An account must be taken in each vessel of its captain
and crew (both sailors and soldiers), giving for each
man his father’s name and his place of birth.
Villalobos is to have special watch over the treasurer,
accountant, and factor. The men of the ships are
to be divided into watches, no one being excused “except
for legitimate cause.” “And when
you are ready to sail, you shall make full homage,
. . . according to Spanish custom, that you will exercise
well and faithfully the said office of lieutenant-governor
and captain-general, . . . and that you will deliver
to me, and to no one else, the discoveries and profits
pertaining to me, according as his majesty orders in
his royal provision, and that neither directly nor
indirectly will you exercise any deceit or wrong in
anything.” The officers and all others shall
take oath to obey him as captain-general, “and
that there will be no mutinies or rebellions.”
The officials appointed by the king to guard his interests
are to be received, and the best of treatment shall
be accorded them. When a settlement has been made
one or two vessels shall be sent back, sufficiently
equipped, with news of such settlement, and of all
he has accomplished. “Likewise you shall
send me specimens of all the products of the land
that you can secure, ... of the manner of dressing
[of the inhabitants], and their mode of life, what
is their religion or sect, the character of their life
and government, their method of warfare with their
neighbors; and if they have received you peaceably,
if you have made a treaty of peace with them, or your
status among them.” The spread of religion
is to be sought especially. To this end “you
shall try to ensure that those in your charge live
as good Catholics and Christians, that the names of
our Lord and his most blessed Mother, as well as those
of his saints, be revered and adored, and not blasphemed;
and you shall see to it strictly that blasphemies
and public sins be punished.” All letters
sent in the ships returning must be assured safe delivery.
Mendoza is to be first informed of all news brought
by the ships. In these ships shall be sent also
both Mendoza’s and the king’s profits,
as well as those of the individuals of the fleet,
provided the latter shall not prevent the sending
of either his or the king’s. In affairs
of moment Villalobos must consult freely with many
people of the fleet, among whom are named “father
prior Fray Geronimo, Fray [blank in manuscript], [24]
who was prior of Totonilco, Jorge Nieto, the inspector
Arevalo, Gaspar Xuarez Davila, Francisco Merino, Matias
de Alvarado, Bernardo de la Torre, and Estrada.”
If Villalobos should determine to return with all
the fleet, those wishing to remain shall do so, and
he shall leave them a captain and sufficient stores.
Persons are to be appointed to look after the property
and belongings of the dead, and to see that no fraud
is exercised, in order that his heirs may be secured.
Entry must be made, in the method in vogue in Spain,