Hernando Cortes

Hernando Cortes, Spanish Conquistador and Conqueror of Mexico wrote the following document which he then signed, "Hernando Cortes."

Manuscript is on fine quality watermarked paper. Cortes signed it on February 20, 1527, at an unknown place. It is a beautiful document which consists of seven full lines plus part of an eighth and written in an archaic, calligraphic Spanish script. The paper has a clean, fresh appearance and the writing is bold and clear. A lightly torn piece of the lower right corner has been so expertly re-attached that it is virtually invisible. Cortes signs just beneath the text with a bold signature and flourish.

Literally translated line by line, the document reads:

"Palacios Rubios of the pesos of gold of which you are in charge Melchor Lopez y Abobedo sixty pesos of common gold which are given to them for their aid to help with their expenses which are going to serve in the navy that I am forming for the discovery of spices and take your letter of payment with which together with this one you will be taken into account. Dated on 20th of February of 1527 years."

By 1527, Cortes had already conquered Mexico and the Aztec Empire. He had been sending out expeditions to explore Guatemala, Honduras, and the coasts of Mexico. His costly expeditions forced him to return to Spain in 1528 to answer charges of malfeasance, where he defended himself well and was confirmed as captain-general of New Spain and the South Sea. In addition he was made Marquis of Valle de Oaxaca. Both opportunistic and ambitious, Cortes is the most famous of all the Conquistadors. Original documents signed by Cortes are among the rarest of the rare.

This high quality document signed by Hernando Cortes, one of history’s most important figures, gives us a rare opportunity for us to gain some insight about this great man.