HOM.07
More Turmoil in the Marianas, 1679-1683, is the seventh volume of the History of Micronesia: A Collection of Source Documents (HOM), compiled and edited by Rodrique Levesque.
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File:HOM.07.pdf The History of Micronesia: A Collection of Source Documents was complied, edited and published by Rod Levesque from 1992 to 2002. Copyrights were obtained by the Habele Outer Island Education Fund, a US nonprofit, in 2022, which digitized the content to facilitate noncommercial access to, and use of, the twenty-volume series. The PDF file for HOM.07 is roughly 65MB.
Levesque's Summary
Volume 7 contains 89 chapters totalling about 131 documents covering the civilian and religious activities of the Spanish colony in the Mariana Islands during this period. The murders of missionaries and armed reprisals continued, with the assistance of a native militia. The soldiers built better protection for themselves, and the yearly galleon stops at Umatac became routine. The first government regulations were issued by the Governor of the Philippines. The first Governor directly appointed by the King arrived at Guam; he was Colonel Saravia. Captain Quiroga also arrived; this man was to be the most influential non-Jesuit foreigner until his death in the 1720s.
—List of the 12 illustrations, including maps and special re-constructions of building methods in Guam in the 1680s, and a foreword that summarizes the events of the period.
—The main chapter is a discussion of the first book published about Micronesia, i.e. Father Garcia’s History of the Mariana Islands, which was really about the life and times of Fr. Sanvitores. Many corrections are made to this important, but secondary, reference book.
—The little-known Battle of Pigpug in November 1678 is highlighted, because it is typical of the period and may lead archaeologists to an undisturbed historical site.
—The first government regulations for the Marianas were issued by Governor Vargas of the Philippines in 1679, and reaffirmed in 1680.
—Tarrague on the north coast of Guam was the largest native settlement up to that time, with 76 houses.
—Umatac on the west coast of Guam became a regular port-of-call for galleons as of 1673.
—The 1678 Map of Guam by Pilot Sorondo shows an incorrect orientation but an exact latitude.
—Colonel Saravia became the first Governor of the Marianas to be officially appointed by the King of Spain himself.
—The royal order to bring in 200 Filipinos to Guam was not carried out, for lack of ship transport.
—The progress of Father Klein, a German Jesuit who would later feature prominently in the exploration of the Carolines, is charted from Italy to Spain, and to Mexico.
—Other Jesuits from Germany, Moravia, Austria and Italy also appear upon the scene at this time.
—Captain Guiroga, an honest man, was to spend the rest of his life in Guam, and yet remain a bachelor. His first report to the Duchess of Aveiro mentions many interesting points on routine life, both inside and outside the garrison, including the only mention ever made of sacred skulls with stones on top of them, and the destruction of the last bachelor houses.
—Chief Hineti was typical of a local leader who sided with the Spanish and participated in the search for those who had murdered missionaries, and in their punishment.
—The native population was “reduced” to a few large settlements, and the first hospital was created inside the colony. The first interracial marriages also took place. Young Christian men were often fanatical.
—By 1680, the colony had stone walls (actually adobe) and 7 horses, with other “modern” conveniences. There were then 10 priests and 3 assistants to educate the population.
—The first study report on the strategic importance of the Marianas was produced during this period.
—Other events included the arrival of goats, and the creation of the first permament mission station in Rota Island. Plans were being made to build the first stone fort at Agana, Guam.
Table of Contents
HOM.07.1679A A petition about the Mariana Islands, by Fr. Pantoja
Fr. Alonso Pantoja petitions for the appointment of a governor or commander for the Mariana Islands, arguing that soldiers are needed to protect missionaries, maintain order, and support the Catholic mission. The Council’s decision of 5 July 1679 orders that the existing resolution be carried out; the editor notes that Captain José de Quiroga was being considered for governor.
HOM.07.1679B Financial accounts of the Mariana Mission, for the 10-year period 1668-78
This set of financial accounts audits the receipts, expenditures, subsidies, goods, and real-estate income of the Mariana Mission from 1668 to 1678. It documents royal treasury receipts, mission expenses, goods dispatched through Acapulco, the permanent subsidy for missionaries, seminaries, and soldiers, and the transfer of accounts from Fr. José Vidal to Fr. Balthasar de Mansilla.
HOM.07.1679C Letter from Fr. Vidal to Fr. Francisco Ximenez, dated Tepotzlan 24 March 1679
Fr. José Vidal writes to Fr. Francisco Ximénez about accounting procedures, his health and travel, assistance to condemned prisoners in Mexico, and the unresolved financial matters involving Br. Manuel Duarte, the Philippine Province, and funds intended for the Mariana Mission. The letter highlights problems of mission finance, invested funds, and contested obligations among Jesuit administrators.
HOM.07.1679D Letter from Fr. Vidal regarding financial matters, dated Mexico 8 June 1679
Fr. José Vidal responds to questions about the valuation and transfer of houses and related financial obligations connected to the Mariana Mission. The letter discusses real-estate expenses, taxes and interest, funds attributed to Don Diego de Salcedo, and disputed accounting claims involving Fr. Balthasar de Mansilla and Francisco de Morales.
HOM.07.1679E Letter from Fr. Coomans to Fr. de Pape, dated Agaña 30 May 1679
Fr. Pedro Coomans writes to Fr. Libertus de Pape from the Mariana Mission, recounting the violence and rebellions of 1675-1677, the dispersal and burning of Jesuit residences, attacks on missionaries and lay assistants, and the role of Spanish commanders in defending the mission. The letter is an important narrative source for the crisis that followed the early establishment of the mission on Guam.
HOM.07.1679F Jesuit annual reports for 1678-1679
This set of Jesuit annual reports narrates notable events in the Mariana Mission from May 1678 to May 1679, including military expeditions, pursuit and punishment of attackers of missionaries, the arrival of Governor Juan de Vargas Hurtado aboard the San Telmo, the appointment of Juan Antonio de Salas, and efforts to reorganize mission security and local settlements. The reports also document mission discipline, baptism, education, and the interaction of military force with evangelization.
