[_Prefatory Note_: The scope of the present series does not demand the
publication _in extenso_ of many documents on this subject. Those who
wish to study it in detail will find abundant material in volume iv
of the _Coleccion de viages_ published by Navarrete (Madrid, 1829);
we present only a brief resumé of these documents, inserted here to
preserve the continuity of our narrative, and to indicate to students
the extent and scope of such material. [201]
Navarrete precedes these documents by a brief and somewhat imperfect
summary of early discoveries; a biographical sketch of Magalhães,
with proofs, citations, etc., by way of authentication thereof--these
citations being drawn from the authors Fray Antonio de San Roman,
Herrera, Gomara, Muñoz, Quintana, Barros, Maximilianus Transylvanus,
Argensola, and others; a letter by Ruy Falero; extract from Magalhães's
will; [202] a memorandum addressed by him to the emperor; [203] and
a compilation from early authors and from the documents that follow,
giving full citations of authorities. The documents here mentioned
are given by Navarrete in the appendix to volume iv, at pp. 110-406;
some of them have been already presented in connection with the Line
of Demarcation.]
Valladolid, February 23, 1518. Rui Faller (Ruy Falero) and Fernando
Magallánes, [204] both Portuguese, bind themselves to deliver to
the factor of the India House of Trade at Seville the eighth part
of everything they may find in their discoveries in the spice
regions. This is promised in the following words: "Know all ye
who shall see this public testament that we, Rui Faller, citizen
of Cunilla, in the kingdom of Portugal, and Fernando de Magallánes,
citizen of the city of Puerto [Oporto], in the same kingdom, consent,
make manifest, and declare that, inasmuch as it has been agreed
between us, as parties of the first part, and you, Juan de Aranda,
Factor for the King, our Lord, and citizen of the city of Burgos, in
the House of Trade of the Indies of the city of Sevilla, as party of
the second part, that of all gain and income pertaining to us from the
discovery of lands and islands (which if God wills we are to discover
and find in the lands, limits, and demarcations of our Master the
King, Don Cárlos) you shall have the eighth part. And we shall give
this to you from all the income and gain accruing to us therefrom,
whether in money, allotment, or rent, or by virtue of our office, or
in anything else whatever, of whatever quantity and quality, without
any shortage, and without deducting or excepting anything whatever
of our possessions." They promise this in extended terms and under
oath. The factor approves the document and promises to abide by all
its provisions. (No. i, pp. 111-113.)
March, 1518. The same two men in an unsigned document petition the
king on various matters connected with the proposed expedition. To
each section is appended the monarch's objections, approbations,
or other remarks.
1. That no permit be given for ten years to any other person to make
an expedition of discovery in those regions "where we are about to
go, ... if we desire to undertake such discovery, with as sufficient
equipment and as many ships as the other;" and that they be informed
of such tentative expeditions, so that they may go themselves or
commission agents.
2. That they receive the twentieth part of all profits after
expenses are paid, with the title of admiral, and the governorship
for themselves and heirs of all lands discovered.
3. That they be allowed to employ in the newly-discovered lands as
they see fit, one thousand ducats worth of merchandise (first cost)
each year, giving to the king the twentieth part, without other rights
or taxes.
4. That they be allowed to choose for themselves two islands, if the
number discovered exceeds six, giving to the crown ten per cent of
all profits therefrom.
5. That one-fifth of all net profits derived from the expedition be
allotted them on its return, and that each year they may carry one
hundred quintals' weight of merchandise in any ship sailing from
those regions.
6. That the twentieth part of all profits accruing from the royal
ships or any others be given them for ten years.
7. That if his Highness undertake at his cost the armament of the
fleet, they promise to prove to him the vast wealth of the lands and
islands that will be discovered within his dominions.
8. That if one of them die on the expedition the other, or his heirs
and successors, be ordered to fulfil everything as if both were living.