In conferring the prebends and benefices I abide by the royal rights of presentation in what I am obliged to; but to station a clergyman in a Christian Indian village [doctrina] when there is someone who opposes, is a thing that I have sometimes done, and will do henceforward, because I know that it is proper to do so for the service of God and the good of the sheep which I have in my charge. Against this there is no right of patronage; nor would it occur to the king to wish that this should not be done, nor would it occur to me to defraud the royal right of patronage; for I know very well the obligation under which I am to keep it, and I know when anyone acts according or contrary thereto. Surely I am surprised that your Lordship should meddle in such trifles as to ask from me an account of the title under which Father Salinas was ordained. If your Lordship does not know how he can act, I know; and for that reason I created him a priest; and I know that this was well done, and that it is not fitting to do anything else. I know that your zeal is great, but I also know what St. Paul said of others who had zeal, and zeal for God, but he said that that zeal was not according to knowledge. And certainly, when your Lordship interferes in the things in which you interfere in this letter, although I say it be with great zeal, you have greatly exceeded your powers, and overstepped the bounds to which they extend. For even if your Lordship had known and seen that I transgressed due limits, your Lordship had neither license nor authority to treat in so imperious a manner your bishop, whose instruction and advice your Lordship is bound to follow, and your Lordship should not undertake to constrain your master. The worst thing would be that your Lordship should think that what you have said pertains to your duty, because that would be a graver matter; for, if your Lordship could stretch your arm so far as that, there would be no need of any bishop in this country, except a titular one, [3] for I do not see what remains to me if your Lordship can do all the things which you imply in this letter. But please read the chapter, si ymperator, already cited, and you will see how far your powers extend, and what is for me to do. Your Lordship has plenty to do in your office without extending your authority to mine, and I have plenty to do in mine without treating of what belongs to yours—although, since I have in my charge your Lordship's soul, not only as a Christian but as governor, I cannot be so careless as not often to be obliged to examine what you are doing and advise you of what you ought to do. This your Lordship cannot do with me by virtue of your office, although as friend and lord, as one who desires my good, I shall be pleased to be advised by your Lordship of my faults, which I know very well are not few. Except in what my office obliges me to, be certain that I shall keep as far from interfering in the matters of your government, or from giving you any trouble, as if I were not living or were not in the country.

This has turned out a very long letter, and certainly my occupations did not give me time for so much; but the great amount of matter in your letter which needed to be answered left me nothing else to do. Believe me that I am very much opposed to discussing such matter especially when a man has to say something which may seem praise or esteem of himself, which is a thing very unfit for those who try to serve God. But when this is not done arrogantly, or in vanity, but to defend the necessary truth, it is done as St. Gregory the Pope did against the emperor Maurice, and Gelasius the Pope against the emperor Anastasius. Even Moses and St. Paul, although they were so humble, when it was necessary to defend their authority said things of themselves which, said in any other connection, would seem wrong; but, spoken for the purpose for which they said them, were rightly spoken. As I think that what I have said is enough to satisfy your Lordship's letter (and, if anything remains to be set right, time will not be lacking in which it can be discussed), for the present let this be sufficient. May our Lord give your Lordship the light of His grace, that you may follow His holy will in everything. From Quiapo, March twenty-first, one thousand five hundred and ninety-one.

Fray Domingo, Bishop of the Filipinas.



Liberty if the Indians in the Philippines

Gregory XIV, Pope: In perpetual remembrance of the affair.

Since, as we have recently learned, in the first attempts to christianize the Indians of the Philippine Islands, so many dangers of life had to be undergone, on account of the savageness of these Indians, that many were constrained to take up arms against those Indians, and even to ravage their property; while subsequently, after the conversion of these Indians—who, abandoning their worship of false gods, now acknowledge the true God and profess the Catholic faith—those who formerly had ravaged their property now wish to make good what they destroyed, but are without the means of so doing: with the desire to provide for the peacefulness of conscience of the said persons, and thus to guard against all dangers and discomforts therein, by these presents, with our authority, we charge and command our venerable brother the bishop of Manila to have the above-named persons and the parties to whom restitution is to be made come to an agreement thereon among themselves, with satisfaction to be made to the owners wherever these are known. But where they are not known, then the same compensation is to be made through the bishop in benefit and aid of Indians in distress, should they who are bound to restitution be able conveniently so to do; otherwise, if poor themselves, let them make satisfaction whenever they reach a comfortable state of life.

Moreover, in order that the resolutions determined upon by the said bishop, with religious and learned men assembled together, in benefit of the Christians newly converted to the faith, be not infringed by them through mere whim or anyone's individual deed or fancy, we wish and by our apostolic authority decree that whatever orders and commands be passed by the majority of the assembly in the interest of the Christian faith or the health of souls, for the good government of Indian converts, shall be steadily and invariably observed until further orders or commands by the same assembly.... In fine, we have learned that our very dear son in Christ, Philip, the Catholic king of the Spains, has ordered that in view of the many deceits usually practiced therein, no Spaniard in the aforesaid Philippine Islands shall, even by the right of war, whether just or unjust, or of purchase, or any other pretext whatsoever, take or hold or keep slaves or serfs; and yet that in contravention of this edict or command of King Philip, some still keep slaves in their service. In order, then, as conformable to reason and equity, that the Indians may go to and from their Christian doctrinas and their own homes and lands freely and safely, without any fear of slavery, in virtue of holy obedience and under pain of excommunication, we order and command all and singular the persons dwelling in those islands—of no matter what state, degree, condition, rank, and dignity—on the publication of these presents to set wholly free, without any craft and deceit, whatever Indian slaves and serfs they may have; nor for the future shall they in any manner, contrary to the edict or command of the said King Philip, take or keep captives or slaves.

For the rest, as it would be difficult [to send] these present letters to all and singular the aforesaid islands, etc.

Given at Rome, at St. Peter's, under the seal of the Fisherman, April 18, 1591, the first year of our pontificate.



Articles of Contract for the Conquest of Mindanao

Gomez Perez Dasmarinas, governor and captain-general of these Philipinas Islands for the king, our sovereign, etc.:

His Majesty orders and charges me, by his royal instructions and decrees, as the most worthy and important thing in these islands, to strive for the propagation of our holy faith among the natives herein, their conversion to the knowledge of the true God, and their reduction to the obedience of His holy church and of the king, our sovereign; and to this end and object his Majesty has given me commission to make the expeditions and pacifications that I think best for the service of God and his own, and likewise to give license and commission for making them. By reason thereof, he also commissions me to make covenants and agreements with explorers and pacifiers who are willing to bind and pledge themselves, at their own cost, to make such expeditions and pacifications. Moreover, the island of Mindanao is so fertile and well-inhabited, and teeming with Indian settlements, wherein to plant the faith, and of so great circumference—namely, three hundred leagues—and distant two hundred leagues from this island of Luzon; and is rich in gold mines and placers, and in wax, cinnamon, and other valuable drugs. And although the said island has been seen, discussed, and explored (and even in great part given in repartimiento), no effort has been made to enter and reduce it, nor has it been pacified or furnished with instruction or justice—quite to the contrary being, at the present time, hostile and refusing obedience to his Majesty; and no tribute, or very little, is being collected. And the assignment into encomiendas made there has been null and void, as being made contrary to his Majesty's ordinances contained in his instructions and articles on "New Discoveries," as the land must be first entered and entirely pacified, and its rulers and natives must be reduced to the obedience of his Majesty, and given to understand the evangelical instruction. Besides the above facts, by delaying the pacification of the said island greater wrongs, to the offense and displeasure of God and of his Majesty, are resulting daily; for I am informed that the king of that island has made all who were paying tribute to his Majesty tributary to himself by force of arms, and after putting many of them to death while doing it; so that now each Indian pays him one tae of gold. I am also told that he destroyed and broke into pieces, with many insults, a cross that he found, when told that it was adored by the Christians; and that in Mindanao, the capital and residence of the said king, are Bornean Indians, who teach and preach publicly the false doctrine of Mahoma, and have mosques; besides these, there are also people from Terrenate—gunners, armorers, and powder-makers, all engaged in their trades—who at divers times have killed many Spaniards when the latter were going to collect the tribute (once killing thirteen, and at other times four or five), without our being able to mete out punishment, because of lack of troops. By reason of the facts above recited, and because all of the said wrongs and troubles will cease with the said pacification; and, when it is made, we are sure that the surrounding kingdoms of Borney, Jolo, Java, and other provinces, will become obedient to his Majesty: therefore, in order that the said island may be pacified, subdued, and settled, and the gospel preached to the natives; and that justice may be established among them, and they be taught to live in a civilized manner, and to recognize God and His holy law, I have tried to entrust the said pacification to a person of such character that he may be entrusted with it. Now considering that the good qualities requisite for this, and which are demanded by section twenty-seven of "New Discoveries," are found in Esteban Rodriguez de Figueroa—that he is rich, powerful, possessed of many friends, popular with the soldiers of this country, and well-acquainted with the land, as being one of the first discoverers—and that he has served his Majesty loyally and faithfully, and offers of his own accord to make the said pacification at his own expense; therefore, as I am confident that he will fulfil whatever he covenants and contracts to do in his Majesty's service, I have resolved to entrust and charge to him the said pacification, in his Majesty's name. And if he, on his part, shall fulfil his offers, which accompany this writ, then I, on my part, will fulfil likewise what I promise, as a reward for the said pacification. Therefore, by this present, I empower and authorize said Captain Estevan Rodriguez de Figueroa, to make the said pacification and settlement of the island of Mindanao, and at his own expense, under the following conditions and declarations:

As the first condition, the said Captain Estevan Rodriguez binds himself and promises to fulfil and observe as inviolate, first and foremost, the decrees and ordinances of his Majesty in the sections of "New Discoveries," and in each one of them, separately—of which he will be given an authorized copy, so that he may exercise the equity and good method of proceeding, gently and without violence, which his Majesty has commanded to be observed and kept in the said pacification.

Item: That said Captain Estevan Rodriguez binds himself and promises to pacify and colonize the said island of Mindanao at his own expense within three years—making one settlement on the river of Mindanao, and more if necessary, according to the condition of the land; and to maintain the island, thus pacified and colonized, for one year.