HOM.07.1679G Answers to the decree of 1 July 1677 regarding the mission boat
This document records the steps taken in response to the royal decree of 1 July 1677 concerning support for the Mariana Mission and a mission boat. It includes Fr. Bartolomé Besco’s report on mission needs, the survey of Umatac Bay by Governor Juan de Vargas Hurtado and pilots aboard the San Telmo, and Governor Vargas’s instruction for the government and military administration of the Mariana Islands.
HOM.07.1679H Letter from Governor Vargas to the King, postdated Manila 20 June 1679, with enclosures
Governor Juan de Vargas Hurtado reports to the King on measures taken to support the Mariana Mission: appointing Juan Antonio de Salas as governor and superior officer, adding soldiers, issuing an instruction for governance, arranging the possible salvage of cannon from the wrecked Concepción, and discussing the practicality of a vessel for direct communication between Manila and the Marianas. The enclosures include minutes of a Manila meeting of generals and pilots concerning navigation to Guam and the mission boat proposal.
HOM.07.1679I Map of Guam, drawn in 1678 by Pilot Fernando Sorondo
This document reproduces and comments on Fernando Sorondo’s manuscript map of Guam, associated with the 1678 visit of the galleon San Telmo at Umatac. The editor discusses Sorondo’s route notes, soundings, latitude observation, depiction of Agaña and Umatac, the wooden fort at Umatac, and the significance of Umatac as the established galleon port of call.
HOM.07.1679J Report by the secretary of the Council of the Indies, dated 2 July 1679
This administrative file records Jose de Veitia’s report to the Duke of Medinaceli and related papers concerning the Mariana Mission. It addresses the status of royal orders on a vessel for the Marianas, the dispatch of Pampangos and families, Fr. Jose Vidal’s role in Mexico, the need for a governor or commander, and the Council of the Indies’ decision of 3 July 1679.
HOM.07.1679K The appointment of Antonio Saravia as Governor of the Marianas
This document set traces the Council of the Indies’ deliberations and royal correspondence that led to the appointment of Don Antonio de Saravia as Governor and Captain General of the Mariana Islands. It records the shift from authorizing the Viceroy of New Spain to appoint a governor to selecting Saravia directly in Spain, with rank, salary, instructions, and expectations for military discipline and mission support.
HOM.07.1679L Royal order for the colonization of the Marianas
The King authorizes the Viceroy of New Spain to determine how best to send families, Pampangos, or other people to the Mariana Islands. The order reviews earlier proposals to exchange 200 Pampangos for Marianos, notes objections raised by Governor Manuel de Leon, and emphasizes garrison support, settlement, religious reduction, and the practical difficulties of transportation and provisioning.
HOM.07.1679M Fr. Anthony Thomas and the Duchess of Aveiro, 1679-1680
This document presents a proposal for a charitable foundation in the Mariana Islands and related correspondence involving Fr. Anthony Thomas and the Duchess of Aveiro. The foundation proposal envisions an endowed Mariana Mission with colleges, seminaries, infirmaries, support for Japan and China missionary training, and possible vice-provincial status distinct from the Philippines.
HOM.07.1679N The missionaries who did not leave Spain in 1678, but only in 1680
This set of documents concerns Jesuit missionaries assigned to the Philippine and Mariana missions who failed to depart Spain in 1678 because of illness or delay and sought authorization and funding to travel in 1680. It includes petitions, certifications from Cadiz and Seville, House of Trade correspondence, lists of missionary names, and discussion of travel expenses, foreign missionaries, and royal treasury obligations.
HOM.07.1679O Fr. Klein and companions and their voyage from Italy to Spain in 1678
This document collects excerpts from Fr. Paul Klein’s letters and related accounts of Jesuit missionary travel from Italy to Spain in 1678. The letters describe departure from Genoa, travel through the Mediterranean to Alicante and Cadiz, missionary assignments to Mexico, the Philippines, and the Marianas, and the broader movement of Jesuit missionaries toward the Indies.
HOM.07.1679P Four letters by Fr. Strobach sent from Spain in 1678 and 1679
This document collects four letters by Fr. Augustin Strobach written from Seville in 1678 and 1679 while he and other Jesuit missionaries awaited passage to the Indies. The letters discuss missionary correspondence, delayed fleets, religious life in Seville, illness and death among missionaries, Mariana martyr portraits, final vows, news from China and Paraguay missions, and the prolonged uncertainty of missionary travel.
HOM.07.1679Q Letter from Fr. Neüman, dated Seville 15 August 1679
Fr. Joseph Neüman writes from Seville about delayed ships from the Indies, the economic importance of the Indies trade to Andalusia, Jesuit professions of vows by Fr. Mathias Cuculino and Fr. Antonio Kersbaumer, the health of missionaries, Malaga after plague quarantine, books prohibited by the Inquisition, and preparations for the Spanish king’s marriage and Andalusian horses.
HOM.07.1680A Letter from Governor Vargas to the Duchess of Aveiro, dated Manila 15 January 1680
Governor Juan de Vargas writes to the Duchess of Aveiro about the condition and promotion of the Mariana Mission, the transmission of duplicate reports by way of Batavia, the difficulty of regular maritime communication with the Marianas, and a proposed sloop under pilot Francisco Lazcano. The postscript reports that the sloop is being built in Manila and that a Jesuit will accompany the voyage.
HOM.07.1680B The Mariana Mission finds a rich benefactor
Pedro Andrés Aragona writes to Fr. General Juan Pablo Oliva on behalf of a proposal concerning the Mariana Islands. The letter praises Fr. Juan de Caneda and refers to a projected foundation for the Mariana Mission involving two colleges, seminaries for boys and girls, and hospitals, though the editor notes that the proposal was apparently not pursued.
HOM.07.1680C Letter from Fr. Cardeñoso to Fr. Gonzalez, dated Agaña 3 May 1680
This extract from Fr. Tomas Cardeñoso’s letter to Fr. Tirso Gonzalez describes the Mariana Mission at Agaña, including Fr. Vallejo’s choir and catechetical work, children learning reading and writing, efforts to learn the Mariana language, long delays in correspondence through Manila, New Spain, and Cadiz, shortages of clerical and secular helpers, and a defense of Chamorro temperance and mission conditions.
