Illustrations

Autograph signature of Gomez Perez Dasmarinas, governor of the Philippine Islands; photographic facsimile from Ms. in Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla ... 69 Coat-of-arms of the city of Manila (two representations); photographic facsimiles from original MSS. (dated 1683 and 1748) in Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla ... 213 Map of islands of Luzon and Hermosa, with part of China; photographic facsimile of Ms. map by Hernando de los Rios Coronel (dated June 27, 1597), in Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla ... 305

Preface

The events related in the present volume (1593-97) conclude the first quarter-century of the history of Manila as a Spanish settlement.  That city, although small, is gaining in importance and prosperity; it is fairly well fortified, and its public institutions are increasing; it is now the seat of an archbishop, and three dioceses are formed to be under his care.  Restless spirits among the Spaniards desire to conquer neighboring lands; this is partially accomplished in Mindanao, but that island proves to be of little value.  An expedition is sent nominally in aid of Camboja against Siam, but is unsuccessful.  Meanwhile, the Spaniards are not free from danger:  the emperor of Japan is apparently plotting their subjection; and the natives of the islands, although nominally pacified, are inclined to rebel.  The increasing numbers of the Chinese in the islands render them dangerous, and various restrictions are imposed upon them.  Governor Dasmarinas, slain by his Chinese oarsmen, is succeeded pro tempore by his son Luis Perez; but the latter is too young for so important a post, and the king reestablishes the Audiencia at Manila.  Its president, Francisco Tello, is also governor of the islands.

In 1593 another ambassador arrives at Manila from the Japanese ruler Hideyoshi.  This is Faranda, who furnishes a full account of the manner in which Fray Juan Cobos had been received in Japan the year before, and of his own appointment from the emperor as envoy to the Spaniards, on which errand he departed with Cobos.  The latter perished by shipwreck, Faranda arriving safely at Manila.  He professes a desire for peace and friendship between the Japanese and Spaniards, instead of the subjection of the latter; and asks that Franciscan missionaries be sent to his country.  Since he brings no credentials, except letters from Fray Cobos, the governor orders an official inquiry into the whole matter, and examines witnesses about it.  Juan de Solis, a Spanish captain who happened to be in Japan when Fray Cobos arrived there, thinks that the emperor is sincere in asking only the friendship of the Castilians.  Solis relates the events of the father’s stay there, confirming the account given by Faranda.  A similar deposition is made by Antonio Lopez, the Chinese convert who comes with Faranda.  But there follows a long