The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 07 of 55 - 1588-1591 by Unknown
page 32 of 283 (11%)
page 32 of 283 (11%)
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The entire population of this province is in encomiendas, separated
two or three leagues, or even a less distance, from one another; and all these encomiendas are contained within thirty leagues. Besides this island of Luzon, there are many other inhabited islands, situated close to it, within a circuit of one hundred leagues. There are two more Spanish colonies--one the city of Nonbre de Jesus, in Çebu; and the other the town of Arevalo, [9] in Oton. _Concerning Cubu_ The city of Cubu has thirty citizens, among whom are quartered twenty soldiers. These citizens are all encomenderos, and all married to either Spanish or Indian women. Their encomiendas are located among the neighboring islands, there being thirty-two encomiendas with eighteen thousand tributarios. Here his Majesty possesses some few little hamlets, in which but little tribute is collected, and the natives of the city--who by special privilege pay no tribute, because from the very first they received the Spaniards in a friendly manner, furnishing the camp with provisions, and showing themselves loyal on many occasions. This city has a church, with one vicar; and one Augustinian monastery, containing three or four religious. In all those encomiendas there is no other instruction. Three more priests are necessary. This city has a municipal council and alcaldes; and has a fortress provided with three or four large pieces of artillery, and some small ones, such as falcons and small culverins; and having its own governor. This fort is located opposite Burney, the Malucos and |
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