Since the Moros do not agree in any part, and much less here, where we have so many other good and numerous races, it would be very politic, in my opinion, to encourage the spirit of the Moros who are attempting to separate from their datos and panditas, so that the latter may become isolated and without any authority. If it is thought advisable to assemble them into a settlement, since, counting all the Moros of the gulf, their number does not reach five thousand, it would be an excellent thing to assemble them in one village, at a point where they can be better watched and governed. But if they were ordered to assemble in one single village, it would always be necessary to permit those Moros who wished, to separate from their datos and panditas in order that they might take root in the villages and reductions as do the other heathens. Being baptized like them, if they wish, they may do it freely without the obstacle of datos and panditas. As they are now, although there are but few here, they fill and dirty the whole thing; for scarcely is there a river or a valley whose mouth has not its dato and pandita, who, together with their sácopes, the latter of whom do not number ten at times, say that they are making a village by order of the governor. But what they are really doing is to prevent other heathens from being reduced and making a village, which would actually be of real advantage for the future. I will close by asking your Reverence to commend me to God in your holy prayers and sacrifices. Mateo Gisbert, S. J. LETTER FROM FATHER PABLO CAVALLERIA TO FATHER FRANCISCO SANCHEZ Isabela de Basílan, December 31, 1886. Pax Christi. My very dearly beloved in Christ, Father Sánchez: Replying to your favor, in which your Reverence asks for information concerning the inhabitants of this island of Basílan, I have deemed it best to write the following. Races The races of this island are the indigenous race and the Moros. The indigenous is Christian and there is little or nothing to say of them, since they are well known to your Reverence. The Moro [113] race is infidel, and lives on the coast and in the interior. The indigenous race forms the settlement of Isabela de Basílan, consisting of some eight hundred souls. Further sixteen families of Christian Indians reside in the visita called San Pedro de Guibáuan distant six leguas from Isabela. Their absolute lieutenant in chief is Pedro Cuévas. The Moro race is now greatly degenerated, for many are coming down from the Bisayas who were formerly captives. The Moros of the interior of the island are called Yácanes, [114] and are employed, although but little, in the cultivation of palay, sweet-potatoes, cacao, etc.