Legazpi: His Son Melchor’s Petitions to the King, Dated Madrid November 1568 and Later

Levesque, Rodrigue (1992). "Legazpi: His Son Melchor's Petitions to the King, Dated Madrid November 1568 and Later". History of Micronesia: A Collection of Source Documents. Volume 2, Prelude to Conquest, 1561-1595. Gatineau, Quebec: Éditions Lévesque. pp. 394–397. ISBN 0-920201-02-4.

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Abstract: Petitions submitted in Madrid by Melchor de Legazpi on behalf of his father, Miguel López de Legazpi, requesting hereditary rights and privileges in recognition of his father’s service and sacrifices. The petitions ask for governorship and adelantado titles over two islands in the Ladrones (”Mariana Islands”) with broad jurisdiction, financial relief for expenses incurred, rights to appoint officials and fit out ships, and hereditary shares in revenues from mines and fisheries. Additional requests include exemption from taxes on goods and treasure, authorization to commission vessels, and religious support for the colony. Melchor stresses that the Ladrones serve mainly as a way-station to the Philippines and urges instead the conquest of New Guinea as more profitable and beneficial for conversion. He appeals for urgent aid, confirmation of his father’s titles, and support for the impoverished Legazpi family, emphasizing the loyalty and losses sustained in royal service.