| Summary |
Description: Contemporary copy of the 1796 compilation of extracts from official documents pertaining to Spanish control of the seas of the Indies, especially the Pacific coast of California and as far north as 60 degrees. Originally assembled by Garci?a de Leo?n and Mangino in June 1790, the compendium was enlarged in 1796 by Garci?a de Leo?n, who added a preliminary statement, appendix, and index. The preliminary statement describes the achievements of Columbus, Corte?s and Pizarro; the benefits inherited by the colonies from Spain; and the importance to Spain of maintaining control of the Indies. There is an introduction describing the archives from which the documents were taken, and four sections, each arranged chronologically: the first section contains excerpts from royal decrees and administrative reports authorizing explorations of the Pacific coast of North America by Vizcayno and Portel Casanete and approving settlements and missionary work in California by Ascensio?n, Kino, and Salvatierra as a means of preventing other countries from getting a foothold in the Pacific. The other three sections present excerpts from orders, decrees, council decisions and laws which declare Spain's exclusive right to the seas of the Indies, forbidding navigation and trade with the Indies by other countries and preventing English and Dutch ships from sailing around the Cape of Good Hope. The appendix cites trade agreements between the Spanish and the French against the English. |