Item: From that time the life-title of governor of said island shall be given to said Estevan Rodriguez de Figueroa, and to one son or heir. And I shall have letters sent to his Majesty, entreating him to show him favor by granting him the title of adelantado or of mariscal of the island, as may be his pleasure, in accordance with the orders of his Majesty in my instructions.

Item: It is granted in his Majesty's name that, when the said pacification and colonization is completed, he may allot the land and island of Mindanao into encomiendas as follows: First, the ports and capitals shall be allotted to his Majesty's royal crown. Having subtracted these, he may, from the remainder, allot one-third part to himself, for the time mentioned in the said sections of "New Discoveries," and in whatever part he wishes. The other two-thirds remaining he may allot and apportion among the soldiers enrolled under his banners, and those who take part in the said pacification.

The said Captain Estevan Rodriguez de Figueroa said that he accepted the above covenant and agreement made as above stated, and promised to abide by its provisions. To this he pledged himself and his property; and both the said governor and captain-general, Gomez Perez Dasmarinas, and the said Captain Estevan Rodriguez signed the agreement (written secretly by the said governor), before me, the undersigned notary, Manila, May twelve, one thousand five hundred and ninety-one.

Gomez Perez Dasmarinas Estevan Rodriguez de Figueroa

Before me:

Juan de Cuellar

[Endorsed: "Agreement for the conquest of Mindanao." "Look for the decree mentioned, in order to see that it is provided; and bring it."]



Ordinance Forbidding the Indians to Wear Chinese Stuffs

Gomez Perez Dasmarinas, governor and captain-general for his Majesty in these islands, to you, Juan de Alcega, alcalde-mayor of the province of Pan Panga, and of the places pertaining thereto; or to your deputy:

Be it known unto you that some days ago the city of Manila issued an ordinance, which was confirmed by me, forbidding the Indian natives of these islands to wear silks or stuffs from China, for many reasons mentioned in the said ordinance. And in order to ascertain whether any benefit or advantage will result to the said Indians from the said ordinance and whether certain offenses against God and other abuses will be averted; and whether there are any for whose sake the execution of the same should be suspended: I therefore now, by these presents, ordain and command you that, by reason of the declarations hereinbefore made, you secure information from Spanish and Indian witnesses, examining the same in accordance with the interrogatory sent herewith; in order that his Majesty may be informed of the facts disclosed and asserted, and may issue commands at his good pleasure. Given at Manila, on the ninth day of April, in the year 1591.

Gomez Perez Dasmarinas

By order of the governor: Juan de Cuellar

Compared with the original:

Felipe Ramirez, notary.

Whereas, the city of Manila, on the thirtieth day of March of this year, issued an ordinance forbidding the natives from wearing silks and stuffs from China, for many reasons mentioned in the said ordinance, which are of importance to the general welfare and the good government of these islands; we, the cabildo and government of the city of Manila, command that the said ordinance be submitted to the royal Council of the Indias for confirmation, in order that the said causes, and any others that may exist, may be certified to his Majesty. We entreat your Lordship to send us information, in accordance with the questions sent you herewith, and that an authorized copy of said information be sent us for transmission to his Majesty, with the said ordinance; for which purpose, etc.

The witnesses are to be asked if they know whether, when first the Spaniards discovered these islands, all the natives wore any other garments than those made in the islands, planting cotton and weaving cloth for their own use, and continuing to do so even for many years after the Spaniards had settled in the islands; and whether the one or two ships that came from China each year, brought any cloth or silks to the islands. For these were not sold among the natives; and all that was carried in these ships was earthenware, horns, herbs, desaumerios, and other trifles of little importance. Also whether, after the Spaniards settled here, and the Chinese began to increase their trade with them and to bring many ships to these islands laden with cloth, the natives began to wear garments of said cloth from China, discarding their own, which they formerly used; and whether this use has reached such a pass that there is no year when the said natives do not buy and use for their clothing over two hundred thousand robes of cotton and silk, which at the present time are worth as many pesos—and in a few years will, unless this injury [to our trade] is opposed and checked, be worth twice as much. For as the natives are not a people who strive to acquire much property for the purpose of leaving it to their heirs, but spend all they get in food and drink and clothing, and as no one needs more than one or two pieces of cloth a year, they care not whether these garments be cheap or dear, but pay for them whatever is asked; and in this way the price has risen so high, that a piece which at first could be bought for two reals, now sells for ten, and very soon will cost twenty.

Also whether, for the reasons given in the preceding question, there results what would be a serious loss to these islands, and injury to his Majesty—that is, whether it be true that, whereas the Chinese formerly, in payment for the clothing they brought, carried away from these islands thirty thousand pesos in money, they now, on account of the recklessness and extravagance of the natives, take away two hundred thousand pesos. This money leaves the realms of his Majesty, and is carried to a foreign country, in violation of royal edicts; this would be prevented if the said natives were not to clothe themselves with the said stuffs.

Also whether the said natives have, since the Spaniards have been trading in these islands with the Chinese, abandoned the tillage of their lands, as regards not only the cultivation of cotton, but that of rice, wine, and other products of the country; and have given themselves over to vice and idleness, refusing to work. For, as there is money in the country, brought hither by the Spaniards, some of it gets into the hands of the natives, in payment for services and in many other ways. And thus the natives, finding the stuffs brought by the Chinese ready at hand, and having money to pay for them, have abandoned work and the cultivation of their lands, and become vagabonds, both men and women—courting the favor of the Spaniards, and committing and causing numberless offenses against God. For the natives are addicted to theft and licentiousness, and the women are ready to sell their persons; and for these reasons there is, here, more than an intimacy of men and women.

Also whether the evils and disorders above mentioned would disappear with the observance of the said ordinance. For the natives would then be at work, and there would be an abundance of fruits and provisions in the country, and at very low prices, as there has been hitherto, and thus the country would be supported; and there would not be taken out of the kingdom the large sums of money which the Chinese now carry away for the provisions which they bring to sell—such as flour, sugar, lard, and other things. Moreover, the natives would dress in their own stuffs, which are better woven and more economical than those from China; and besides making cloth for their own use, they would have some which the Spaniards could buy for their trade; and another large quantity of money would remain in the country, which now is taken from it because the said natives do not make the said cloth. Another serious evil would cease; the natives would no longer sell raw cotton to the Chinese, who take it to their own country and make it into cloth, and then return to sell it to the natives, and with these goods deprive them of their money. Most of all, there would be an end to the evils and sins against God above mentioned.

Also whether the observance of the said ordinance will induce the natives and the Chinese to carry on trade as they formerly did, without using money; for if the natives should wish to trade or barter in the islands (which is not forbidden to them), they can and will obtain goods, as they formerly did, in exchange for such articles as siguey (a small white snail), dye-wood, and carabao horns; to this mode of trading the Chinese will adapt themselves, and the outflow of money will cease.

Also whether all these islands, or most of them, are well adapted to the cultivation of cotton, so that, if the natives are set to the task, enough will be produced to supply all the islands with, provisions and clothing; and whether cloth will be made, as good as, or better than, that which comes from China, and a surplus be left for shipment to Nueva Espana in exchange for necessaries, and a larger surplus of cotton to be used in exchange for Chinese wares; and whether as much money will be taken out of the country as is now taken away. Let the witnesses tell what they know on these subjects; and whether the facts above stated are notorious or well-known, and matters of public discussion and report.

In the village of Bacolor, province of Panpanga, of the Philipinas Islands, on the thirteenth day of the month of May, in the year one thousand five hundred and ninety-one, Captain Juan de Alcega, alcalde-mayor of the said province for our lord the king, declared that, inasmuch as the cabildo, magistracy, and government of the city of Manila, among other ordinances which they enacted for the welfare and government of that city, and for the benefit of the state, issued one forbidding the natives of these islands to dress in silks or stuffs from China, for the reasons and difficulties mentioned in the said ordinance; and because the enforcement and observance thereof is very just and expedient for these islands, Gomez Perez Dasmarinas, knight of the habit of Santiago, governor and captain-general of the islands for our lord the king, in his royal name approved and confirmed the same. But as Don Frai Domingo de Salazar, bishop of these said islands, in the name of the natives as their protector, has protested against the said ordinance on the ground of its being injurious to the natives, the captain-general, in behalf of the said natives, and in order to ascertain the truth, makes the statements contained in this mandate. And in order to ascertain whether the observance of the said ordinance would put an end to the troubles therein mentioned, or whether a fulfilment of the same would result in the injuries to the said natives which the said bishop, as their protector, mentions, I hereby command that the following investigation be made, and that the witnesses be examined in accordance with the interrogatory submitted by the said cabildo.

Signed:

Juan de Alcega

Before me:

Felipe Roman, notary.

Evidence

In the village of Cubao of the said province, on the fourteenth day of May of the year aforesaid, the said alcalde-mayor, for the purpose of the said investigation, caused to appear before him Don Nicolas Ramos, a chief of the village of Cubao and governor of the same—who, being duly sworn according to legal form, with the aid of the interpreter Domingo Birral, and having promised on the sign of the cross to speak the truth, was questioned in accordance with the purpose of the interrogatory, and deposed as follows:

In reply to the first question this witness stated that he knew that before the Spaniards came to these islands for their discovery, pacification, and settlement, and that of all the peoples who then were, or have since been, discovered here, all the natives of the islands, so far as this witness is informed—chiefs, timaguas, and slaves, without distinction of rank—wove cotton fabrics, with which they clothed themselves, all from cotton of their own planting. It is true that, as far back as this witness can remember, he thinks that he has never known cotton to have been planted or gathered in this province, or along the river and coast of Manila, from the village of Cabite to this province; but in all the other tribes except these cotton was planted, large quantities being gathered and sold to the inhabitants of this Pampanga, and to those of the river and coast of Manila, who gave in exchange the rice which they cultivated, and sometimes gold; and they procured the cotton for the purpose of spinning it and weaving cloth for their own garments. This continued to be the custom for many years after the coming of the Spaniards; for, although one or two ships came from China each year at that time, these brought no cloths or silks, but only iron, and earthenware, and camanguian. The principal reason why the Tagalos of Manila and the inhabitants of all this Panpanga have never cultivated cotton, is because they do not know how; and because they have never been accustomed to grow anything but rice, on which they chiefly subsist. This was his answer.