HOM.07.1680D Letter from Captain Quiroga to the Duchess of Aveiro, dated Marianas 10 May 1680
Captain José de Quiroga writes a long, highly religious letter to the Duchess of Aveiro describing his arrival in the Marianas, mission routines in and around the Agaña garrison, Jesuit instruction of soldiers, women, children, and urritao, Chamorro food, clothing, tobacco, and religious practices, as well as military expeditions, village visits, baptisms, church rebuilding, destruction of urritao houses and native religious objects, recovery of Fr. San Basilio’s remains, and the need for cooperation between ecclesiastical and military authorities.
HOM.07.1680E Memorandum regarding the Mariana Island mission, dated 25 May 1680
This Council of the Indies memorandum summarizes royal orders and administrative measures for the maintenance and promotion of the Mariana Island mission, including the mission boat, proposed movement of Pampangos and families, galleon stops at San Juan, support for the Marianas garrison, and Antonio Saravia’s appointment.
HOM.07.1680F Jesuit annual report for 1679-1680, by Fr. Besco
Fr. Bartolomé Besco reports on the Mariana Mission from the arrival of the galleon San Antonio in June 1679 through the following year, including supply difficulties, the arrival of new missionaries, mission visits, military expeditions, baptisms, college recruitment, bounty hunting, and the creation of barrios around Agaña.
HOM.07.1680G Governor Vargas forwarding the Jesuit annual report for 1678-79
The Council of the Indies forwards to the King a letter from Governor Juan de Vargas and a copy of Fr. Bartolomé Besco’s report on the state of Christianity in the Mariana Islands, emphasizing the role of soldiers and missionaries, the punishment of rebels, and continued support for the mission.
HOM.07.1680H Long report from Fr. Coomans to Fr. de Pape, dated Agaña 6 June 1680
Fr. Pedro Coomans gives a long report on the Mariana Mission, describing the 1679 galleon arrival, new missionary personnel, the unstable military and mission situation, expeditions across Guam, punishment of named rebels and murderers, the role of Ignatius Hineti/Inete, baptisms, village reductions, and Christian instruction.
HOM.07.1680I Letter from Fr. Coomans to Fr. van Coukerken, dated Agaña 6 June 1680
Fr. Pedro Coomans writes to Fr. Norbert van Coukerken about correspondence delays, the effort to consolidate Guam, tensions with soldiers and commanders, the departure of Salas, the role of José de Quiroga, Chamorro-language work, Xaramillo’s trip to Manila, and plans for direct navigation and southern exploration.
HOM.07.1680J Letter from Fr. Besco to Fr. Espinar, dated Agaña 10 June 1680
Fr. Bartolomé Besco writes to Procurator Pedro de Espinar about the hardships following the arrival of the San Antonio, food shortages, his criticism of Juan Antonio de Salas, the personnel of the Mariana Mission, progress since 1677, bounty hunting, reductions near the garrison, and local food resources.
HOM.07.1680K Letter from Fr. Thomas Vallejo to Fr. Tirso Gonzalez, dated Guam 14 June 1680
Fr. Tomás Vallejo writes from San Ignacio de Agaña to Fr. Tirso González, enclosing verses attributed to Fr. Diego Luis de Sanvitores in the Mariana language, praising José de Quiroga’s virtue and expected governorship, sending greetings from fellow missionaries, and requesting moral, legal, and spiritual books for the mission.
HOM.07.1680L Letter from Fr. Salgado to the Duchess of Aveiro, dated Taytay (Philippines) 20 June 1680
Fr. Francisco Salgado reports to the Duchess of Aveiro on the 1679 voyage to the Philippines, the missionaries and brother left in the Marianas, José de Quiroga’s presence there, the failure to unload sufficient relief at Guam, and his lobbying of Governor Juan de Vargas and pilot Francisco Lazcano to build a sloop for direct communication between the Philippines and the Marianas.
HOM.07.1680M Excerpt from the annual report for the Philippine Province for 1679-1680
This anonymous Jesuit excerpt from the Philippine Province annual report notes that Fr. Vallejo and Fr. Le Roulx remained in the Ladrones, that José de Quiroga stayed there as an associate member, that a sloop was being built under pilot Francisco Lazcano, and that the Christian community in the Mariana Islands was increasing under the missionaries and Juan Antonio de Salas.
HOM.07.1680N Letter from Fr. Palavicino to the Duchess of Aveiro, dated Manila 24 June 1680
Fr. Giovanni Pallavicino, Provincial of the Philippines, thanks the Duchess of Aveiro for her patronage of the Mariana Mission, crediting her petitions and letters for supporting missionary personnel, obtaining decrees for a boat between the Philippines and the Marianas, and encouraging construction of the mission vessel.
HOM.07.1680O Three letters from Joseph de Veitia Linage, dated Madrid 1680
These three letters by Joseph de Veitia Linage address Mariana policy from Madrid: enforcement of decrees for the mission, possible enlargement of the Marianas garrison to 100 men, the role and reputation of Governor Juan de Vargas, reports on Guam administration and relief, and the unresolved question of a vessel or sloop for the mission.
HOM.07.1680P Letters from Fr. Kino to the Duchess of Aveiro in 1680
These three letters from Fr. Eusebio Francisco Kino in Cádiz to the Duchess of Aveiro concern his delayed missionary voyage, the wreck scare involving the Nazareno, possible routes to New Spain, news and hopes for the Mariana Mission, German Jesuit interest in the Marianas, and his desire for service in China, the Philippines, the Marianas, or the southern unknown lands.
HOM.07.1680Q Instruction issued by Governor Vargas to Captain Jose de Quiroga, dated Manila 7 September 1680
Governor Juan de Vargas issues supplemental instructions to Captain José de Quiroga as Governor of the Mariana Islands. The articles regulate wine making, accounting for reales and goods, distribution of supplies, fortification of the Agaña garrison and Umatac port, prohibition of bone-tipped lances, criminal justice, military discipline, Pampango soldiers, yearly councils with the mission superior, settlement formation, cultivation, inspection of Guahan, and cooperation between civil-military and Jesuit authorities.
