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Hernando Cortes Document Signed

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:30,000.00 - 40,000.00 USD
Hernando Cortes Document Signed

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Auction Date:2022 Jun 15 @ 18:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:15th Floor WeWork, Boston, Massachusetts, 02108, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Spanish conquistador (1485-1547) who initiated the conquest of the Aztec Empire on behalf of King of Castile and Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, and, in so doing, assumed an instrumental role in the first phase of the Spanish colonization of the Americas. Excessively rare manuscript DS in Spanish, signed “Hernando Cortes,” one page, 8.5 x 6, April 27, 1527. Document issued to his majordomo, Nicolas de Palacios Rubios, instructing him to give to Maestre Francisco twelve gold pesos for certain pink sugar that he is carrying for the pharmacy and to take note for his accounts. In full (translated): "Palacyos Rubyos: give Master Francisco twelve gold pesos, of the gold that is circulating, which are for a certain rose sugar for the apothecary that he keeps, and get a receipt for your discharge. Done on the 27th of April of the year 1527."

The reverse bears a handwritten receipt acknowledging fulfillment of the request, in full (translated): "I, Master Francisco, received from you, Palasio Rubios, the twelve gold pesos referred to on the other side, and they are for the rose sugar. And I signed it with my name as the truth, today, the 13th of May of the year 1527." Docketed along the edge and verified by Cortes's 'witness of assistance.' In fine condition. The consignor notes that this document was displayed in a museum in the Midwest for over 20 years.

Cortes arrived in Mexico in 1519, and spent the next two years overthrowing Moctezuma and his Aztec Empire to claim Mexico for Spain. Recognizing his success, King Charles V appointed Cortes as governor, captain general, and chief justice of the newly conquered territory, dubbed 'New Spain of the Ocean Sea.' By the time of this document, Cortes had fallen out of favor with the king and been suspended from his role as governor. Facing increasing opposition from enemies, he would return to Spain in 1528. In the meantime, he built a fleet that sailed to Indonesia in search of survivors from ships lost during Ferdinand Magellan's attempt to circumnavigate the globe: they found a single survivor on one of the Moluccas. A fascinating and significant document, boasting an extremely rare autograph—it is just the second we have ever offered. This is a superb example from a figure whose exploits changed the face of the globe—and, indeed, civilization as a whole.