Legazpi: Second Memorandum by Fr. Urdaneta About the Planned Route, Dated Mexico 1561
Levesque, Rodrigue (1992). "Legazpi: Second Memorandum by Fr. Urdaneta About the Planned Route, Dated Mexico 1561". History of Micronesia: A Collection of Source Documents. Volume 2, Prelude to Conquest, 1561-1595. Gatineau, Quebec: Éditions Lévesque. pp. 41–46. ISBN 0-920201-02-4.
- Has attachment: File:FD23HXE5.pdf
Abstract: A memorandum from Fray Andrés de Urdaneta to King Philip II, dated 1561, highlights the advantages of using Acapulco instead of Navidad as the base port for the planned expedition. Urdaneta notes Acapulco’s healthier environment, proximity to Mexico City, and greater convenience for provisioning. He contrasts this with Navidad, where shortages of wine, oil, and other supplies from Spain hinder shipbuilding efforts.
The memorandum details logistical needs for the voyage, including the import of materials and skilled workers from Spain for making artillery and anchors, as well as the use of local resources such as agave for ropes. Urdaneta stresses the importance of establishing infrastructure near ports to support shipbuilding and provisioning. He also outlines proposed navigation routes to the Western Islands, focusing on New Guinea as the primary objective and identifying the Philippines as secondary. His advice includes selecting routes based on the season, minimizing delays, and avoiding long stays in the Philippines due to shipworm damage and the risk of conflict with the Portuguese.
The document further records Urdaneta’s observations on social and economic conditions in Mexico. He recommends training local populations in trade skills, planting trees near ports for shipbuilding, and considering the benefits of colonies or settlements in suitable lands discovered during the voyage. He also refers to rumors of a westward passage reported by the French and advises the King to investigate these claims, as such a route could ease trade between Spain and Asia. Finally, he recommends appointing an experienced leader, such as General Pedro Menéndez, to oversee the maritime effort.
