Mexico, 1564.  The viceroy writes to Felipe on February 25 and again on June 15, excusing the non-departure of the fleet.  In the first he says that the delay is due to the proper victualing of the vessels for a two-years’ voyage, and the non-arrival of certain pieces of artillery, etc., which were coming from Vera Cruz; the things that were to be sent, from the City of Mexico could not be sent until the fleet was launched, as they would spoil if left on land.  Everything will be ready by May.  In the second letter he excuses the delay as, owing to calms and contrary winds, the vessels bearing the “masts, yards, and certain anchors” for the fleet did not arrive at Puerto de la Navidad until June 10.  It still remained to step the masts and make the vessels shipshape, and to load the provisions; and they will be ready to sail by September.  “Four vessels are being sent, two galleons and two pataches; ... they are the best that have been launched on the Southern Sea, and the stoutest and best equipped.  They carry three hundred Spaniards, half soldiers and half sailors, a chosen lot of men....  Six religious of the order of Saint Augustine go with it, among them Fray Andres de Urdaneta, who is the most experienced and skilled navigator that can be had in either old or new Espana.”  He encloses a copy of the instructions to Legazpi, in order that the king may assure himself that his commands have been obeyed.  The best pilots have been secured.  The questions of routes, seasons, and other things have been discussed with Urdaneta and others who have made the voyage before.  “I trust ... that the expedition will come to a successful end, and that your majesty will be very much served therein, and in all that shall hereafter occur in it.”  Notice will be given to the king of the departure of the fleet by the first vessel leaving for Spain after that event. (Tomo ii, nos. xix and xx, pp. 140-145).

Mejico, September 1, 1564.  After the death of Luis de Velasco, instructions are issued to Legazpi by the president and auditors of the royal Audiencia of Mexico, the chief provisions of which here follow.  Before the royal officials of this expedition, namely, “Guido de Labezaris, treasurer, Andres Cauchela, accountant, and Andres de Mirandaola, factor,” he will take possession of the vessels and their equipment.  The flagship will be the “Sant Felipe,” in which Legazpi will embark; the “Sant Andres” will carry the commander of the fleet; [44] Captain Juan de la Isla and Captain Hernan Sanchez Munon will command the pataches, the “Sant Juan de Letran” and the “Sant Lucas,” respectively.  Legazpi’s first duty is to appoint pilots, masters, boatswains, notaries, artillery officers, and all other necessary officials.  Inventories of the equipment of the fleet, and of the merchandise, etc., carried, are to be made and signed by him; and a copy of the same shall be given to the officials of the royal hacienda [treasury].  He shall apportion