Manila, December 2, 1829., 12/02/1829-12/02/1829

File — Box: 1, Folder: 5

Identifier: 76948

Collection level scope and content note

From the Collection:

The Francisco Enriquez y Giron Papers date from the beginning of the 19th century. As a leading Spanish official in Manila, with the title Delegate General of the Royal Lands, Colonel of Infantry, and Quartermaster General and Superintendent, Francisco Enriquez y Giron was exposed to the corrupt and inefficient practices of the colonial government. He witnessed first hand the impact that increased commercialization had on the islands and on Spanish control. His frustration with inept members of the government, most notably Mariano Ricafort Palac¡n y Abarca, who was Governor and Captain General at the time, is extremely manifest in his letters. The discomfort he suffered was worsened by the fact that his position in the government allotted him no real authority to enact what he believed to be positive change. Enriquez' letters also touch on topics relating to his personal experiences in the Philippines, such as epidemics and earthquakes the population had to endure. Of most interest are his references to the diminishing status of Spaniards in the colony, as many of the natives no longer went out of their way to act meek and compliant in the presence of Europeans.

The information and alternative perspectives found in these original letters is quite impressive and is extremely helpful to anyone researching the experiences of Spanish officials during the initial stages of economic development in the Philippines. This archive is comprised of 14 letters arranged in chronological order that total to 58 pages of original material. Most of the letters were written by Don Francisco Enriquez y Giron to his friend Don Manuel Bernaldez Pizarro, an official residing in Madrid and descendant of the famous Spanish conquistador, Francisco Pizarro. One of the letters was penned by Gertrudis Seguera, wife of Enriquez, and sent to her friend, Josepha Folgueras, which offers an interesting female point of view. All of the letters were written entirely in Spanish with rich and legible ink and remain in fairly nice condition.

ABBREVIATIONS ALS - Autograph Letter Signed. FEG - Francisco Enriquez y Giron. MBP - Manuel Bernaldez Pizarro. GS - Gertrudis Seguera. JF - Josepha Folgueras.

Dates

12/02/1829-12/02/1829

Collection-level Access Restrictions

Most manuscripts collections at the Georgetown University Booth Family Center for Special Collections are open to researchers; however, restrictions may apply to some collections. Collections stored off site require a minimum of three days for retrieval. For use of all manuscripts collections, researchers are advised to contact the Booth Family Center for Special Collections in advance of any visit.

Extent

From the Collection: 0.20 Linear Feet (1 Hollinger Slim Document Case)

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Additional Description

Shelf Location

07/11/06

Container Summary

1 ALS dated Manila, December 2, 1829 from Francisco Enriquez y Giron to Francisco Gomez Pedroso describing how he and his family have adjusted to living in the Philippines. He talks about the beauty of the islands, which is marred only by the frequent earthquakes and lightening storms. FEG also shows some concern for his own safety when he discusses the lack of overall security on the island and the increasing boldness of the native people. FEG feels that measure need to be taken to fix this problem and re-assert the authority of the Spanish people.

Subjects and Associated Physical Materials

ENRIQUEZ Y GIRON, FRANCISCO - CORRESPONDENCE TO MBP (1829): Autographed Letter

GOMEZ PEDROSO, FRANCISCO - CORRESPONDENCE FROM FEG (1829): Autographed Letter

RICAFORT PALACIN Y ABARCA, MARIANO - REFERENCE (1829): Autographed Letter

EARTHQUAKES - REFERENCE (1829): Autographed Letter