re very sorry at this, giving out that they had been
deceived; and had they known while yet ashore, that such a route
was to be pursued, they would not have accompanied the expedition,
for the reasons that father Fray Andres de Urdaneta had advanced in
Mexico." But they expressed their willingness to make the expedition
now for the service of God and the holy Catholic faith, the increase
of the kingdom, and the general good of the fleet. On the night of
the twenty-ninth, the "San Lucas," which, by the general's orders,
was accustomed to take its position at night ahead of his vessel,
became separated from the rest of the fleet and was seen no more. [47]
Being speedier than, the others, Legazpi naturally expected that
it would reach the islands ahead of him and there await the fleet,
but he was disappointed. The fleet reached on December 18, the ninth
degree of latitude, from which it must proceed westward to the island
of Los Reyes. It was found that there was no uniformity among the
distances and reckonings of the pilots; and although each contended
for the accuracy of his reckoning, they were accustomed to change
their figures somewhat, before reporting to Legazpi. Urdaneta's
figures proved nearer the truth, but even he changed his reckoning,
enlarging it, that he might be more in harmony with the pilots. Thus
it happened that the daily runs were exaggerated, giving rise to the
belief that Los Reyes had been passed. In accordance with this belief
the course of the fleet was changed on the twenty-eighth of December,
taking the latitude of ten degrees, in order to reach Matalotes and
other islands. On January 8, 1565, the "San Pablo" reported land on
the port bow, and the fleet directed its course southward. The report
proving incorrect, the former course was resumed and on the next day
a low, small island was discovered. The natives fled at sight or the
squadron. The ships ran close to land, and finding no anchorage, for
the anchors failed to touch bottom, Martin de Goyti was ordered to
go ahead to look for an anchorage. Landing-parties (among whom were
Urdaneta and Legazpi's grandson, Felipe de Salcedo, Martin de Goyti,
and Juan de la Isla) went on shore to gather what information they
could, and Salcedo was empowered to take possession of the island for
the king. Meanwhile it became necessary for the vessels to weigh anchor
and set sail, as the ebb-tide was taking them out to sea. The small
boats that had been sent as