great value.  Velasco thinks (May 28, 1560) that the Philippines are on the Portuguese side of the Demarcation Line, but he will follow the royal commands as far as he safely can.  He has already begun preparations for the enterprise, the purpose of which he is keeping secret as far as possible.  By the same mail, Urdaneta writes to the king, acceding to the latter’s request that he accompany the proposed expedition.  He emphasizes the ownership of “the Filipina Island” (meaning Mindanao) by the Portuguese, and thinks that Spanish ships should not be despatched thither without the king’s “showing some legitimate or pious reason therefor.”  Velasco makes report (February 9, 1561) of progress in the enterprise; the ships have been nearly built and provisioned, and Legazpi has been appointed its general.  Urdaneta advises (also in 1561) that Acapulco be selected for their embarcation, as being more convenient and healthful than Navidad.  He makes various other suggestions for the outfit of the expedition, which show his excellent judgment and practical good sense; and asks that various needed articles be sent from Spain.  He desires that the fleet depart as early as October, 1562.  Legazpi in a letter to the king (May 26, 1563) accepts the responsibility placed upon him, and asks for certain favors.  Velasco explains (February 25 and June 15, 1564) the delays in the fleet’s departure; he hopes that it will be ready to sail by the following September, and describes its condition and equipment.  Velasco’s death (July 31) makes it necessary for the royal Audiencia of Mexico to assume the charge of this enterprise.  Their instructions to Legazpi (September 1, 1564) are given in considerable detail.  Especial stress is laid on the necessity of discovering a return route from the Philippines; and Urdaneta is ordered to return with the ships sent back to New Spain for this purpose.  By a letter dated September 12, the members of the Audiencia inform the king of the instructions they have given to Legazpi, and their orders that he should direct his course straight to the Philippines, which they regard as belonging to Spain rather than Portugal.  In this same year, Juan de la Carrion, recently appointed admiral of the fleet, writes to the king, dissenting (as does the Audiencia) from Urdaneta’s project for first exploring New Guinea, and urging that the expedition ought to sail directly to the Philippines.  He says that he has been, however, overruled by Urdaneta.  Legazpi announces to the king (November 18) his approaching departure from the port of Navidad; and Urdaneta writes a letter of similar tenor two days later.  On that date (November 20) they leave port; and on the twenty-fifth Legazpi alters their course so as to turn it from the southwest directly toward the Philippines.  This displeases the Augustinian friars on board; but they consent to go with the fleet.  After various difficulties and mistakes in reckoning, they reach the Ladrones