i86 Field Columbian Museum. 



XXX. 



Royal letters patent from the Sovereigns of vSpain granting 

 license to the persons accompanying columbus on his first 

 VOYAGE. Original in the collection of the Duke of Vera- 

 GUA, Madrid. 



Don Ferdinand and Dona Isabella, by the grace of God, King 

 and Queen of Castile, Leon, Aragon, etc., etc. To the members of 

 our Council, Oidors of our Court of Audience, Corregidores, Asis- 

 tentes, Alcades, Alguaeils, Merinos, and all other magistrates what- 

 soever of all the cities, towns and villages of our kingdoms and 

 dominions, to every one who shall see this writing or a copy of the 

 same attested by a public notary. Greeting: 



Be it known to 5'ou that we have ordered Christopher Columbus 

 to proceed to sea for the accomplishment of certain business for our 

 service, and as we are informed by him that in order to man the fleet 

 which he is to command for the execution of this purpose, it is neces- 

 sary to grant security to the persons composing the crew of the same, 

 who would be otherwise unwilling to embark, and being requested by 

 him to give the necessary orders for this measure, we have determined 

 to grant what is demanded by him relating to this matter. 



We therefore grant a security to each and every person belong- 

 ing to the crews of the fleet of the said Christopher Columbus, in the 

 voyage by sea which he is to undertake by our command, exempting 

 them from all hindrance or inconvenience either in their persons or 

 goods ; and we declare them privileged from arrest or detention on 

 account of any offense or crime which may have been committed by 

 them up to the date of this instrument, and during the time they 

 may be upon the voyage, and for two months after they return to 

 their homes. 



And we hereby command you, all and each one, in your several 

 districts and jurisdictions, that you abstain from trying any criminal 

 cause touching the person of the crews under the command of the 

 said Christopher Columbus, during the time above specified, it being 

 our will and pleasure that every matter of this sort remain suspended. 

 This order is to be complied with as you value our favor, and under 

 a penalty of ten thousand maravedis for any infringement of the same. 