In reply to the second question this witness stated that since the Spaniards have become established in these islands, he has noticed how the Chinese have come hither, in larger numbers every year, eight ships at least coming annually from China; and in some years this witness has seen as many as twenty and thirty, all laden with cloths and bolts of silk. And when the natives of these islands and of this province saw all these cloths brought by the Chinese, they made less exertion to weave their own; but to avoid even that little work, all the natives began to clothe themselves with the said stuffs from China, discarding entirely their own, which they formerly wore. And so far has this gone at the present day, that all alike—without distinction of chief from timagua, or of timagua from slave—dress in these stuffs, making it impossible to judge of their rank from their dress. In this way a very large quantity of cloth is used—far more, as it seems to this witness, than the number stated in the question; and he is very certain that, if this tendency is not checked and corrected, the price of every one of these stuffs will in a few years be doubled; for now even the cheapest costs not less than a peso. For the natives of these islands do not accumulate wealth, but spend it all in food and clothing; and as none of the natives, however high his rank may be, needs more than two or three pieces of cloth in a year, in order to avoid the labor of weaving them, and so that they can spend their time in idleness, they prefer to buy them from the Sangleys, whether they are cheap or dear, paying without hesitation or heed whatever price is asked. The result is that everything is growing much dearer; for a piece of cloth which at first usually cost, on the average, three or four reals, as already stated, now costs ten reals, and, unless this rise is checked, will very soon cost twenty—and this for the reasons mentioned in the question. These matters should be considered, and some corrective be found, to avoid further difficulties. Thus did he reply to this question.

To the third question he replied that, for the reasons mentioned in the preceding question, considerable damage has been and is suffered, and, unless some check and remedy is applied, will continue to be suffered in these islands, by the Spaniards and by the inhabitants of the country, both Spaniards and natives, and especially to the injury of his Majesty's service; this damage consisting in the fact that while the Chinese formerly took away from these islands, in exchange for their merchandise which they bring from their own country, at the most from twenty thousand to thirty thousand pesos in money, at the present day—as all the natives are extravagant enough to buy their clothing, since they can dispense with making it—these merchants take from the country all the money stated in the question, and even more. This money they take out of his Majesty's dominions to their own country, whence it never returns. And this might be prevented if the natives were forbidden to buy the said clothing, and would dress in the stuffs which they formerly were accustomed to wear. This was his answer to this question.

In reply to the fourth question he stated that, before the coming of the Spaniards, all the natives lived in their villages, applying themselves to the sowing of their crops and the care of their vineyards, [4] and to the pressing of wine; others planting cotton, or raising poultry and swine, so that all were at work; moreover, the chiefs were obeyed and respected, and the entire country well provided for. But all this has disappeared since the coming of the Spaniards. For since their coming all the Indians have given themselves over to vice and vagabondage, wandering from village to village to avoid work, and to indulge their vices—and this because, seeing that the Spaniards have plenty of money, they are eager to serve them. Finding that they have money, and food and clothing being given to them, or procured by a day's labor, there is nothing to induce them to return to their villages to cultivate the soil, and raise animals, and work, as they formerly did. This state of affairs is already so general in these islands that, when the attempt is made to compel a native to work, he immediately takes to flight, and wanders about, halting only at a place where he is allowed to remain idle. From this have resulted the offenses mentioned in the question, a condition which requires a remedy. Such was his reply to this question.

To the fifth question he said that all the evils and difficulties and offenses against God, our Lord, mentioned in these questions will disappear if the said ordinance is properly executed; for all the natives would work, and the country be well supplied with crops and provisions, and a surplus sufficient for the maintenance of all the natives and Spaniards, as before the coming of the Sangleys, and the money which the Chinese now carry from this country to their own would remain here. Indeed, if these traders stopped coming altogether, the islands would not lack supplies; as for clothing, the natives could dress in their own stuffs, which are three times better than those brought from China; and, besides what they make for their own garments, they could make a large quantity for trade with the Spaniards; thus would be kept in this country a very large sum of money, and thus all this country would be wealthy and prosperous. This has not been accomplished hitherto because the natives, for the reasons before mentioned, will not weave their stuffs as they used to. And, besides all this, there would be an end of the very great injury caused by the Sangley's buying the raw cotton and taking it to his own country, to be there worked into cloth, which again is brought to these islands for sale. Best of all, there would be an end of all the evils and offenses which the question mentions, and for which a remedy is most important. Thus he replied to this question.

To the sixth question he replied that everything said in the questions in regard to the Chinese and the trading with them, before the Spaniards had come, is true; that so matters were wont to be in these islands. Where the natives had not the kinds of goods mentioned in the question, they paid for them in rice and gold, which is very advantageous to the Chinese. If they continue to come and seek to trade with the natives, the arrangement described in the question would be very advantageous to both parties; and the Chinese would no longer draw from the country the large quantities of money which they have taken away yearly. Thus he replied to this question.

In reply to the seventh question he declared that he knew that all the tribes who have been discovered in these islands could plant cotton, and that the soil is adapted to that use; but that the natives of these provinces, and of those in which rice is grown, have been and are unwilling to plant cotton, fearing lest they may ruin the cultivation of rice, which is their chief article of food. But this witness is certain that, if they would consent to do so, they could plant cotton, as it is a crop that requires less labor than rice; and if cotton were cultivated at least by the Tagalos Indians, who are the laziest of all, large quantities of cotton might be gathered. With this they could make cloth of very good quality for their own garments, and even some besides for the use of the Spaniards, who wore these garments when they first came to the islands; much also would remain for shipment to Nueva Espana; and there would still be a large surplus of cotton for exchange against any articles they might desire. All these are facts well and publicly known, and matters of public report. The witness reiterates his statements and abides by them. He does not sign his name, as he cannot write, and appears to be about forty years old.

Signed by the interpreter, and by the alcalde-mayor

Juan de Alcega

Domingo Birral

Before me:

Felipe Roman, notary public.

And after the above the said alcalde-mayor caused to appear before him Don Juan Lisin, an Indian chief of the said village of Cubao, who received the oath through the said interpreter, was sworn according to the law; and on this oath, being questioned in accordance with the interrogatory, he deposed as follows:

In reply to the first question this witness declared that he knew that, at the time when the Spaniards discovered and pacified these islands, all the natives thereof—and especially those of this province, as this witness has seen—wore no other garments than those made of the cloths which they then wove, which were very good; nor did they care to use, instead of this, stuffs from other countries. And although one or two ships came from China, these carried no cloth, but only plates, horns, iron, and camanguian, which they took in exchange for rice and gold, and for cotton in the boll, where this was grown. And thus he replied to this question.

To the second question he said that since the Spaniards had settled in the city of Manyla, the Sangleys—who at various times had formed settlements there—seeing there were Spaniards in the country, and that the money they brought was different from that which had been used there before, began to increase their ships, bringing each year a greater number than before. In these they brought to the islands very large quantities of provisions (although there was no need of these in the country), together with many pieces of satin, damask, and taffeta, and other pieces of fine silk, and a large quantity of cotton cloths, white and colored. And so far has this gone that this witness has known as many as twenty ships to come in a single year, and he has known a time when at least eight entered the river of Manila alone. For, besides these, many go to the provinces of Pintados, which they call Pan, Cubu, Pangansinan, Ylocos, and Cagayan. And when the natives of all this Panpanga and of the rest of these islands—the Bisayan as well as the Tagalan—saw these large quantities of cloth brought by the Sangleys, and that these were so cheap, they were unwilling to weave cloth, as they were wont to do before the Spaniards had come and before the Sangleys brought cloth to them. To avoid this labor, little as it was, all the natives have taken to buying their stuffs for clothing, and have entirely abandoned their own, which they formerly wore. The result is that in all this province, as this witness knows, no cloths are made; for whenever a garment is needed by a chief, timagua or slave, he straightway goes to Manila, where the Chinese have their market, and buys it from them. Another result of this practice is this: As all the natives—chiefs, timaguas, and slaves alike—dress in these Sangley garments, the slave as well as the chief, no one can decide whether they are not all chiefs. A large quantity of the cloth is consumed, and it seems to this witness that the number is even larger than stated in the question, rather than smaller. And if this evil is not resisted and remedied very soon, this number will greatly increase. For as the natives are compelled to buy them from the Chinese, every one of the said pieces of cloth, however worthless it may be, costs a peso or a peso and a half. If the matter is allowed to go farther, experience shows that each year the price of clothing will go higher—all the more because the natives of these islands, when they have any money, try to spend that little for food and clothing; and, not valuing the cloth that they already have, they buy what they need—in order not to weave it, as this witness has said—paying whatever is asked for it. Even the most prominent and the richest of the natives finds three pieces of cloth enough for an entire year; and these he buys, whether cheap or dear, never hesitating to give whatever is asked for them in barter, rather than to weave them—although that would not be more work than they could easily accomplish. If this be permitted, all goods will, as before stated, grow dearer every day. A piece of cloth which this witness has known to be sold, and himself has bought, in former years for three or four reals, sells today for eight and twelve reals: and it will very soon cost twenty, if no check or remedy be applied. Thus he answered this question.

To the third question he replied that the evil referred to in the question is as therein specified. Last year it was stated to this witness that the Sangleys carried away to their country more than three thousand pesos, which he knows leave these dominions. This evil should be corrected; and the remedy would lie in forbidding all the natives of these islands to buy any cloth whatever for their own use, and in requiring them to weave the same, as they formerly were accustomed to do. Thus he replied to this question.

In answer to the fourth question this witness declared that he knows that, since the Spaniards have traded with the Chinese in these islands, the natives have begun to desert their villages—some of them leaving their rice-fields, and others the cultivation of their vineyards or the planting of cotton, living in idleness and vagabondage; some have taken service with the Spaniards and others with the Chinese. All this has resulted in a corruption of their morals; for, being paid in money for their services, and having a livelihood, as stated in the question, they buy their clothes from the Sangley, abandoning all labor, being encouraged and favored by the Spaniards; and this has led to the offenses against God our Lord which are mentioned in the question—which are very numerous, as the natives are so many; and unless a remedy is quickly applied, these crimes will increase more and more each day. Thus he replied to this question.

