Ladrones].”  The “modern maps that have come to this Nueva Espana,” are in his opinion incorrect, as certain coasts are drawn more extensive than is actually the case.  Calms must be avoided and the trade winds caught, in order to facilitate navigation.  The errors of former expeditions must be avoided, as well as a protracted stay at the Philippines—­“both because of the worms that infest that sea, which bore through and destroy the vessels; and because the Portuguese might learn of us, during this time, and much harm might result thereby.”  Besides.  Spaniards as well as natives cannot be depended upon to keep the peace.  By leaving New Spain before the beginning of October, 1562, much expense and the idleness of the ships will be avoided.  In case land be discovered within Spain’s demarcation.  Urdaneta requests the king to provide for its colonization by supplying a captain and some of the people and religious—­or even that the general himself remain there, “if the natives thereof beg that some Spaniards remain among them.”  He asks the king to ascertain the truth of the report that the French have discovered a westward route “between the land of the Bacallaos and the land north of it.” [43] If it be true then trade might be carried on more economically from Spain direct to the west than by way of New Spain, and the fleets will be better provided with men and equipments. (Tomo ii, no. xvii, pp. 119-138).

Mexico, May 26,1563.  Legazpi writes to the king that “the viceroy of this New Spain, without any merit on my part, has thought best to appoint me for the voyage to the Western Islands, to serve your majesty, putting under my charge the fleet prepared for it—­not because this land has few men who would do it better than I, and by whom your majesty would be served better on this voyage, but rather, because no one would give himself up to it with a more willing spirit, as I have ever done in my past duties.”  He assures his majesty that he will have the utmost care in this expedition.  For the better success of the voyage he has “asked the viceroy for certain things, which seemed to me necessary ... and others of which, in the name of your majesty, he should grant me, which although they were not of so great moment that they were fitting to be asked from so exalted and powerful a personage, the viceroy defers and sends them to you, so that your majesty may order your pleasure regarding them.”  He asks these things for “so important a voyage” not as “a remuneration for my work, since that is due your majesty’s service, but as a condescension made with the magnificence that your majesty always is accustomed to exercise in rewarding his servants who serve him in matters of moment.” (Tomo ii, no. xviii, pp. 139, 140.)