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.
quarters and the church were chosen, and the town was called San Miguel, because founded on the day of this saint’s apparition.  That night the natives returned, setting fire to the remaining houses, so that the whole town was in danger of being burnt, with all the goods brought ashore from the ships.  The site of the house wherein had been found the sacred image was selected “as the site of the Monastery of the Name of Jesus ... and from the said house the child Jesus was brought to the ... church in solemn procession, and with the great devotion, rejoicing, and gladness of all the men.  Arriving at the church, they all adored it, and placed it on the principal altar, and all vowed to observe, sanctify, and celebrate solemnly as a feast day each year, the day on which it had been found, April 28. [61] And in addition a brotherhood of the most blessed name of Jesus was established in the same manner, under the conditions of that of San Agustin of Mexico, the majority of the people entering as members and brothers.”  In this procession took part a number of natives under two chiefs who professed friendship to the Spaniards.  Finally peace and friendship was made between Legazpi and the greatest chief of the island, Tupas; and it was arranged that tributes should be paid in produce, since the people had no gold—­not because of “any necessity the King of Castilla had of it” but merely as a tribute and token that they recognized him as their lord.  But, perhaps through the maliciousness of the Moro interpreters, this peace was not concluded or kept; and certain of the natives, finding one of the company, Pedro de Arana, alone, killed him and cut off his head.  “In this manner do the Indians of these islands keep peace and friendship, who in our presence refuse or deny nothing; but twenty paces away they keep nothing that they have promised.  They have no knowledge of truth, nor are they accustomed to it.  Therefore it is understood, that it will be very difficult to trade with them in a friendly manner, unless they understand subjection or fear.”  On the twenty-seventh of May, Legazpi ordered that the roll of those remaining be taken, in order that it might be sent to New Spain.  Certain men of gentle birth, headed by one Pedro de Mena, objected to serving as Legazpi’s body-guard, saying that such was the duty of servants.  The master-of-camp hearing this, disrespect to the general, chided them, and sentenced them to serve in the companies.  In revenge for this some one set fire to the house in which Legazpi’s personal effects had been stored.  The fire was put out and the danger averted with difficulty, during which “some of the soldiers were burned and hurt.”  De Mena and Esteban Terra were arrested, and the latter was given a hearing and found guilty.  He was executed next morning.  “From this it will be seen that not only are there enemies outside, but even in the very camp itself ... and it will be seen how necessary and suitable is the aid that must come from Nueva Espana.” (Tomo ii, no. xxvii, pp. 217-351.)

Copyrights
Project Gutenberg
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 02 of 55 from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.