with us has run away, in consequence, as most of the men say, of the bad
cooperage of the butts made at Seville, the article that we stand most
in need of now, and shall stand in need of, is wine; and although we
have biscuit and corn for some time longer, it is nevertheless necessary
that a reasonable quantity of these be sent to us, for the voyage is
a long one, and it is impossible to make a calculation for every day;
the same holds good with respect to pork and salt beef, which should be
better than what we brought out with us on this voyage. Sheep, and still
better, lambs and lambkins, more females than males, young calves and
heifers, also are wanted, and should be sent by every caravel that may
be dispatched hither; and at the same time some asses, both male and
female, and mares for labour and tillage; for here there are no beasts
that a man can turn to any use. As I fear that their Highnesses may not
be at Seville, and that their officers or ministers will not, without
their express instructions, make any movement towards the carrying out
of the necessary arrangements for the return voyage; and that, in the
interval between the report and the reply, the favourable moment for the
departure of the vessels which are to return hither (and which should
be in all the month of May) may elapse, you will tell their Highnesses,
as I charged and ordered you, that I have given strict orders that the
gold that you carry with you be placed in the hands of some merchant in
Seville, in order that he may therefrom disburse the sums necessary for
loading the two caravels with wine, corn, and other articles detailed in
this memorial; and this merchant shall convey or send the said gold to
their Highnesses, that they may see it, receive it, and from it cause to
be defrayed the expenses that may arise from the fitting-up and loading
of the said two caravels. It is necessary, for the encouragement of the
men who remain here, and for the support of their spirits, that an effort
should be made to let the expedition arrive in the course of the month of
May, so that before summer they may have the fresh provisions, and other
necessaries, especially against sickness. We particularly stand in need
of raisins, sugar, almonds, honey, and rice, of which we ought to have
had a great quantity, but brought very little with us, and what we had is
now consumed. The greater part of the medicines, also, that we brought
from Spain are used up, so many of our number having been sick. For all
these articles, both for those who are in good health and for the sick,
you carry, as I have already said, memorials signed by my hand; you will
execute my orders to the full, if there be sufficient money wherewith to
do so, or you will at least procure what is more immediately necessary,
and which ought, consequently, to come as speedily as possible by the
two vessels. As to the remainder, you will obtain their Highnesses’
permission for their being sent by other vessels without loss of time.
_Their Highnesses will give instructions to Don Juan de Fonseca to make
immediate inquiry respecting the imposition in the matter of the casks,
in order that those who supplied them shall at their own expense make
good the loss occasioned by the waste of the wine, together with the
costs. He will have to see that sugar-canes of good quality be sent,
and will immediately look to the despatch of the other articles herein
required._
Item. You will tell their Highnesses, that as we have no interpreter
through whom we can make these people acquainted with our holy faith,
as their Highnesses and we ourselves desire, and as we will do so soon
as we are able, we send by these two vessels some of these cannibal men
and women, as well as some children, both male and female, whom their
Highnesses might order to be placed under the care of the most competent
persons to teach them the language. At the same time they might be
employed in useful occupations, and by degrees through somewhat more care
being bestowed upon them than upon other slaves, they would learn one
from the other. By not seeing or speaking to each other for a long time,
they will learn much sooner in Spain than they will here, and become much
better interpreters. We will, however, not fail to do what we can; it
is true, that as there is but little communication between one of these
islands and another, there is some difference in their mode of expressing
themselves, which mainly depends on the distance between them. But as
amongst all these islands, those inhabited by the cannibals are the
largest and the most populous, it must be evident that nothing but good
can come from sending to Spain men and women who may thus one day be led
to abandon their barbarous custom of eating their fellow-creatures. By
learning the Spanish language in Spain, they will much earlier receive
baptism and advance the welfare of their souls; moreover, we shall gain
great credit with the Indians who do not practise the above-mentioned
cruel custom, when they see that we have seized and led captive those
who injure them, and whose very name alone fills them with horror. You
will assure their Highnesses, that our arrival in this country, and the
sight of so fine a fleet, have produced the most imposing effect for the
present, and promise great security hereafter; for all the inhabitants of
this great island, and of the others, when they see the good treatment
that we shall shew to those who do well, and the punishment that we shall
inflict on those who do wrong, will hasten to submit, so that we shall be
able to lay our commands on them as vassals of their Highnesses. And as
even now they not only readily comply with every wish that we express,
but also of their own accord endeavour to do what they think will please
us, I think that their Highnesses may feel assured that, on the other
side also, the arrival of this fleet has, in many respects, secured for
them, both for the present and the future, a wide renown amongst all
Christian Princes; but they themselves will be able to form a much better
judgment on this subject than it is in my power to give expression to.
