The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 22 of 55 / 1625-29 / Explorations by early navigators, descriptions of the islands and their peoples, their history and records of the Catholic missions, as related in contemporaneous books and manuscripts, showing the political, economic, commercial and religious conditions of those islands from their earliest relations with European nations to the close of the nineteenth century.

by Unknown

Concerning the courts of the alcaldes-in-ordinary

The King: To the president and auditors of my Audiencia of the city of Manila in the Filipinas Islands. Martin Castaño, procurator-general of the islands, has made me a report, stating that the auctions of what is sold and leased from my royal estate, at which one auditor and the fiscal of that Audiencia are present, are held by the royal officials in the cabildo houses of the said city, where the alcaldes-in-ordinary hold their court to administer justice; and that, although the hall where the aforesaid officials hold the said auctions is distinct and separate from that of the alcaldes, you have now lately ordered that, when the said auctions are to be held, if the said alcaldes should be present in the said hall, they suspend court, although it is necessary for them to conduct their hearings at the accustomed hours. He has petitioned me that, since the court of the said alcaldes does not disturb or hinder the auctions, but rather is the cause of more people resorting thither, I be pleased to order you not to make any innovation in the aforesaid practice. The matter having been examined in my royal Council of the Indias, I have considered it expedient, and accordingly I order you, to allow the said alcaldes-in-ordinary to call their courts in the said cabildo houses where they hold their court, at the usual hours, even though the said auctions happen to be held even at the same time. Madrid, June 19, 1626.

I The King
By order of the king our sovereign:
Don Fernando Ruiz de Contreras

Regarding the hospitals

The King. To Don Juan Niño de Tabora, knight of the habit of Calatrava, member of my Council of War, my governor and captain-general of the Philipinas Islands, and president of my royal Audiencia therein: In a letter written to me by that city on August 13, of the former year 1624, it mentions that in the hospitals there the sick endure great hardships, and that the hospitals are not administered with the care that is advisable, which causes many to die (and those chiefly soldiers); and that it would be very advisable for the brothers of [St.] John of God to take charge of their administration and service. Having been examined by my Council of the Indias, I order you, as it is a pious matter and one suitable for your office, on your part to have all care so that the poor have the best accommodation possible, and be aided, as I expect from you; for besides fulfilling your obligations in this you will serve me. Madrid, October 16, 1626.

I The King
By order of the king our sovereign:
Don Fernando Ruiz de Contreras

Military Affairs of the Islands

Most authentic relation, in which is narrated the present condition of the wars against the Dutch in the Filipinas and the kingdoms of Japon; and the famous deeds of Don Fernando de Silva, sargento-mayor, together with the great victories of the Spaniards, who destroyed four hundred Dutchmen. The year 1626.

I shall relate what things are new in these remote districts. I shall give a brief narrative both of the island of Mindanao, whose conquest is being made at present, and of Don Fernando de Silva, captain and commander of the soldiers, who went to China. The island of Mindanao is one of the largest that are seen in this archipelago. It has quantities of cinnamon, and is very rich, through the trade that they carry on with all the nations and with these islands. Its natives are given over to the vile worship of Mahoma to a degree not reached by the Moors [i.e., those of Spain] themselves. That worship holds them so tightly in its abominations that it rears them with extreme hatred toward Christians, both Spaniards and Indians. The disposition of the people is vile but bold, and they are given to insults and robbery. They make raids through the islands that are instructed by the Society of Jesus, plundering, robbing, and capturing many. But having recognized the valor of the Spaniards on various occasions when the latter have scattered and destroyed their fleets of small vessels, they recently made treaties of peace, and sent ambassadors to Manila to the governor with captives and presents—requesting an alliance, and soldiers, in order that these make a settlement in their lands, and aid them against others who are their enemies, inhabitants of the same island, with whom they wage civil war. They were well received by the governor, and given a valiant captain with five hundred soldiers; and the father provincial of the Society of Jesus gave two fathers from his residence, to instruct them. All assembled at the town of Arevalo, where the chief commandant of these provinces lives, one Juan Claudio de Verastigui, who was ordered to set out immediately for Mindanao with his fleet, whither he himself is going in person with his ships. The alcalde-mayor of this city[1] is going to aid with fifty other soldiers for the said purpose. A good result is hoped from it, and that either by friendship of by force they will get a piece of artillery and some ammunition from the Mindanaos that they took one year ago from the governor. The latter ordered Don Juan Claudio not to return without it.