1522.  The king and queen, after the return of the “Victoria” issue a document with thirty-three concessions to natives of their kingdom who should advance sums of money, etc., for fitting out expeditions for the spice regions; these privileges are to cover the first five expeditions fitting out.  The interests and rights of the sovereigns and of the contributors are clearly defined.  These fleets are to trade in the Moluccas, or in any other lands and islands discovered within Castile’s demarcation.  The House of Trade for the spice regions is to be established at Corunna. (No. ii, pp. 196-207.)

Madrid, April 5, 1525.  Fray Garcia Jofre de Loaisa, a commander of the order of St. John, [3] is appointed captain-general of the fleet now fitting out at Corunna for the Moluccas, and governor of those islands.  His powers are outlined, being such as were usually given in such expeditions.  As annual salary he is to have, during the voyage, “two thousand nine hundred and twenty ducats, which amount to one million, ninety-four thousand five hundred maravedis.”  He is to have certain privileges of trade, being allowed to carry merchandise.  Rodrigo de Acuna is appointed captain of the fourth ship, with a salary of three hundred and seventy-five thousand maravedis.  He may invest fifty thousand maravedis in the fleet, such sum being advanced from his salary.  The accountant for the fleet, Diego Ortiz de Orue, is instructed to fulfil the duties incident to his office (these are named), and to keep full accounts.  Instructions are issued also to the treasurer, Hernando de Bustamante, who is ordered “to obey our captain and the captain of your ship, and try to act in harmony with our officials, and shun all manner of controversy and discord.”  He must discuss with the captains and officials questions pertaining to his duty, for the better fulfilment thereof. (Nos. iii-vi, pp. 207-218.)

Toledo, May 13, 1525.  The crown reserves the right to appoint persons to take the place of any officials dying during the expedition.  In case Loaisa should die, his office as governor of the Moluccas is to be filled in the following order:  Pedro de Vera, Rodrigo de Acuna, Jorge Manrique, Francisco de Hoces.  His office as captain-general falls first to Juan Sebastian del Cano; then to those above named.  Further, the chief treasurer, factor, and accountant are next in succession; and after them a captain-general and other officers shall be elected by the remaining captains, treasurers, factors, and accountants.  Instructions are given to Diego de Covarrubias as to his duties as factor-general of the Moluccas.  He is to exercise great care in all matters connected with trade, selling at as high rates as possible. (Nos. vii, viii, pp. 218-222.)

A relation by Juan de Areizaga [4] gives the leading events of Loaisa’s voyage until the Strait of Magellan is passed.  The fleet leaves Corunna July 24, 1525, and finishes the passage of the strait May 26, 1526.  On the voyage three ships are lost, the “San Gabriel,” “Nunciado,” and “Santi Spiritus.”  The “Santiago” puts in “at the coast discovered and colonized by. . .  Cortes at the shoulders of New Spain,” to reprovision.  Loaisa is thus left with only three vessels. (No. ix, pp. 223-225.)