An English Ship near the Island Margarita. An English Ship of above four hundred Tun Burthen, with thirty Pieces of Cannon of five thousand Weight each, and Abundance of Men, had been 30 days in a Harbour but two Leagues from the Island Margarita. Don John Sarmiento telling Don Pedro, what Insolences that Ship committed, and how much to his Disreputation she oppress’d the Islanders under his Government, desir’d he might attack her with his Galley. Don Pedro perswaded him to desist from that Enterprize, since it did not belong to him, and it was an unpardonable Fault to attack her, without an equal Force. Don John persisted so long, that he carry’d it against Don Pedro’s Opinion. They made to the Place where the Ship lay, passing by dangerous Rocks, and being come in Sight of it, perceiv’d it was stronger, and better provided than they had been told. Our Men, in Order to fight, turn’d out all the Women, most of them Wives to those that came in the Galleys. Twenty Soldiers came from the Island Margarita, by their Governours Order, who being ship’d they appear’d by Break of Day in Sight of the Enemy. The Wind then The Islanders oblige Don Pedro to Fight her. blowing fresh Don Pedro advising with the Natives of the Island Margarita and their Governour told them, it was requisite to expect a Calm, in Order to take the Ship, since the Galley could wait for it under Shelter, without any Danger. The Islanders being provok’d by the Dammage they had receiv’d, and to flatter Don John Sarmiento, answer’d, That they had two of the Prime Men of that Ship Prisoners in the City, by whose Account they were inform’d of the Distress she was in, and that she must surrender, as soon as attack’d. This Opinion being bandy’d about with Obstinacy, came to be Positiveness in Don John. Don Pedro looking upon it as such, and concerned to see his Friend engag’d in such a Piece of Madness, with those Hot, but unexperienc’d Men, said to them, By my long Experience in several Seas, I know it is the worst of Conduct to attack a Ship, when she has the Wind; but let us fall on; that the People of the Island Margarita may not have it to say that I deferr’d engaging out of Fear, and not out of Discretion. This said, he order’d his Galley to weigh Anchor. He arm’d himself, and Don John, and just as the Sun appear’d they attack’d the Ship The Engagement. with Fury and Violence. The English were not backward; they speedily cut the Cables of three Anchors they had out, and leaving them in the Sea, set their Sails. The Wind was fair and soon fill’d them. The Men were brisk and ply’d their Cannon without ceasing. Our Galley did the same, and fir’d five Shot, before it receiv’d any Harm. Then she ran her Beak against the Poop of the Ship, but could not grapple, nor board. Some Men went down to the Boats which were tow’d by the Ship, and cut the Ropes. The Ship, and Galley fell a firing again, without Intermission. Don Pedro receiv’d a Musquet Shot on his Target, which glancing off broke in Pieces a Board of the Stern Lockers, and wounded those that were next it. A Cannon Ball took of the Head of one of our Slaves, and scatter’d his Brains in Don Pedro’s Face; but another Ball touch’d him nearer, when it threw Don John Sarmiento into the Sea, who being sunk by the Weight of his Armour, was never seen again. Fourteen Soldiers of the Island Margarita, and nine Spaniards were kill’d, and many wounded, of all whom Don Pedro took Care, without neglecting the other Duties of a Commander. Some Persons of Note were also kill’d, as Alonso de Anduxar, a Youth about twenty Years of Age, of the Order of Christ, and Antonio Santiso, who had been a Captain in Flanders. The Ship holding on her Course, made the best of the fair Wind, and was seen to fly, as if she had been victorious; tho’ she threw many dead Bodies over Board, in Sight of our Men. Don Pedro return’d to the Island Margarita, lamenting the Death of his Friend, and his Wifes Widow-Hood, amidst the Tears of other Widows, and Fathers left Childless. He comforted the afflicted the best he could, received the King’s Boxes of Peals, and went on much griev’d at the Event, and to see how little his Precaution had avail’d.

Don Pedro had a prosperous Passage thence, to the Island Curazao, to Rio de la Hacha, and so in Sight of Cartagena. Being descry’d from the City Don Pedro at Cartagena. the Galleys went out to meet him, whose Musick and Guns, with those of the Fort made a Mixture of Harmony and Noise. He enter’d upon the Government and immediately took a View of the Galleys, Warlike Prepations being of the greatest Consequence in those Parts. He found them shatter’d, and almost gone to Ruin, refitted one, and furnish’d another with Slaves, and all other Necessaries. All things were before in such Disorder, and Confusion, that it was hard to distinguish betwixt the Galley Slaves and the Soldiers, the former going about as free, and gay as the latter. He blam’d this Liberty, and order’d the Heads and Beards of the Slaves to be shav’d, and that they should be chain’d. Next he took in hand the Divisions, Manners, and civil Government of the City, and there was soon a Reformation of Abuses, and publick Crimes, all this he perform’d by his Valour, and Example. He also review’d the Horse and Foot; repair’d the Fortifications; attended all Martial Affairs; had his Gates always open to decide Controversies, without Distinction of Persons; and tho’ he had here considerable Opportunities offer’d him, and much Matter to discover his Capacity, and the Greatness of his Soul, yet he found in himself greater Hopes and Desires, above what was present, and exciting him to advance farther, and to make known to the World that generous Restlessness, which was afterwards serviceable to the Church, by restoring its former Honour, in the remotest Provinces.

