passes a severe criticism on Anda, which has caused him in turn to be criticised by the Spaniards.4. Malo de Luque, Eduardo (pseudonym of Duke of Almodovar).—Historia política de los establecimientosultramarinos de las naciones europeas(Madrid, 1784–1790), v, chaps. ix, and x, pp. 234–310. Contains many of the original documents and letters connected with the conquest period.5. Martinez de Zúñiga, Joaquin,O.S.A.—Historia de las Islas Philipinas(Sampaloc, 1803), chaps. xxxiii-xxxvii, pp. 601–687. Treats of siege, capture, insurrections, operations of Anda, and the peace.6. Mas, Sinibaldo de.—Informe sobre el estado de las islas Filipinas(Madrid, 1843), i, no. 2. Uses preceding authorities largely.7. Buzeta, Manuel,O.S.A., and Bravo, Felipe,O.S.A.—Diccionario(Madrid, 1850), ii, pp. 289–291. A very short and unsatisfactory account.8. Ferrando, Juan,O.P.—Historia de los PP. Dominicos en las islas Filipinas(Madrid, 1871), iv, chaps. viii–x, pp. 611–742; v, chap. i, pp. 1–25. Contains Dominican history and general account of the conquest, etc.9. Montero y Vidal, José.—Historia general de Filipinas, ii, chaps. i–iii, and part of iv, pp. 7–119; and portion of appendix, where he gives various documents of conquest period. Uses foregoing freely.10. Jordan de Urries, Pedro, marqués de Ayerbe.—Sitio y conquista de Manila por los Ingleses en 1762(Zaragoza, 1897). Based on ordinary authorities, and especially on an unpublished MS. written by Alfonso Rodríguez de Ovalle, to the marqués de Cruillas, ancestor of the marqués de Ayerbe, which is conserved in the library of the latter. Ovalle sailed on the “Santa Rosa” with royal despatches notifying the city of Manila of the treaty of peace between Spain and England. While in the Philippines,he wrote a minute journal, accompanying it with plans and statistics, of the late events in Manila and the provinces. The dates of this journal are September 13, 1762-March 13, 1764.11. Diez Aguado, Manuel,O.S.A.—Biografia del P. Agustín Ma. de Castro, Agustino(Barcelona, 1902). This contains a short account of the siege and capture of Manila. It is drawn in large part from Augustinian sources. The author has had the benefit also of manuscript material possessed by Augustinian friars in his convent at Valladolid, some of which manuscripts were written by Castro.112. War Department.—Annual Report, 1903(Washington, 1903), iii, appendix ix, pp. 435–454. Part i,Historical sketch of the walls of Manila, compiled and written under direction of various U. S. military officers. Part ii, translation of chapter ii, of no. 10, by Capt. A. C. Macomb, 5th U. S. Cavalry; rather free translation. Contains many half-tone reproductions of Manila walls and fortifications.13. MSS. in the Archivo general de España, at Simancas; estado 6958.—Concerning the capture, sack, capitulation, and surrender of Manila, the propositions of the English, its recovery, etc.; 1762–1765. This contains also the documents regarding the capture of the “Santissima Trinidad.” This legajo contains much correspondence from the Spanish minister in England; and a number of letters written in English. Legajo 6954 is dated “London, 23 de Sept. 1763;” and treats of the restitution of the Philippines.

Accounts of the capture and occupancy of Manila, and contemporaneous events, will be found in the following:

1. Vivar, Pedro del,O.S.A.—Relación de los alzamientos de la ciudad de Vigan, cabecera de la provincia de Ilocos, en los años de 1762 y 1763.Composed in 1764; published as part of vol. iv, ofBiblioteca Histórica Filipina. An account of the insurrections of Diego Silán and Nicolás Cariño.

2. Castro, Agustin Maria de,O.S.A.—Reseña sobre la guerra de los ingleses ca. 1765.MS. in Augustinian archives, Manila; and a copy of which is owned by Eduardo Navarro,O.S.A., at Valladolid. Cited by Montero y Vidal, and by Pérez (Catálogo).

3. Le Gentil de la Galaisière, Guillaume Joseph Hyacinthe Jean Baptiste.—Voyage dons les mers de l’Inde(Paris, 1779–1781), ii, chapter ii, articles xvii and xviii, pp. 230–275. This book contains the Journal of Archbishop Rojo concerning the siege. Le Gentil criticises the method of the British operations; and influenced by his friendship for Rojo’s nephew passes a severe criticism on Anda, which has caused him in turn to be criticised by the Spaniards.

4. Malo de Luque, Eduardo (pseudonym of Duke of Almodovar).—Historia política de los establecimientosultramarinos de las naciones europeas(Madrid, 1784–1790), v, chaps. ix, and x, pp. 234–310. Contains many of the original documents and letters connected with the conquest period.