_Let him be informed of what has transpired respecting the cannibals that
came over to Spain. He has done well and let him do as he says; but let
him endeavour by all possible means to convert them to our holy Catholic
religion, and do the same with respect to the inhabitants of all the
islands to which he may go._
Item. You will tell their Highnesses, that the welfare of the souls of
the said cannibals, and of the inhabitants of this island also, has
suggested the thought that the greater the number that are sent over to
Spain the better, and thus good service may result to their Highnesses
in the following manner. Considering what great need we have of cattle
and of beasts of burthen, both for food and to assist the settlers in
this and all these islands, both for peopling the land and cultivating
the soil, their Highnesses might authorize a suitable number of caravels
to come here every year to bring over the said cattle, and provisions,
and other articles; these cattle, etc., might be sold at moderate prices
for account of the bearers, and the latter might be paid with slaves,
taken from among the Caribbees, who are a wild people, fit for any work,
well proportioned and very intelligent, and who, when they have got rid
of the cruel habits to which they have become accustomed, will be better
than any other kind of slaves. When they are out of their country, they
will forget their cruel customs; and it will be easy to obtain plenty of
these savages by means of row-boats that we propose to build. It is taken
for granted, that each of the caravels sent by their Highnesses, will
have on board a confidential man, who will take care that the vessels do
not stop anywhere else than here, where they are to unload and reload
their vessels. Their Highnesses might fix duties on the slaves that may
be taken over, upon their arrival in Spain. You will ask for a reply upon
this point, and bring it to me, in order that I may be able to take the
necessary measures, should the proposition merit the approbation of their
Highnesses.
_The consideration of this subject has been suspended for a time, until
fresh advices arrive from the other side: let the Admiral write what he
thinks upon the subject._
Item. You will also tell their Highnesses, that freighting the ships
by the ton, as the Flemish merchants do, will be more advantageous and
less expensive than any other mode, and it is for this reason that I
have given you instructions to freight in this manner the caravels that
you have now to send off, and it will be well to adopt this plan with
all the others that their Highnesses may send provided it meets their
approbation; but I do not mean to say that this measure should be applied
to the vessels that shall come over licensed for the traffic of slaves.
_Their Highnesses have given directions to Don Juan de Fonseca, to have
the caravels freighted in the manner described, if it can be done._
Item. You will tell their Highnesses, that in order to save any extra
expense, I have purchased the caravels mentioned in the memorial of which
you are the bearer, in order to keep them here with the two vessels,
the _Gallega_ and the _Capitana_, of which, by advice of the pilot its
commander, I purchased the three-eighths for the price declared in the
said memorial, signed by my hand. These vessels will not only give
authority and great security to those who will have to remain on shore
and whose duty it will be to make arrangements with the Indians for
collecting the gold; but they will be also very useful to ward off any
attack that may be made upon them by strangers; moreover, the caravels
will be required for the task of making the discovery of terra firma,
and of the islands which lie scattered about in this vicinity. You will
therefore beg their Highnesses to pay, at the term of credit arranged
with the sellers, the sums which these vessels shall cost, for without
doubt their Highnesses will be very soon reimbursed for what they may
expend; at least, such is my belief and hope in the mercy of God.
