| Summary |
Description: This is an unsigned nineteenth-century manuscript copy of Chapter 8 of Antonio de Morga's 'Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas' (1609), containing descriptions of the islands in the Philippine archipelago, and notes on the nature and customs of the native inhabitants, both before and after the colonization of the islands by the Spanish, beginning in 1564. After a brief geographical introduction, Morga describes the native inhabitants of the islands, their physical appearance, homes, clothing, food, customs, weapons, boats, religion, burial practices, languages, and writing. He discusses the terrain and soil of the islands, the fruit and timber trees native to the area, and the animals, birds, fish, minerals and shells found there. He also includes brief descriptions of the various islands, with notes on navigating their river, coastlines, and straits. There is a section on the founding of Manila in 1571 by the first governor, Miguel López de Legaspi, as well as the establishment of other important cities of Segovia, Cáceres, and Santísimo Nombre de Jesús. Morga concludes with a description of the colonial organisation imposed by Spain, discussing aspects such as political and ecclesiastical organisation of the islands, the evangelisation of the natives by the religious orders, the system of taxation, the encomienda, and trade with merchant ships from China, Japan, India, Maluco, Siam, and other eastern countries. He emphasizes the importance of the trade route between the Philippines and New Spain, and includes an explanation of the sailing schedule and a detailed description of the route between the ports of Cavite and Acapulco. |
