Magellan, Ferdinand
... Miguel help for his adventure did not came from his native nation, he got help from king of Spain. King Charles of Spain approved to Magellan his voyage to mark boundaries of Spain in pacific. Magellan’s fleet consisted from five ships (San Antonio, Santiago, Trinidad, Victoria and Conception, that counted 280 sailors, and numerous supplies. Magellan’s troubles began before he sailed out. King of Portugal agents lead empty barrels of water and change invoice to show twice a time as much of supplies on boards. Luckily, he stopped on Canary Irelands so Magellan was warned of conspiracy. Three month after sailing out from Spain Magellan came to bay where today lies Rio de Janeiro. It was one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the world. Gurami Indians shattered crew with everything, even their women. At Cape Santa Maria Magellan though that they found passage to Orient, so Trinidad sailed as west as possible. After few days, Trinidad returned with discouraging news. Should they return to Rio or continue going south toward stormy Antarctic waters and hope to find passage to Spice Irelands. Against big opposition within crew, Magellan convinced them to sail south. After 60 days of storm and cold weather, crew was disgruntled, and ready for mutiny. When they finally stopped in a bay St.Julian, a group demanded to sail back, but Magellan refused and his own crew on Trinidad and Santiago remained loyal. Rebellion took control over three of five ships 170 of 265 men, so odds of Magellan succeeding were low, but he did not though on quitting and surrendering command. Magellan sailors caught one of the leaders of mutiny captain Mendoza, and then he took over first Victoria, then San Antonio and Conception was easily taken over. Magellan did not want Spanish nobleman killed by his hand so he offered pardon to Mendoza servant if he would execute his master. Mendoza was executed; one priest and two other leaders of rebellion were left to survive on coastland. Santiago was sent to explore further south, but he hit the shore and wrecked. Two men were sent to get help, after few days rest of the fleet rescued Santiago’s crew. They stayed on the site for 2 month getting seals and storing them for journey ahead. Magellan lost two more ships (San Antonio and Conception) in storm. After storm was over he found Conception but San Antonio was lost and probably on his way back to Spain. That did not discourage Magellan and even without his biggest ship he decided to continue his voyage. After 90 days of sailing without enough food and water (19 crewmembers died) finally they reached Philippines. This was end of Magellan voyage. Why? Many natives have converted on Christianity because Magellan instruction, and when one chief refused to do so Magellan felt obligated to make them. Sixty men fought some 3000 natives. Magellan was wounded and when he ordered retreat, it was too late for them. Magellan was killed so close on reaching his dream. Only 115 men were left and it was impossible to sail three ships so they scuttled Conception. All papers, logs, diaries and letters were put aboard by jealous captains and fire was set to destroy every evidence of their treachery and mutiny. However, Pigafetta kept writing his own diary. At Moluccas, two ships were loaded with 26 ton of spices, but Trinidad would never see European waters again. Captain of Magellan ship was Gomez de Espinoza his ...