I, Jhoan Augustin de Contreras, his Majesty’s recorder of the royal Audiencia of this Nueva Espana, certify that Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, whose signature is attached to this testimony, was appointed governor and general of the islands of the West and Fernando Riquel as his government notary; and that I have certain information that they discharge their offices in those provinces and this is a matter well and generally known regarding the above-mentioned persons.  And, having seen them writing and signing their names many times, I hold and recognize as their writing and signatures, those which are contained in the above testimony of this other part, given by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Fernando Rrequel, and followed with the subscription of the said Fernando Requel.  I saw the aforesaid despatched as such governor and general and government notary of those islands, in the first fleet sailing thither in the month of December of the year sixty-four, and to which I refer.  In affirmation whereof, I gave this present, which is dated at Mexico, the twenty-eighth of January, one thousand, five hundred and seventy.

Accordingly, in witness of the truth, I here affix this my signature, which is as follows: 

Joan Augustin, his Majesty’s notary.

Documents of 1571-72.

Relation of the discoveries of the Malucos and Philippinas. [1571?] Requisitions of supplies for the Spanish forces in the Philippines. [1571?] Conquest of the island of Luzon.  April 20, 1572.  Foundation of the city of Manila.  Fernando Riquel; June 19, 1572.

Sources:  MSS. in the Archivo general de Indias at Sevilla.  The third is obtained from Retana’s Archivo del Bibliofilo filipino, iv (Madrid, 1898).

Translations:  The first two documents are translated by Alfonso de Salvio; the third, by J. G. Gill; the fourth, by James A. Robertson.

Relation of the Discoveries of the Malucos and Philippinas, and Various Negotiations Concerning Them

From what may be gathered in the said account and various agreements concerning the navigation, discovery, and commerce of the Western Islands, especially those of Maluco, Philippinas, and Cubu, we must assume that the discovery of the Yndias was begun by order of the Catholic Sovereigns, in the year ninety-two, and on the second of May of the following year, ninety-three.

The supreme pontiff, Alexander the Sixth, granted to the Catholic Sovereigns of Castilla and Leon, and to their successors, the navigation of the Yndias, with all the privileges, favors, indulgences, and prerogatives which had been granted to the kings of Portugal in respect to the Yndias of Guinea, part of Affrica, and other Yndias which they might conquer.  This is contained more fully in the bull of concession, an authentic copy of which is to be found in the Archives of Simancas.  On the third of the said month and