Volume 34 — LETTER FROM ANDRES DE MIRANDAOLA TO FELIPE II
Reading edition
Sacred Catholic Majesty:
Miguel Lopez de Legaspi came as general of the fleet which came to these islands of the West at your Majesty’s orders. Don Luis de Velasco, the viceroy of Nueva España (may he rest in peace) appointed me to the office of factor and overseer of your Majesty’s royal estate in your Majesty’s name, in consideration of my constant obligation to serve your Majesty, whose sacred royal Catholic person I beseech our Lord to ever increase with great kingdoms and seigniories.
This fleet reached these Filipinas Islands February xvi, 1565, and I shall [here] relate what has been seen in them thus far, with that fidelity, faithfulness, and willingness which is always to be found in me, with all possible diligence.
As your Majesty will see by the relations of the pilots who came in the fleet, in the navigation that has been made, it has been seen by the needle that there is considerable land of that discovered and of that still to be discovered in these regions, that lies in your Majesty’s demarcation, which, if it be the will of God our Lord, will be found. I believe that it will all be very useful and profitable, and that the Christian religion—your Majesty’s purpose—can really be introduced into this land.
In regard to what we have as yet noticed among the natives of these islands, there is gold, cinnamon, and wax, and they trade in those products. We consider it as certain that this trade will amount to a great sum if your Majesty’s vassals the Spaniards cultivate the land; for the said natives, as they have shown and as we have noticed in them, are a race who all live without any respect. For the persons who were assigned as rulers were not feared or respected, a thing which has been heard from persons who have been in these districts before. On that account it will be necessary for your Majesty to order that the land be conquered; for beyond doubt one cannot believe that it will be possible to work or cultivate the Christian religion in any other way, as this is a very vicious and treacherous race, who are full of evil manners. Accordingly, it will be necessary for your Majesty to order that the entire land be subdued, and that can be done (our Lord helping) without much trouble, if your Majesty will provide the men, arms, and ammunition of which we are at present very needy.
After having abandoned the land and after having retreated, a Moro who had married among them, came with an interpreter, with the story that he was coming in behalf of a brother of the ruler of that settlement, and saying that they wished peace and to have our friendship. The general replied that notwithstanding that they had refused peace and had shown that their intention had been evil, still they could come with safety, until he informed them of the conditions to be made with them. Thereupon the Moro took his departure with a peace banner given him by the general. Immediately the said brother of the ruler whose name is Tupas came.
The general declared that he desired peace and friendship, but he mentioned to him [i.e., Tupas’s brother] the evil design and the ingratitude that they had employed against him in your Majesty’s name. After that the general told him that his brother should come, as well as all the chief men, in order to make peace and ask the conditions that they had to observe and perform in your Majesty’s service. Thereupon lie [i.e., Tupas’s brother] went back after asking an interval of three days in order to bring his brother and the other people.
This entire island is densely populated and settled, and all the people are very warlike and vicious. Consequently, I think that it will be necessary, if they do not receive the true knowledge of the holy Catholic faith, for them to be conquered and brought under your Majesty’s yoke.
When the said time limit of three days had expired, the above mentioned brother of Tupas came accompanied by another chief. They said that his brother [i.e., Tupas] was indisposed, and that he [i.e., Tupas’s brother] and some other chiefs who were coming with him would make peace in Tupas’s name. But the general announced that he would not make peace unless his brother came; that he [i.e., Tupas’s brother] should not treat deceitfully with him as that would cause him much trouble; that he should return for his brother, and come in safety; and that he [i.e., Legazpi] and his men would await him in all faith. Thereupon, he departed and the said Tupas carne and made friendship. [The latter stated] when he would bring his people and that he would serve your Majesty with them, and that he would not oppose any thing that was ordered them. We believe that these things come from the hand of our Lord. May He direct us in His service and protect us in that of your Majesty.
Inasmuch as the ship which is being despatched for the discovery of the return passage, is about ready to sail, I cannot inform your Majesty of the conditions that are being resolved upon, for conclusions have not yet been reached.
My uncle, Fray Andres de Hurdaneta, is returning and is going to serve your Majesty in this discovery, and he will be accompanied by Fray Andres de Aguirre. Felipe de Salzedo is in command, and Juan de Aguirre—persons who we believe will serve your Majesty with entire loyalty, fidelity, and cheerfulness. I beseech your Majesty to have us provided with the religious and seculars that are needed for the preaching of the holy gospel to these natives, in consideration of its great service to God, our Lord and your Majesty.
The men whom your Majesty must have provided besides the contingent that will be provided from Nueba España for our relief, namely two hundred well-armed and well-equipped men, [are as follows]. Besides these will your Majesty please have six hundred well-armed men sent immediately—four hundred of whom should be arquebusiers, and the other two hundred, pikemen. [Will you also send] heavy artillery, such as culverins, and ammunition. The men should be the best that can be found, and should have the best of morals. [Will you also send] ammunition and arms for those who are here now.
I beseech your Majesty in all humility to confirm the appointment that was given me in your Majesty’s name by Don Luis de Velasco, viceroy and governor of Nueva España (may he rest in peace); and that you will give it to me to hold. Your Majesty will be doing a service to God our Lord, and a blessing and grace to me, by justly ordering an increase in my salary to the sum of three thousand ducados in good money, in consideration of the fact that all the articles necessary for our sustenance in this land are very dear.
May our Lord preserve the sacred royal Catholic person of your Majesty with great increase of large kingdoms and seigniories, as I, your Majesty’s faithful servant, desire. The island of Cubu, [illegible or blank in original] 1565. Sacred Catholic Majesty, your sacred Catholic Majesty’s faithful servant, who kisses your Majesty’s royal feet with all humility.