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.
the cargo, provisions, etc., among the different vessels, as he judge best.  Martin de Goiti is to have entire charge of all the artillery, ammunition, etc., “as he is a person to be trusted,” and he shall be given a memorandum of all such things.  The men embarking in the fleet shall pass a general review; their names, age, parentage, occupation in the fleet, and pay, shall be enrolled in a book; and they shall be apportioned to the various vessels of the fleet.  In Legazpi’s ship will embark Captain Mateo del Saz, appointed master-of-camp, two officials of the royal hacienda, and those “gentlemen to whom has been given the preference for attendance on you and the standard, and the other necessary persons;” the royal standard and the ensign shall be carried on his vessel.  “In the admiral’s ship you shall appoint as captain thereof, and as admiral of the whole fleet, the man who is, in your judgment, most suitable.”  This vessel must carry one of the royal officers.  The soldiers and sailors must see that the arquebuses delivered to them are kept in good order.  Great care must be exercised in regard to the provisions, and they must be apportioned in set quantities, “as the voyage is of long duration.”  To this end no useless person shall be taken, and no Indians or negroes (male or female)—­beyond a dozen of the latter for servants—­or women (married or single) shall accompany the fleet.  When the fleet is upon the point of embarking, the Augustinian religious shall be taken on board, who go “to bring the natives of those regions to a knowledge of our holy Catholic faith.”  They are to have good quarters and to receive good treatment.  Before setting sail “you shall have care that all the people have confessed and received communion.”  The general must perform homage and take oath to “perform well and faithfully the said office and duties of governor and captain-general.”  Also the oath of obedience and faithfulness to Legazpi shall be taken by all embarking in the fleet, “that they will not mutiny, or rebel, and will follow the course marked out by you, and your banner.”  The general must guard carefully the morals of his men, and shall punish “blasphemy and public sins with all severity.”  The property of the dead shall be kept for their heirs, persons being appointed to administer it.  The admiral, captains, pilots, and masters shall be given ample instructions concerning the course before setting sail, which they must follow to the letter.  The men are to be divided into watches, no one being excused, except for sickness.  The fleet, setting sail, shall proceed “in search of and to discover the Western Islands situated toward the Malucos, but you shall not in any way or manner enter the islands of the said Malucos, ... but you shall enter other islands contiguous to them, as for instance the Filipinas, and others outside the said treaty, and within his majesty’s demarcation, and which are reported also to contain spice.” 
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The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 02 of 55 from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.