Page:The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 (Volume 09).pdf/101



Most potent Sire:

Fray Francisco de Ortega 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.

That it will be of much import for your Highness to order the island of Mindanao, which is four