sting
need for exemplary religious who may assist in the reformation of
the province. As for him who is not so, it were better that he do
not come. I cannot hide these things, nor hesitate to tell the truth
about them when opportunity offers. For that reason I am not liked;
and I have heard that reports against me have gone to that court from
several of the orders. I am very sure that your Majesty will not give
them ear without reserving another ear for me. The religious in this
country wish to govern; and, if the governor does not allow them to do
so, they regard him as an evil-conditioned man, and easily lend ear
to the malcontents. May God preserve the Catholic and royal person
of your Majesty, as is necessary to Christendom. Manila, July 8,
1632. Sire, your Majesty's humble vassal,

_Don Juan Nino de Tavora_

EVENTS IN FILIPINAS, 1630-32

_Relation of what has occurred in the Filipinas Islands and other
regions adjacent, from July, 1630, to July, 1632._

Great has been the peace which we have enjoyed in these Philipinas
Islands for the last two years; for the forces of the Dutch have been
scanty, owing to the failure of reenforcements; from Holland, and hence
there has been peace in the Malucas Islands as well. Nevertheless,
there have not been wanting here some disturbances from domestic
enemies. The Indians of the province of Caraga, which is in one of
these Philipinas Islands, rebelled and killed the Spaniards and the
religious, their ministers (although not for any cause connected with
the faith); these are discalced Augustinian friars. This uprising gave
us anxiety enough, as it seemed to be the beginning of a universal
mutiny; and it was particularly disturbing to us, as all our missions
are in the neighborhood of the said province of Caraga, which is
gradually being subdued and the leaders of the mutiny punished.

In Japon they are still pricked with the thorn of the ship which some
years ago our galleons captured and burned on the bar of Sian. To
avenge this, notable councils have been held in Japon, in order to
come and wage war against this land; in order beforehand to have it
well explored, they sent last year in January two merchant ships,
under cloak of trade and traffic. Although in Manilla warning of this
double object had been received, this was not made known; and they were
received and regaled as ambassadors from the Tono of Arima and Bungo. A
ceremonious reception and very hand