In reply to the fifth question this witness declared that he knows that, if the ordinance mentioned in the question is enforced with rigor, the evils and offenses against God, before mentioned, will cease entirely; and, the said ordinance being observed, all the people will work, as they did before the coming of the Spaniards. Thus the country will be maintained and well provided with all necessaries, and the money which now goes from it will remain here, and the natives will be rich; and besides all this the natives will weave much cloth, and make their garments from it, as it is three times better than that from China. There would also be a large quantity of cloth for sale to the Spaniards, and even much which they could use for themselves, as they did before the Sangleys began to bring goods hither. Thus would another large sum of money remain in the country. Of all these advantages there is great need in this country, which has suffered because an ordinance so just and advantageous to the entire country was not framed sooner. There would be an end of another great evil to which the country has hitherto submitted—namely, that the Chinaman buys cotton and takes it to his own country. And the other abuses mentioned in the question would also cease. Thus did he reply to this question.

To the sixth question he said that the proposals therein contained are very just for the natives of these islands, and the Chinese, if they continue to come to this country (which will not be necessary), will be glad to barter their goods for the articles mentioned in the question, and will be satisfied; for they traded thus before the coming of the Spaniards, and went away well contented. And thus will end the outflow of the money which has been hitherto carried from this country, and will continue to be carried away if no remedy be applied. This was his answer.

To the seventh question he replied that all these islands, except this province of Panpanga, and that of Calonpite and Candava, and the river and coast of Manila—all the rest, according to statements made to this witness by people who have visited them, are well adapted to the growing of cotton; and if the natives are induced to plant it, a large quantity would be produced, enough to maintain even those who do not cultivate cotton. Then much cloth will be made for the use of the natives, better than that which comes from China; and there will be a surplus for shipment to Nueva Espana in exchange for other things; and there will be a further surplus of cotton for trade with the Spaniards and the Chinese—although, as already said, it would be no injustice to the Chinese to forbid them taking cotton hence to their own country. Thus he replied to this question. He reaffirms, upon the oath which he has taken, that all his statements are known to be notoriously true, and are matters of current report; and he signs his name. He seems about thirty years old.

Juan de Alcega Don Juan Lisin Domingo Birral

Before me:

Felipe Roman, notary.

[Eight more witnesses are examined; but as they testify to the same purport as the two preceding deponents (and almost in the identical language of these), we omit their testimony. All of them are Indian chiefs, from villages near Manila; and all are presumably converts, as all bear Christian forenames. At the end appear the following affidavits:]

This document was prepared and copied from the original which remains in my possession, and was prepared by me at the command of the said alcalde-mayor; and which I declare to have been truly and certainly done in the village of Bacolor on the twentieth day of the month of May, in the year one thousand five hundred and ninety-one.

Witness: Pedro Garcia de Molina.

Joan de Alcega

I, Phelipe Roman, notary of the province of Panpanga, in place of Rodrigo Quadros, notary-public of the same, prepared this document by order of the alcalde-mayor, who here has signed his name. At the end I have hereunto affixed my seal, in witness of the truth.

Phelipe Roman, notary.



Account of the Encomiendas in the Philipinas Islands

A detailed account of the encomiendas in the island of Lucon and the other Philippinas Islands, both those belonging to his Majesty and to private individuals, pacified and hostile, with instruction and without it; with the names of the encomenderos, the number of tributarios in each encomienda, the number of ministers of instruction in them, and the number they lack and need; the capitals and the alcaldes mayor established therein, who maintain peace therein, and govern them in peace, justice, and civilization, in their present condition. May the last, one thousand five hundred and ninety-one. [5]

Manila

The city of Manila is located in the island of Luzon. It is the capital of all the islands, and the usual residence of the governor and captain-general, his counselor, and his Majesty's army. This city has about three hundred citizens. It contains the cathedral and bishop's house, and the prebendaries—to-wit, dean, archdeacon, schoolmaster, treasurer, two canons, seven or eight clerical priests, and some, although few, who are to receive orders. The city has a monastery of Augustinian friars, usually with sixteen religious, counting those who are going and coming—eight of the number being priests, and the rest brethren and candidates for orders. There is one Dominican convent, with four or five friars; and another convent of the same order, with a Sangley hospital, in the Parian in the same city, with two religious. There is one Franciscan convent, which generally contains four priests and seven or eight brethren, counting the teacher and the novitiates. The Society of Jesus has also a professed house, with its father superior, three priests, and three brethren. There is a royal hospital for the Spaniards, and another for the Indians, under charge of two Franciscan lay-brethren. The number of paid soldiers is generally about two hundred, besides their officers. There are two chief constables, one city and the other government; two constables; a prison warden; the three judges; the officials of the royal estate—factor, accountant, and treasurer; an executioner; a notary; a probate judge; the municipal body of the city, with two alcaldes-in-ordinary, twelve regidors, and two secretaries—one of finance and war, the other of administration; six notaries-public, and two attorneys; and one constable to attend to vagabonds. There are many calling themselves captain, but only four have companies. This city contains the silk-market of the Parian, which is composed of Sangley merchants, who have two hundred shops. The Parian contains about two thousand Sangleys, more or less, with their judge and governor. In addition to these there are somewhat more than one thousand in the city, in Tondo, and throughout the islands, engaged in various occupations and trades. Inasmuch as this relation treats only of the ministers of instruction here and those necessary, I shall not discuss further details of Manila and the islands, in order to come to my purpose. Manila and its environs have sufficient instruction, and even more than enough; for the usual alms is given to the religious of the convents, and they are charged to administer the sacraments and to give instruction to the natives there, each convent in its own district. Therefore the ecclesiastics occupied in Manila and its immediate environs, where there are plenty of ministers, might be sent to other districts where ministers are lacking.

His Majesty—In the city of Manila are many Indians who are liable to duty, both in service and in other employments, who are continually shifting— so that, out of the three thousand tributarios that there should be, not more than five hundred tributes are collected for his Majesty. To administer the sacraments and give Christian instruction there is one parish priest for the Indians, and they attend mass at the hospital for Spaniards. They are under the jurisdiction of Manila, in affairs of justice. ... D.

Bagunbaya: His Majesty—His Majesty collects about three hundred whole tributes in the new village of Bagunbaya. This means one thousand two hundred souls. The convent of Sanct Agustin of Manila provides instruction for one-third of them, those nearest the city. The other two-thirds attend mass there. They are under the charge of the parish priest of the Manila Indians—that is, as far as the hermitage of Nuestra Senora de Guia ["Our Lady of Guidance"]. There mass is celebrated for them; while he who says it to the Indians of Manila says it in the hospital. There are many other churches where they may attend mass, for the parish priest assists at that of the hermitage, as it is a good settlement and outside of the city. These Indians are under the jurisdiction of Manila. ... CCC.

Laguio y Malate: His Majesty—His Majesty collects three hundred tributes, which represent one thousand two hundred souls, in the village of Laguio y Malate. They are instructed by one Augustinian religious, who has a church and house there. They are under the jurisdiction of Manila. ... CCC.

Longalo y Paranaque: His Majesty—In the village of Longalo y Paranaque—two places merged into one—are eight hundred tributes, which are collected by his Majesty; counting in those of other small hamlets, they represent, in all, three thousand two hundred souls. They are in charge of one Augustinian convent established there, with two religious. These religious visit the other small hamlets. Tondo exercises justice therein. ... DCCC.

Cabite and Others: His Majesty—In the village of Cabite and other neighboring hamlets, his Majesty has three hundred and seventy tributes, representing one thousand four hundred and eighty souls. One ecclesiastic residing there has them in charge. He visits in addition some small villages very near by, and the port of Cavite, where Spanish sailors are wont to be found. ... CCCLXX.

Maragondon: His Majesty—His Majesty collects two hundred tributes, which represent eight hundred souls, in the village of Maragondon. Formerly the ecclesiastic of Cavite visited them, being assigned a special salary therefor. But he does not visit them now; and for three years they have been without instruction, through the bishop's negligence. ... CC.

Dilao: His Majesty—In the village of Dilao his Majesty collects two hundred whole tributes, representing eight hundred souls, whose instruction is in charge of the convent of Sanct Francisco of Manila. They attend mass at this convent, as it is quite near. ... CC.

Tondo: His Majesty—The town of Tondo, on the other side of the river, opposite Manila, is an encomienda of his Majesty, and is capital of a district, with its own jurisdiction and an alcalde-mayor. In Tondo, Nabotas, and Tambobo are collected one thousand five hundred whole tributes, which represent six thousand souls. It has one Augustinian convent with two ministers, who can give sufficient instruction. ... MD.

Besides that, there is another convent of Dominicans, with two religious, who furnish instruction to forty Christian Sangleys, whose tribute is paid to his Majesty. They are under the civil jurisdiction of that town. ... XL.

Zapa: His Majesty; Pedrode Chaves; a minor son of Velazquez—In the village of Capa, an encomienda of his Majesty, are collected two hundred tributes. In Pandaca, an encomienda of Pedro de Chaves, are collected one hundred more. In other neighboring small hamlets, on the river above, belonging to the minor son of Velazquez, are collected two hundred more. Together these amount to four hundred [sic.]. They are under the charge of one Franciscan religious who resides in Zapa and visits the other places. ... CCCC.

Passi: Thome de la Ysla—The encomienda of Passi belongs to Thome de la Ysla. It has two thousand tributes, under the instruction of one Augustinian monastery with two ministers. On the uplands are two thousand more, among the Tingues above, who, although friendly, pay no tribute and have no instruction. They could be provided with two more ministers in due time. ... MMMM.

Tagui: Captain Vergara—The encomienda of Tagui belongs to Captain Vergara. He collects there eight hundred tributes. It is provided with adequate instruction by Augustinians. ... DCCC.

Thus the encomiendas of Manila, its coast, and the opposite shore of Toado have nine thousand four hundred and ten whole tributes, which represent thirty thousand six hundred and forty souls, or thereabout. They have thirteen ministers of instruction, without counting that given by the monasteries, as above stated. Thus they are amply supplied with instruction, and even more than sufficiently. They are under the judicial and civil jurisdictions of Manila and Tondo, according to their districts.



La Pampanga

Batan: Esguerra—The encomienda of Batan, belonging to Juan Esguerra, has about one thousand tributarios, who represent four thousand souls. There is one Dominican convent there, and justice is administered by a deputy. ... M.