HOM.07.1680R Royal decree of 3 October 1680
This royal decree acknowledges Governor Juan de Vargas Hurtado’s 1678 report on his visit to Guam and thanks him for supporting the Mariana Mission. It mentions his appointment of a governor and chief officer, instructions for administration, creation of a 24-man reinforcement company, orders concerning a mission vessel and galleon relief, and efforts to salvage cannon lost with the galleon Concepcion in 1638.
HOM.07.1680S Royal decrees of November 1680 regarding the Marianas
These November 1680 royal decrees concern administration and support of the Mariana Mission. They order that the subsidy sent from Mexico for soldiers be addressed to the Governor rather than handled by missionaries, direct Governor Saravia to distribute the funds, renew orders for a vessel or sloop between the Philippines and the Marianas, discuss use of Cavite ships or purchase/charter options through regional trade, and instruct the Viceroy of New Spain to assist with funding if needed.
HOM.07.1680T Jesuit annual report for 1679-1680, by Fr. Xaramillo
Fr. Antonio Xaramillo reports to the King from Manila on the state, results, prospects, and needs of the Mariana Mission. The report describes military expeditions on Guam, baptisms and punishments, destruction of public houses and bone weapons, suppression of native religious artifacts, reductions into larger settlements, catechetical instruction, hospitals, youth education, boys’ and girls’ colleges, intermarriages, a detailed description of Agaña in 1680, José de Quiroga’s appointment, the 100-ton sloop from Cavite, and the strategic and financial needs of the mission.
HOM.07.1680U Remnants of mission bands that left Spain in 1680
This group of documents concerns Jesuit mission bands intended for the Philippines and Marianas in 1680. It includes Fr. Pedro de Espinar’s memorial requesting passage, outfitting, viaticum, and food allowance for missionaries; physical inspection records for six religious departing via the fleet; a list of foreign missionaries left behind after the Nazareno incident; and a related letter from Fr. Thomas to the Duchess of Aveiro about the disrupted voyage and missionary books.
HOM.07.1680V A study of the strategic importance of the Mariana Islands, circa 1680
This anonymous strategic memorandum weighs objections to continuing the Mariana reduction against arguments for maintaining and strengthening it. It analyzes the islands’ value as a Pacific stopover, possible foreign occupation, risks to the Manila-Acapulco galleon route and the Philippines, Cavite’s strategic role, costs of ships and garrisons, potential ports and sailing routes, salvage of cannon and valuables from wrecked galleons, and the religious and geopolitical importance of a Spanish presence in the Marianas.
HOM.07.1680W Letter from Fr. Augustin Strobach to Fr. de Boye, dated 4 June 1680
This brief bibliographical notice identifies a letter from Fr. Augustin Strobach to Fr. Manuel de Boye, dated 4 June 1680, as cited in de Boye's Latin biography of Strobach. Levesque notes the publication and manuscript locations of the biography and adds that the letter may not be especially relevant to the Mariana Mission narrative because Strobach was still in Spain awaiting passage to Mexico in June 1680.
HOM.07.1681A First printed biography of Fr. Sanvitores, by Fr. Garcia, with a history of the Marianas up to 1681
Levesque reviews extracts from Fr. Francisco Garcia's first printed biography of Fr. Diego Luis de Sanvitores and history of the Marianas through 1681, adding editorial comments and corrections. The entry treats Garcia's book as a secondary source based largely on Jesuit annual reports and covers Sanvitores' life, mission planning, voyage to Guam, early evangelization, baptism and catechism work, population claims, Chamorro language and customs, mission schools, conflicts, and subsequent events through 1681.
HOM.07.1681A1 First printed biography of Fr. Sanvitores, by Fr. Garcia, with a history of the Marianas up to 1681 (part 1)
This first part of Document 1681A presents Levesque's extracted and corrected discussion of Fr. Francisco Garcia's biography of Fr. Diego Luis de Sanvitores. It emphasizes Garcia's secondary-source status, Sanvitores' early life and mission plans, the voyage through Mexico and Acapulco, arrival at Guam, early baptisms, Chamorro language and population claims, Agana, Quipuha, Choco, wooden idols, mission clothing, the Bungi family, mission schools, and early missionary correspondence.
HOM.07.1681A2 First printed biography of Fr. Sanvitores, by Fr. Garcia, with a history of the Marianas up to 1681 (part 2)
This continuation of Document 1681A covers later extracts and comments from Garcia's history, including the pursuit of Matapang, salvage of Santa Margarita artillery, the eulogy of Br. Pedro Diaz, reconstruction of the Agana garrison and church, intermarriages between local women and Spanish or Filipino men, events for 1678-1681, the female chief of Sella Bay, Macazar, the death of Matapang, road-building on Guam, reductions and new churches at Pago, Agat, Inarajan, and Inapsan, the 1680 typhoon, the burning of the Inapsan church, and the stolen mission boat voyage toward the Philippines.
HOM.07.1681B Population of the Mariana Islands in early times, by Fr. Pastor
Fr. Pastor challenges the population figures in Garcia's Vida y Martirio, especially the claim that Guam had 50,000 inhabitants and other Mariana Islands 40,000 each. The article reviews internal evidence from Garcia, village/rancheria descriptions, church assignments, baptism figures, the reported number of warriors in 1671, and later census information, concluding that Garcia's figures were greatly exaggerated; Levesque's editorial notes qualify the argument and suggest the total Marianas population in 1668 may have reached about 20,000, but not more.
HOM.07.1681C News from Manila in 1681
These Manila news items include a letter from Fr. Francisco de Rayo y Torres to the Mariana Mission superior and an anonymous Jesuit report or gazette from the Philippines. They discuss General Sebastian Rayo's forced appointment and imprisonment before the Mariana voyage, the comets of 1680 and related portents, Fr. Antonio Xaramillo's efforts to secure a vessel for the Marianas, construction and failed voyage of the sloop San Francisco Xavier, the appointment of Don Jose de Quiroga, the return of the sloop after storms near Rota, later arguments for renewing the voyage, soldiers who fled the Marianas in a mission boat, Fr. Besco's death, mission districts on Guam, and plans for additional vessels.
