Note 45 — Chapter IX · THE AUDIENCIA AND THE GOVERNOR: THE AD INTERIM RULE

Martínez de Zúñiga, An historical view, I, 250–251. The latter Silva was a relative of the viceroy, the Marqués de Cerralbo. He was well known in the Philippines, where he had formerly resided and married the daughter of an influential resident. He held the temporary governorship about a year. It was during his administration, and through his efforts, that the first Spanish expedition was made to Formosa, Silva having ordered the alcalde mayor of Cagayán to land there with a military force and establish fortifications. This was done; thereupon a large number of Dominican friars sought and obtained permission for the spiritual conquest of the Island. Zúñiga says that the latter “exerted themselves with such zeal, that in a short time they built several towns, and were able to number the greater part of the natives among the professors of our faith” (ibid., I, 252–253; Montero y Vidal, Historia general, I, 180–181).