Mendaiia Expedition: Background to the Expedition and Report by Mendafia Himself

Levesque, Rodrigue (1992). "Mendaiia Expedition: Background to the Expedition and Report by Mendafia Himself". History of Micronesia: A Collection of Source Documents. Volume 2, Prelude to Conquest, 1561-1595. Gatineau, Quebec: Éditions Lévesque. pp. 411–417. ISBN 0-920201-02-4.

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Abstract: Background and report on the expedition commanded by Álvaro de Mendaña from Callao in 1567–1569 to explore the South Pacific. The narrative outlines preparations under Governor Lope García de Castro, including the dispatch of two ships with soldiers, sailors, and clergy to search for islands believed to hold wealth and suitable lands for settlement. Mendaña’s account describes sailing past uninhabited islands, the eventual discovery of the Solomons, and interactions with local peoples, including exchanges of food and goods as well as armed clashes. He emphasizes fertile lands with rivers, forests, and resources, alongside difficulties of storms, shortages, and dissension among officers. The expedition is presented as both a test of loyalty and an opportunity for future Spanish colonization and Christian conversion.