The End of the Fifth Book.

THE
HISTORY
OF THE
Discovery and Conquest
OF THE
Molucco and Philippine Islands, &c.

BOOK VI.

Gomez Perez builds four Galleys, and makes Slaves wrongfully. In the mean while Gomez Perez, still carrying on his Preparations, conceal’d the Design, without sparing any charge for Shipping, Provisions, or Men. Among other Necessaries, he built four choice Galleys and for the manning of them, took a Method which was look’d upon as severe. He Order’d, That as many Indians who were Slaves to other Indians of Quality, as would serve to Man the Galleys, should be bought up, and Paid for by the Spaniards, who were Proprietors, out of their own Money; setting the Price of each Slave at two Taes in Gold, each Taes of Gold their Value. Tae being little above an Ounce, which was the Price Slaves had in former Times been valu’d at among them. He promis’d, that the Proprietors should afterwards be Refunded what they laid out, from the Kings Revenue. Yet this did not seem to mollify the Rigour of the Order; because he improperly call’d those Indians Slaves, for their Lords use and love them like Children, set them at their own Tables, and Marry them to their Daughters; besides that, Slaves then were worth more Money. The Concern of those that were to be Sold, was attended by that of the Proprietors, who were to Discontent in the Philippines. contribute out of their Estates, to defray Charges they look’d upon as not very Necessary, and to Disgust their Vassals, by taking them away forcibly, being never likely to recover the Money they laid down, which they The Governors excuses. were well assur’d of. The Governour gave out, That those Galleys were to secure the Country, and defend it from the Danger that threatned; because he knew the Emperor of Japan was coming to Invade it, with a numerous Fleet; and that it could not be Defended without Galleys, and therefore it was absolutely Necessary to Man them with Slaves, since they had no others to Row. That these were not to be Fetter’d in the Galleys, nor Treated like Slaves, but so kindly used, that they themselves should prefer their Entertainment, before that of their Lords, whom they look’d upon as Parents, or Fathers-in-Law.

These Allegations, and the absolute Necessity of defending themselves, The Design against the Moluccos takes Air. silenc’d both Parties; but could not stop the Mouth of Fame, for it was already known, what Engagements he made before he came from Spain, to the King, the Ministers, the Kindred, and Fomenters of the Expedition of Ternate, so that whatsoever he conceal’d, was divulg’d by uncertain Authors. However some advis’d him not to rely on the Chineses, or Sangleyes for the Defence of the Philippines; because no natural or civil Tye had ever gain’d, or attracted their Affection towards them. That he ought to remember the fresh Instance of what they did, when his Predecessor employ’d them, and consequently should be watchful over them. That he sending a Supply of Men, Ammunitions and Provisions to the Fort and Town of Cagayan, which is on the Coast of that Island of Luzon, 80 leagues from the City Manila, and there being then no Ship to send it in, Necessity pressing, he thought he might relieve that Want, by making use of one of the Chinese Ships that were then at Anchor in the Harbour, and clear’d in Order to return to China. He commanded the Falshood of the Chineses. Supply to be put aboard her, and the Chineses to carry, and in the Way, to land it where he directed, since it was no let to their Voyage; promising to requite and gratify them for that Service. They undertook it with extraordinary Tokens of good Will; but their Artifice appear’d by the Event, and show’d how Men that are upon the Watch, improve Opportunities. The Chineses set sail, and the second Day after, when the Spaniards were asleep, as believing themselves safe among trusty Friends, they fell upon them so unexpectedly, that they had not Time to stand upon their Guard, but were all murder’d and cast into the Sea. They plunder’d all they carry’d, and dividing the Spoil, sail’d for their own Country. They Spanish Woman abandon’d in China. only sav’d one unhappy Spanish Woman, that went with our Men, and took her along with them. They spar’d her Life, but after having insolently abus’d her, they set her ashore, in a Sea-Port Town of the first Part of China they made. She presently had Recourse to the Magistrates, whom she acquainted with the Villany those Men had committed, and the Wrongs they had done her; but tho’ favourably heard by those Judges, she had no Satisfaction for her Wrongs, nor could she obtain Justice. However they appointed Officers to carry her up the Country, remitting her to other Supream Magistrates. In this Journey, which was many Leagues, she endur’d more than she had done before, till some of the Governors taking Compassion on her and her Tears, carry’d her to the City of Macao, where the Portugueses reside, and set her at Liberty. Thus the whole Matter came to be known, and it was at Manila in the Mouths of all Men, who now magnify’d it, upon Occasion of the New Enterprize.