HOM.07.1681D Letter from Fr. Boranga to Fr. David Inys, dated Acapulco 27 March 1681
Fr. Karl Boranga writes from Acapulco before boarding ship for the Mariana Islands, describing his desire for the mission, the dangerous voyage ahead, Spanish plans concerning the Palaos Islands and Terra Australis, and the Spanish aliases assigned to German-speaking Jesuit missionaries.
HOM.07.1681E Letter from Fr. Bouwens to Fr. Salgado in Manila, dated Guam 20 May 1681
Fr. Gerardo Bouwens reports from Guam to Fr. Francisco Salgado on Mariana Mission conditions after Fr. Xaramillo's departure, including Fr. Besco's death, the number of missionaries and residences, approximately 1,200 converts, schools and churches, Fr. Le Roulx's transfer to Umatac, and concerns about Governor José de Quiroga's strict administration.
HOM.07.1681F Eulogy of Fr. Bartolome Besco
Fr. Manuel de Solorzano writes to Provincial Giovanni Palavicino from Guam with a eulogy for Fr. Bartolome Besco, recounting Besco's Jesuit career, missionary service, work as superior of the Mariana Mission, final illness after receiving supplies from the galleon Santa Rosa, death on 26 July 1680, and burial in Agana.
HOM.07.1681G Letter from Fr. Solorzano to Fr. Francisco Garcia, dated Guam 20 May 1681
Fr. Manuel de Solorzano asks Fr. Francisco Garcia to support the Mariana Mission as a patron and intermediary, reporting on his succession as superior, communications with the Council of the Indies and the Duchess of Aveiro, mission needs, disputes over the mission boat, the conduct of Captain José de Quiroga, material shortages, education, agriculture, and the need for sacred ornaments and supplies.
HOM.07.1681H Letter from Fr. Solorzano to the Duchess of Aveiro, dated Agadña 24 May 1681
Fr. Solorzano writes to the Duchess of Aveiro from Agadña to thank her for support of the Mariana Mission, report briefly on mission conditions after Fr. Besco's death and Fr. Xaramillo's trip to Manila, and describe the need to consult with José de Quiroga while criticizing the conduct of military commanders and opposition from Manila.
HOM.07.1681I Jesuit annual report for 1680-1681, by Fr. Solorzano
Fr. Manuel de Solorzano's annual report for June 1680 to June 1681 narrates the arrival of the galleon Santa Rosa, the appointment and actions of José de Quiroga, pacification efforts on Guam and Rota, the surrender or execution of fugitives including Macazar and Matapang, new reductions and churches, agricultural and educational efforts, a desertion by soldiers in a mission boat, future plans toward southern islands, the new settlement at Inapsan, and comets seen in Guam.
HOM.07.1681J Letter from Fr. Lorenzo Bustillo to Fr. Francisco Garcia, dated Agadña 27 May 1681
Fr. Lorenzo Bustillo writes to Fr. Francisco Garcia from Agadña about the boys' college in Guam and argues against Fr. Manuel de Solorzano's plan to redirect collegiates toward carpenter and boot-maker training. The extracts cite Sanvitores' earlier petitions and royal provisions for the seminary, emphasize Christian doctrine, literacy, and possible priestly formation, and criticize the treatment of students as menial servants.
HOM.07.1681K Letter from Captain Quiroga[?] to the Duke of Arcos, dated 30 May 1681
An unsigned Spanish draft, attributed by Levesque to Captain José de Quiroga and forwarded by Fr. Solorzano, addresses the Duke of Arcos with ornate devotional praise. The letter acknowledges the patronage of the Duke and Duchess of Aveiro, praises their household's piety and charity, and seeks continued favor for the Mariana Mission and its poor.
HOM.07.1681L Letter from Fr. Tilpe to Fr. Tanner, dated Mexico 8 January 1681
Fr. Johann Tilpe writes from Mexico to Fr. Mathias Tanner after a 66-day Atlantic crossing to Veracruz and his arrival in Mexico City, while waiting for passage to the Philippines or mission fields. He sends reports on the Marianas and China, describes losses and benefactors, requests forwarding of letters and a Chinese silk map, and includes a narrative of the 1680 voyage and the redistribution of missionaries after the Cádiz shipwreck.
HOM.07.1681M Journal of Fr. Klein's voyage from Cadiz to Mexico in 1681
This synopsis summarizes Fr. Paul Klein's journal of a Jesuit missionary voyage from Cádiz to New Spain in 1681. It describes the ship Virgin of the Kings, the mixed group of Jesuit and Dominican passengers, the route through the Atlantic and Caribbean to Veracruz, and the overland journey to Puebla and Mexico City while the missionaries awaited onward passage.
HOM.07.1681N Letter from Fr. Bustillo to Fr. Andres de Alava, dated Marianas 15 June 1681
Fr. Lorenzo Bustillo writes from the Marianas to Fr. Andrés de Alava, reflecting on communication delays, the death of Don Gerónimo San Vitores, materials related to Fr. Sanvitores, and news from Spain. He also reports briefly on the state of the Marianas in June 1681, including the arrival of Governor Saravia, six residences and churches on Guam, Marianos serving as captains and fiscales, intermarriages, Christian doctrine sung in villages, and hopes for future expansion.
HOM.07.1681O Letter from Fr. Francisco Messina to Fr. Pedro de Espinar, dated Manila 15 June 1681
Fr. Francisco Messina writes from Manila to Fr. Pedro de Espinar shortly after being elected Jesuit Provincial of the Philippines. The extract notes the lack of letters from Europe, General Antonio Nieto's voyage to the Ladrones off China, the succession from Fr. Palavicino to Fr. Andrade and Messina, the death of Fr. Bartolomé Besco in the Marianas, and the condition of Fr. Maximilian Vanderstein in Manila.
HOM.07.1681P Letter from Fr. Xaramillo to the King, dated Manila 17 June 1681
Fr. Antonio Xaramillo writes from Manila to the King after his December 1680 report, reporting two maritime setbacks affecting the Mariana Mission: the theft of the mission launch by five soldiers and the failed voyage of the Cavite sloop intended to connect Manila and the Marianas. The letter also conveys news that Guam/San Juan had been reduced into peaceful towns with new churches, increased church marriages, and the execution of Matapang and other offenders, while urging royal enforcement of regular Manila-Marianas communication.
