The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 02 of 55 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 316 pages of information about The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 02 of 55.

The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 02 of 55 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 316 pages of information about The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 02 of 55.
An account must be taken in each vessel of its captain and crew (both sailors and soldiers), giving for each man his father’s name and his place of birth.  Villalobos is to have special watch over the treasurer, accountant, and factor.  The men of the ships are to be divided into watches, no one being excused “except for legitimate cause.”  “And when you are ready to sail, you shall make full homage, . . . according to Spanish custom, that you will exercise well and faithfully the said office of lieutenant-governor and captain-general, . . . and that you will deliver to me, and to no one else, the discoveries and profits pertaining to me, according as his majesty orders in his royal provision, and that neither directly nor indirectly will you exercise any deceit or wrong in anything.”  The officers and all others shall take oath to obey him as captain-general, “and that there will be no mutinies or rebellions.”  The officials appointed by the king to guard his interests are to be received, and the best of treatment shall be accorded them.  When a settlement has been made one or two vessels shall be sent back, sufficiently equipped, with news of such settlement, and of all he has accomplished.  “Likewise you shall send me specimens of all the products of the land that you can secure, ... of the manner of dressing [of the inhabitants], and their mode of life, what is their religion or sect, the character of their life and government, their method of warfare with their neighbors; and if they have received you peaceably, if you have made a treaty of peace with them, or your status among them.”  The spread of religion is to be sought especially.  To this end “you shall try to ensure that those in your charge live as good Catholics and Christians, that the names of our Lord and his most blessed Mother, as well as those of his saints, be revered and adored, and not blasphemed; and you shall see to it strictly that blasphemies and public sins be punished.”  All letters sent in the ships returning must be assured safe delivery.  Mendoza is to be first informed of all news brought by the ships.  In these ships shall be sent also both Mendoza’s and the king’s profits, as well as those of the individuals of the fleet, provided the latter shall not prevent the sending of either his or the king’s.  In affairs of moment Villalobos must consult freely with many people of the fleet, among whom are named “father prior Fray Geronimo, Fray [blank in manuscript], [24] who was prior of Totonilco, Jorge Nieto, the inspector Arevalo, Gaspar Xuarez Davila, Francisco Merino, Matias de Alvarado, Bernardo de la Torre, and Estrada.”  If Villalobos should determine to return with all the fleet, those wishing to remain shall do so, and he shall leave them a captain and sufficient stores.  Persons are to be appointed to look after the property and belongings of the dead, and to see that no fraud is exercised, in order that his heirs may be secured.  Entry must be made, in the method in vogue in Spain,
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The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 02 of 55 from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.