The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 02 of 55 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 316 pages of information about The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 02 of 55.

The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 02 of 55 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 316 pages of information about The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 02 of 55.
as your captain-general Rui Lopez de Villalobos, here present; and you will observe the instructions he has given you, in so far as the good of the business requires it; and you will be obedient and will hearken to his orders.  And you shall declare and advise, each one of you, what you deem suitable and necessary for the good of this expedition, whether he asks it or not, although you think he may be vexed or angry at hearing what you wish to tell him; only you shall state the fundamental reason why your assertion is good, in everything making it a point of your desire to come directly to the question, and not to give your advice with passion, or servilely, but with all freedom.”  If he send them on missions they must report to him alone.  “And none of you shall rouse up mutinies, scandals, seditions, or conspiracies; nor shall you talk against your captain-general or the expedition; rather if you learn or foresee anything of such matters, you shall tell and inform your general thereof, so that it may be remedied.”  The soldiers swear to be obedient to the commands of Villalobos and his captains, and to follow the general’s banners, day or night, holding him as chief; they must be loyal and true in every sense of the word, both on sea and land.  The pilots (who are named) and the seamen also take like oath to fulfil their duties completely, acknowledging Villalobos as general.  They are to obey the latter “both now on the said voyage, and in the Western Islands.”  They must try to accomplish the voyage in the shortest time possible, and must take part in no mutinies or uprisings.  In his instructions to his captains Villalobos requires the following:  No soldier is to be admitted to the fleet who does not bear a certificate of confession and communion.  If there be any such, he must confess within three days to the religious in the fleet, or be put on short rations of water until he does confess.  Severe punishment for blasphemy of “the name of God, our Lord, his glorious Mother, or of any of the saints” is stipulated, varying in degree according to the blasphemy.  The religious are to receive every consideration, that the natives may see “how we honor the ministers of the Gospel.”  All weapons are to be kept in a special place in each ship and given to the men only when necessary, and they shall be regularly inspected.  Most stringent rules are laid down as to the distribution of water, and the water butts must be inspected each day by the “steward, master, pilot, or boatswain,” and every four days by the captain in person, to see that the regulations pertaining thereto are strictly observed.  Likewise the amounts of food to be given are carefully stipulated, the amounts, as in the case of the water, being different for soldiers, sailors, negroes, and Indians.  Fire is guarded against by ordering all fires, except the lantern, out at four in the afternoon, unless to cook something for a sick man, and then that fire shall be immediately extinguished.  Watches are to be maintained day
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The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 02 of 55 from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.