HOM.07.1681Q Letter from Fr. Francisco de Borja y Aragon to the Duchess of Aveiro, dated aboard the San Telmo, 8 July 1681
Fr. Francisco de Borja y Aragon reports to the Duchess of Aveiro from aboard the galleon San Telmo during his voyage from Acapulco to the Philippines. He describes service to the Mariana Mission by transporting 217 bundles of relief goods sent by Fr. Balthasar de Mansilla, unloading them near Rota with the help of native boats, and observing conditions in Guam, including Agana, mission personnel, soldiers, animals, and evidence of the islanders' cooperation.
HOM.07.1681R The General who was jailed for refusing to go to the Marianas
This group of administrative summaries and royal correspondence concerns General Sebastian Rayo Doria, who refused appointment to the Marianas and was imprisoned by Governor Juan de Vargas Hurtado in Fort Santiago. The documents include reports by the Fiscal and Audiencia, Governor Vargas's justification, and a 1682 royal commission ordering the Audiencia of Manila to investigate Rayo Doria's conduct privately and without the governor's participation.
HOM.07.1681S Two letters from the King to Governor Vargas, dated 28 July 1681
Two royal letters to Governor Juan de Vargas Hurtado thank him for supporting the Mariana Mission and direct him to ensure that Manila galleons comply with the order to stop at the Mariana Islands. The letters connect royal oversight, mission development, vessel construction, inter-island travel, and the practical need to supply missionaries and soldiers in the Marianas.
HOM.07.1681T Reports on the Mariana Islands, ca. 1681
This set of reports includes a list of islands in the Mariana chain attributed to Fr. Pedro Coomans, a description of the Marianas, and an anonymous report on the establishment and needs of the Mariana Mission. The documents combine geographic naming and latitude data, missionary claims about islands reached and evangelized, discussion of unvisited southern islands, and arguments for a regular vessel between Manila and the Marianas to sustain mission supply, communication, and expansion.
HOM.07.1682A Letter from Fr. Paul Klein to a Bohemian Jesuit, dated Mexico 16 February 1682
Fr. Paul Klein writes from Mexico City before departing New Spain for the Philippines. He summarizes Jesuit missionary activity in Mexico and Puebla, reports news from the galleon that several companions had remained in the Marianas, and notes encouraging reports that the islands were accepting the faith and could provision passing ships with pigs, fowls, and fruit, while also mentioning the absence of China news and rumors about Japan's renewed accessibility.
HOM.07.1682B Letters from Fr. Zarzosa to Fr. Provincial of Andalusia, dated Guam 1 May 1682
Fr. Diego de Zarzosa writes from the Mariana Islands to the Provincial of Andalusia, expressing his satisfaction in serving at the San Ignacio residence on Guam and enclosing a relation on the state of the mission. The document also includes Zarzosa's religious testament, in which he renounces claims to family inheritance and chaplaincy stipends in favor of his relatives, with Solorzano, Tilpe, and Vallejo serving as witnesses and later notes about transmission through Cordoba and Seville.
HOM.07.1682C Letter from Fr. Tilpe to Fr. Espinar, dated Agadna 15 May 1682
Fr. Juan Tilpe reports to Fr. Pedro de Espinar from Agadna/Agana on the condition of the Mariana Mission after his arrival with other Jesuit priests. He describes the assignment of new missionaries, the boys’ college and the rebuilt girls’ college of Santa Gertrudis, the general peace on Guam, the Saipan conspiracy against Fr. Solorzano, seven mission residences, regular sacramental administration, the need for more workers, and hopes for expansion toward Gani and the southern islands.
HOM.07.1682D Jesuit annual reports for 1681-1682, by Fr. Solorzano
Fr. Manuel de Solorzano’s 1681-1682 annual reports include a confidential report to Fr. General Oliva and an official relation of noteworthy events in the Mariana Islands. The reports cover the arrival and assignment of five new priests, the condition of the mission, concerns over finances and communication, the San Telmo visit, Governor Antonio de Saravia’s arrival and reforms, local districts and oaths of allegiance, marriage discipline, the December 1681 typhoon, new church construction, the re-establishment of mission stations, the Rota mission, failed approaches to Saipan, a tour of Rota, Tinian, and Aguiguan, and experiments with crops, cotton, livestock, and transport.
HOM.07.1682D1 Confidential report to Fr. Gen. Oliva, dated 25 May 1682
This first part of Fr. Manuel de Solorzano’s 1681-1682 annual report is a confidential report to Fr. General Juan Pablo Oliva. It summarizes the arrival of five new priests from the San Telmo, their assignments within Guam and Rota, the condition of colleges and mission residences, the status of the Christian community, health and personnel concerns, the need for communications with Manila, and Solorzano’s anxieties over mission finances and the possible suppression or delay of letters.
HOM.07.1682D2 Official report: Relation of the most noteworthy events in the Mariana Islands from June 1681 to June 1682
This second part of Fr. Solorzano’s annual report gives the official relation of major events in the Mariana Islands from June 1681 to June 1682. It describes the San Telmo visit and partial unloading of supplies, Governor Saravia’s arrival, local district organization and oaths of allegiance, marriage discipline, the December 1681 typhoon, church and fort construction, re-established mission stations, the mission to Rota and Sosa, attempted outreach to Saipan and other northern islands, and agricultural and livestock experiments, while emphasizing the continuing need for a regular vessel.
HOM.07.1682E Composite report for 1680-1682, by Fr. Coomans
Fr. Pedro Coomans writes from Sosa in Rota to Fr. Charles de Noyelle with a composite report on events in the Mariana Mission during 1680-1682. The report summarizes the pacification of Guam, the leadership of Solorzano and Quiroga, the transition after Fr. Besco’s death, mission organization, relocation and reduction of settlements, Rota and Sosa mission work, records of baptisms and marriages, church and residence development, and the work of German-assistance Jesuits and coadjutors, while greeting Noyelle and other Jesuit contacts in Rome.
