Manuscript/Mixed Material Hans Peter Kraus Collection: Royal cedula to the audiencia of New Spain
About this Item
Title
- Hans Peter Kraus Collection: Royal cedula to the audiencia of New Spain
Names
- The Princess [Juana, Princess of Spain and Portugal]
Created / Published
- Valladolid, May 27, 1558
Headings
- - Latin America--History
- - New Spain--Politics and government
- - Slavery
- - Manuscripts
Genre
- Manuscripts
Notes
- - Juan Ruiz Rubio, canon of the cathedral of Mexico and representative of its archbishop, reported that even though the Indian commoners had been relieved of the obligation of personal service to the Spaniards, the Indian leaders keep them under heavy servitude, worse than under Moctezuma, making them work for the common funds which the leaders then consume, or having them plant fields, build houses, and carry burdens without pay. The Indian commoners are so subject to them that they do not resist. There is such a great number of headmen that unless a stop is put to this practice almost all will be headmen. This happens in two ways. First, one becomes a merchant and, having built up some capital, he becomes a headman; if he makes any contribution to the tribute, it is not in money or personal service. Secondly, those who serve in the friaries, as well as their parents and brothers, are free from tribute and personal service. As a result the burden falls on the commoners, who serve not only their traditional headmen but also those who have become headmen, because the latter are not willing to cultivate the fields or do any kind of personal service. The canon, in the archbishop's name, petitioned that the situation be remedied. The question having been considered by the Council of the Indies, the audiencia is hereby commanded to look into the matter and decree what is best.
Medium
- 1 leaf
Source Collection
- Hans Peter Kraus collection of Spanish American documents, 1433-1877
Repository
- Manuscript Division
Digital Id
Online Format
- image