5. Martinez de Zúñiga, Joaquin,O.S.A.—Historia de las Islas Philipinas(Sampaloc, 1803), chaps. xxxiii-xxxvii, pp. 601–687. Treats of siege, capture, insurrections, operations of Anda, and the peace.

6. Mas, Sinibaldo de.—Informe sobre el estado de las islas Filipinas(Madrid, 1843), i, no. 2. Uses preceding authorities largely.

7. Buzeta, Manuel,O.S.A., and Bravo, Felipe,O.S.A.—Diccionario(Madrid, 1850), ii, pp. 289–291. A very short and unsatisfactory account.

8. Ferrando, Juan,O.P.—Historia de los PP. Dominicos en las islas Filipinas(Madrid, 1871), iv, chaps. viii–x, pp. 611–742; v, chap. i, pp. 1–25. Contains Dominican history and general account of the conquest, etc.

9. Montero y Vidal, José.—Historia general de Filipinas, ii, chaps. i–iii, and part of iv, pp. 7–119; and portion of appendix, where he gives various documents of conquest period. Uses foregoing freely.

10. Jordan de Urries, Pedro, marqués de Ayerbe.—Sitio y conquista de Manila por los Ingleses en 1762(Zaragoza, 1897). Based on ordinary authorities, and especially on an unpublished MS. written by Alfonso Rodríguez de Ovalle, to the marqués de Cruillas, ancestor of the marqués de Ayerbe, which is conserved in the library of the latter. Ovalle sailed on the “Santa Rosa” with royal despatches notifying the city of Manila of the treaty of peace between Spain and England. While in the Philippines,he wrote a minute journal, accompanying it with plans and statistics, of the late events in Manila and the provinces. The dates of this journal are September 13, 1762-March 13, 1764.

11. Diez Aguado, Manuel,O.S.A.—Biografia del P. Agustín Ma. de Castro, Agustino(Barcelona, 1902). This contains a short account of the siege and capture of Manila. It is drawn in large part from Augustinian sources. The author has had the benefit also of manuscript material possessed by Augustinian friars in his convent at Valladolid, some of which manuscripts were written by Castro.1

12. War Department.—Annual Report, 1903(Washington, 1903), iii, appendix ix, pp. 435–454. Part i,Historical sketch of the walls of Manila, compiled and written under direction of various U. S. military officers. Part ii, translation of chapter ii, of no. 10, by Capt. A. C. Macomb, 5th U. S. Cavalry; rather free translation. Contains many half-tone reproductions of Manila walls and fortifications.

13. MSS. in the Archivo general de España, at Simancas; estado 6958.—Concerning the capture, sack, capitulation, and surrender of Manila, the propositions of the English, its recovery, etc.; 1762–1765. This contains also the documents regarding the capture of the “Santissima Trinidad.” This legajo contains much correspondence from the Spanish minister in England; and a number of letters written in English. Legajo 6954 is dated “London, 23 de Sept. 1763;” and treats of the restitution of the Philippines.

1One of these MSS., entitledBreve noticia de los Religiosos Agustinos Calzados de esta provincia de Filipinas…, and which belongs to Bernardino Hernando,O.S.A., reader in the Valladolid convent, has the following data in regard to the contributions made to the English: “From the royal coffers, 12,469 pesos; from the governor, 6,991; from the cathedral, 9,000 pesos in coined silver, and 33,973 in wrought silver; the church of Quiapo, 716 pesos in wrought silver; that of Ermita, 5,117, ditto; from [the Order] of St. Dominic and tertiary branch, 16,028 in coined silver, and 11,616 in wrought; from the tertiary branch of [the Order of] St. Francis, 58,000 pesos in coined silver, and 970 in wrought; from [the Order of] St. Augustine, 25,556 pesos in coined silver, and 11,025 pesos in wrought silver; from the Society, 40,434 pesos in coined silver, and 8,794 in wrought silver; from the Misericordia, 196,042 pesos, 2 reals, and 4 granos in coined silver; from the minor Ruiz, 1,472 pesos in wrought silver, and 836 of the deposit belonging to Varela: all of which items make a total of 459,420 pesos. The wealthy citizens and families, to wit: Infante, Reyes, Jugo, Villar, Suárez, Ocampo, Memije, Varela, Bogan, Piñón, Monteroso, Mazo, Neyra, Lizárraga, Ruano, Noriega, Castro, Solano, Otal, Casañas, Cachit, Mantilla, Barrio, León y Verdugo—48,777 pesos. The sack amounted to 418,442 pesos. The English seized 25,000 pesos from [the property of] the absent Blanco; from the marqués de Monte Castro, 8,000 pesos; from the marquesa de Salinas, 10,000 pesos; in the seizure of San Pablo, the convent of the Calced Augustinian fathers, 60,000 pesos, which were buried, in coined silver, and 40,000 in wrought silver. To all these items must be added 2,000,000 pesos which were charged against his Catholic Majesty’s treasury. The total sum is 3,069,639 pesos.”↑

Back to Index Next