Note 29 — Chapter IX

787. A beginning in its conquest was made on the Mambùrao side in the year 1570 by Captain Juan de Salcèdo.29 That conquest was completed so far as the seacoasts are concerned from the cape of Burruncàn to that of Calavìte at the beginning of the following year by the adelantado, Miguèl Lopez de Legazpi. The balance of the island has been subdued gradually by dint of the evangelical laborers with the exception of the mountains which are located in its center. From that time, then, the seacoast Indians of that island have been subject to the mild yoke of the Spanish crown, and have given signs of extreme loyalty. For, although the great Chinese pirate Limaòn attacked the Philipinas in the year 1574, in order to seize them if possible, there were some signs of insurrection in Mindòro, which was put down very quickly, even before one felt its effects which are generally very painful in popular uprisings. That good fortune was due to the moderation of the natives and to the temperance of Captain Gabriel de Ribera, who knew how to sweeten with very pleasing acts of kindness the bitter crust of justice. For that reason of the Indians being entirely well inclined to the Spaniards, the encomiendas of that great island were very desirable to the primitive conquistadors. In spiritual matters the island belongs to the archbishopric of Manila. In regard to civil matters, it is governed by a corregidor and captain of war, who generally has residence in it and extends his jurisdiction to the neighboring islands of Marindùque and Lucbàn.