HOM.07.1682F Letter from Fr. Coomans to Fr. de Pape, dated Rota 25 May 1682
Fr. Pedro Coomans writes from Sosa, Rota, to Fr. Libertus de Pape, acknowledging correspondence from Brussels and summarizing his own missionary work in Guam and Rota. The letter describes the establishment and administration of mission centers at Sinahafia, Pago, and Mapupun, the gathering of families for instruction and sacraments, church and residence construction, and his transfer with Fr. Carlos Boranga and Br. Balthasar Dubois to Rota.
HOM.07.1682G Letter from Fr. Coomans to Fr. van Coukerken, dated Rota 25 May 1682
Fr. Pedro Coomans writes from the Residence of San Francisco de Borja in Sosa, Rota, to Fr. Norbertus van Coukerken. The letter gives an important description of Guam-style church and residence construction, catechism schools, weekly instruction, fiscales, baptismal and marriage administration, and missionary routines; it also estimates Guam’s population at about 7,000 and Rota’s at nearly 2,000.
HOM.07.1682H Report on the Mariana Island Mission, by Fr. Strobach
This abridged report by Fr. Augustin Strobach describes the condition of the Mariana Islands in 1682. It gives a geographic overview of the thirteen islands, discusses population estimates and their exaggeration, describes Guam, Rota, northern islands, climate, crops, plants, foodways, diseases, and native customs, and records observations on social classes, language, ancestor veneration, bone spears, household organization, inheritance, marriage and divorce, children, clothing, tobacco, and Christian mission work.
HOM.07.1682I Account of the events in the Mariana Islands, by Fr. Angelis
Fr. Theophilo de Angelis recounts events in the Mariana Islands after his arrival aboard the San Telmo at Umatac on 15 June 1681 with Frs. Boranga, Strobach, Tilpe, and Zarzosa. The account summarizes early assignments at Agana, Pago, and Inarajan, the work of the boys’ seminary and girls’ instruction, baptisms, the re-establishment of the Ritidian mission station, conflict and order-restoration efforts, the visit of Fr. Solorzano to Rota, the pursuit of Sanvitores’ murderers, Rota mission building, marriage reform, and liturgical practice in Chamorro.
HOM.07.1682J Other letters from Fr. Solorzano in 1682
This set of Solorzano letters includes a notice of a letter to the Provincial of Bohemia and a longer letter to Prince Vicente Gonzaga, Acting President of the Council of the Indies. Solorzano reports on Governor Antonio de Saravia’s arrival and favorable effects, religious and political administration, the Christianization and reduction of Guam, mission expansion to other islands including Rota, baptisms and church building, construction of the Agana fort, a locally built boat, rebuilding of the girls’ seminary, the need for a patache from the Philippines, noncompliance by galleon commanders, and freight charges on mission supplies.
HOM.07.1682K Letters from Captain Quiroga to the Duchess of Aveiro in 1682
This item records two letters from Captain José de Quiroga to the Duchess of Aveiro in 1682. One letter, probably from Agana, is noted but not reproduced; the second, dated 12 June 1682 from the Marianas as the San Antonio was leaving Umatac, expresses gratitude to the Duchess and mentions an enclosed letter concerning the Marianas martyrs, especially Diego Luis de Sanvitores and Fr. Esquerra.
HOM.07.1682L Letter from Fr. Antonio Rodriguez to the Duchess of Aveiro, dated Manila 4 June 1682
Fr. Antonio Rodriguez writes from Manila to the Duchess of Aveiro with brief news of the Mariana, Chinese, and Philippine missions. He notes that the vessel bound for the Marianas was forced back after encountering severe weather, probably because it left in the wrong season, and that Fr. Xaramillo had not yet secured renewed action from the Governor.
HOM.07.1682M Letter from Fr. Salgado to the Duchess of Aveiro, dated Manila 8 June 1682
Fr. Francisco Salgado writes to the Duchess of Aveiro about failed and missing correspondence, the need for strong government in the Marianas, Captain Quiroga’s departure to Manila, missionary recruitment and training, the need for a direct vessel, and the role of armed force in reducing the islands. The letter also reports on the destruction of the Siao mission in Celebes by Dutch action and on connections with Macao and China.
HOM.07.1682N Two letters from Governor Saravia, dated Ritidian 10 June 1682
This item contains extracts from two letters by Governor Antonio de Saravia. In one, he reports to the Duchess of Aveiro that Guam and Rota are quiet and praises the work of the Fathers and the boys’ and girls’ seminaries; in the other, he writes to Fr. Balthasar de Mansilla about disputed expenses, supplies, account keeping, and salary matters.
HOM.07.1682O Letter from Fr. Xaramillo to the Duchess of Aveiro, dated Manila 17 June 1682
Fr. Antonio Xaramillo writes to the Duchess of Aveiro after dispatch cases containing Mariana documents were stolen. He describes his negotiations in Manila for the Mariana Mission, including the confirmation of Captain José de Quiroga, the appointment of Antonio Ayihi as Master-of-Camp of the native troops, the need for a mission vessel, and concern over the sloop sent to Siam.
HOM.07.1682P Letter from Fr. Francisco de Borja to the Duchess of Aveiro, dated Manila 22 June 1682
Fr. Francisco de Borja writes to the Duchess of Aveiro about Dr. Domingo de Valencia, who had carried materials concerning the reputation of Fr. Diego Luis de Sanvitores. The item asks for the Duchess’s support for Valencia’s ecclesiastical advancement and includes editorial comments identifying Valencia’s role in the Manila clergy and the Sanvitores cause.
HOM.07.1682Q Letter from Fr. Jose Gregorio to the Duchess of Aveiro, dated aboard ship, 29 June 1682
Fr. José Gregorio writes aboard ship after reaching the Marianas, reporting the sighting of the islands and anchorage at Umatac under pilot Leandro Coello. He describes changes among the Marianos, including dress, large villages under Spanish rule, affection for the Fathers, schooling of children, six residences, mission boats, fort construction at Agana, tradesmen, and Fr. Theophilo de Angelis at Mapupun.
