[84] The Muñoz letter (see Bibliographical Data at end of this volume) says, "four varas." The reading of our text is uncertain, as the number is not written in full, but is designated by a contraction difficult to read.
[85] The Ultramar MS. has the following: "It is enough to say, and I swear it on my oath as a Christian, that there is said to be more gold in this one island than iron in Vizcaya." This is very similar to the reading in the MS. copied by Muñoz.
[87] This and what follows was apparently added by the officials in Mexico.
[88] _Corredor de Lonja_ (_Lonxa_) is undoubtedly a commission merchant: apparently the decree confers upon the city the right to appoint brokers of this class.--_A.P. Cushing_.
[89] This document is evidently addressed to the governor, then Guido de Lavezaris.
[91] An ancient province of Luzon, so called from the name given in Manila to the many porticos constructed out of the nipa palm. It was erected into a province during the governorship of Guido de Lavezaris, and was conquered by Salcedo. It is mountainous, and contains rich mines of various metals, and a fertile soil. It is now (since April 27, 1901), under American government, known by the name of Ambos Camarines.
[92] The early name of the islands now known as Visayas (or Bisayas)--the group lying between Luzón, Mindanao, and Mindoro; so named from their inhabitants, known as Pintados ("painted men") from their tattooed bodies.
[93] Referring to the abacá, or wild plantain (note 68).
[94] Referring to the birth of a son to Felipe II and Anna of Austria--probably that of Jacobo (or Jaime), born in 1572 or 1573, who died in 1582.
[95] The name and title of this commander are, by some _lapsus calami_, omitted in the MS. The reference, however, is obvious, to Don Juan of Austria, illegitimate son of Cárlos I (but finally publicly acknowledged by him); this prince gained signal renown in wars against the Mahometans.
[97] The first-born son of Felipe was Fernando, born in 1571; he died at the age of four years. The town named for him is now called Vigan; it is located on Abra River, and is capital of the province of Ilocos Sur, Luzón.
[98] Of the decrees here referred to, two may be found in _Recopilación de leyes de las Indias_ (5th ed., Madrid, 1841), lib. viii. One (tit. iv, ley xxiv) provides that vacancies in crown offices shall be filled by the viceroy, or by the president of the Audiencia; the other (tit. x, ley xviii), that gold and silver found in seaports, which has not been duly taxed and stamped, shall, if there be no smelting establishment in such place, be forfeited to the royal treasury.