Bitis y Lubao: King—The encomienda of Bitis y Lubao, which belongs to his Majesty, has about five thousand tributes, or twenty thousand souls. It has four Augustinian convents. Justice is exercised by one alcalde-mayor and his deputy. ... MMMMM.

Macabebe: Pedro de Chaves—The encomienda of Macabebe, belonging to Pedro de Chaves, has about two thousand three hundred tributes, or about nine thousand two hundred souls. It has one Augustinian convent. A portion of these Indians are instructed, however, by a friar—that portion of them settled in certain new arable lands in Araya. Justice is administered by the alcalde-mayor of Bitis y Lubao. ... MMCCC.

Candava: Don Juan Ronquillo; Don Goncalo Vallesteros—The encomienda of Candava, belonging to Don Juan Ronquillo and Don Goncalo de Ballesteros, has about two thousand tributes, or eight thousand persons. It has one Augustinian convent, but a portion of these tributarios are in charge of the religious in the above village of Araya. It is in the civil jurisdiction of the alcalde-mayor of Candava. ... MM.

Apali: Minor daughter of Santos; Juan Lopez; Canedo; King—The encomienda of Apali, belonging to a minor daughter of Santos, has one hundred and seventy tributes, or six hundred and eighty persons. The encomienda of Cabanbangan, belonging to Juan Lopez de Leon, has about three hundred tributes, or one thousand two hundred persons. The encomienda of the village called Castilla, belonging to his Majesty, has seventy tributes, or two hundred and eighty persons. Another village, called Capalangan, with seventy more tributes, or two hundred and eighty persons, belongs to Antonio de Canedo. All these villages are instructed by one Augustinian friar, who lives in the above village of Apali. All the above-named villages are near a river. It is in the jurisdiction of Candava and Calompit. In all, these amount to six hundred and eighty tributes or two thousand seven hundred and twenty souls. ... DCLXXX.

Calompit: Juan de Moron [sic]—The encomienda of Calompit y Agunoy, belonging to Juan de Morones, has about three thousand two hundred tributes, or twelve thousand eight hundred souls. It has two Augustinian convents, and one alcalde-mayor. ... MMMCC.

Malolos: Tirado—The encomienda of Malolos, belonging to Tirado, has about nine hundred tributes, or three thousand six hundred souls. It has one Augustinian convent. Justice is administered by the alcalde-mayor of Bulacan. ... DCCCC.

Binto: Canedo—The encomienda of Binto, belonging to Antonio Canedo, has five hundred tributes, or two thousand persons. It is in charge of one Augustinian religious from the Malolos convent, which is close at hand. It is in the jurisdiction of the alcalde-mayor above, who visits it. ... D.

Guinguinto: Ligero—The encomienda of Guinguinto, belonging to Ligero, has about five hundred tributes, or two thousand persons. Instruction and justice are administered from Bulacan. ... D.

Caluya: King—The encomienda of Caluya, belonging to his Majesty, has about seven hundred tributes, or two thousand eight hundred persons. It is under the charge of the convent of Bulacan, and is in the jurisdiction of that town. ... DCC.

Bulacan: Mariscal—The encomienda of Bulacan, belonging to the Mariscal [i.e., Gabriel de Ribera], has about one thousand two hundred tributes, or four thousand eight hundred persons. It has one Augustinian convent, and one alcalde-mayor. It is a capital town. ... MCC.

Mecabayan: Minor son of La Rea—The encomienda of Mecabayan, which belongs to the minor son of La Rea, has about seven hundred tributes, or two thousand eight hundred persons. It has one Franciscan convent. It is in the jurisdiction of Bulacan. ... DCC.

Thus the encomiendas of Pampanga have eighteen thousand six hundred and eighty whole tributes, or seventy-four thousand seven hundred and twenty souls, more or less. They have twenty-eight ministers of instruction, by whom, for the present, they are well instructed, and well governed in judicial and civil matters.



Pangasinan

Lingayen: King—The encomienda of Lingayen, belonging to his Majesty, has one thousand tributes, or four thousand persons. It has one Augustinian convent. The inhabitants are peaceable, and have justice. ... M.

Sunguian: Vexarano—The encomienda of Sunguian, belonging to Vexarano, has six hundred tributes, or one thousand [sic] four hundred persons. It has justice and is pacified. There is no instruction. It needs one religious. ... DC.

Magaldan: Axqueta—The encomienda of Magaldan belongs to Captain Christoval de Axqueta. It has eight hundred tributes or three thousand two hundred persons. It has both instruction and justice. ... DCCC.

Labaya: King; Ximenez; minor son of Sandoval—encomienda of Labaya, belonging to his Majesty, Juan Ximenez del Pino, and the minor son of Alonso Hernandez de Sandoval, has one thousand five hundred tributes, or six thousand persons. It has instruction and justice. ... MD.

Tugui y Bolinao: Aguilar—The encomienda of Tugui y Bolinao, belonging to Alonso de Aguilar, has two thousand tributes, or eight thousand persons. Not more than one-half are pacified. They have no instruction. The magistrate visits them. They need at least three or four religious. ... MM.

Thus the encomiendas of Pangasinan have about six thousand whole tributes, or about twenty-four thousand souls, who have eight ministers of instruction. They will need five more, which will make in all thirteen. The natives of this province will be sufficiently instructed with that number.



Ilocos

Bigan—The town of Bigan is called Villa Fernandina. Five or six Spanish citizens are settled there. It has one parish priest, one alcalde-mayor, and one deputy.

Baratao: Don Bernardino—The encomienda of Baratao, belonging to Captain Don Bernardino de Sandi, collects tribute from one thousand five hundred men, or six thousand persons. It has one Augustinian convent with two religious. It has justice. Two more religious are needed. ... MD.

Purao: Guiral—The encomienda of Purao, belonging to Christoval Guiral, has two thousand tributes, or eight thousand persons. There is one Augustinian convent with two religious, and it has justice. It needs two more religious. ... MM.

Dumaquaque: King; Don Alonso—The encomienda of Dumaquaque, belonging to his Majesty and to Don Alonso Maldonado, has nine hundred tributes, or three thousand six hundred persons. It has one monastery with two religious, and justice. ... DCCCC.

Candon: Aregue; Ribas—The encomienda of Candon, belonging to Juan el de Aregue and Ribas de Mendoza, collects nine hundred tributes, which means three thousand six hundred persons. They have justice, but no instruction. Two ministers are necessary. ... DCCCC.

Nabucan: The Mariscal—The encomienda of Nabucan, belonging to the mariscal Gabriel de Ribera, collects one thousand four hundred and ninety tributes, which means five thousand nine hundred and sixty persons. It has instruction, one ecclesiastic, and justice. It needs two more ministers. ... MCCCC. [sic]

Napandan: Hospital—The encomienda of Narandan, belonging to the hospital for Spaniards, collects three hundred and ninety tributes, which means one thousand five hundred and sixty persons. It has instruction and justice. There is one minister in it. ... CCCXC.

Bigan: King—The encomienda of Bigan; his Majesty collects there eight hundred tributes, which means three thousand two hundred persons. It has one religious who takes care of it, and has justice. ... DCCC.

Batay y Batanguey: King—The encomienda of Batay y Batanguey; his Majesty collects there one thousand tributes, which means four thousand persons. It has no instruction. It is at present visited from Bigan. It has justice. Two ministers are needed. ... M.

Panay: Don Pedro de Aguirre—The encomienda of Panay belongs to Don Pedro de Aguirre, a minor. He collects seven hundred tributes, which means two thousand eight hundred persons. It has justice, but no instruction. One minister is necessary. ... DCC.

Sinay y Cabugao: King—The encomienda of Sinay y Cabugao, belonging to his Majesty, pays one thousand tributes, which means four thousand persons. It has justice, but no instruction. It needs two ministers. ... M.

Barao: Don Juan de la Pena—The encomienda of Barao belongs to Don Juan de la Pena. He collects there seven hundred tributes, which means two thousand eight hundred persons. It has justice, but no instruction. One minister is needed. ... DCC.

Cacabayan: King; Gaspar Perez—The encomienda of Cacabayan, belonging to his Majesty and Gaspar Perez; two thousand one hundred tributes are collected there, which means eight thousand four hundred persons. It has one monastery with three religious, and justice. ... MMC.

Boncan: Hernan Gutierrez—The encomienda of Boncan belongs to Captain Hernan Gutierrez. He collects there three hundred and fifty tributes, which means one thousand four hundred souls. It is visited by the fathers from Ylagua. It has justice. ... CCCL.

Ylagua: King—The encomienda of Ylagua belongs to his Majesty. He collects from it one thousand five hundred tributes, which means six thousand persons. It has three ministers, and justice. ... MD.

Ballecillo: Picarro—The encomienda of Ballecillo belongs to Andres Picarro, who collects there one hundred and fifty tributes, which means six hundred persons. It has no instruction, but has justice. It needs one minister. ... CL.

El Abra de Bigan: Dona Maria Ron—The encomienda of El Abra de Bigan; Dona Maria Ron collects from it one hundred and fifty tributes, which means six hundred persons. It has no instruction, but has justice. It needs one minister. ... CL.

Bacarra: Captain Castillo; Hermossa—The encomienda of Bacarra; one thousand tributes are collected in it by Captain Castillo and Andres de Hermossa. This means four thousand persons. There are two Augustinian priests, and the people have justice. ... M.

Dinglas: King; Maria Bermudez—The encomienda of Dinglas belongs to his Majesty and Maria Bermudez. They collect there six hundred tributes, which means two thousand four hundred persons. It has no instruction, but has justice. One religious is necessary for this encomienda. ... DC.

Thus in the province of Ilocos and its jurisdiction, there are seventeen thousand one hundred and thirty whole tributes, or sixty-eight thousand five hundred and twenty persons. It is in charge of twenty ministers of instruction, and needs about eleven other ministers for the districts where they are wanting, in all more than thirty ministers. With this number it would seem that there would be sufficient instruction in the gospel, as there is in peace and justice.



