Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from Catalogue of the Second Portion of the Extensive and Varied Collection of Rare and Valuable Books Relating to the History and Literature of America: Formed by the Late Eminent Bibliographer Mr. Henry Stevens of Vermont; Which Will Be Sold by Auction, by Messrs. Sotheby, Wilkinson and Hodge, at Their House, on Thursday, the 1st of July, 1886, and Following Day
Autographs of the conqueror OF mexico are of the highest degree of rarity.
This one is unquestionably genuine, but has been somewhat injured by damp, and the autograph signature is rubbed and faded, but may still be read. The Letter was manifestly written in 1541 or 1542, when Las Casas and the Emperor were getting up their famous New Laws of the Indies, first printed at Alcala in 1543, which in behalf of the Indians created a great sensation in Mexico, and a revolution in Peru. The Emperor had asked Cortes' advice as to the Encomiendas, the treat ment of the Indians, and especially as to enslaving them. This long letter is his reply. He advises their being taken under the protection of the crown, and that if Spaniards have them in hereditary encomienda, they must live with them in New Spain. He thinks that taking the Indians away from the Spaniards who already have them, would cause great indignation and discontent. He advises discoveries of new lands, and settling them with the Indians, but in such a manner that they will be protected, preserved, and Christianized, but only by special license and under experienced discoverers. He strongly advises that the Council of the Indies shall inquire into the treatment of the Indians by the Conquistadores, and that in all further conquests there are to be no more slaves, or property in Indians.
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