The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 18 of 55 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 332 pages of information about The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 18 of 55.

The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 18 of 55 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 332 pages of information about The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 18 of 55.

A letter from Fajardo to the king (August 10, 1619) gives his report on various matters of importance.  He has received certain reenforcements and supplies from Mexico, but urges that these be sent every year.  He describes the last incursion of the Dutch in Philippine waters, and his military preparations by which they were obliged to retreat thence.  His resources for defense are small, and he cannot depend upon India for aid, as the Portuguese there are themselves in straits; accordingly, the king must send a fleet from Spain for the aid of the islands.  He has aided Ternate to the best of his ability, and will send more when he can.  The governor there has resigned his post, after many complaints of his rule; Fajardo has made a temporary appointment, and asks the king to provide further for this post.  The English in the archipelago are engaged in conflicts with the Dutch, and it is rumored that the former would like to ally themselves with the Spaniards to fight their mutual foe.  Fajardo is perplexed regarding the king of Ternate, who is still held a prisoner at Manila; and asks for instructions.  He makes various recommendations and requests concerning the appointment of certain subordinates, desiring to secure persons most fit therefor.  He has attempted to correct abuses in the government, which he recounts in detail.  Fajardo has been annoyed by constant quarrels in the Audiencia, but, with the somewhat reluctant aid of the old auditor Alcaraz, has been able to quiet them in part.  He has found in both Alcaraz and the archbishop Serrano, most judicious and helpful counselors; but the other auditors are on bad terms with him, and one of them has a scandalous reputation, both public and private.  A scandal has occurred in the seminary of Santa Potenciana, but the guilty have been punished.  Conflicts of jurisdiction have arisen between Fajardo and the Audiencia, especially in regard to the trials of soldiers and sailors for crimes.  The governor complains that retired officers refuse to serve in the regular companies; and asks that extra pay be allowed them as an inducement for such service.  He asks for directions as to his sending the usual gifts to the emperor of Japan.  The loyalty and bravery of the Spanish citizens of Manila are warmly commended, especially in the case of Juan Ronquillo and some others who are named.  Certain intrigues and frauds have been detected, which are recounted.  Fajardo recommends that more Jesuits be sent to the islands; he complains that the Dominicans are too ready to leave their work, but commends the Augustinians.  A short document appended to Fajardo’s letter concerns the relative merits of the routes to Filipinas via Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn respectively.

A group of papers dated 1610-19 shows that an encomienda of Indians was granted to the seminary of Santa Potenciana for its support, in consequence of the destitution suffered by its inmates.

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The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 18 of 55 from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.