Abstract

GAUDIN, Guillaume. An Account of the Doubts that Arose Concerning the Delimitation of the Treaty of Zaragoza in the Philippines (1568), and the Instruction Issued by the Viceroy of New Spain, Don Martín Enríquez, to Captain Juan de la Isla on What to Do in Relation to the Discovery of China (1572). Relac. Estud. hist. soc. [online]. 2019, vol.40, n.160, pp.102-122.  Epub Nov 19, 2020. ISSN 2448-7554.  https://doi.org/10.24901/rehs.v40i160.686.

Published documents narrate how Legazpi’s expedition to the Philippines turned into a voyage of conquest -with the blessing of Felipe II- and how that objective was quickly achieved in China despite the ongoing dispute with Portugal over the antemeridian of Tordesillas, and the context of the reforms of the government of the Indies implemented by Juan de Ovando. They further testify to the role played by envoys sent to the Court in attempts to shift imperial policy, specifically Juan de la Isla, Master and Captain of a 2-masted ship -called patache- who travelled to Madrid on two occasions: 1567-1569 and 1570-1571. These historical records highlight how the experience, knowledge, and lobbying at Court by subjects played a significant role in the Monarchy’s decision-making process, while also emphasizing the influence of royal grace, of the individual, and of the defense of personal interests, in the elaboration of imperial policy.

Keywords : The Philippines; China; court; imperial policy; lobbying.

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