[The first ten chapters of the “Itinerary” [33] treat of the departure from Spain of the Franciscans (among whom was Father Martin Ignacio), in 1580, their arrival in New Spain, and matters relating to the New World.  The voyage is by way of the Canaries, of which a brief description is given; thence to San Domingo or Espanola, passing on the way the island Desseada, or “land desired,” and its neighboring islands—­among the latter La Dominica, inhabited by the cannibal Caribs—­and later Puerto Rico.  The island of Espanola is described, according to the knowledge of that day; and it is stated that therein “were, on the landing of the [first] Spaniards, three millions of native Indians, of whom only two hundred remain; and most of these are the half-breed children of Spaniards and Indian women, or of negroes and Indian women.”  The journey continues by way of the intervening islands to Cuba, and thence to Mexico.  This wonderful country is described briefly, with allusions to its history, social and economic conditions, etc.  A digression is made to relate the discovery and first exploration of the province called New Mexico, one of the fifteen new provinces discovered from Mexico.  The account of the voyage to the Philippines follows.]

Departure from the city of Mexico, and journey to the port of Acapulco on the Southern Sea, whence they embark for the Filipinas Islands.  The island of the Ladrones is passed, and the condition and rites of the people there are noted.  Chapter XI.

From the City of Mexico they set out to embark at the port of Acapulco, a place located on the Southern Sea, in nineteen degrees of elevation of the pole, and lying ninety leagues from the City of Mexico, this entire distance being settled with many villages of Indians and Spaniards.  At this port they embarked, taking a southeast course until they reached an altitude of twelve and one-half degrees.  They did this in order to find the favorable winds (which in truth they found there), those called by sailors brizas—­which are so favorable and steady, that, even in the months of November, December, and January, there is seldom any necessity for touching their sails.  From this arises the so easy navigation through this sea.  From this fact, and from the few storms here, this sea has been called the Mar de Damas ["Sea of Ladies"].  A westerly course is taken, following the sun always, upon setting out from our hemisphere.  Journeying through this Southern Sea for forty days more or less, without seeing land, at the end of that time, the islands of Velas ["Sails"], otherwise called the Ladrones, are sighted, which, seven or eight in number, extend north and south.  They are inhabited by many people, as we shall now relate.