_The Admiral has done well. You will tell him that the sum mentioned has
been paid to the seller of the vessels, and that Don Juan de Fonseca has
been ordered to pay the cost of the caravels purchased by the Admiral._
Item. You will speak to their Highnesses, and beseech them on my behalf,
in the most humble manner possible, to be pleased to give mature
reflection to the observations I may make, in letters or more detailed
statements, with reference to the peacefulness, harmony, and good
feeling of those who come hither; in order that for their Highnesses
service persons may be selected who will hold in view the purpose for
which these men are sent, rather than their own interest; and since you
yourself have seen and are acquainted with these matters, you will speak
to their Highnesses upon this subject, and will tell them the truth on
every point exactly as you have understood it; you will also take care
that the orders which their Highnesses shall give on this point be put
into effect, if possible, by the first vessels, in order that no further
injury occur here in the matters that affect their service.
_Their Highnesses are well informed of all that takes place, and will see
to it that everything is done as it should be._
Item. You will describe to their Highnesses the position of this city,
the beauty of the province in which it is situated, as you have seen it,
and as you can honestly speak of it; and you can inform them, that in
virtue of the powers which I have received from them, I have made you
governor of the said city; and you will tell them also that I humbly
beseech them, out of consideration for your services, to receive your
nomination favourably, which I sincerely hope they may do.
_Their Highnesses are pleased to sanction your appointment as governor._
Item. As Messire Pedro Margarite, an officer of the household to their
Highnesses, has done good service, and will, I hope, continue to do so
for the future in all matters which may be entrusted to him, I have
felt great pleasure in his continuing his stay in this country; and I
have been much pleased to find that Gaspar and Beltran also remain:
and as they are all three well known to their Highnesses as faithful
servants, I shall place them in posts or employments of trust. You will
beg their Highnesses especially to have regard to the situation of
the said Messire Pedro Margarite, who is married and the father of a
family, and beseech them to give him some vacant command in the order of
Santiago, of which he is a knight, in order that his wife and children
may thus have a competence to live upon. You will also make mention of
Juan Aguado, a servant of their Highnesses; you will inform them of the
zeal and activity with which he has served them in all matters that have
been entrusted to him; and also that I beseech their Highnesses on his
behalf, as well as on behalf of those above mentioned, not to forget my
recommendation, but to give it full consideration.
_Their Highnesses grant an annual pension of thirty thousand maravedis
to Messire Pedro Margarite, and pensions of fifteen thousand maravedis
to Gaspard and Beltram, which will be reckoned from this day, the 15th
of August 1494. They give orders that the said pensions be paid by the
Admiral out of the sums to be paid in the Indies, and by Don Juan de
Fonseca out of the sums to be paid in Spain. With respect to the matter
of Juan Aguado, their Highnesses will not be forgetful._
Item. You will inform their Highnesses of the continual labour that
Doctor Chanca has undergone, from the prodigious number of sick and the
scarcity of provisions: and that, in spite of all this, he exhibits the
greatest zeal and kindness in everything that relates to his profession.
As their highnesses have entrusted me with the charge of fixing the
salary that is to be paid to him while out here (although it is certain
that he neither receives, nor can receive anything from any one, and
does not receive anything from his position, equal to what he did, and
could still do in Spain, where he lived peaceably and at ease, in a very
different style from what he does here; and, although he declares that he
earned more in Spain, exclusive of the pay which he received from their
Highnesses), I have, nevertheless, not ventured to place to the credit
of his account more than fifty thousand maravedis per annum, as the sum
which he is to receive for his yearly labour during the time of his stay
in this country. I beg their Highnesses to give their sanction to this
salary, exclusive of his maintenance while here; and I do so, because he
asserts that all the medical men who attend their Highnesses in the royal
yachts, or in any of their expeditions, are accustomed to receive by
right the day’s pay out of the annual salary of each individual. Let this
be as it may, I am informed for certain, that on whatever service they
are engaged, it is the custom to give them a certain fixed sum, settled
at the will and by order of their Highnesses, as compensation for the
said day’s pay. You will, therefore, beg their Highnesses to decide this
matter, as well with respect to the annual pay as to the above-mentioned
usage, so that the said doctor may be reasonably satisfied.