Cagaian

The City of Segovia—The city of Nueva Segovia is the capital of Cagayan, and its principal port. It has a number of Spanish citizens, with an alcalde-mayor, his deputy, and regidors. There is one Augustinian convent in charge of the Spaniards, with one priest, and his associate, a brother.

Cabicunga: Don Sebastian—The encomienda of Cabicunga is assigned to Don Sebastian Ruyz de Baeca. It has five hundred tributes, which represent two thousand souls. It has no instruction, but has justice. One minister will be needed there. ... D.

Pata: Vacant—The encomienda of Pata lies vacant. It has two hundred tributes, or eight hundred persons. It has instruction and justice, and is peaceful. The minister of Cabicunga could visit it, and it would have sufficient instruction. ... CC.

Massi: Serpa; Vacant—The encomienda of Massi, belonging to Christoval de Serpa, has five hundred tributes, which represent two thousand persons. ... D.

On this river of Massi is another encomienda, called Bangal, with three hundred tributarios, which means one thousand two hundred persons. It lies vacant. They are both pacified and have justice, but no instruction. One religious to reside in Massi, and visit Bangal, will be sufficient. ... CCC.

Tulaque: Captain Castillo; Juan de la Feria—The encomienda of Tulaque, which belongs to Captain Castillo and Juan de la Feria, has one thousand five hundred tributarios, which means six thousand persons. The greater portion is pacified. They have no instruction. Two ministers will be necessary for the whole. ... MD.

Camalayuga: King—The encomienda of Camalayuga belongs to his Majesty. He collects there five hundred tributes, which means two thousand persons. They are pacified. They have no instruction, but have justice. ... D.

Camanaguan: King—The encomienda of Camanaguan belongs to his Majesty. He collects there three hundred tributes, which means one thousand two hundred persons. Likewise Tocol, which has one hundred tributes, or four hundred persons. These tributes have been assigned to the repairs of the fortress of the city of Segovia. They are pacified and have justice. At present one minister, to reside in Camalayuga and visit the other villages, will suffice. ... CCC.

Gotot: Don Pedro de Espinosa—The encomienda of Gotot belongs to Don Pedro de Espinosa. It has six hundred tributes. One or two of its settlements are pacified. Justice is administered there. It has no instruction. One religious will be necessary there. ... DC.

Maguin y Taviran: King—The encomienda of Maguin y Tabiran belongs to his Majesty. It has five hundred tributes, or two thousand persons. There is one pacified settlement. Justice is administered from Cagaian. There is no instruction. One minister for the instruction of these settlements will be necessary. ... D.

Sinavanga: Juan Pablo—The encomienda of Sinavanga, belonging to Juan Pablo de Carrion, has one thousand tributes, or four thousand persons. It is hostile, and has no instruction. Two ministers are needed there. ... M.

Manacu: Don Sebastian—The encomienda of Manacu, belonging to Don Sebastian Ruyz de Baeza, has two hundred tributes, or eight hundred friendly persons. It has justice. The two ministers of Manacu are without instruction. The ministers of Sinavanga might care for those of Manacu, and it would be instructed. ... CC.

Dumon: Sequera—The encomienda of Dumon, belonging to Juan de Sequera, has eight hundred tributes, which means three thousand two hundred persons. It is hostile. One religious might be stationed there when it is pacified. ... DCCC.

Talapa y Gatara: Juan Vasquez; Argonca; Alonso Martin—The encomienda of Talapa y Gatara belongs to Juan Vasquez and Juan de Argonca. It has five hundred tributes, or two thousand persons. They are hostile. One religious might be stationed there, when they are pacified, and who can visit the estuary of Talapanga, which has fifty tributes, or two hundred persons, and belongs to Alonso Martin. It is hostile also.... DL.

Lobo: Don Rodrigo Ronquillo; Diego Ronquillo—The encomienda of Lobo, belonging to Don Rodrigo and Diego Ronquillo, has four thousand tributes, or sixteen thousand persons. It is all hostile. For its administration and instruction it requires six religious. ... MMMM.

Bato and Masipin: Don Sebastian; Alonso Martin—The encomienda of Bato belongs to Don Sebastian Ruyz Baeza. It has four hundred tributes, and Masipin two hundred tributes, which means two thousand four hundred persons. It is all in rebellion. It might have one religious to minister to both parts. ... DC.

Caralanga, Yaguan, Ygui, Tagoran, Pagamon: Francisca de Cardenas; Alonso Vazquez; Alonso Sanchez; Don Sebastian—All the above encomiendas belong to Francisca de Cardenas, Alonso Vazquez, Alonso Sanchez, and Don Sebastian Ruyz de Baeza. They have about six hundred tributes, or two thousand four hundred persons. All of them are hostile. They might have one religious to administer instruction in them all. ... DC.

Nabugan: King—The encomienda of Nabugan belongs to his Majesty. It has seven hundred tributarios, or two thousand eight hundred persons. It is in rebellion. One minister to instruct them is needed. ... DCC.

Gabalatan, Gat, Tapia, Dudulique: Don Sebastian; Alonso Sanchez; Patino—These encomiendas of Gabalatan, Gat, Tapia, and Dudulique, belong to Alonso Sanchez, Don Sebastian, and Patino. They have six hundred tributes, or two thousand four hundred persons. They are all hostile. One minister is needed for them, who may live in Gabalatan and visit the other villages. ... DC.

Tubigarao, Tabagar, Acuba: Henao; Alonso Vazquez—These encomiendas of Tubigarao, Tabagar, and Acuba, belong to Henao and Alonso Vazquez. They have seven hundred tributes, or two thousand eight hundred persons. They are in rebellion. When pacified, one minister might instruct them. He could live in Tubigarao and visit the other villages. ... DCC.

Batona, Sulu, Rot, Lapugan: Bartholome de Caravajal; Enrrique Martin—These encomiendas of Batano, Sulu, Rot, and Lapugan, belong to Enrrique Martin and Bartholome de Caravajal. They have five hundred and fifty tributes, or two thousand two hundred persons, who are in rebellion. When the rebellion is suppressed, one minister can furnish instruction in all these villages. ... DL.

Cimbus: Caravajal; Serna—The encomienda of Cimbus belongs to Bartholome Caravajal and Estevan de la Serna. They have one thousand two hundred tributarios, or four thousand eight hundred persons. It is all in a state of rebellion. When pacified, two ministers can attend to the instruction there. ... MCC.

Nalaguan: Juan Vazquez—The encomienda of Nalaguan belongs to Juan Vazquez. It has five hundred tributes, or two thousand persons. It is hostile. One minister is necessary. ... D.

Bololutan: Caravajal; Juan Vazquez—The encomienda of Bolo y Lulutan, belonging to Bartholome Caravajal and Alonso Vazquez, has five hundred tributes, or two thousand persons. Bolo is at peace but Lulutan is in rebellion. One religious can administer instruction in both parts. ... D.

Bataguan, Sugarro: Alonso Sanchez; Alonso Galindo—The encomienda of Bataguan and Sugarro, belonging to Alonso Sanchez and Alonso Galindo, has six hundred tributes or two thousand four hundred persons. It is all in rebellion. One religious can administer instruction, and can reside at Bataguan and visit Sugarra. ... DC.

Balissi, Moyot, and Camiguil: Serna; Alonso Sanchez; Juan Vazquez—The encomiendas of Balissi, belonging to Estevan de la Serna, Moyot, belonging to Alonso Sanchez, and Camiguil, belonging to Alonso [sic] Vazquez, have five hundred and fifty tributes, or two thousand two hundred persons. They are in rebellion. One minister, who could live in Balissi and visit the others, could furnish instruction. ... DL.

Purrao Culit: Miguel Nunez—The encomienda of Purrao Culit belongs to Miguel Nunez, and has about five hundred tributarios, or two thousand persons. It is in rebellion throughout. One minister could furnish instruction to all the inhabitants. ... D.

Taotao: Alonso Martin—The encomienda of Taotao, called otherwise Tingues de la Paxada, belongs to Alonso Martin. It has five hundred tributes, or two thousand persons. It is all in rebellion. One minister might instruct these encomiendas. ... D.

Yoguan: Luis Patino—The encomienda of Yoguan has another village, called Togol, and both belong to Luys Patino. They have four hundred tributarios, or one thousand six hundred persons. It is all in rebellion. One minister can instruct these villages. ... CCCC.

Pugao: Juan Rodriguez de Mansilla and others—The valley of Pugao, which is in charge of Juan Rodriguez de Manssilla, at the head-waters of the Rio Grande; we are informed that it has two thousand tributarios. They are in rebellion. When they are pacified, they will require three ministers. This encomienda belongs to others together with Manssilla. ... MM.

Babuyanes: Alonso de la Serna; Francisco Castillo—This encomienda of the Babuyanes consists of two islands belonging to Estevan [sic] de la Serna and Francisco Castillo. From one to the other is a distance of two leagues. It has five hundred tributarios, or two thousand persons. They are all in rebellion. It might have one minister, living at Puga and visiting Aperri. ... D.

Calayan: Serna—This island of Calayan belongs to Estevan de la Serna. It has four hundred tributes, or one thousand six hundred persons. It is in rebellion. It needs one minister. ... CCCC.

Camiguin: Alonso Martin—The island of Camiguin belongs to Alonso Martin. It has five hundred tributes, or two thousand persons. It is in rebellion. One religious might attend to the instruction there. ... D.

We have notice of other islands, although we have not seen them, and they remain yet to be allotted. Thus in the province of Cagayan and the islands of Babuyanes, there are twenty-four thousand whole tributes, or about ninety-six thousand souls. Notwithstanding that most of it is in rebellion, a great part of it is being reduced to the royal crown. In all the province there is not a single minister of instruction, and it will need thirty-eight religious, when it is wholly pacified. As to the administration of justice, in the part now pacified or being pacified, the encomienda and government of Nueva Segovia has it in charge. When all is pacified, more alcaldes-mayor will be needed, and will be provided.



La Laguna

Mirabago: Juan Gutierrez—The encomienda of Mirabago, belonging to Juan Gutierrez, has six hundred, nay, seven hundred tributes, or two thousand eight hundred persons. It has justice. The instruction of this encomienda located on the shore of the lake is in charge of the bridge [6] of Tabuco. One minister is needed for the tingues. ... DCC.

