Legazpi: Letter from Captain Carrion to the King, Undated (ca. September 1564)
Levesque, Rodrigue (1992). "Legazpi: Letter from Captain Carrion to the King, Undated (ca. September 1564)". History of Micronesia: A Collection of Source Documents. Volume 2, Prelude to Conquest, 1561-1595. Gatineau, Quebec: Éditions Lévesque. pp. 72–73. ISBN 0-920201-02-4.
- Has attachment: File:6URMZMG3.pdf
Abstract: A letter from Captain Juan Pablo de Carrión to King Philip, written around September 1564, presents his views on the proposed maritime route for the expedition. Carrión refers to Urdaneta’s recommendation of sailing first to New Guinea, which he criticizes as a barren and dangerous course with little food available. Instead, he advocates following the route of Saavedra and Villalobos, stopping at the Philippines, described as friendly islands with established trade and abundant provisions. He emphasizes their wealth, size, and organized political structures, noting their usefulness for sustaining Spanish fleets.
The letter highlights the geographic advantages of the Philippines. Carrión points to their proximity to China and the Moluccas, as well as their northern position, which he argues makes them favorable for plotting a return route across the Pacific. He also stresses that the Portuguese have not navigated these islands, framing them as relatively unknown and thus advantageous for Spanish claims.
Carrión concludes with complaints about his exclusion from the expedition. He attributes this to Urdaneta’s influence with Legazpi, noting their shared Basque heritage and longstanding friendship. He remarks on Urdaneta’s advanced age but acknowledges his substantial authority, which he suggests has swayed Legazpi and prevented Carrión from playing a leading role.
