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.

Item: It is a condition that none of the said natives may, now or at any time, come into or enter the camp and settlement of the Spaniards with any weapons of any kind whatever, under penalty that the person entering with weapons shall be punished by the governor.”  In return for these conditions of peace, thus accepted by the natives, Legazpi promised that, for this first year, they need pay no tribute or other submission until after their harvests, “for the king of Castilla had no need of their possessions, nor wished more than that they recognize him as lord, since they were his and within his demarcation.”  In token of submission, Tupas and all the other chiefs present bent the knee before Legazpi, “offering themselves as vassals of his majesty,” whom the governor ... received as such vassals of the crown of Castilla, and promised “to protect and defend as such.”  As a climax, presents of garments, mirrors, strings of beads, and pieces of blue glass were given to the various chiefs.  Then Legazpi told them of the necessity of the king’s having “a strong house, wherein could be kept and guarded the articles of barter and the merchandise brought thither, and his artillery and ammunition;” as well as a town-site for the soldiers.  These the natives should assign, where it best pleased them, “because he wished it to be with the consent and choice of all of them; and although he had planned the house of his majesty on the point occupied at present by the camp, in order to be near the ships, he wished it to be with their universal consent.”  This place was granted by the natives, whereupon Legazpi proceeded to mark out land for the fort and Spanish town, assigning the limits by a line of trees.  Ail outside this line “was to remain to the Indians, who could build their houses and till the fields.”  After ordering the natives “to go to the other side or the line which he had assigned to them, and the Spaniards ... within the line ... the governor passed from one part to the other, cut certain branches, and said that, in his majesty’s name he took, and he did take; possession of that site, ... and in token of true possession he performed the said acts.”  Besides not being allowed to enter the Spanish town with arms, no native could come hither at night, unless by special permission.  Legazpi promised that “if any wrong should be done them, or they should experience any violence from any one, he would defend and protect them as their own father and protector,” and that all wrongs would be punished according to Castilian laws.  In conclusion a collation was given to the natives, and Simaquio’s wife and daughters were surrendered to him and the other hostages set free, “whereat they expressed great wonder and joy, because it is unusual among them to free prisoners without any ransom.”  “The next day ... the same chiefs returned ... and said that they had come to make merry with the governor.  The latter gave them a good reception, and set before them a breakfast and some liquor, in

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