Tabuco: Don Luis Enrriquez—The encomienda of Tabuco belongs to Don Luis Enrriquez. It has one thousand tributes, or four thousand persons. The tingues of this encomienda live very far away, although the ecclesiastic in charge of this encomienda visits them. For this reason they will need one ecclesiastic. ... M.

Taitay: Juan Pacheco—The encomienda of Taitay, belonging to Juan Pacheco, has six hundred tributes. One Franciscan friar takes sufficient care of the instruction there. ... DC.

Bay: Juan Pacheco Maldonado—The encomienda of Bay belongs to Captain Juan Pacheco Maldonado. It has two thousand one hundred tributes, or eight thousand four hundred persons. It has two Augustinian convents, and justice. It has sufficient instruction. ... MMC.

Pila: Captain Mercado; Penalossa—The encomienda of Pila belongs to Captain Mercado and Ensign Penalosa. It has one thousand seven hundred tributes, or six thousand eight hundred persons. It has justice; and two Franciscan convents furnish sufficient instruction. ... MDCC.

Mahaihai: Captain Ossorio—The encomienda of Mahaihai belongs to Captain Ossorio. It has five hundred tributes, or two thousand persons. It has justice, and one Franciscan friar. ... D.

Lumban: King—The encomienda of Lumban belongs' to his Majesty. He collects there one thousand seven hundred tributes, which means six thousand eight hundred persons. It has two convents of Franciscan friars, and is well instructed. ... MDCC.

Tayaval: King—The encomienda of Tayaval belongs to his Majesty. It has seven hundred tributes, or two thousand eight hundred persons. It is sufficiently instructed. ... DCC.

Panguil: Minor son of Velazquez—The encomienda of Panguil, belonging to the minor son of Velazquez, has eight hundred tributes, or three thousand two hundred persons. It is instructed by Franciscans. ... DCCC.

Sinaloa: Brito—The encomienda of Sinaloa belongs to Pedro de Brito. It has seven hundred tributes, or two thousand eight hundred persons. It is sufficiently instructed, although the tingues live very far away, and cannot come to the convent for mass. One more minister is necessary. ... DCC.

Moron: Hernando deAbalos; Hospital—The encomienda of Moron belongs to Hernando Abalos and the royal hospital. They have one thousand tributes, or four thousand persons. They have instruction, but in order that all may have it, one more minister is needed. ... M.

Nayun: King—The encomienda of Nayun, belonging to his Majesty, has seven hundred tributes, or two thousand eight hundred persons. They are sufficiently instructed. ... DCC.

Thus the province of La Laguna, which is the alcalde-mayoralty styled by itself Bay, has eleven thousand five hundred whole tributes, or forty-eight thousand four hundred souls. These are well instructed, for with its twenty-seven ministers, if the tingues were gathered in the settlements, and another four ministers were added, it would have sufficient instruction. Likewise it is all furnished with adequate justice.



Vicor and Camarines

Caceres: The town of Caceres is the capital. It has thirty Spanish inhabitants and one Franciscan convent with two religious, not counting those who come and go. There is one parish priest with his church, stationed by himself, to whom his Majesty gives a stipend of fifty thousand maravedis; and, with the balance given by the citizens, the sum amounts to more than three hundred pesos. There is one alcalde-mayor and his deputy.

Milarrit: Minor son of Torres—The village of Mirralit [sic], belonging to the minor son of Torres; in this encomienda there are five hundred and twenty whole tributes, or two thousand and eighty souls in all. This encomienda is one-quarter of a league from the town up the river. Two Franciscan religious from the convent of Caceres visit it, so that it is sufficiently instructed. The magistrate of Caceres administers justice there. ... DXX.

Minalava: King—His Majesty has control of the encomienda of Minalava, in which are six hundred and sixty-eight tributes, or two thousand six hundred and seventy-two souls. The villages of this encomienda are quite close to one another, so that they can hear the bell when it is rung, and assemble in this encomienda. There are two religious of the order of St. Francis—one a priest and the other a lay-brother—so that it is furnished with instruction. In addition, these religious visit the following encomienda. ... DCLXVIII.

Ynguinan: Dona Maria de Ron—These two religious visit the encomienda called Ynguinan, which has two hundred and six entire tributes, or eight hundred and twenty-four persons. By means of the above mentioned visitation, instruction is furnished. ... CCVI.

Linaguan: Pedro de Salazar—These two religious visit Linaguan also. It belongs to Pedro de Salazar, who has in the said encomienda of Niguinan sixty whole tributes. It is one-half league from Minalava, its capital. There is another encomienda two or three leagues farther. At present these towns of Niguinan and Linaguan are not sufficiently instructed by this visitation. However, with the addition of one more minister they will have sufficient. Justice is administered in these encomiendas by the alcalde-mayor of Caceres, two or three leagues away. ... LX.

Nabua: King—His Majesty has another encomienda also, Nabua by name, numbering one thousand and eighteen whole tributes, or four thousand and seventy-two persons. The villages of this encomienda are near together. They used to have four ministers, for they visit the two following encomiendas. There are in Nabua two Franciscan friars. ... MXVIII.

Bula: Dona Maria de Ron—The village of Bula belongs to Dona Maria de Ron. It is four leagues from Nabua. It has two hundred and six whole tributes, or eight hundred and twenty-four persons. It is visited from Nabua. ... CCVI.

Bao: Minor son of Sebastian Perez—These fathers of Nabua visit also the encomienda of the minor son of the late Sebastian Perez, called Bao. It has one hundred and seventy-six tributes, or seven hundred and four persons. Like Nabua, the capital, it used to have four friars, but now has not more than two. These encomiendas are not well administered, but five religious would be sufficient for it. ... CLXXVI.

Buy: Sebastian Garcia—Likewise these fathers of Nabua visited and instructed the encomienda of Buy, which belongs to Sebastian Garcia; but they say they can do so no longer. It is two leagues from Nabua, and can receive instruction from no other place. It has three hundred and twelve tributes, or one thousand two hundred and forty-eight persons, who will receive instruction, when Nabua, its capital, has the said five ministers. ... CCCXII.

Guas and Libon: Estevan Rodriguez—Captain Estevan Rodriguez has the encomienda of the villages of Guas and Libon, with one thousand one hundred and seventy-four whole tributes, or four thousand seven hundred and ninety-six souls. The settlements of these two capitals are near one another, except some located in the mountains six or seven leagues away, where there are many Christians. The said encomienda is instructed and visited with difficulty. Four religious of the order of St. Francis-three priests and one lay brother-live there. They visit the following encomienda. ... MCLXXIIII.

Polangui: Pedro de Salazar—Between Guas and Libon, Pedro de Salazar owns a village named Polangui, with six hundred and forty-one tributes, or two thousand five hundred and sixty-four souls. By means of the above-mentioned visitation, they are tolerably well instructed at present; but if more religious can be had, they might have two more, so that there might be two in Guas, two in Polangui, and two in Luyon, which would furnish sufficient instruction. Caceres rules it in affairs of justice. ... DCXLI.

Canaman: Gregorio Sanchez—Gregorio Sanchez has Canaman as an encomienda, with three hundred and six whole tributes, or one thousand two hundred and twenty-four persons, including adults and children. It receives instruction from two Franciscan friars—one a priest, and the other a lay-brother—so that it is well instructed. ... CCCVI.

Alimanan: Diego Diaz Marmolejo—Alimanan, the encomienda of Diego Diaz Marmolejo, lies on the way to Canaman. It has six hundred whole tributes, or about two thousand four hundred souls. There are two religious of the order of St. Francis in the said encomienda, who furnish sufficient instruction. Caceres administers justice therein. ... DC.

Magarao: Pedro de Arceo—The Canaman fathers visit likewise the encomienda of Magarao, which belongs to Captain Pedro de Arceo. This encomienda has four hundred and fifty whole tributes, or one thousand eight hundred men. The villages of both these encomiendas [Canaman and Magarao] are quite near one another, being separated by little more than one-half league. These villages are well instructed, with the visitation of the two religious; although, if there were a good supply of priests, they might, in order to be thoroughly instructed, have one more for the administration of the sacraments. They are one league from the city of Caceres, from which place they are governed in civil and judicial matters. ... CCCCL.

Quipayo: Luys Brizeno—Captain Luis Brizeno has the village of Quipayo as an encomienda, with five hundred tributes, or two thousand souls. The villages of this encomienda are quite close together, being separated by only one-half League, or three-quarters at the most. It has two religious, priests of the order of St. Francis. It is well instructed and has the following visitation. ... D.

Caravanga: Sebastian Garcia—These two fathers visit the encomienda of Caravanga, belonging to Estevan [sic] Garcia. There are three hundred tributes there, or one thousand two hundred persons. By means of the two above-mentioned religious, it is well instructed. Caceres governs it in judicial matters. ... CCC.

Labo y Aguette: King—His Majesty owns also another encomienda in this province, called Labo y Aguetet, having six hundred and forty-eight whole tributes, or two thousand nine hundred and ninety-two persons. The villages of this encomienda are close together, except six villages having seventy tributes, which are up the river, four or five leagues from the capital. One priest furnishes the instruction in this encomienda, namely the canon Paz; but he makes the following visits. ... DCXLVIII.

Batas: Minor son of Hernando de la Cruz—The encomienda of Batas, belonging to the minor son of Hernando de la Cruz, has three hundred whole tributes, or one thousand two hundred persons. The priest of Labo instructs it in visits. ... CCC.

Tarisey: Pablo Garcia—Pablo Garcia owns another encomienda, called Tarisey, lying between Labo and Batas. It has about eighty whole tributes, or three hundred and twenty persons, and is visited from Labo. Although the said minister of Labo is aided by another from Paracali who says mass, this latter does not know the language. In respect to the said visitations of Batas and Tarisey, it seems that, to have sufficient instruction, the said encomienda of Labo should have two friars. The alcalde-mayor of Caceres administers justice to the natives of these encomiendas. ... LXXX.

Paracali: Andres Cauchela—The accountant Cauchela has five hundred and seventy tributes in Paracali. This means two thousand two hundred and eighty souls, all sufficiently instructed. DLXX.

Mauban: King—In this province at Mauban, and on the island of Buyun, the island of Mandatto and Bisayas, his Majesty has one thousand two hundred tributes along twenty leagues of coast. It is not instructed and numbers four thousand eight hundred souls. Two religious are necessary. ... MCC.

