for the redemption of captives) is to be set apart
for him. One-fifth of what remains shall be given
the captain-generals. The remainder is to be
divided into three parts, “of which two parts
are for us and the ships, and one for the crews.”
Of the latter, ten parts are to be used for religious
purposes. Good treatment is to be accorded the
natives in order that pleasant trade-relations may
be established. The physicians and surgeons are
to take no money from the natives for medical services,
not even from their enemies who are wounded in war.
And the captain-generals must see that the men have
no intercourse with the native women. Entire freedom
must be accorded to every one to write what he pleases
to Spain; and no letter must be seized, under penalties
to be imposed by the captain-generals. They must
guard against fire. In case of the death of any
of the crew, it is advisable to get slaves to fill
their places. Rations are to be given every two
days, “and if it becomes necessary to shorten
rations, they shall be shortened.” Dissatisfaction
as to the length of the voyage must not be expressed.
The firearms are not to be discharged on any newly-discovered
land, “because the Indians fear this more than
anything else.” No weapons shall be sold,
under penalty of loss of all property to the one so
doing. Blasphemers, and card- and dice-players
are not to be allowed to ship with the crew. The
captain-generals have power to devise and execute
punishments against disobedient men of their crews.
Oath shall be taken before the captain-generals by
all their crews to observe obedience and the King’s
service. If it is necessary to seize water and
provisions because of the hostility of the natives,
it shall be done, but with as little scandal and show
of force as possible. Samples of all products
must be brought from the lands discovered. “Ready-made
clothes and other articles to give to the kings and
other princes of these lands shall be carried.”
“And if the kings or seigniors of the land give
any jewels or presents, they shall be ours, and the
inspector-general or accountant shall place them in
charge of the treasurer.” No presents shall
be given without permission of the officers of the
fleet. Everything traded must be noted carefully
and minutely in the books of the inspector-general
and accountant. If the return cargo is spice,
it must be obtained as clean as possible. The
ships’ cargoes must be traded first before any
private affairs are attended to. Full notices
must be made in the books regarding each member of
the crew—his father and mother, whether
he is single or married, etc., in order that his
heirs may be known. Each person before embarking
must have attended confession and communion.
In case any officer dies, another is to be elected
in his stead; but one-half of all the pay, etc.,
that would fall to the said officer shall be given
to his heirs, and the other half shall go to the one
taking his place. Any Portuguese or other Christians