The king replies to Urdaneta from Aranjuez, (March 4, 1561), accepting his offer “to go to the Western Islands in the vessels that Don Luis de Velasco, our viceroy of those regions, is sending thither by our command ...  I feel much pleasure at your willingness to undertake this expedition and your understanding that it will be for the service of God, our Lord, and of ourselves ...  I charge you that, in accordance with your offer, you make this expedition, and do therein all that is expected from your religion and goodness.  In regard to the advice you sent everything has been sent to the said viceroy, so that he may arrange what is most suitable according to his orders.” (Tomo ii, no. xvi, pp. 118, 119.)

Nueva Espana, February 9, 1561.  The viceroy writes to the king concerning the fleet.  Two ships and one small vessel are being built, and will be provisioned for the trip to the Western Islands and the return to New Spain.  They will be fully equipped by about the end of the present year.  “It is necessary that your majesty have two pilots sent me for this expedition—­men skilled and experienced in this navigation of the Ocean Sea; for, although I have three, I need two more, so that they may go two and two in the ships....  I have appointed Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, [40] a native of the province of Lepuzcua, and a well-known gentleman of the family of Lezcano, as the general and leader of those embarking in these vessels—­who all told, soldiers, sailors, and servants, number from two hundred and fifty to three hundred people.  He is fifty years old [41] and has spent more than twenty-nine years in this Nueba Espana.  He has given a good account of the offices he has held, and of the important affairs committed to him.  From what is known of his Christian character and good qualities hitherto, almore suitable man, and one more satisfactory to Fray Andres Urdaneta, who is to direct and guide the expedition, could not have been chosen; for these two are from the same land, and they are kinsmen and good friends, and have one mind.” (Tomo ii, no. xiv, pp. 113-117.)

Mexico, 1561.  Urdaneta, in a memorial to the king, points out the greater advantages of Acapulco as a port, than those possessed by Puerto de la Navidad.  It has a more healthful location than the latter, is nearer Mexico City, and supplies can be taken there more easily.  The lack of necessities, “such as wine, oil, etc., from Espana,” and its unhealthful location have debarred workmen from going to Puerto de la Navidad; and hence the completion of the vessels has been retarded, and about a year must pass yet before they will be finished.  “It is of great advantage that the port whence the men embark be healthful,... because if they embark from an unhealthful land, many fall sick before embarking, and many die afterwards while at sea ...  The port of Acapulco appears to have a good location, so that a dockyard might be fitted up there, where vessels can be built, and may there take and discharge