Lagunoy: Brizeno—Captain Brizeno has an encomienda in the province of Lagunoy, at Mapoto, with two hundred whole tributes, or eight hundred souls. It has not instruction, and needs one minister. ... CC.

Lagunoy: Rodrigo Arias—In the same province, Ensign Rodrigo Arias owns an encomienda of seven hundred whole tributes, or two thousand eight hundred persons. It has no instruction. When instruction is furnished to the above encomienda, this one will have it. ... DCC.

Lagunoy: Dona Maria Ron—In the same province, Dona Maria de Ron has three hundred whole tributes, or one thousand two hundred souls, without instruction. ... CCC.

Lagunoy: Juan Rodriguez Lausor—In addition Juan Rodriguez de Lausor has three hundred whole tributes in the same province. There are one thousand two hundred souls living in fine settlements, near one another. This province and all the said encomiendas are without instruction. They might have four ministers, if there is a sufficient supply, for they are twelve leagues from the city of Caceres, from which justice is administered to them. ... CCC.

Malinao: Briceno—In the province of Malinao and Cagarei, the said Captain Brizeno has four hundred whole tributes, or one thousand six hundred souls. They have no instruction, but below will be told how they can have it. ... CCCC.

Albai: Brizeno—The said Captain Brizeno has another hundred and sixty whole tributes, which means six hundred and forty persons, in the province of Albay, without instruction. ... CLX.

Albai: Gregorio Sanchez; Diego de Montoro—Gregorio Sanchez and Diego de Montoro have between them one thousand five hundred whole tributes, or six thousand souls, in the same province of Albay. The settlements in this province are excellent, and located near together. Four or even three ministers might take care of these two provinces of Manilao and Albay, and instruct the said four encomiendas, which are under the civil jurisdiction of Caceres. ... MD.

Camarines: Pedro de Arceo—Captain Pedro de Arceo has the province of Camarines as an encomienda. This has eight hundred and eighty tributes, or three thousand five hundred and twenty persons. They are all settled in one village, a condition which was brought about by two Franciscan friars who were there, but who left it about three and one-half years ago. Therefore they have no instruction. Two religious will be necessary at present. ... DCCCLXXX.

Yguey: Alonso Pimentel—Alonso Pimentel has an encomienda in Yguei, with six hundred and seventy tributes, or two thousand six hundred and eighty souls. Two religious are needed there. The encomendero has taught them a great deal, for many of them know their prayers. The alcalde-mayor of Caceres administers justice there. ... DCLXX.

Bondo y Caporagua: Alonso Lopez—He owns the encomienda of the bay of Bondo y Caporagua, with five hundred whole tributes, or two thousand souls. They live on nine rivers along eight leagues of coast, the said rivers having one hundred, or one hundred and thirty or fifty, inhabitants. They might be collected on two of the rivers and be instructed by one priest. The magistrate of Camarines visits them. ... D.

Bondo: Manila Hospital—Manila Hospital owns five hundred and forty more tributes, or two thousand one hundred and sixty souls, in the said province of Bondo. It will need one more minister for instruction, for they have none. This encomienda, with the one above, belonging to Alonso Lopez, will need three. ... DXL.

Lumanao in Ybalon: Saavedra—In the province of Ybalon, Diego Lopez de Saavedra owns the encomiendas of Lumanao, with four hundred whole tributes, or one thousand six hundred persons. It has no instruction. It and the following will need three ministers, when there is a sufficient supply of them. ... CCCC.

Ybalon: Christoval Sanchez—On the said bay of Ybalon, Christoval Sanchez has an encomienda of seven hundred and forty whole tributes, or two thousand nine hundred and sixty souls. They are without instruction, but can have it with the three ministers mentioned in the above encomienda—two here, and one there. The alcalde-mayor of Caceres visits these encomiendas. ... DCCXL.

Uban y Builan: King—His Majesty has seventy tributes along the river of Uban y Builan. They have no instruction, but can be visited from Ybalon. There are two hundred and eighty souls. ... LXX.

Coast Opposite Ybalon: Pedro de Arnedo—Pedro de Arnedo has seven hundred and thirty-five whole tributes, or two thousand nine hundred and forty souls, on the coast opposite the said bay of Ybalon, in Baco y Busaigan. This encomienda, extending ten or twelve leagues along the adjacent coast, and occupying five settlements along the seacoast, might be reduced to two settlements, except one river on the strait and mouth of Bugaigan. One priest might be established here in this encomienda, and visit the following, as it is small. ... DCCXXXV.

Capul: Hernando Munoz—Hernando Munoz de Poyatos has three hundred and thirty whole tributes, or one thousand three hundred and twenty souls, in Capul, which is situated one league from the strait. It has no instruction, but will be visited from the above encomienda. ... CCCXXX.

Catanduanes: Thomas Dato; Rodrigo Sarfate; Juan de Yepes; Anton Sanchez—The island of Catanduanes has three thousand tributarios, and more than fully pays its listed tribute. It has more than fifteen thousand souls, and belongs to four encomenderos: Thomas Dato, Rodrigo Sarfate, Juan de Yepes, and Anton Sanchez. The five scattered settlements might be reduced to two. With four more ministers it could be instructed. Caceres administers its justice, by visitation from Caceres. However, it will require a deputy, who should generally live there. ... MMM.

Thus the province of Vicor y Camarines, with the island of Catanduanes, has twenty-one thousand six hundred and sixty whole tributes, or eighty-six thousand six hundred and forty souls. For its entire instruction it has at present fifteen ministers. According to the allotment of the land, thirty-two more ministers are necessary, so that it may have sufficient instruction. In all it needs fifty-three, if there are sufficient. All the province has justice, which is administered from Caceres.

Masbate: Moral—The encomienda of Masbate is an island belonging to Francisco de Moral. It has about four hundred tributes, or one thousand six hundred souls. The people are peaceable. It has justice administered from Caceres. It has no instruction, and needs one minister. ... CCCC.

Burias: Captain Brizeno—This encomienda of Burias is another island, and belongs to Captain Brizeno. He collects there four hundred tributes. It has justice, but no instruction, and will need one minister. ... CCCC.



[Zebu]

Zebu—In the island of Zebu is the capital city, Sanctissimo Nombre de Jesus, with more than thirty Spanish citizens, with its alcalde-mayor and magistracy. It has one ecclesiastic, who acts as vicar of the Spaniards.

Leite: Oseguera—The encomienda of Leyte belongs to Don Pedro de Oseguera. He collects there six hundred and twenty-six tributes, which means one thousand and five hundred and four persons. It has justice; and that it may have instruction, needs one minister. ... DCXXVI.

Gonpot y Cagayan: King—This encomienda of Gonpot y Cagayan belongs to his Majesty. He collects there seventy tributes. It has neither instruction nor justice, but needs them. ... LXX.

Butuan: Dona Lucia—Dona Lucia de Loarca owns the encomienda of the river of Butuan. She collects there one thousand two hundred tributes. It has justice, but no instruction. Two religious are necessary to take care of it, for it has four thousand and eight hundred persons. ... MCC.

Zampojar: Caravajal—Diego de Caravajal collects along this river of Sampojar, fifty-eight tributes. They are not well pacified, and have neither instruction nor justice, both of which they need. ... LVIII.

Caraga: Juan Gutierrezdel Real; Francisco de Sancta Cruz—Juan Gutierrez del Real and Francisco de Sancta Cruz collect eight hundred and ninety-two tributes in Caraga. This represents three thousand five hundred and sixty-eight persons. They have no instruction, and are not pacified; but when that shall be effected, it will need two ministers. ... DCCCXCII.

Dulaque: Francisco Rodriguez de Avila—Francisco Rodriguez de Avila collects tribute along the river of Dulaque from four hundred and eighty-two tributarios, who represent one thousand nine hundred and twenty-eight persons. It has justice, but no instruction. It needs one minister. ... CCCCLXXXII.

Leyte: Sedeno—Pedro Sedeno collects tribute in the island of Leyte and along the river of Tambolo, from five hundred and sixty-three tributarios, who represent two thousand two hundred and fifty-two souls. It is peaceful, and has justice, but no instruction. It needs one minister. ... DLXIII.

Carigara: Juan de Truxillo—Juan de Truxillo collects tribute along the river of Carigara from four hundred and thirty-four tributarios, who represent one thousand seven hundred and thirty-six persons. It has justice, and is peaceful, but has no instruction. It needs one minister. ... CCCCXXXIIII.

Barugo: Henao—Alonso de Henao collects four hundred and fourteen tributes on the river of Barugo. These represent one thousand six hundred and fifty-six persons. It is peaceful, and has justice, but no instruction. It needs one minister. ... CCCCXIIII.

Abuyo: Reyes—Gaspar de los Reyes collects three hundred and four tributes on the river of Abuyo and the town of Guisan, in Ybabao. These represent one thousand two hundred and sixteen persons. It is peaceful and has justice, but no instruction. It needs one minister. ... CCCIIII.

Palo: Pedro Hernandez—Pedro Hernandez collects four hundred and ninety tributes from the encomienda of Palo. These represent two thousand persons. It is peaceful, with justice, but without instruction, and needs one minister. ... CCCCXC.

Dulaque: Sauzedo—Domingo de Sauzedo collects from the encomienda of Dulaque six hundred and thirteen tributes, which represent two thousand four hundred and fifty-two persons. It is peaceful, and has justice, but no instruction. It needs one minister. ... DCXIII.

Abuyo Ebito: Ysla—Gaspar de Ysla collects four hundred and thirty-five tributes, which represent one thousand seven hundred and forty persons, in Abuyo Ebito, and Zebu. It is peaceful, with justice, but without instruction, and needs one religious. ... CCCCXXXV.

Hinundanga: Abila—Francisco de Abila collects five hundred tributes, which means two thousand persons, from the encomienda of Hinundanga. It is pacified and has justice, but no instruction. It needs at least one religious to take care of it. ... D.

Tilan: Sepulbeda—Francisco de Sepulbeda collects the tribute of the encomienda of Tilan, which has one hundred and forty tributes. He collects unjustly. Although it has justice, it has no instruction, and needs it. ... CXL.