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TABLE

        Whole tributes 166,903
        Souls 667,612
        Number of religious 140
        Religious still needed 161
        King’s encomiendas 31
        Those of individuals 236
        Alcaldes-mayor 12
        Deputies 12
        Other deputies 3
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Letter from Governor Dasmarinas to Felipe II

Sire: 

Last year, a short time after my arrival in these islands, I gave an account to your Majesty, by the first vessels leaving here, of my arrival and of the condition in which I found matters.  I could not enter into full details, because of the short time between my arrival and the departure of the ships.  I venture to declare that never were four and twenty days so occupied, busy as I was in the despatch of the vessels, the new government, and other things that occurred here at that time.  Now I am somewhat better informed, and I shall give advices of everything with due punctuality, so that your Majesty may ordain and decree in accordance with the royal pleasure.  I hereby respond more systematically and clearly to some clauses of your Majesty’s instructions some of which I am sure have not been followed; and, accordingly, some of the affairs in this new land are in the same condition as when it was discovered.  Your Majesty’s orders should have been received and observed, which has not been done. [Marginal note:  “He has done well.”]

2.  As these regions are so remote and far away from the possibility of appeal to your Majesty, and from your Majesty’s favor and protection, the religion and zeal of your Majesty are so much the more remarkable.  It is sufficient to support the gospel and Christian religion in so remote lands and seas, and among such a diversity of idolatrous infidels, at so great cost to the royal estate, and at such risks and losses to your Majesty’s subjects and vassals.  Nevertheless, your Majesty is interested only in the glorious renown of serving God, from whom I await the beginning of the fulfilment of the great hopes that the arrangement and close position of these islands promise your Majesty for the extension of the holy Catholic faith through your royal medium.

3.  To the first clause of your Majesty’s instructions I do not have to respond, as it seems to be but a preamble of the orders thereby given me.  I can only express to your Majesty my desire to serve you faithfully, and to render a good account of my obligation as your Majesty’s born vassal, and as your servant and creature, to pay that debt with all diligence and zeal.

4.  Under the second clause your Majesty orders me to bring about the maintenance of the pacified district in these islands, and to increase its extent as far as possible.  In answer I will say that I am promptly attending to that, as your Majesty will see by every clause and subject separately. [Marginal note: “It is well.”]