Don Francisco Tello

Documents of 1597

    Pacification of Mindanao.  Juan de Ronquillo; May 10. 
    Memorial on navigation and conquest.  Hernando de los Rios; June 27. 
    Letter to Felipe II.  L.P.  Dasmarinas; June 28.

Sources:  All these documents are obtained from original MSS. in the Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla.

Translations:  The first document is translated by James A. Robertson; the second, by Robert W. Haight; the third, by Jose M. and Clara M. Asensio.

The Pacification of Mindanao

Letter from Juan de Ronquillo Governor Tello

[This report of Ronquillo’s is in places abridged, as he repeats many of his statements.  He set sail (from Oton) on February 8, 1597, the earliest date possible after the receipt of supplies.  Two virreys had been sent ahead under Francisco de Torres, with orders to coast from island to island, in order to avoid the dangers of the open sea; they had not yet been heard from.  At the port of La Canela (i.e., “cinnamon;” modern Cauit) Ronquillo found Captain Juan Pacho, who had gone for fish and salt for his command; and, as the men were scattered in Zamboanga and Taguima, there was a delay of three days in getting them together.  Pilots from these forces were placed in each vessel to guide the ships to the river.  Ronquillo then embarked on his fragata and ordered the Sangley vessel and those of the Indian chiefs from Danganlibor to follow.  The brisas or northeasters were dead ahead, and to avoid the force of the winds he took his course inside of some islets.  The Sangley vessel did not enter, as its draught was so great that the navigators feared to make the attempt.  Since the Sangley vessel seemed to be in difficulties, he sent a captain to it; but he came back with the report that all was well.  Ronquillo then sent directions as to their course.  He had been informed by the sailor whom he sent as pilot in the Sangley vessel that there was water enough in the strait of Mangayao; but, if this should not be so, they were to keep outside.  They remained outside, and the rest of the fleet sailed safely on to the point of Las Flechas ("the Arrows"), twelve leguas from the river (Rio Grande, in Mindanao, where the letter was written).  The wind being heavy and the vessels old and deep in the water, he anchored in a river never before entered, so far as was known, cutting away trees and branches to do so.  When the fragata was safe, he sent the master-of-camp for the galleys, which were sinking because of their rottenness.  At the same time a virrey was sent to look for the Sangley vessel.  The virrey returned without news; and though Ronquillo was very anxious he kept on to the river toward which he was sailing, all assuring him that he would find the Sangley ship here.  A fire was seen at night, apparently a signal