re finally defeated, with
loss of all their ships and artillery, and practically all their
men killed or captured. Soon afterward the viceroy is accidentally
drowned, which puts an end to his plans of conquest. The missionaries
in Cochinchina are persecuted by superstitious natives.
The more important events in the colony's affairs for 1630 are related
in Tavora's letters (July 30 and August 4). The Japanese are still
angry at the burning of their junk by the Spaniards, and talk of
attacking the latter in both Formosa and Luzon; accordingly, Tavora
has greatly strengthened the fortifications of Manila. He has sent
the usual relief to Ternate, but finds hostile Dutch ships there,
and more reported as not far away. He mentions the siege of Malaca,
and other exploits of the Portuguese; also the unsuccessful expedition
to Jolo. Affairs in Cagayan are improving, and more of the revolted
Indians are being subdued. In the second letter Tavora recounts his
difficulties with the auditors, who are sending secret despatches to
Spain, commanding the royal officials to pay their salaries regardless
of the governor's orders, endeavoring to rule the Chinese, interfering
in matters which do not concern them, and complaining against the
governor's acts and plans. Tavora recounts these matters in detail,
defending himself against the accusations made by the auditors, and
stating his services to the crown. At the end, he asks permission to
resign his post as governor.
The _Historia_ of Fray Juan de Medina, O.S.A., was written in 1630,
but printed at Manila in 1893. He records the history of his order
in the Philippines up to 1630, adding much interesting information
regarding secular affairs and the condition of the islands and their
people. He begins with a resume of the discovery and early history
of the archipelago--in the former of which, it will he remembered,
the Augustinian Urdaneta was so prominent. Legazpi's voyage, and his
encounters with the natives, are related at length. Medina describes
the island of Cebu (where the Spaniards first halted), and its
economic and religious condition at the time of his writing. He adds
some information regarding Panay, Negros, and other adjacent islands;
then, resuming his narration, describes the founding by Legazpi of a
city in Cebu, and the purification of the natives. This is at first a
most difficult and vexatious matter, as the natives are faithless to
their promises; but they are fin
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