h. The royal intention that they should advise the king regarding
the governor's conduct is frustrated, since they are in such relations
with the governor that they will not oppose him.

The Jesuit Gregorio Lopez relates (July 1, 1610) events in the islands
for the past year. Rumors of an invasion by the Dutch cause Silva to
fortify Cavite, hitherto unprotected. Several disasters befall the
Spaniards--among them the treacherous murder of a large number of
Spaniards by their Chinese and Japanese rowers; and the Chinese need
to be pacified. During the latter part of 1609 and the early months
of 1610 the Dutch squadron commanded by Francis de Wittert remains
near Manila, capturing the Chinese and other vessels that trade with
Luzon. Meanwhile, the Spaniards collect military supplies and make
all other preparations for defense. On April 24 the Spanish squadron
encounters that of the Dutch at Playa Honda, outside Manila Bay;
after a hot contest in which Wittert is killed, the Dutch flagship
surrenders, as does their almiranta; another ship is destroyed by
fire, and the rest take to flight. Many ceremonies, both religious and
secular, signalize the rejoicings in Manila over the victory of the
Spaniards, as well at their mourning for the slain. Then the spoils
of the conquered are distributed, amounting to nearly four hundred
thousand pesos. Many of the Dutch heretic captives are reconciled to
the Church through the ministrations of a Jesuit priest. Lopez relates
various incidents connected with this war, and gives a vivid account of
the perils and hardships of the ocean voyages, especially in relating
the shipwreck on the Japan coast of the galleon "San Francisco." A
boat carrying supplies to the Jesuit mission at Maluco is captured
by the Dutch and with it Father Masonio; but he escapes their hands,
after many dangers. His companion, Father Gabriel de la Cruz, dies
after a long sickness; and Antonio Pereira, sent to take his place,
dies on the voyage. The Dutch pay a heavy ransom for their captive
commander van Caerden.

Governor Silva advises the king (September 5, 1610) of affairs in the
islands, especially of those in the Moluccas. The Dutch have regained
everything there except the fort at Ternate; they have also secured
a foothold in Japan, and are striving to do the same in China. If
they obtain control of the trade from those countries, the Spanish
colonies in India and the Philippines will be ruined. Accordingly,
S