One can see a proof of this in the length of time which it takes them to settle down again in a town which has been plundered, even if no one of them has been killed or captured.  I believe that by peaceful and kindly means, they will be easily won over, although it may take some time to do so—­because, in all towns where Spaniards have brought peace and not destruction, the natives have always begged for friendship, and have offered to pay tribute from what they gather and own in their lands.  And although at times they do not fulfil their promise, it is not to be wondered at; for the country is not yet sufficiently settled and secure.  I am sure that, when this is so, they will be subdued and will do whatever is justly commanded them.

These natives will be easily converted to our holy Catholic faith, for most of them are heathens, excepting the natives of Borney and Lucon (who are chiefly Moros), and a few converted chiefs of these islands. [17] These Moros have little knowledge of the law which they profess, beyond practicing circumcision and refraining from pork.  The heathens have no law at all.  They have neither temples nor idols, nor do they offer any sacrifices.  They easily believe what is told and presented forcibly to them.  They hold some superstitions, such as the casting of lots before doing anything, and other wretched practices—­all of which will be easily eradicated, if we have some priests who know their language, and will preach to them.  Certainly, there is a great opportunity to serve God, our Lord, and to expand and extol our holy Catholic faith, if our sins do not hinder the work.

In some of these islands, [18] the mountain regions are inhabited by blacks, with whom as a general rule, the Indians are at war, and whom the latter capture and sell, and also employ as slaves.

Marriage among these natives is a kind of purchase or trade, which the men make; for they pay and give money in exchange for their women, according to the rank of the parties.  The sum thus paid is divided among the parents and relatives of the woman.  Therefore the man who has many daughters is considered rich.  After marriage, whenever the husband wishes to leave his wife, or to separate from her, he can do so by paying the same sum of money that he gave for her.  Likewise the woman can leave her husband, or separate from him, by returning the double of what he gave for her.  The men are permitted to have two or three wives, if they have money enough to buy and support them.  The men treat their wives well, and love them according to their habits and customs—­although they are all barbarians and have no manners or politeness.

Miguel Lopez de Legazpi

[Endorsed:  “There is no date.”  “Relation of the Filipinas Islands and of the character of their inhabitants.”]

Confirmation of Legazpi’s Title as Governor and Captain-General