The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 01 of 55 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 315 pages of information about The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 01 of 55.

The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 01 of 55 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 315 pages of information about The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 01 of 55.
for the redemption of captives) is to be set apart for him.  One-fifth of what remains shall be given the captain-generals.  The remainder is to be divided into three parts, “of which two parts are for us and the ships, and one for the crews.”  Of the latter, ten parts are to be used for religious purposes.  Good treatment is to be accorded the natives in order that pleasant trade-relations may be established.  The physicians and surgeons are to take no money from the natives for medical services, not even from their enemies who are wounded in war.  And the captain-generals must see that the men have no intercourse with the native women.  Entire freedom must be accorded to every one to write what he pleases to Spain; and no letter must be seized, under penalties to be imposed by the captain-generals.  They must guard against fire.  In case of the death of any of the crew, it is advisable to get slaves to fill their places.  Rations are to be given every two days, “and if it becomes necessary to shorten rations, they shall be shortened.”  Dissatisfaction as to the length of the voyage must not be expressed.  The firearms are not to be discharged on any newly-discovered land, “because the Indians fear this more than anything else.”  No weapons shall be sold, under penalty of loss of all property to the one so doing.  Blasphemers, and card- and dice-players are not to be allowed to ship with the crew.  The captain-generals have power to devise and execute punishments against disobedient men of their crews.  Oath shall be taken before the captain-generals by all their crews to observe obedience and the King’s service.  If it is necessary to seize water and provisions because of the hostility of the natives, it shall be done, but with as little scandal and show of force as possible.  Samples of all products must be brought from the lands discovered.  “Ready-made clothes and other articles to give to the kings and other princes of these lands shall be carried.”  “And if the kings or seigniors of the land give any jewels or presents, they shall be ours, and the inspector-general or accountant shall place them in charge of the treasurer.”  No presents shall be given without permission of the officers of the fleet.  Everything traded must be noted carefully and minutely in the books of the inspector-general and accountant.  If the return cargo is spice, it must be obtained as clean as possible.  The ships’ cargoes must be traded first before any private affairs are attended to.  Full notices must be made in the books regarding each member of the crew—­his father and mother, whether he is single or married, etc., in order that his heirs may be known.  Each person before embarking must have attended confession and communion.  In case any officer dies, another is to be elected in his stead; but one-half of all the pay, etc., that would fall to the said officer shall be given to his heirs, and the other half shall go to the one taking his place.  Any Portuguese or other Christians
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The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 01 of 55 from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.