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Letter from Diego Colón, son of Christopher Columbus, to King Charles V, circa 1520

 Item — Box: 45
Identifier: 4075.3918

Description

This is a letter from Diego Colón to Charles V, in which Diego outlines his future plans for colonization of the Spanish Indies. He also voices his support of the crusade of the Spanish Friar, las Casas, who was at that time in Spain, campaigning for the freedom of the enslaved natives of the New World. He also (in one paragraph) requests authority to import African slaves into the New World in exchange for the Indians' freedom. This is the earliest known reference among Spanish documents accounting for the introduction of the transatlantic slave trade into America.

Dates

  • circa 1520

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

Materials in Spanish, Nahautl, and English.

Access Restrictions

Available by appointment only at the Helmerich Center for American Research (HCAR) with the exception of materials with donor restrictions. Contact Library staff in advance to inquire if materials exist pertaining to your research interests.

Extent

5 page(s)

Medium

ink on paper

Other Number

37924

Previous Number

C-127

Source

Repository Details

Part of the Gilcrease Museum/Helmerich Center for American Research Repository

Contact:

918-631-6403