Chineses put into the Galleys. In short, all the Slaves demanded by the Governour Gomez Perez, were raised with much Trouble and Oppression, and in the same Manner they were put into the Galleys, where they continu’d some Time before they departed, and many of them dy’d, as not being us’d to that sort of Life. All those Slaves were not sufficient to Man the Galleys, and the Admiral Galley remain’d without Rowers. This, and the Necessity of finishing the Work produc’d a more rigorous Practice than the former. The Governour order’d that 250 of the Chineses, who resort to the Philippines to Trade, should be taken to Man the Admiral Galley, and each of them to be allow’d two Pieces of Eight a Month, out of the King’s Revenue. He assur’d them, they should not be chain’d, but at Liberty, and with their Arms, to serve as Soldiers; and that they should only row in the Galleys when there was any Calm, and to weather some Capes. The Chineses being acquainted by their Chinese Governour with this Resolution, positively refus’d it, as an intolerable Burden. But our Governour pressing to bring about his Design, the Chinese assembled his People, to treat about the Affair, and contrive how 250 might be chosen out from among them all, threatning that he would take every Tenth Man out of their Houses. These Words provok’d them to such a Degree, that the next Day they shut up the very Windows of their Houses, and the Traders their Shops, and stopp’d the Provisions which run through their Hands. Our Governour seeing this Proceeding, and alledging that they mutiny’d, caus’d about 50 of those that came next to hand, to be seiz’d, and put to the Oar in the Galley. The others terrify’d by this Action, met, and drew from among them all, the 250, and because no Man would be of that Number, they divided 20000 Pieces of Eight among those that would comply, and gave every Chinese that would go in the Galley 80 Pieces of Eight, besides the King’s Pay. By Means of this good Encouragement, there was no Want of Chineses that listed themselves to row, but the 20000 Pieces of Eight were consum’d among them, or rather among the Officers. These 250 Chineses were form’d into five Companies, under five Chinese Christian Captains, who pass’d Musters and Reviews, with Pikes and Catanes, which differ little from Cymiters, and express’d Joy and Satisfaction.

Whilst these Things were in Agitation, Brother Gaspar Gomez came B. Gaspar Gomez brings Intelligence. to Manila, full of Intelligence, whereof he gave the Governour an Account, at several private Conferences. He said, the King of Ternate’s Affairs were in no ill Posture; tho’ somewhat weak’ned, by not agreeing with the Prime Men of his Kingdom; and that many of them threatned, they would Rebel, on Account of his Tyranny, and because he rais’d intolerable Taxes. That then, neither the Javaneses, nor the Lascarines, nor the Moors of Mecca frequented Ternate, as they had done at the Time when Captain Morones arriv’d there, under the Government of Santiago de Vera. He gave very particular Information concerning the two Forts of Talangame. That the King of Ternate had then about 3000 common Strength of Ternate. Soldiers, 1000 Musquetiers, and a great Number from his other Kingdoms. That they fought with Darts, Campilanes, or Cymiters, and Shields; and others had Coats of Mail, and Head-Pieces they got from the Portugueses, in exchange for Spice. That they had Abundance of Ammunition, all of their own making, of the Materials the Javaneses brought to barter for Clove. That the Principal Place was the City Ternate, where the King and all his Court reside, and therefore it is best secur’d, and from thence all others are supply’d, supported, and encourag’d. How to be attack’d. He advis’d that our Men should assault it before Break of Day; because all Attacks made upon those People in the Morning Watch had been successful. That, if our Fleet came unexpected, it would certainly succeed; but that the said King had his Spies spread abroad in almost all those Islands, as far as those of Canela, Sarvangan and Mindanao. That a good Number of Brass Sakers, and other great Guns might be brought in the Carcoas, from the Fort of Amboyna, and the Kings of Sian, and Tydore. That the People of Amboyna would send them upon Command, those of Sian and Tydore, upon very small Intreaty; because besides their owning the Crown of Spain, they are Enemies to Ternate. That the necessary Preparation for finishing the War, even in case the King of Tydore should fail, and it might be suspected he would not willingly see his Enemy utterly destroy’d, consisted in Artillery and Shipping, which was ready, and above 1200 Soldiers well arm’d, with their Coats of Mail and Head-Pieces, till they went over to the Island of Banda, to put in the necessary Garrison there. Light Vessels of good Use. That there should be a Number of Light Vessels to take the Enemy flying; for by that Means the War would be quite concluded in a short Time, and without Bloodshed. That even the Malecontent Ternates declar’d, and publish’d as much, and own’d, that if a considerable Number of Fighting Men should come into their Country, they would all come in and submit without striking Stroke. Hence he inferr’d, that there were conceal’d Christians in the Molucco Islands. That the Conquest of the whole Island of Banda, was very advantageous and profitable, and not hazardous, and that the Neighbourhood of Amboyna, which was ours, would be of great Consequence for maintaining it. He further affirm’d, That the Portugueses very much facilitated the Enterprize, and magnify’d the great Benefit it would be to his Majesty; and that F. Antony Marta, of whom the Governour had so great a Conceit, was of the same Opinion. Brother Gaspar Gomez added so many Circumstances to these particular Accounts, that he wholly inflam’d the Governour’s Heart.