HOM.07.1682R Letter from Fr. Jacinto Garcia to the Duchess of Aveiro, dated Manila 14 August 1682
Fr. Jacinto Garcia writes from Manila to the Duchess of Aveiro after receiving her letters and after the arrival of a ship from Acapulco with favorable news of the Mariana Mission. The letter recalls his own passage by the Marianas, reports that mission affairs had been better organized since Governor Antonio de Saravia arrived, and notes Bishop Juan Duran’s visit and report on the young Christian community.
HOM.07.1682S Royal decree dated San Lorenzo 21 October 1682
This royal decree responds to the Governor of the Philippines concerning the Mariana Island Mission. After receiving a copy of a letter from the Jesuit Vice-Provincial reporting favorable spiritual and temporal progress, the King expresses approval and instructs the governor to assist and support the mission because it serves both God and the Crown.
HOM.07.1682T Letter from Fray Francisco Ximenez to the Duchess of Aveiro, dated Mexico 11 December 1682
Fray Francisco Ximenez writes from Mexico to the Duchess of Aveiro with court and regional news. The letter reports that Bishop Gines Barrientos, after passing by the Mariana Islands, criticized the religious instruction of boys and college servants, and it also briefly mentions California, New Mexico, the peace of New Spain, and the pregnancy of the Vicequeen.
HOM.07.1682U Letter from Fray Manuel de Santa Cruz to the Duchess of Aveiro, about his 1669 visit, etc.
Fray Manuel de Santa Cruz writes to the Duchess of Aveiro with a short description of the Philippines and Mariana Islands. The letter discusses Legazpi’s 1565 voyage, the naming and geography of the Marianas, northern island sightings during the San Telmo voyage of 1680, and Santa Cruz’s own 1669 visit to Guam aboard the San Jose, including observations of canoes, exchange, native dress, bone-tipped spears, and the firing of a cannon from the galleon.
HOM.07.1682V Petitions to the King for free transport of goods shipped to the Marianas
These petitions by Fr. Manuel Rodriguez ask the King to exempt goods shipped to the Mariana Mission from transport charges. Rodriguez argues that supplies sent in 1681 aboard the San Telmo were burdened by excessive freight fees, consuming much of the subsidy intended for missionaries and the Guam garrison, and he requests that future relief be carried free as royal service.
HOM.07.1683A Letter from the King to the Viceroy, dated Madrid 28 January 1683
The King writes to the Viceroy of New Spain in response to Manuel Rodriguez’s petition about excessive transport charges on the 1681 relief shipment to the Mariana Mission. The letter states that the royal intention is for the aid to be useful and directs the Viceroy to arrange whatever measures he can for the benefit of the Jesuit missionaries in the Marianas.
HOM.07.1683B The legal case against Pilot Francisco Iazcano
This file concerns the legal case against Pilot Francisco Lazcano after the failed 1680 voyage of the sloop San Francisco Xavier from Cavite toward the Marianas. It includes the King’s 28 January 1683 commission to Governor Gabriel de Curuzelaegui to review the case and expenses, and a synopsis of ship supplies, crew salaries, and construction costs tied to the failed mission-boat voyage.
HOM.07.1683C Letter from Bishop Pizarro to the King, dated Manila 24 February 1683
Bishop Francisco Pizarro Orellana writes to King Charles II from Manila about the conflict between the Dominicans and the Society of Jesus over the College of Santo Tomas, the College of San Jose, academic precedence, and the Jesuits’ authority to confer degrees. The letter also comments on disputes involving the Archbishop of Manila and appeals to royal authority.
HOM.07.1683D Royal decree of 31 March 1683 regarding the yearly despatch of a vessel to the Marianas
This royal decree orders Governor Gabriel de Curuzelaegui to ensure regular maritime communication between the Philippines and the Mariana Islands. It reviews earlier royal orders about building, buying, or chartering a vessel, the need to supply the Mariana Mission, support from New Spain if funds are lacking, and possible trade voyages to Canton or Macau linked to Marianas service.
HOM.07.1683E Letter from Fr. Zarzosa to Fr. Juan de la Fuente, dated Guam 28 April 1683
Fr. Diego de Zarzosa writes from Guam to Fr. Juan de la Fuente about the progress of the Mariana Mission and the anticipated arrival of the China galleon. He reports that Governor Antonio de Saravia prepared boats, provisions, and munitions for an expedition to Saipan, where Fr. Luis de Medina had been martyred, but that winds forced the expedition back to Guam before a renewed attempt could be made.
HOM.07.1683F The peripatetic galleon Santa Rosa, 1682-1684
This note, drawn from estate papers relating to Francisco de Coloma y Macedo, summarizes the movements and command arrangements of the galleon Santa Rosa after its 1682 distress return and subsequent 1683 voyage to New Spain. It names General Antonio Nieto, Captain Francisco Enriquez de Losada, Feliz de Vuelta, and Captain Alonso de Abalos y Bracamonte in connection with the delivery of gold and jewels in Acapulco or Mexico.
HOM.07.1683G Letters from Fr. Strobach to Fr. Provincial of Bohemia, dated May 1683
These German-language letters from Fr. Augustin Strobach to Fr. Emmanuel de Boye describe the Mariana Mission in 1683, especially Rota and the Christian community at Sosa under the residence of St. Francis Borgia. Strobach reports his assignments in Guam and Rota, baptisms, marriages, catechetical work, the organization of mission residences, the presence of newly arrived missionaries, and the wider effort to extend Catholic mission work through the Mariana Islands.
HOM.07.WELT-BOTT Der Neue Welt-Bott: The New-World Messenger
This introductory note explains the German-language Jesuit publication Der Neue Welt-Bott, translated as The New-World Messenger, and its relevance for letters from and about the Mariana Mission. It summarizes the title page of the 1726 first volume, identifies Joseph Stöcklein as the first editor, relates the series to the French Lettres édifiantes, and explains the importance of German-speaking Jesuits in the Mariana Islands.
Publication Details
Lévesque Rodrigue. History of Micronesia : A Collection of Source Documents. Vol. 7 More Turmoil in the Marianas: 1679-1683. Gatineau Québec: Lévesque Publications; 1996.
ISBN-10: 0920201075
ISBN-13: 978-0920201077
LCC: DU500 .H58 2000