_Their Highnesses acknowledge the justice of Doctor Chanca’s
observations, and it is their wish that the Admiral shall pay him the
sum which he has allowed him, exclusive of his fixed annual salary. With
respect to the day’s pay allowed to medical men, it is not the custom to
authorize them to receive it, except when they are in personal attendance
upon our Lord the King._
Item. You will tell their Highnesses what great devotion Coronel has
shown to the service in many respects, and what great proofs he has given
of it in every important matter that has been trusted to him, and how
much we feel his loss now that he is sick. You will represent to them
how just it is that he should receive the recompense of such good and
loyal services, not only in the favours which may hereafter be shown to
him, but also in his present pay, in order that he, and all those that
are with us, may see what profit will accrue to them from their zeal in
the service; for the importance and difficulty of exploring the mines
should call for great consideration towards those to whom such extensive
interests are entrusted; and, as the talents of the said Coronel have
made me determine upon appointing him principal constable of this portion
of the Indies, and, as his salary is left open, I beg their Highnesses
to make it as liberal as may be in consideration of his services, and to
confirm his nomination to the service which I have allotted to him, by
giving him an official appointment thereto.
_Their Highnesses grant him, besides his salary, an annual pension of
fifteen thousand maravedis; the same to be paid him at the same time as
the said salary._
Item. You will, at the same time, tell their Highnesses that the
bachelor, Gil Garcia, came out here in quality of principal alcalde,
without having any salary fixed or allowed to him: that he is a good man,
well-informed, correct in his conduct, and very necessary to us; and that
I beg their Highnesses to be pleased to appoint him a salary sufficient
for his support; and that it be remitted to him together with his pay
from the other side.
_Their Highnesses grant him an annual pension of twenty thousand
maravedis during his stay in the Indies, and that over and above his
fixed appointments; and it is their order that this pension be paid to
him at the same time as his salary._
Item. You will tell their Highnesses, as I have already told them in
writing, that I think it will be impossible to go this year to make
discoveries until arrangements have been made to work the two rivers in
which the gold has been found in the most profitable manner for their
Highnesses’ interest; and this may be done more effectively hereafter,
because it is not a thing that every one can do to my satisfaction, or
with advantage to their Highnesses’ service, unless I be present; for
whatever is to be done always turns out best under the eye of the party
interested.
_It is the most necessary thing possible that he should strive to find
the way to this gold._
Item. You will tell their Highnesses, that the horse-soldiers that came
from Grenada to the review which took place at Seville, offered good
horses, but that at the time of their being sent on board, they took
advantage of my absence (for I was somewhat indisposed), and changed them
for others, the best of which does not seem worth two thousand maravedis,
for they sold the first and bought these; and this deception on the part
of the horse-soldiers, is very like what I have known to occur to many
gentlemen in Seville of my acquaintance. It seems that Juan de Soria,
after the price was paid, for some private interest of his own, put
other horses in the place of those that I expected to find, and when I
came to see them, there were horses there that had never been offered
to me for sale. In all this the greatest dishonesty has been shown,
so that I do not know whether I ought to complain of him alone, since
these horse-soldiers have been paid their expenses up to the present
day, besides their salary and the hire of their horses, and when they
are ill, they will not allow their horses to be used, because they are
not present. It is not their Highnesses’ wish that these horses should
be purchased for anything but their Highnesses’ service, but these men
think they are only to be employed on work which requires them to ride
on horse-back, which is not the case at present. All these considerations
lead me to think, that it would be more convenient to buy their horses,
which are worth but little, and thus avoid being exposed daily to new
disputes; finally, their Highnesses will decide on what plan is best for
their own interests.
