nd their relatives and followers,
and his Majesty is so far away.

RELATION OF 1609-1610

_Extract from the Relation of Events in the Filipinas During the
Years 1609 and 1610, By Father Gregorio Lopez_ [21]

This country heard last year, by way of Jolo and Mindanao, that the
Dutch were going to come in the year 1609, to harass it with a strong
force. Consequently Governor Juan de Silva entered upon his government
with the intention of fortifying the port of Cavite, where our ships
anchor, distant about three leguas from the city. For as Cavite was
unprotected, not having even a cavalier or rampart mounting a couple
of pieces with which to head off the Dutch ships, which might attempt
to anchor in its harbor, the Dutchman could enter with all safety
to himself, and be quite secure. [If he should do so] it would be
a great impediment to all the islands, and a very great nuisance,
both for the despatch of the merchandise--which is the vineyards and
olive-orchards of these regions--and for the easy preparation of some
boats with which to drive the Dutch out of these regions. While the
people remained in this dread, the news was confirmed by another
message, that came on November 3 from the town of Arevalo, eighty
leguas from Manila. By this news it was learned that three Dutch
ships and one patache were near that island of Oton, [22] where they
had seized some boats full of provisions, that were intended for the
relief of Maluco; and that they were making for the port of Yloilo. A
large amount of provisions was gathered in that place; and although
the Dutch did not attack it, all was lost. For our Spaniards, in
order not to let it fall into the hands of the enemy, broke the jars
of wine, and set fire to the rice. As soon as the governor received
this news, he sent the sargento-mayor of troops here, Cristobal de
Azcueta Menchaca (master-of-camp elect of Terrenate), to Oton, in
order that he might attend to what seemed necessary for the defense
of that region, with the men under his command and those who were
there. Among the boats accompanying him was a champan, a Chinese craft;
it contained a considerable number of soldiers. They encountered the
Dutch vessels, which were approaching this city. In the endeavor to
defend themselves, if the enemy, who had perceived them, should try
to attack them the Spaniards began to take the cargo of the champan
ashore by means of lanchas, and with it to fortify themselves for
the