A prominent Jesuit in Manila, Juan de Ribera, writes (probably in 1616)
an account of an expedition sent from India in 1615 for the aid of
the Philippines. The Dutch are obtaining so firm a foothold in the
Orient that the Spanish commerce is not only much decreased, but is
in constant danger from the attacks of the "Dutch pirates." Silva
despatches Ribera to India, to ask from the viceroy aid for the
Philippines; he sends with the envoy four galleons, which, after
a voyage of many delays and hardships, reach Malacca. There they
encounter a large Malay fleet, which they defeat, with great loss
on both sides. A few weeks later a Dutch fleet arrives at Malacca,
intending to unite with these very Malays; a fierce battle ensues,
in which the Portuguese galleons are destroyed. In February 1616,
Silva arives at Malacca with his fleet; but soon afterward he is
attacked by a fever which causes his death (April 19). To this is
added another version of Ribera's letter, and a letter by Valerio de
Ledesma--both obtained from Colin's _Labor evangelica_. These cover
the same ground as the preceding letter, but contain some matter not
found therein, including an account of the battle at Playa Honda.

A biographical and chronological list of all the Spanish governors
of the Philippines, from 1565 to 1898, is here presented. It is
prepared by a careful collation, sifting, and verification of data
obtained from the best authorities extant; and will be found useful for
reference by general readers, as well as by students of history. This
is followed by a law of 1664, providing for the government of the
islands ad interim; and an extract from the _Historia_ of the Jesuit
Delgado (1751), "Some things worth knowing about the governors of
the Filipinas Islands." He says: "In no kingdom or province of the
Spanish crown do the viceroys or governors enjoy greater privileges,
superiority, and grandeur than in Filipinas." Delgado moralizes