[_Endorsed_: "Inquiry in regard to the great advantage derived from
the royal hospital of Manila, and in regard to the affirmation that
the poor cannot be supported with its income."]




Report Concerning the Filipinas Islands, and other Papers



A Report Concerning the Filipinas Islands, which it is Advisable to
Settle and Pacify; and other Matters


Most potent Sire:

Fray Francisco de Ortega [18] of the order of St. Augustine,
visitor-general of the province of the Philipinas, and prior of the
convent of the city of Manila, with desire and zeal for the service of
God our Lord, and of your Highness, in order to inform you concerning
the nature of the Philipinas Islands, which have rendered obedience
to your Highness, and of what is advisable for their welfare and
increase, and for the relief of your Highness's royal conscience,
makes the following declaration.

1. That it will be of much import for your Highness to order the island
of Mindanao, which is four hundred leguas in circuit, to be pacified
and settled. It is said that there are many people there who, when
pacified, will need, according to the report made, at least eighty