The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 09 of 55 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 293 pages of information about The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 09 of 55.

The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 09 of 55 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 293 pages of information about The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 09 of 55.

He declares that those who accompanied Faranda assert that the latter came to become governor of Manila.  All those of the ship say this, and he heard it said likewise in Japon.  He did not know whether Faranda were to govern only the Japanese, or the Tagals, or the Spaniards as well.

He asserts also that Faranda’s servants told the Sangleys to be careful of their actions, for their master Faranda was to govern them also here at Manila.

He says that what he understands of Faranda’s purpose is, that the latter promised the king of Japon that he would plan how these islands should render the king homage.  His intention is to take a certain rich present with him, in order that he might say in Japon that he brings recognition.  But now, as the father has not come, and as he believes that he will not obtain the present that he seeks, he is sad; and thus he will be very low-spirited, compared to his previous state of mind.

He says also that when Don Agustin, a Tagal of Tondo, and Don Baltazar, a Japanese, conspired together to seize Manila, Don Agustin gave the latter a hat, and Don Baltasar gave the said Don Agustin a morion and some cuirasses.  This Antonio says also that father Fray Juan Cobo conferred with him upon the advisability of our concerting with China against Japon, in the following manner:  If the Japanese should attack China, we would aid the latter; and if they attacked these islands, then the Chinese should aid us.

He asserts that the father once told him that Faranda, as he had lost his property, was about to come to these islands to confer with the governor, so that his two vessels might engage in trade between these islands and Japon.  When Antonio said to the father:  “Take care that thou dost not reveal the design of this man, namely, to wrest Manila from you Spaniards,” the father responded that Faranda did not dare do it.  Antonio says that he does not know whether the father told this to Faranda to test him, for well he knows it, but it is certain that the father knows that the Japanese are trying to have the people of Manila render homage to them.

Miguel Onte says that he has heard it reported that, about forty years ago, the Japanese were trading in China.  Then they were very mild, and feigned to be very humble.  But after they had learned the passages, rivers, and entrances, they came to China to plunder; and thirty-four years ago they robbed him and many others who were with him.

He says that in the time of Santiago de Vera, the Chinese said to the latter:  “Take care, sir, do not allow the Japanese to come here; for if a few come now, and receive hospitable treatment, more of them will come tomorrow, and continually more, so that what happened to us will happen to you Spaniards.”

He says that he has heard it reported that the father of this Faranda requested the conquest of these islands from the king of Japon a number of years ago.  To this end he requested five thousand soldiers; and the king of Japon promised him ten thousand.  He has felled trees and prepared timber to build vessels.

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The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 09 of 55 from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.