176 Field Columbian Museum. 



be inflicted upon you, and this wrong will be done whether the new 

 concession applies to money matters or in regard to the right of 

 making appointments, or whether it concerns so-called new discov- 

 eries or not. The discovery of the Indies was, as above stated, the 

 basis and the consideration upon which the agreements were made 

 and entered into with you and executed and signed, and as soon as 

 you discovered the first island you discovered the Indies, and your 

 part of the contract was fulfilled. It was then that the Indies were 

 given to their Highnesses by the bull of donation issued by the Pope. 



Their Highnesses are in conscience bound to indemnify you for 

 all damages which, and deprivation of your rights, may cause you to 

 sustain. 



Gentlemen, I ask for nothing, and I place into the Royal hands 

 of the Queen and refer to her all that is stated in the foregoing 

 writing. I shall show to your lordships my titles and letters of priv- 

 ilege whenever desired. 



Another privilege which I have seen in your papers granted to 

 you is the power to convey your office of Viceroy and Admiral and 

 Governor-General and all your property unto Don Diego, your son, or 

 unto whomsoever you may be pleased, and that none of the said 

 offices and nothing of the said property can ever be taken away, 

 whether for debts or criminal offense, unless the latter is a crime 

 lessae majestatis. 



(vSee frontispiece for fac-simile of No. XXVI on next page.) 