_Their Highnesses order Don Juan de Fonseca to make inquiries respecting
the matter of the horses, and if it be true that such a deception has
been practised, to send up the culprits to be punished as they deserve;
also to gain information respecting the other people that the admiral
speaks of, and to send the result of the information to their Highnesses.
With respect to the horse soldiers, it is their Highnesses’ wish and
command that they continue where they are, and remain in service, because
they belong to the guards and to the class of their Highnesses’ servants.
Their Highnesses also command the said horse soldiers to give up their
horses into the charge of the Admiral on all occasions when they shall be
required, and if the use of the horses should occasion any loss, their
Highnesses direct that compensation shall be made for the amount of the
injury, through the medium of the Admiral._
Item. You will mention to their Highnesses, that more than two hundred
persons have come here without fixed salaries, and that some of them
are very useful to the service; and in order to preserve system and
uniformity, the others have been ordered to imitate them. For the first
three years, it is desirable that we should have here a thousand men, in
order to keep a safeguard upon the island and upon the rivers that supply
the gold: and even if we were able to mount a hundred men on horse-back,
so far from being an evil, it will be a very necessary thing for us; but
their Highnesses might pass by the question of the horse-men until gold
shall be sent. In short, their Highnesses should give instructions as to
whether the two hundred people who have come over without pay, should
receive pay like the others, if they do their work well; for we certainly
have great need of them to commence our labours, as I have already shown.
_It is their Highnesses’ wish and command, that the two hundred persons
without pay shall replace such of those who are paid as have failed, or
as shall hereafter fail, in their duty, provided they are fit for the
service and please the Admiral; and their Highnesses order the Accomptant
to enter their names in the place of those who shall fail in their duty,
as the Admiral shall determine._
Item. As there are means of diminishing the expenses that these people
occasion, by employing them, as other Princes do, in industrial
occupations, I think it would be well that all ships that come here
should be ordered to bring, besides the ordinary stores and medicines,
shoes, and leather for making shoes, shirts, both of common and superior
quality, doublets, laces, some peasants’ clothing, breeches, and cloth
for making clothes, all at moderate prices; they might also bring other
articles, such as conserves, which do not enter into the daily ration,
yet are good for preserving health. The Spaniards that are here would
always be happy to receive such articles as these in lieu of part of
their pay; and if they were purchased by men who were selected for
their known loyalty, and who take an interest in the service of their
Highnesses, considerable economy would result from this arrangement.
Ascertain their Highnesses’ pleasure on this head, and if the plan be
deemed expedient for the service, it should be put in practice at once.
_This matter may rest for the present until the Admiral shall write more
fully on the subject; meanwhile, Don Juan de Fonseca shall be ordered to
instruct Don Ximenes de Bribiesca to make the necessary arrangements for
the execution of the proposed plans._
Item. You will tell their Highnesses that, in a review that was holden
yesterday, it was remarked that a great number of the people were without
arms, which I think must be attributed partly to the exchange made at
Seville, or in the harbour, when those who presented themselves armed
were left for a while, and for a trifle exchanged their arms for others
of an inferior quality. I think it would be desirable that two hundred
cuirasses, a hundred arquebuses, a hundred arblasts, and many other
articles of defensive armour, should be sent over to us; for we have
great need of them to arm those who are at present without them.
_Don Juan de Fonseca has already been written to, to provide them._
Item. Inasmuch as many married persons have come over here, and are
engaged in regular duties, such as masons and other tradesmen, who have
left their wives in Spain, and wish that the pay that falls due to them
may be paid to their wives, or whomsoever they may appoint, in order that
they may purchase for them such articles as they may need, I therefore
beseech their Highnesses to take such measures as they may deem expedient
on this subject; for it is of importance to their interests that these
people be well provided for.
_Their Highnesses have already ordered Don Juan de Fonseca to attend to
this matter._