Issue date: 21 Oct, 2019
DISCOVERERS OF OCEANIA. FRANCISCO ANTONIO MOURELLE
A new stamp printed on wood-pulp paper, simulating the material used in shipbuilding, is the latest issue in Correos’ series of the Discoverers of Oceania.
The portrait on this stamp is of Francisco Mourelle de la Rua.
Born in A Coruña in 1750, he would become a great navigator. He was too poor as a youth to join the Navy Guards and had to make do with the Academy of Ship’s Pilots in Ferrol, graduating in 1766.
From the start of his career, he was notable for his mastery of the construction and use of navigation tools.
He was posted to the Philippines, where in 1780 the Governor José Basco y Vargas put him in command of the frigate Princesa to take a delivery to Mexico.
As he crossed the Pacific Ocean, he discovered many islands, such as Isla Ermitaño, still known by that name, and San Francisco, San Jose and San Antonio, now called Simberi, Mabua, and Tabar.
But his most important discovery was the Vava'u island group in the Tonga archipelago. He struck up a firm friendship with the “Tubou” or king of the islands, who even offered him one of his daughters, which he declined.
The Spaniards spent a month on this paradise island, without any incidents arising with the native population, who supplied them with fruit and water for the rest of their journey.
After many more voyages, battles, successes and failures, he died on 24 May 1820.
He was the last in the long line of great Spanish sailors of the late 18th century, alongside Barceló, Mazarredo, Gravina, Churruca, Alcalá and Galiano.
The background of the stamp shows a detail of a map of the route he was following when he discovered the paradise islands.
Rate A - €0.75. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, up to 20 g.
Rate A2 - €0.85. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, between 20 g and 50 g.
Rate B - €1.65. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to Europe (including Greenland), up to 20 g.
Rate C - €1.75. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the rest of the world (except USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand), up to 20 g.
Rate D - €2.10. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, up to 20 g.